Architecture for Humanity

Architects, Designers and Engineers From Around The World Offering
Pro-Bono

 P.R.Newswire, 3/24/2003 22:25

  Services To Help Alleviate The Impending Refugee Crisis On Iraqi
Borders

   NEW YORK, March 24 /PRNewswire/ -- As flashes began to light up the
night's sky over Iraq, hundreds of refugees were already moving toward
the borders of neighboring countries.  By the time the full effect of
this war is felt hundreds of thousands will be without shelter and
seeking refuge both in war-torn Iraq and its surrounding countries.
Although emergency shelter will be needed immediately the reality is
that many refugees and internally displaced persons will remain in
these makeshift camps for months, if not years, after the war has
ended.  With the potential for a major humanitarian and environmental
disaster at hand, Architecture for Humanity called upon its 4000
members to respond to this unfolding crisis in the Middle East.

   Within days architects and designers from all corners of the globe
have offered pro-bono services for the setting up and planning of
emergency shelters and refugee camps.  Much like Architecture for
Humanity did with the crisis on the Afghan borders and in the Balkans,
we have begun communication with the United Nations, regional
governments and NGO's to offer help to connect our members with those
setting up and coordinating camps. If called upon we are seeking all
those within the design, construction and engineering industry to get
involved in this unfolding disaster by continuing to support and donate
their time and expertise.

   About Architecture for Humanity

   Architecture for Humanity is a volunteer non-profit organization
founded for the promotion of architectural and design solutions to
global, social and humanitarian crises.  In 1999 our first venture, an
international competition to design five-year transitional housing for
Kosovo's returning refugees, yielded over 250 schemes from 30
countries.  This initiative resulted in four prototypes being built and
an international tour of finalists and selected designs in the US and
Europe.  Most recently we have run an international project to design
and build Mobile HIV/AIDS Health Clinics for Africa.  AFH has also
consulted NGOs and regional governments on a number of projects
including mine clearance programs/playground building in the Balkans,
earthquake recovery assistance in Turkey and refugee housing on the
borders of Afghanistan.

   For more information please visit www.architectureforhumanity.org

    Contact:  Cameron Sinclair

              Architecture for Humanity

              Founder/Executive Director

              (646) 765-0906

              www.architectureforhumanity.org

              csinclair@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx  SOURCE
Architecture for Humanity