Architects Without Frontiers Volunteer Work
AWF's philosophy is to work with local communities in the reconstruction of their physical and social infrastructure that has been devastated by war, natural disasters or social conflict.
I worked within architect offices to help design, research and overcome obstacles to getting projects built. It was a privilege to work on these projects across a range of cultures. They taught me a lot about the importance of listening to the clients so that solutions will meet their needs and wants appropriately.
A project to build an education and training centre for children and young people affected by AIDS to escape the poverty cycle.
Malawi
The design had to fit the local vernacular, not be boasting with grandeur and standing out while embracing sustainable practices common in Australia.
My Role
I constructed a 1:100 model of the site which helped the design process. The model was also used for fundraising to enable project to be built.
Key Takeaway
External Link
Worked with a leader in online learning to explore need and desirability of mobile app, created MVP containing key features and tested with users. Feature is on Development Backlog.
Go1 Client Project
Kompiam District Hospital is in the highlands and very remote. Access is by a dirt road and materials were delivered by ute, a major design constraint. Natural light and ventilation were a key feature of design due to power supply shortages. Patient privacy due to HIV stigma in villages also critical.
Papua New Guinea
A client's cultural norms and practices will have a strong influence on the needs, wants and desires of a project and require sensitive consideration throughout the project.
My Role
Created a scale model that was used to raise Government funding and as a construction tool for builders unfamiliar with technical drawings.
Key Takeaway
External Link
To help rebuild communities after the 2004 tsunami AWF undertook to replace or upgrade critical public facilities. Two mobile bus libraries were quickly made operational to allow kids to access school books across Southern rural areas.
Sri Lanka
In this project, I started by presenting a complicated design with fancy features. What was needed was a cheap, easy, quick functional solution.
My Role
Researched key technical aspects to create an MVP functional library within the constraints of a bus. Participated in planning and design workshops for upgrading a school.
Key Takeaway
External Link
