A Servant for Humanity
“All architects expect and hope their work will act in some sense as a servant for humanity to make a better world.” -Samuel Mockbee
I fully believe that architecture is a powerful tool that can transform communities. I hope that the projects that I have the opportunity to work on will, at least in some small way, serve humanity. One organization that does this well is MASS Design Group. Their mantra states that “Architecture is never neutral. It either heals or hurts. Our mission is to research, build, and advocate for architecture that promotes justice and human dignity.” And as far as I can tell, they do a really great job. Each of their projects starts with a question about what architecture can do to improve a situation. “Can housing foster a community of care?” “Can design improve access to learning?” “Can an office empower social impact?” I think it is important to ask ourselves these questions.
One of my favorite projects is the Cholera Treatment Center in Haiti. The facade was crafted by local metalworkers, and some of the furniture was built by Haitians. The building also includes a wastewater treatment facility to help prevent the spread of the disease. It is a beautiful building that I think represents a great example of spatial justice.
I like the writings and values of helping people that Mockabee writes in RS as well; have you studied / seen any of the work by Architecture for Humanity - previously with Cameron Sinclair? All of their work is about improving the human spirit condition and improving society. I think it is even better when the local people can be involved in the design and construction of the social changing [architecture] movement, such as the Haitians creating the furniture that is going into the building. It also helps share a sense of ownership.
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