Architectural Record Showcases Socially Conscious Design

In its October issue, Architectural Record turns its pages toward humanitarian design efforts led by architects, design firms, teachers and students. With stunning photography and thoughtful texts, Architectural Record’s editors and journalists show how socially conscious design projects around the world are making a difference by combating homelessness and hunger with practical ingenuity.

“Architecture consists of more than three-dimensional digital mastery, technical skill, or formal inventiveness-all qualities that have been trumpeted and practiced for the past decade,” said Robert Ivy, FAIA, vice president and editorial director for McGraw-Hill Construction and editor-in-chief of Architectural Record, in his Editorial column. “Architecture shelters real people living real lives, with real needs and wants … Our calling is humble and profound, pragmatic and inspired, but people-centered.”

From vertical, edible gardens in Los Angeles’ Skid Row to Shigeru Ban’s Paper Log Houses for disaster refugees in India, China, and around the world, articles feature the brightest innovations of our times that are low-cost for high-needs areas. A series of case studies called “You Can Go Home Again” expands on the idea of homecoming by showcasing architects who have returned to their roots to revitalize impoverished communities and meet design challenges in Bangladesh, Ghana, Lebanon, South Africa, and Venezuela. For example, Urban-Think Tank’s efforts in the barrios of Caracas, Venezuela include vibrant music centers, Metro Cable stations, staircases and vertical gyms. The issue also highlights the work of one of the most successful post-Katrina construction programs, the Gulf Coast Community Design Studio, which has created unique, local design and rebuilding services for Biloxi, MS. While the projects are varied, the articles uncover the common theme that architects can make a significant impact by merging form with function on a local level.

Articles and slideshows from the October issue are available online at http://archrecord.construction.com/features/humanitarianDesign/default.asp.