architects without frontiers

This week bricks + cartwheels was asked to talk at the NSW architects without frontiers meeting in Sydney. We were a bit nervous about talking in front of a big group of design professionals but we needn't have worried! They were an amazing group of people, who were very welcoming and interested to hear all about our project in Kenya.

Architects Without Frontiers (AWF) was founded eight years ago to help rebuild communities that have been devastated by war, social conflict and natural disasters. We were amazed and inspired to hear about the projects that AWF are involved with around the world. They are currently working in Malwai, China, Papua New Guinea, India, Tanzania and Nepal just to name a few.

The photo below is of a youth centre in Malawi that Sam Crawford has designed. They have just secured the land so hopefully construction will be starting soon.

AWF are always looking for volunteers, and you don't have to be an architect, they have designers, project managers, quantity surveyors etc. We think they are an inspirational organisation so if your interested in helping them out check out their website and come along to their next meeting, we'll be there for sure!

Bholu - Fair trade designers

We have recently stumbled across this amazing design company called Bholu. They are a fair trade and carbon neutral company who as well as being socially conscious are amazing designers. Bholu products are designed in Australia and are brought to life by the hands of women artisans in Gujurat, India. Their philosophy is to create great products that also benefit the community along the way.

By using their traditional skills the women gain income and independance. Part of the proceeds from all products go back to the women and their communities along with funding educational facilities and other programes for underpriviledged children.

Bholu also has a blog called Bholuland which you should check out! There are lots of inspiring photos and stories about their work both here and in India. We discovered that AWF (Architects Without Frontiers) under the leadership of Sam Crawford and Jane Rothschild are designing the next Bholu anganwadi building in Ahmedabad, India.

To find out more about the amazing work of Bholu check out their website here. It's great to find out about wonderful companies like this.

All photos coutesy of Bholuland blog.