The U.S. Green Building Council, the American Institute of Architects and Architecture for Humanity partner to rebuild sustainable communities in Haiti
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and the American Institute of Architects (AIA) have announced their support for an Architecture for Humanity Sustainable Design Fellow, who will help play a critical role in rebuilding the infrastructure in Haiti that was demolished in the devastating earthquake. The qualified design professional selected will make a two-year commitment to work directly with community members on the ground in Architecture for Humanity’s Rebuilding Center based in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
“As the dust begins to settle, Haiti is faced with critical need for new and structurally sound homes, schools, hospitals and infrastructure,” said Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO and Founding Chair, USGBC. “The Sustainable Design Fellowship will equip a seasoned green building design professional with the tools he or she will need to help Architecture for Humanity in its rebuilding of sustainable communities in Haiti.”
“The widespread devastation from the earthquake in Haiti was exacerbated by the lack of building codes, which is something we hope to address with the appropriate parties,” said AIA executive vice president and CEO Christine McEntee. “Having a dedicated licensed architect who is well versed in design for disaster- prone areas will be a tremendous benefit for the country as it begins the rebuilding process.”
“This is a wonderful opportunity to tap our collective resources and provide an on-site resource for community groups and NGOs seeking assistance in Haiti,” said Kate Stohr, managing director of Architecture for Humanity. “We are grateful to the U.S. Green Building Council and the American Institute of Architects for creating this opportunity for their members to give back.”
As a key member of Architecture for Humanity’s Haiti rebuilding team, the USGBC-AIA sponsored Sustainable Design Fellow will provide tools and training for safe and sustainable construction to mitigate similar building failures in the future both to the informal trades and by increasing local professional capacity through training and assistance.
To learn more about or to apply for the U.S. Green Building Council and American Institute of Architects sponsored Sustainable Design Fellowship with Architecture for Humanity, please visit: http://architectureforhumanity.org/get_involved/volunteer.