ANNUAL REPORT 2024
Architects Withouth Borders DK
INTRODUCTION
Architects Without Borders DK (AUG) was established in 2008 as an independent Danish development organization, with the aim of using architectural and planning tools to promote human development, primarily in the global south. AUG has been a member of the umbrella organization Architecture Sans Frontières International from the beginning.
DEVELOPMENT VISION COMMUNITY
PARTNERSHIP
COLLABORATION
EQUALITY
DEDICATION
CREDIBILITY
AMBITIOUS EXPERTISE
BEAUTY
OUR WORK
In a world that is forever changing, an association must also develop. However, this must be done with a foundation in existing articles of association.
VISION: a world where everyone has access to dignified and affordable housing and where the built environment supports human development and promotes a more equal and peaceful world in environmental balance.
MISSION: to support vulnerable populations and promote the green transition through architectural development projects.
We do this by:
• Initiate and realize projects within construction, planning and related disciplines that reduce poverty and vulnerability, support local development and contribute to the green transition.
• Plan and implement courses, seminars, exhibitions, debates and other knowledge sharing and dissemination related to the organization’s purpose and based on experience from our projects.
• Collaborate and engage into networks with organizations and institutions that can promote the organization’s purpose.
ARCHITECTS WITHOUT BORDER DK IS A HUMANITARIAN ORGANISATION, WHICH CREATES DEVELOPMENT WITH ARCHITECTURE AND PLANNING
STATEMENT OF THE BOARD
Thanks to a stable administration that has effectively managed the organization’s core tasks, the relative stability of the past year has allowed for greater focus on impactful projects that have made a positive difference in local communities.
New program names
Our thematic programs have undergone renaming and rebranding to strengthen core tasks, strategic projects, and partnerships. The programs are now:
• Building & Development
• Urban Life
• Knowledge&Dissemination, Additionally, a new volunteer agreement has been introduced to better align expectations between the administration and volunteers.
Changes to the Board
At the end of 2024, Christoffer Gamborg Breitenbauch stepped down as both chairperson and board member due to positive family circumstances. Cora Aspen has now taken on the role of chairperson. Furthermore, Signe Sand and Søren Nielsen will be stepping down from their positions as vice chairperson and board members at this year’s general assembly.
Meeting with partners & stakeholders
In September, board member Karsten Kristensen joined an AUG trip to Kampala. It was a chance for the board to both develop closer relations to our partners locally, follow up on how the Kinawataka Bio Centre was functioning after its recent completion and see the process of starting up the Kinawataka Urban Farming project and developing
it with the local stakeholders. The trip gave valuable insight into the organisation’s work abroad.
Sustainable Economy
Architects Without Borders has been fortunate to receive a three-year grant from Dreyers Fond, providing us with a stable financial foundation. Along with partnerships, project funding, and memberships, this support has enabled economic growth that has benefited a diverse range of projects. However, this funding will not last indefinitely, and as an organization, we must prepare for alternative sources of financial support. Securing a long-term sustainable economy has been a top priority for the board in 2024-2025.
As part of this effort, AUG has established an Advisory Board to support the regular board with ideas for organizational development, including financial sustainability. The advisory board consists of:
• Tim Whyte Secretary General at Mellem folkeligt Samvirke
• Thomas Kveiborg strategic advisor, former CEO at Arkitema
• Stig Hessellund Project Director at Realdania
• Peter Vangsbo Associate Director at Arup
Environmental Focus
In recent years the effects of environmental crises, such as climate change, have become increasingly evident and severe. As an NGO primarily dedicated to social sustainability, AUG recognizes that green development and global well-being are deeply interconnected. As architects, we have a responsibility to contribute to a greener future and address the challenges that climate change poses - particularly for the Global South.
At our 2024 strategy seminar, the board explored potential solutions and the critical dilemmas we face in integrating environmental responsibility into our overall strategy.
A Heartfelt Thank You
Finally, the board would like to extend a warm thank you to the 30+ active members of Architects Without Borders who dedicate their time and energy as volunteers, both in projects and elsewhere within the organization. We are also deeply grateful to all our members whose support is invaluable to our work.
On behalf of the board, CORA ASPEN Chairperson of the Board
parts of the board and deputies from spring 2024. from left: Cathrine, Christoffer, Signe, Karsten, Anton, Brian, Cora
PROJECTS 2024
01 Courtyard Space at MS, Denmark (completed)
02 Urban farming, Uganda
03 School in Magugu, Tanzania (completed)
04 Build Back Green, Ukraine
05 Wayfinding for Center Sandholm, Denmark
06 Care centres for Røde Kors, Denmark
07 Maputo Landrights 2, Mozambique
08 Development training center, TCDC, Tanzania
THE PAST YEAR IN AUG
PEOPLE
We are pleased and grateful to have nearly 500 members across Denmark in 2024 and look forward to an increasing membership base in 2025. We are seeing growing interest in the organization from private members, and our 2028 goal is for approximately 10% of the 10,000 architects in the industry to be members of AUG.
Additionally, we are experiencing a strong desire among members to actively engage with the organization, with almost 60 members currently listed in the AUG CV archive. Of these, around 30 are actively contributing to projects within the organization. AUG is deeply appreciative of all the architects, landscape architects, and planners who are eager to contribute to development work—what a fantastic group!
MEMBERS
Stable membersship level from 2023 to 2024.
COLLABORATIONS
We greatly value the appreciation for our collaborations and partnerships both globally and locally. Our ongoing partnerships with Dreyers Fond and the Architects Association (Arkitektforeningen) have strengthened, marked by mutual recognition and several joint events. We have also established a new collaboration agreement with the Landscape Association (Danske Landskabsarkitekter) and look forward to exploring this in 2025.
Furthermore, we experience more attention and recognition from the architecture branch in general, with invitations for presentations, events and initiative for collaboration projects, and therefore look forward to 2025 to strengthen AUG presence in the Danish architecture industry even further.
COLLABORATIONS
Stable renewal of partnerships in 2024.
FUNDING
We express our gratitude for the financial support extended by Dreyers Fond, which includes a three-year annual grant from 2021-24 and the prestigious Dreyers Prize of 1 mio. dkk in 2023. These funds are strategically allocated to support our long-term sustainability. As a part of this transition, we are increasing our focus on accessing government funds. While our membership base expands, it represents only a portion of the overall funding and capacity available for projects. Yet, our members play a crucial role in the democratic functioning of the organization, serving as volunteers and ambassadors. Their commitment significantly contributes to our mission and initiatives.
INCOME
Main categories of income 2024.
NEW PROGRAM NAMES
The 3 programs are the foundation of AUG’s organizational structure and have undergone rebranding in 2024.
The programs are important leadership platforms to carry out core programmatic tasks and responsibilities. Their role is to guide the structure of projects, events, initiatives, and volunteers. They show the outside world what AUG focuses on and set the direction for the organization.
In 2024, the programs underwent a renaming and rebranding to strengthen the core tasks. The programs are now Urban Life / By & Liv led with Anton Ryslinge, Building and Development / Byning og Udvikling led by Karolina Potoczniak and Knowledge and Dissemination / Viden & Formidling led by Katharina Deisting.
Urban Life:
manages strategic projects, interdisciplinary initiatives that create greater impact through scaling or as pilot projects
Building & Development: facilitates prioritized partnerships, deliveries of architectural services and construction-oriented projects
Knowledge & Dissemination: has a special role to oraganizes a systematic collection and dissemination of knowledge about the work of Architects Without Borders, both for internal use and to external recipients.
Each program-team consists of one program-lead and a number of project-leaders, each responsible for supporting a project-team, so that each team is well-staffed and has the resources they need to succeed with a project. In turn, each project-team consists of one team-leader and a number of team-members. If there are dropouts in a team, it is the project-lead who ensures that they pick up and keep the project on track.
URBAN LIFE
Programlead: Anton Ryslinge
BOARD
5-7 members
ADVISORY BOARD 4 members
SECRETARIAT CEO & administration
BUILDING & DEVELOPMENT
Programlead: Karolina Potoczniak
KNOWLEDGE & DISSEMINATION
Programlead: Katharina Deisting
ADVISORY BOARD
A new External Advisory Board was established in 2024 to support the board and we are looking forward to the collaboration in 2025.
AUG has a board of 5-7 board members with different roles and responsibilities. The board has the overall responsibility, including the organization’s strategic direction, supporting the daily management, guidance and supervision. As a new initiative in 2024, AUG has now an External Advisory Board, to assist the board.
The purpose of an Advisory Board for AUG is to support the organization’s work through strategic advice. The advisory board is composed of
individuals with competencies that AUG considers valuable and complementary to the board’s practical experience in running the organization. It is therefore the board’s hope that the advice that an advisory board can offer will strengthen the organization’s work, including its ability to achieve impact and financial sustainability.
Advisory Board meetings will be held 2 times a year, and the first meeting was held in January 2025.
In the board is:
• Tim Whyte
Secretary General at Mellemfolkeligt Samvirke
• Thomas Kveiborg
strategic advisor, former CEO at Arkitema
• Stig Hessellund
Project Director at Realdania
• Peter Vangsbo
Associate Director at Arup
From left: Tim Whyte, Thomas Kveiborg, Stig Hessellund, Peter Vangsbo
ASF INTERNATIONAL
Architecture Sans Frontiéres International, new members and a strengthened network.
As you may know, Architects Without Borders Denmark are a proud member of the umbrella-organisation
Architecture Sans Frontiéres International (ASFint) which connects 23 similar organisations worldwide. ASFint is an international network for architecturally focused development organisations, a platform for project collaboration and a forum for sharing experiences and knowledge.
The network comes together once a year, where workgroups are set up, connections are built, project collaborations discussed and new member organisations admitted. The 2024 general assembly took place in Prague in September and saw four new members joining the network: ASF Serbia, ASF Taiway, ASF Madagascar and ASF Palestine. You can read more about all member organisations and browse project on ASFint website: asfint.org. Questions can be directed to our CEO Anton Ryslinge who also serves as vice-chair for ASFint.
Participants at the ASFint general assembly in Prague, September 2024.
Photo from the slum settlement Maxaquene i Maputo, Mozambique
A STRATEGIC YEAR FOR
URBAN LIFE
On our Urban Life programme we focus on addressing urban challenges in collaboration with local partner organisations and stakeholders. The programme’s 2024 initiatives have mainly focused on understanding and developing scalable solutions for slum settlements, while working to mount a project concept around cycle-mobility in developing country cities.
MOZAMBIQUE LAND RIGHTS – INCLUSION THROUGH URBAN PLANNING
This project, taking place in the slum settlement Maxaquene in Maputo, Mozambique, is exploring how slum dwellers can acquire formal land rights through the participation in local planning processes. Currently, more than half of Mozambique’s urban population live in densely populated slums, with a number of negative consequences including poor access to health and education and risks of floods and fires. The key activity of the project is to produce and ensure political approval of an urban plan for a section of the Maxaquene slum with around
20.000 inhabitants. Once a local plan exists, long-time residents can acquire formal rights to the land they live on, which in turn unlocks a range of development potentials, not least an increased likelihood that the area will receive public funding for critical infrastructure such as water, electricity, roads, stormwater management etc. The project has been funded with 1 mio dkk by Cisu.
PILOTING INTENSIVE
URBAN FARMING IN SLUMS – FOOD PRODUCTION AND LIVELIHOODS IN UGANDA
This project explores the viability of intensive food production in slums, using hydroponics and utilizing the space above fragile dwellings.
Slums are frequently characterized by food insecurity and a lack of income opportunities, with current urban farming activities being a low investment-low yield affair. In this project we explore hydroponic rooftop farming can produce a crop output sufficiently large to warrant the increased investment, compared with current practices. The project has been conceived in collaboration with our Ugandan partners: National Slum Dwellers Federation of Uganda and ACTogether Uganda. We conducted an inception workshop in Kampala, Uganda in September 2024 and are working to design and implement the farming structures and other details.
In 2025 we will seek to continue our tradition of creating strategic, impactful and potentially scalable development projects in close dialogue with trusted partners abroad. Stay updated on our website, events and by subscribing to our newsletter.
Thanks to Anton Ryslinge as Program lead
PROJECT EXCERPT
BUILD-BACK-GREEN
A pilot project investigating the ability of bio-based building materials to reduce CO2 emissions from the upcoming reconstruction in Ukraine.
This initiative aims at promoting the use of bio-based construction methods in postwar Ukraine, by erecting a demonstration building in the city of Voznesensk, in Mykolaiv region. The “Build It - Show It“ method including hands-on experience with design and local construction processes, is an approach we’ve successfully used in other projects in order to engage the architectural community in discussions about construction methods and outcomes.
The project makes use of Ecococon ready-made wall panels, made from wood and straw, elements which Ukraine can easily provide in large quantities if the concept is to be scaled up. A key aspect of the project is to use building materials that are thoroughly
tested to European building standards, in order to make the buildings insurable, thereby easing the adoption by commercial large-scale builders.
The project was initiated shortly after the Russian invasion in February 2022 but efforts in fundraising, assembling a competent team of primarily Ukrainian volunteers and identifying a Ukrainian partner-city that would provide a free building site has taken time. During 2024 the project’s design was refined, Arup came on board as engineering partner and we are now edging closer to plan the actual construction. The project ecieved increased attention through a featured article in the newspaper Politiken.
PROJECT INFO
Location: Voznesensk, Ukraine
Year: 2022 - 2026
Client: initiated by AWB
Size: approx. 200 m2
Collaborators: Ecococon, Arup, Voznesensk Municipality
Financing: Dreyers Fond
Project team: Olena Ruban, Viktoriia Bonchyk, Karsten Kristensen, Thomas Gandolphe, Alexander Kucheravy
Contact: Olena Ruban: oru@aug.ngo
“Bygningen skal være med til at overbevise de lokale om, at beton ikke længere er den bedste løsning” Olena Ruban from Article in Politiken
Visualization
A FRUITFUL YEAR FOR
BUILDING AND DEVELOPMENT
2024 was a productive year for AUG’s Byggeri og Udvikling (Building and Development) program, with projects initiated, advanced, and completed. Our work spanned diverse locations and needs, from care centers in Denmark to educational spaces across Africa.
STRENGTHENING COLLABORATION WITH THE DANISH RED CROSS
Our partnership with the Danish Red Cross has led to the development of three sketch proposals for upcoming projects. These include wayfinding for Center Sandholm, to improve navigation and foster a sense of safety and trust for asylum seekers. Additionally, proposals for two care centers - Svælegangen in Middelfart and Pitstop in Aarhus, focus on making the spaces more homely, enhancing accessibility, and improving conditions for both residents and volunteers. The projects are expected to move toward further phases.
A NEW INITIATIVE IN TANZANIA WITH MELLEMFOLKELIGT SAMVIRKE
A significant collaboration with Mellemfolkeligt Samvirke has begun in Arusha, Tanzania, supporting the expansion of TCDC, East Africa’s leading development training center. The project focuses on increasing room capacity, strengthening TCDC’s regional presence, and integrating sustainable building solutions such as solar energy and rainwater harvesting. A multidisciplinary team, including architects and energy efficiency specialists, has been assembled to lead the design process.
COMPLETION OF TWO COMMUNITY-FOCUSED PROJECTS
Two major construction projects reached completion in 2024. In Tanzania, a new school in Sarame, supported by Skolen for Livet på Møn and Lifetime-Projects, now provides greater educational access for vulnerable children. Meanwhile, in Copenhagen’s Nørrebro district, we contributed to the redesign of two courtyards at Mellemfolkeligt Samvirke’s headquarters. The project introduces a green learning space and a multi-functional shed made from recycled materials, enriching local entrepreneurship and youth development efforts.
With these successes, Building and Development looks forward to an even more impactful year ahead.
Thanks to Josephine Ottesen for her effort as Program lead in 2024, welcome to Karolina Potoczniak as new Program lead
PROJECT EXCERPT
SCHOOL IN SARAME
School project in Sarame, Tanzania, targeting particularly vulnerable children and young people.
Between 2022 and 2024, Architects Without Borders (AUG), in collaboration with the Jabungu Foundation, developed a project for a 250 m² school in Sarame, northern Tanzania. The project aims to improve educational access for the local community of approximately 900 residents, particularly children from vulnerable backgrounds. Before its construction, the nearest secondary school was 7 km away in Magugu, making it difficult for students, especially girls, to continue their education.
The school is located on a 9-hectare site with flat terrain and sparse vegetation. A planting project was initiated to prevent soil erosion caused by cattle pathways. The design process incorporated studies
of local school buildings and construction methods, ensuring that the final structure met community needs while being easy to maintain.
A key focus was on optimizing natural ventilation and lighting. Wind simulations guided the design, resulting in classrooms with central roof openings for air circulation and daylight access. Enlarged windows further enhance ventilation and visibility. Locally sourced materials and familiar building techniques allowed for strong community involvement.
The project was made possible with support from Skolen for Livet on Møn and the French organization LifetimeProjects, reflecting a shared commitment to education and sustainable development.
PROJECT INFO
Location: Sarame, near Magugu, Tanzania
Year: 2022 - 2024
Client: Jabungu Foundation
Size: 250 m2
Collaborators: Jabungu Foundation, School of Life
Financing: School of Life, Lifetime-Projects
Project team: Brian Lund Povlsen, Diego Cubillo Nielsen, Edita Dalifi, Nichlas Moos Heunicke
Contact: Brian Lund Povlsen: bpo@aug.ngo
School in Sarame, Tanzania
Photo of completed school in Sarame, Tanzania
Photo from an Aften Uden Grænser event
KNOWLEDGE AND DISSEMINATION
In 2024, a new team was established, working collaboratively to build a strong and lasting foundation for the organization.
STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION
Our ongoing efforts continue to strengthen AUG’s presence in the industry, leading to regular invitations to panel debates, presentations, and other key events.
This year, design students from the Strategic Design program have contributed significantly to the organization’s evolution by developing a rebranding strategy. Their work has helped define a clear brand identity, sharpen key messaging, and create a strong visual identity. They have also played a crucial role in designing the new website, which is set to launch soon.
SO-ME
To enhance visibility and engagement, a dedicated social media manager has joined the Knowledge & Dissemination team, developing a structured social media strategy based on the groundwork laid by the Strategic Design students. The content strategy focuses on four key themes: event highlights, showcasing ongoing projects, introducing AUG volunteers, and potential knowledge-sharing content.
EVENTS
2024 was another dynamic year for AUG, marked by a variety of impactful events. Our well-established Aften Uden Grænser series continues to attract an audience of 40–50 participants per event. Furthermore, three Project Nights hosted over the course of the year facilitated knowledge sharing and fostered community engagement.
Additionally, AUG was represented in several public events, including Folkemødet, Building Green, Open24 in Aarhus, and multiple events at Arkitektforeningen, reinforcing our presence within the industry and beyond.
With a well established team, Knowledge and Dissemination looks forward to an even more active year with both internal and external events.
Thanks to Katharina Deisting as Program lead
EVENTS AND PARTICIPATIONS
Titel/Topic: Eventtype:
Date: Where: Participants:
Bio Centre Project Night 06. November Fælledvej 12 Ca 20 people
Titel/Topic:
Eventtype:
Date: Where:
Participants:
Green Cities of South Africa
Aften Uden Grænser 02. May the Royal Academy
Morten Nielsen
Rasmus Bering
Johan Mottelson
Titel/Topic: Eventtype: Date: Where:
Participants:
MS Gårdprojekt Project Night 27. August Fælledvej 12 Ca 25 people
Titel/Topic: Eventtype: Date: Where:
Participants:
Nature Based Solutions
Aften Uden Grænser 21. March
Valencia Salen
Martin H. Andersen
Talat Munshi
Patience Mguni
Titel/Topic: Eventtype: Date: Where: Participants:
School in Tanzania Project Night 23. May the Royal Academy Diego Cubillo Nielsen Nichlas Moss Heunicke
Titel/Topic: Eventtype: Date: Where:
Open24 Aarhus Festival 20. Oct Arch. School Aarhus
Titel/Topic: Eventtype: Date: Where: Arkitekturens Dag Discussion/Presentation 07. Oct Arkitektforeningen
Titel/Topic: Eventtype: Date: Where:
Ukraine fundraising event AUG private fundraising 20. June The Ukraine House
Titel/Topic: Eventtype: Date: Where: Participants:
Building Green Fair
30.+ 31. October Forum 9000+ visitors
Titel/Topic:
Eventtype: Date: Where: Bliver du også ekskluderet i din by? Panel Debate 14. June Folkemødet
Titel/Topic:
Eventtype: Date: Where:
How rebuilding war-torn areas can accelerate the sustainable transition Interview/Podcast 27. Feb DAC
THANK YOU FOR THIS YEAR
We close out this year with gratitude for the hard work of all our volunteers and move into the next with even greater strength!
A great year has passed
We are proud of what we’ve accomplished this year. A new school was opened in Tanzania, 40-50 people attended Aften Uden Grænser, and the BuildBack-Green project in Ukraine has received significant recognition and remains more relevant than ever. As we close out this year of impactful work, we look forward to the opportunities the new year will bring.
A heartfelt thank you to all of our incredible volunteers.
We hope you’ll continue the journey with us into 2025! This organization thrives on the strength of community, where each individual plays a vital role in our shared mission and vision. Whether you participated in events, debates, or served as project members, project leaders, program leaders, administrative staff,
board members, or supporters – it’s your collective strength that makes Architect Without Borders possible, and we are deeply grateful for your contributions.
As the organization undergoes rapid growth, we are strengthening our roles and leadership structure to actively shape the workplace we envision for the future. Our goal is to ensure that AUG remains an organization that continues to prioritize its members, knowing that our true strength lies in collaboration and the exchange of ideas. We aim to create more opportunities for members to engage with us, join project teams, exchange experiences, and share knowledge — to continue doing what we do best: create development through architecture and planning.
New year ahead
The world is still in state of imbalance and economic conflicts continue to bring uncertainty. Therefore our work is more important than ever - and we want to be there for the people in most need. We believe 2025 holds big interest in and recognition of AUG. We’ve begun the year with over 10 new project proposals and collaborations. We see new potential projects in Ukraine, Uganda and Palestine, among others. We hope to see these ideas through engage great teams of volunteers, and expand our horizons!
Thank you to those who started our year off with a bang and joined our Nytårskur - a social evening open to all members. We look forward to continuing this spirit, with a great team of volunteers, for a social and meaningful 2025.
Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to Christoffer, Signe, Søren, and Josefine for their dedicated work to the organization as they step down from their board and program lead positions. Their contributions were of great value and we wish them a warm farewell - with the AUG doors always open.
School in Sarame, Tanzania
Fælledvej 12
2200 København N
Danmark
Aug.ngo