The Architecture Shift // Towards Humanitarian Architecture

The Architecture Shift Towards Humanitarian Architecture Ahmad Safri Bin Shamsuddin MArch. Professional Studies.

MSap_14052100 (2015/16)

an introduction The built environment industry is a big scope that covers various aspect of profession this includes the architect, engineers, landscape architect, interior designer, building surveyor, contractors and many more that encompasses the building industry such as green technology specialist, acoustic engineer and many more.

The scope of work with the built environment typically covers around the human-made surroundings which provides for human activity with ranging scale from buildings, parks and green space to neighbourhoods to cities with the supports of infrastructure.

However there are preconceived notions to what the purpose of architecture, the change in movement and its properties that revolves around it. This paper discusses about the evolving of the industry in architecture, the profession and the roles of an architect. Subsequently, I have written the paper in relation with my particular interest towards humanitarian architecture.

The architecture industry is perpetually changing in time. Technology has a high imperative reaction towards architecture which allows the possibility to improve in architectural communication, visualization and coordination.

However to some extent it has made the production of architecture become disconnected with people or society in which moving away from the actual purpose of built environment.

Besides that, the architecture profession has also diverge into many other creative industries which has also created a wider set of opportunities that enable us to use our skills and ability.

The extensive of the architecture industry has one way or another influenced the definition of architecture which has shrunk and widen its properties that might question the purpose of it that may course for us to dismantle the properties that revolves around it.

Furthermore, the architecture industry has also change in time with regards to global change such as the population of growth, natural disasters, poverty, health or conflicts.

Consequently, there is a change in the role and scope of work within the architecture profession that perhaps calls for more humanitarian architects. Do architects however has the social responsibility to use their professional skills, creativity and ability to help the people in need?

It is apparent that there will be change in the industry if architects could devote or make an effort to contribute in humanitarian architecture which would make a shift in providing services towards the privileged, rich or corporation that covers about 90 per cent of the services provided currently. The process, skills and opportunity also awaits in this course. Indeed there is an ethical decision for an architect or graduates to make in due course of their profession.

communication and coordination which provide the tool for architects to go beyond the conventional designs, methodology and the production of architecture.

Industry

Identity and Definition Presently, it is apparent that architecture development and construction are produced and implemented by private enterprises or publicly employed architects. It is also comprehensible that architectural services are conceived at various multitudes either big or small, new or old, corporate or community, but however, typically it is determined along with the market conditions. The improvement of technology as well play a big role in the architecture industry.

Nonetheless, the broad contextualization of the architecture industry as architect and theorist Alejandro Zaera Polo(in Jacob,2014) argues, from the act or scope of architecture, it has become unnoticed, diminished or minimized to designing such as the building’s envelope and also the building itself such as mass, floor plate, with a programme that typically would have been defined by developers’ spreadsheets. The motivation of designs are not sometimes even’ rhetorical neither are they venal’ Jacob(2014), but perhaps the changes of design habitat such as technology gives into form. Technology as a whole gives a wider connection within the industry while enabling connection, visualization,

According to Jacob,2014 as more youthful forms of creative practice, designs have adapted and mobilize faster to circumstances and sometimes becomes less towards architecture and its properties. With technology, society has become increasingly networked with media based relationship in design and the processes which results in both positive and negative outcomes. It is apparent that concurrently design context has expanded its role. Contemporary architecture is now more than ever than simply the production of buildings (Jacob,2014). On the other hand, communication and relationship between technology and information are increasingly converging and may be the very reason why architects profession has shrunk and broadly wide to be vague at the same time.

Of course there are variety set of scope for designers to focus on, but what were the fundamental purpose of designing as we were thought in the start of our architectural education? Foster (in Roseinfield,2014) states that architecture is an expression of values. Presently the architecture industry has also the tendencies to produce aspiring images or a well-rendered images that sometimes undermines the actual production or end product of a piece of architecture. Typically, it can be seen advertised on billboards or on-site construction information boards. These images are usually an abstraction image of an artistic view of an architect towards a hopeful vision of projects. Based on the Farrell Review Report, 2014, it claims that “ despite the landscape of towns and cities being of most importance to the majority of people, this is not shared by the development community and most built environment professionals”. Is there a minimal engagement upon the decision making of the nature of built environment with

Jones(2014) Ban vs. Schumacher: Should Architects Assume Social Responsibility?

Image Source: http://www.archdaily.com/490850/ban-vs-schumacher-should-architects-assume-social-responsibility

the public domain which essentially is the end user of the product? Conversely, Sinclair (in Architecture for Humanity, 2012) points out that ‘Unless you build it, it doesn’t matter’, as he describes further that in unconventional situations such as due to many circumstances of the post-disaster effect or in condition of a certain issue of a place and the site condition, in the eye of a community, while working and living alongside the end-user, communities wants results and solution rather than a fully artistic view. Perhaps this goes to say that architecture and people/society has become more disconnected in a conventional architectural scenarios as opposed to the actual purpose of the profession whereby the production of architecture in the built environment is for the people.

Nevertheless, the focus in the design and architectural production is different than the earlier traditional settings. As Jacob,2014 points out in an article “Architecture might have to become less architectural”, “the space between investment, innovation, production and distribution has also shrunk, as has the distance between traditional roles of designer, manufacturer and consume”. Bell (in Charlesworth,2014) also argues that typically, market forces are the determinant to whom we serve but not the social need and issues in which we address in shaping all of our design.

If there is a suspended belief that architecture has become less architectural and moving away from the engagement with people, then there is a course for us to redefine architecture in our time and if architecture is assumed too well of a physical thing, we also need to consider that architecture revolves in the place of investment, communications, society, marketing, and media all come together, where these issues congeal into essentially a built form. He explains further that we need to figure out new ways for architecture to regain a central social significance. The dismantling of architecture definition forms the creative course in which consist from many other aspects that would allow us to redefine the purpose of architecture. Subsequently, architects need to find new position in the profession from the traditional role in the industry with new arguments for a new terrain. To recognize that the context in which the production of architecture has altered, thus from this, forms a persuasive arguments in which represents from the centre of society itself.

“ninety-five percent of the world’s designers focus all of their efforts on developing products and services exclusively for the richest ten percent of the world’s customers”.

Smith(in Roberts,2014)

The Growing Population On that note, as previously describe how architectural industry or the built environment depends on the market conditions, conversely, Smith(in Roberts,2014)also points out in ‘In Design for the Other 90%’ whereby “ninety-five percent of the world’s designers focus all of their efforts on developing products and services exclusively for the richest ten percent of the world’s customers”. Should we be concern with what architects are designing in the meantime and who are they designing for? What are the responds to social disparity between the rich and the poor as well as towards the increasing world population that was projected to reach 11 billion by the end of the century as UN study predicts. We have the opportunity to help those in need and if architects were to give part of their time and efforts in designing of the 10%, there will be a drastic shift in the architectural industry.

I believe the architectural profession and industry can become more than building shiny architecture for the rich or the capitalism world.

There is a sense of responsibility in making a change in the world. In order for architects to

shift the paradigm, we can begin with redefining what architecture is , what good design is and what revolves around it. As Bell (in Roberts,2014) describes in the definition of design in ‘Expanding Architecture: Design as Activism’ which he explains that by reconsidering design issues there is a key to problem solving to evaluate how designs relate to humankind. By redefining our limits, we have the ability to use design positively in finding new solutions through varied challenges and circumstances.

Towards Architecture for Humanity The architecture industry can be seen to provide humanitarian act in various sectors such as private practice, university based humanitarian architects or NGO and International Development based humanitarian architects. It is apparent that the industry is forever more now calling for new architects in developing humanitarian architecture. Aside from architectural production driven by market conditions, societal change in global front such as natural or manmade disasters, poverty, sanitation and health

“after working as an architect for a while, he became disappointed in the way that the profession was working only for privileged people, rich and corporations instead of the society�

Shigeru Ban (in Charlesworth,2014)

Architect Shigeru Ban, Image Source: http://i2.cdn.turner. com/cnnnext/dam/assets/150928211924-shigeru-ban-exlarge-169.jpg

has cause for new terrains in the architectural industry.

In the simultaneous change of society, there should also be a formalized nature or a turn over the role of the architects together along with the education sector. Global awareness informs the spatialization and context of the necessity. This will concern in future development as the education sector produces new professionals undertaking new issues. In regards to this, it is at absolute importance to make an effort that all architecture designs and production should be for the better of humanity along with conscious decision towards our climate and environment.

In a different context or situations, some places with a new library or clinic is rather more important than building skyscrapers or museums. However, it can be seen that there is a shift in the industry in providing architecture services outside the conventional scenarios. Many architects has taken a different direction in providing their architectural expertise such as the approach towards humanitarian architecture.

Architect Shigeru Ban (in Charlesworth,2014) describes that after working as an architect for a while, he became disappointed in the way that

the profession was working only for privileged people, rich and corporations instead of the society. He describes further that helping the privileged only helping them represent their power and money with monumental architecture.

Building in places of the aftermath of disasters whether in the form of poverty, natural disasters or conflict, architecture production is not just a service to a community but a signal or a sign of opportunity and that may shape or inspire to new and less fortunate generations that are soon the future leaders of the world.

Conversely, this does not mean that architecture services should only be focused in these aforementioned situations but a more diverse spectrum of field of architecture and in helping to balance the gap of services between the desires and the necessity. Architecture has no universal solution as it responds to local context.

As graduates and architect move forward into their career, in order for a practice or an individual to be successful, there should always be a vision and mission while setting a limit with goals to go beyond the boundaries and one of the ways that an architect can use their skills is by contributing towards humanitarian architec-

ture. It might sound inspirational and that it gives a sense of fulfilment as an architectural route in giving back to the society, however, I would assume that if in a total position to devote architecture towards humanitarian act could be complicated. In a non-profit proposition in serving the society or working with post-disaster relief, one would go through serious funding challenges for a project that would cover the skills and services towards communities in need, assisting in development, construction engagement, construction financing and urban planning projects.

There is a necessity in collaboration and partnerships with many different bodies such as social enterprises and business to carry out projects. There is a deep role in managing and coordinating this scope of work. However according to Sinclair (in Architecture for Humanity, 2012) “too often non- governmental organizations fail to engage and support the local business sector, instead only building homes, schools and clinics”. He explains further that to rebuild holistically after a disaster it is imperative to have a series of strong economic anchors in the community. How do we access to this measures as there are also other consequences such as sector based funding, restrictions and timings. Furthermore, it is logical that people in these situations may not have the assets to pay architects fees, moreover a private sector architect’s fee (Charlesworth,2014). Should we architects take in the position to advocate and make the argument with the governments, non-profits, institutions in which that good design for a good cause is worth investing in?

In this sense I assume there should be a selective criteria to this as describe by Stohr (in Architecture for Humanity, 2012), typically priorities funding weighs on their planning and design. We no longer live in a community where we can wait for largesse of wealthy patrons to improve living conditions. Architects have to find solutions to search for funding as Stohr (in Architecture for Humanity, 2012) describes “architects need to be equally thoughtful about finance in meeting the needs for communities”.

In addition, in the technology we live in, there can be a wider call for collaborative designs. Sinclair (in Architecture for Humanity, 2012) suggest that with an ‘Open Architecture Network’ it helps the industry in spreading awareness and be able to draw people from different background and places with a common goal to create many new solutions to help people in need. He explains further that with Creative Commons license (CC) on a building, which meant architects can do pro-bono designs with a CC share that design with non-profits for free.

Nonetheless, this would be also about the architect’s intension and purpose of work. There is a respond in rebranding architecture in the eyes of the public. The challenge is to reframe the industry and economy and gain awareness to the people and client itself in helping to reshape the future that will enable us to finance or support a better sustainable community and development. It is time to radically rethink the future role of design educators and professionals amidst such fragile times(Charleswroth,2014). Investing in improvement of a place as opposed to people includes investing towards infrastructures and parks and open spaces, cultural amenities, education, health care and job creation, Stohr (in Architecture for Humanity, 2012). She states further that these investments are long terms impacting generations.

Profession

Humanitarian Architecture Revenue or Compassion The architecture profession may seem self-conflicted sometimes. There are many architects that divert away from the traditional form of architecture or scenarios. To some have devote their extensive skills towards humanitarian architecture. Bell in (Charleworth, 2014) says that the “foundation of architectural thought is constantly shifting, and those thoughts are being focused more and more towards humanitarian architecture”. Nevertheless, it is a decision for an individual to decide in a career path in the architectural profession. It is understood that there are a variety set of selection in the architectural field to focus on. We are equipped with many skills and not only to design in the creative business. Should there be a decision whether we could take in the direction to work for income and profits or compassion and passionate or can we do both?

Humanitarian architecture or architecture for humanity stands with a common goal and principles in which a “collective belief that through

a collaborative of spatial problem solving, The design profession can contribute in a significant way to the complex post-disaster challenge of rebuilding a city and its community” (Charlesworth,2014). Johnson, 2015 describes that “Humanitarian design is about redefining design problems and solutions by engaging communities directly and allowing them to participate meaningfully in the rebuilding of their homes, villages and lives”. Whereas, “Design isn’t only about aesthetics, it’s about problem solving and we have a planet plagued with problems” (Howarth,2015) One of the key challenges in working with humanitarian architecture or this field is the uncertainty and ill-defined or non-existence project briefs. We may assume that sometimes the project brief is to design a house, but typically uncertain circumstances would arise consequently to site conditions. According to Charlesworth, 2014 there is an absence of spatial problem-solving and design led solutions for long term recovery. This is the role of architec-

ture as opposed to how post-disaster recovery and reconstruction can be assist as previously the only majority in the emergency fields consist in medicine, law and engineering actively repairing and rebuild devastated communities.

Adrian Dobson from RIBA in a lecture on Architectural Futures, during our intense week program suggest that architects should also aim to encompass the role of an architect along with complimenting the UN Global Compact which describes corporate sustainability in means of operating in the areas of human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption. Furthermore, according to the UN Global Compact,(no date) by incorporating the principles into strategies, policies and procedures and establishing a culture of integrity, companies are not only upholding their basic responsibilities to people and planet, but also setting the stage for long term success.

It can be said that this type of architecture has not been as common or popular compared to other studios or study structure in architecture education specifically humanitarian architecture. However, nowadays there are emergent schools providing this form of education such as the new degree in humanitarian architecture, RMIT University in Melbourne is launching a new postgraduate degree; Master of Disaster, Design and development which aims to foster unique design skills that respond to global issues such as natural disasters, poverty and climate change.

Process, Skills & Opportunities

Community Engagement Alejandro Aravena from Elemental, one of the speaker in a TEDTALK event points out that partly in working in humanitarian design regularly involves an important aspect in bringing the community together with the participatory process and designs. It allows the local people being creatively engaged in the design process of buildings that will form a vital core of their daily lives. Sinclair (in Architecture for Humanity, 2012) also speaks about localism in which the whole idea that the client or ‘end-users’ of the project whom has a deeper understanding and knowledge of their own surrounding, needs and environment. By conducting design charettes, model workshops or public forums gives the architect a chance to connect with the community.

Aravena also states the “idea is not primarily to find the right answer but also to identify with precision what is the right question as there is nothing worse than answering well to the wrong questions”. The community engagement allows projects to also generate local inputs and employment using local labour and expertise as well as local supply/materials and system as it can result being transformative and innovative.

Archdaily (2008) Quinta Monroy / ELEMENTAL , Image Source http://www.archdaily.com/10775/quinta-monroy-elemental

Opportunities to Innovate In circumstances like natural disasters, poverty, health, sanitation or man-made disasters results in unusual constraints and extraordinary factors that are often fraught with difficulties needed to be measured along with site conditions and limited budgets which often due to mass destruction or to accommodate large numbers of people. There is an opportunity for experimentation and innovation in unusual limitation that may dictate new approaches to design outside the conventional scenarios either in using new or conventional technologies that should suggest sustainability in according to the local context. Bennett,2014 states that “over the past decade, volunteering abroad has become an increasingly popular and important part of the architecture and construction industry”.

International Experience Humanitarian architecture is a global response, typically different places would entail different type of issues in varied environments and communities. The humanitarian act usually works along together with different bodies typically NGO’s. This sets a wider scale of projects to add in an architect’s experience in working either with various global humanitarian organization or local. Organizations working along with humanitarian architecture are such as Architecture for Humanity and Habitat for Humanity which devote themselves to helping individuals and families in need, both in the United States and around the world. Places like Haiti, India, Japan, Sri Lanka, Syria, Afghanistan, Malawi, Thailand and even USA are some examples of places that has taken extraordinary measures in developing new architectures in relation with humanitarian act.

Skills Beyond Design I believe in the opportunity working within such group has the advantage of attaining a varied set of skills, more importantly a hands-on ability in managing and coordination of complex programs that often manage design processes, community engagement or people skills and construction work with the local people. Besides that, the opportunity in working along with the locals enable architects to understand the context better while empowering local materials and labour is more sustainable than bring foreign methods. Localism or vernacular approach in assisting the projects would be a rather imperative action in the situation if we ‘architects’ are the foreign within the context. It is also the architects role to be more explorative in finding funds for the project. These set of skills gives a more holistic approach that manages outside the conventional construction industry together with the efforts to help communities become more resilient.

Renewed Purpose The architectural profession has a long-going dilemma that struggle with the design principle and the conservative structure, we sometimes forget as to why we got ourselves into the business as we tend to simply emphasize on satisfying client’s or developer’s desire in which typically they intend to maximize profit, as mainly our belief is that with architecture we can bring good to society and the community to improve people’s live who inhabit in our designs or building. Instead in humanitarian architecture and designs, it allows architects to use their perception and creativity to advocate for people in need with the basics such as shelter, warmth, access to clean water, shaping a community and effectively more rewarding that the structure can bring transition into a community such as revitalizing children’s’ education, workers’ business prospects and the health of whole communities in the wake of crises. This evidently shown definition of architecture is beyond drawings conceptual designs, resolving technical issues and building complex structures.

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As I have repetitively discuss, the role of an architect can be seen expanding and has diverged into many different ways. I find that one of the interesting thing that I have learn in architecture education is that architects should be able to advocate for people, to instigate an issue and implement to carry out new solutions while solving problems . This can be seen as an

trip in Athens, Greece. Along in the itinerary, we have managed to meet Martha Giannakopoulou from If_Untitled Architecture practice. In the condition that Greece is economically unstable, which consequently affects the building industry thus also results in putting architectural practice business sometimes at halt. Essentially, this led towards finding new ways of producing architecture. As Giannakopoulou, the founder/architect of If_Untitled Architecture would describe, the role of the architect does not stop at designing buildings. She believes architects has the skills to of a strategist and a problem solver that should reacts to current situations either economy nor politics, social or environment and climate.

example whereby previously in October 2015, our studio had the opportunity to go for a studio

This led to the Project on Traces of Commerce, whereby it was an initiative project for

Role of the Architect

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Project on Traces of Commerce, Image Source 1,2 & 4: http://www.if-untitled.com/project.php?id=148 Martha @ If-Untitled Architecs in Athens, Images source 3 by Author

the activation of the Gallery of Merchants and its empty shops (a space) in the centre of Athens which was remained inactive for the last of years. The gallery constitutes with the existing of public presence that soon after a sign of small scale commerce extinction and craftsmanship that leaves behind the traces of an social structure and a city that tends to fade. Their goal was to achieve contemporary needs of the area and its users in order to be connected again with the viable urban network of the city.

The initiative brought 12 interventions from multiple disciplinary from Athens whereby majority are young practitioners from the creative industries such as artist, architects, creative networks, multidisciplinary work-groups and informal collectives. The collaboration initiates to revive, experiment and curate one of the empty spaces at the Gallery of Merchants. Essentially, the teams were tasked to event an open workshop with the methodology of participatory engagement through which will explore and experiment with the materials and the activities of commerce in the city centre that disappeared.

I believe this shows the ability and creativity of an architect to create new projects and co-create new emergent economies that benefits back to the community. The strategy to bring back or taking back the economy would greatly involve in risk taking. Architects need to dive into taking opportunities and risks to enable new outcomes in producing projects. Giannakopoulou also discusses that

Conclusion architects has the extensive role and position to produce new and exchange of knowledge.

She believes that architecture revolves around humanity and there is always a need and necessity to accommodate. She suggests that, in uncertain circumstances, there can be other ways for architects to produce architecture by developing and producing our own brief. This allows architects to make new experimentation and findings to all intents and purposes by knowing our context as aforementioned example of the Project on Traces of Commerce, in which the reproduction of an economic model which resulted in the re-emergent of a new economic activity.

Cameron Sinclair also discusses in a TEDTALK conference whereby he had created an open architectural network which acts as a source of network to gather design ideas across many professionals to help experiment and solve problems at new circumstances. Cameron Sinclair founder of Architecture for Humanity, sets the network to activate locals, pro-bono creative professionals to deliver design and development solutions that actualize the potential of local communities. With the platform, they believe that everyone deserves a well-designed environment in which they strive to collaborate with local community organizations to develop and implement quality design solutions within their neighbourhoods. Essentially, the bigger role of an architect is to use their skills and ability to contribute towards the physical and social construction of communities, cities and landscape.

Architecture is an evolution that precedes through time, trends and necessity that is for the utmost benefit for human, other living things and the environment. We could not run away from the moving and the course of time. As future architects, we have the prevailing decision to choose in the course of a career path after tertiary education. The architectural profession sets us to be a problem solver, strategist, designer equipped with people and management skills in time, production, and even business.

This provides and introduces graduates with a wide set of skills for one to posses as a stepping stone into a wider context in the wider industry of architecture which is more than just the built environment.

Technology has enabled us to keep up with new available skills and act as a tool to meet with current and future expectations. By understanding the capability of using technology in architecture provides us the ability to create and experiment new possible concepts, methods and production of architecture. However, it is utmost important that we do not over empower it over the needs and necessity of the public.

It is essential for us to ensure that there are no disconnection between society and architecture and to what architecture represents in a society.

There is an ethical decision to be made in the architecture profession. There is choice for us to design for complete capital or to design for compassion and mercy to help people in need which I strongly believe that with the skills and ability that we posses can make a difference.

“I think part of the job we have as (architectural) professionals is an obligation to fire arrows to try and break down orthodoxy”.

Paul Pholeros,(in Charlesworth,2014)

The role of an architect does not only ends in the design scope. It opens up a to wider context in which we can spread knowledge and influence people. It is unprecedented that architects are creative and has the ability to turn client’s dream into a tangible reality. The unique set of skills architects posses can create a safe and stable environment and more importantly the sense of responsibility to advocate for people in need which can help people around the world if not in their own surrounding. However architecture has become a profession that smaller affect on the built environment than expected. While if we dismantle the definition of architecture would help us to redefine and the purpose of architecture.

The power of architecture can encourage variety of purposes, human activity, security, knowledge, health, safety and welfare which essentially heart and soul of architecture and not for the fame and prestige. If architects are not trained outside designing conventional scenarios they may not understand the unique approaches and techniques that are necessary to design outside of the context.

As Bell(in Roberts,2014) points out, “we may soon find that we have too many architects skilled at designing museums and mansions and too few able to work with indigent people and communities in need of basic housing, sanitation, and security”

Further towards this, young architects need to be exposed to global issues and gain awareness at early stage in the education or careers to be skilled at this type of scenarios. Nevertheless, it is also advisable that we know the basic towards the architecture process as to the industry, profession, education and production.

Architects should always be able to acquire designs , processes and manage with available recourses to our best ability and creativity to envision solutions for the real challenges for our clients, either day-today or in time of crises. Humanitarian architecture is in need of a definitive title.

However, I personally find that Architecture, in itself should be design for humanity as Davis (in Charlesworth, 2014) describes ‘ all good architects and all good architecture , whether created for the meek or mighty, are by their very nature ‘humanitarian’ as they satisfy deep human needs and aspirations.

Self Appraisal: Moving Forward “One of the things I value most about an architectural education is that it equips me for divergence into many other fields. The title of my dissertation was ‘The Street That Opens on to Somewhere’ and perhaps that’s a useful way to think about where my career could go. I don’t feel the need to pursue a set path. I have an appetite for new experiences”.

“I see architecture as a community, it affects me so I want to be part of it and contribute. I am involved in the different debates taking place, whether within the RIBA or even about the role of the RIBA. These discussions influence the business you’re working in and your everyday life – so I don’t agree with those who say ‘I can’t be bothered to get involved’. I want to have an impact”.

“Architects design for different reasons. Some want to make big statement buildings or express a political stance, others want to test new technologies or try building in difficult climates; all those things are valid. But for me, architecture is fundamentally about people”.

THOMAS AQUILINA from RIBA Role Models

MARAL RAHMANTALA from RIBA Role Model

DAN BENHAM from RIBA Role models

From the beginning of my architectural education, coming from Malaysia, a country with a multicultural background has made me very interested in culture, society and the very environment which revolves that very much informs myself about the essence of architecture. Through my undergraduate education, the knowledge I have gained was immensely towards “architecture for people” which led my interest in studying in MSa and has progressively evolved while shaping my definition towards architecture which moreover strengthened in my studio atelier which presented with architectural ethos that advocates for people, social responsive designs with aim to make impact changes to a better architecture.

In future I hope to be able to contribute back to the community and provide the skills and ability I have attained as an architecture student. One of the NGO(Non Governmental Organizations) in Malaysia that has been established since 1999, MERCY Malaysia. MERCY Malaysia aims to provide a platform for Malaysians to unite and take their role in the international humanitarian area. This will hopefully set me in a platform to contribute and in giving my effort towards humanitarian architecture. However, this would also lead me in the need to find the maximum experience working in an architecture practice that provides to the conventional architecture scenarios.

In regards to this, I believe that with an accountability of my developing skills and compassion towards architecture in need can positively change and improve any design decisions I make in the future. An early education or exposure with humanitarian response can indefinitely shape an individual ready to enter the field and help to reshape the definition of architecture and society.

It is our/architects role in having a vision, mission and a strategy to help advocate, instigate and mitigate with a voice of reason to contribute back to the world which hopeful changes the effect of an individual, a community and society in addressing issues. It is a continuous process of learning and with passion of different cultural, social and political contexts, humanitarian design can make the world seem like a very small place. The suspended belief against conventional architecture and putting efforts with humanitarian act and architecture reflects our role as architects and we should gain our views in the public by contributing back. The architecture in itself is within the society which takes form of an architecture piece.

References:

01. If Untitled Architecture (no date) Traces of Commerce: Phase A (Online) (Accessed on 13th January 2016) Available at If_Untitled Architecture http://www.if-untitled.com/ 02. Architizer (2014) 5 Reasons You Should Dive Into Humanitarian Architecture(Online)(Accessed on 13th January 2016) Available at http://architizer.com/blog/5-reasons-you-should-dive-into-humanitarian-architecture/ 03. Bennett. L (2014) 5 Reasons Why Architects Should Volunteer to Build Abroad (Online)(Accessed on 14th January 2015) Available at: http://www.archdaily.com/527444/5-reasons-why-architects-should-design-less-and-build-more 04. Roberts. R.S (2014) Architecture and the Human Condition: Humanitarian Design for Poverty and Disaster Relief (Online) (Accessed on 18th January 2016) Available at https://cardinalscholar.bsu.edu/handle/123456789/198584 05. Mercy Malaysia (no date) (Online)(Accessed on 18th January 2016) Available at http://mercy.org.my/ 06. Rosenfield.K (2014) Norman Foster’s Interview with The European: “Architecture is the Expression of Values” (Online) (Accessed on 27th January) Available at http://www.archdaily.com/563537/interview-norman-foster-on-the-role-of-architecture-in-modern-society 07. Farrell Review (2014) Farrell Review of Architecture and the Built Environment (Online) (Accessed on 20th January 2016)Available at http://www.farrellreview.co.uk/download 08. Jacob.S (2014) Architecture Might Have To Become Less Architectural (Online) (Accessed on 22nd January 2016) Available at http://www.dezeen.com/2014/01/16/opinion-sam-jacob-how-architecture-can-regain-social-significance/ 09. Howarth.D (2015) “When I Said Architects Should Get Involved In Humanitarian Issues, People Laughed At Me” (Online)(Accessed on 22nd January 2016) Available at http://www.dezeen.com/2015/08/27/cameron-sinclair-interview-architecture-for-humanity-small-works-disaster-relief/ 10. Johnson.S (2015) New degree in humanitarian architecture (Online)(Accessed on 24 January 2016) Available at http://architectureau.com/articles/new-degree-in-humanitarian-architecture/ 11. RIBA(no date) RIBA Role Models (Online) (Accessed on 19th January) Available at https://www.architecture.com/ Explore/RIBARoleModels/RIBARoleModels.aspx 12. UN Global Compact (no date)The Ten Principles of the UN Global (Online) (Accessed at 19th January 2016) Compact Available at https://www.unglobalcompact.org/what-is-gc/mission/principles 13. Charlesworth. E (2014) Humanitarian Architecture: 15 Stories of Architects working After Disaster, Routledge 14. Architecture For Humanity (2012) Design Like You Give A Damn[2]: Building Change From The Ground Up, Abrams Online Videos 01. Shigeru Ban: Emergency Shelters Made From Paper(year) (Online)(Accessed on 17th January 2016) Available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q43uXdOKPD8 02. Why I’m An Architect That Designs For Social Impact, Not Buildings | Liz Ogbu | TEDxMidAtlantic (Online) (Accessed on 17th January 2016) Available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0MnGZ1gB4k 03. TedxVienna - Cameron Sinclair - Architecture for Humanity(Online) (Accessed on 17th January 2016) Available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZexxM0XmGc 04. Alejandro Aravena: My Architectural Philosophy? Bring The Community Into The Process(Online)(Accessed on 17th January 2016) Available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0I0Poe3qlg

Professional Studies Lecture 01. Dobson.A (2016) RIBA, Architectural Futures, The RIBA, education and practice - towards 2020, intense lecture week Architectural Studio Trip 01. Giannakopoulou. M (2015) If Untitled Architecture, Athens, Greece