Architecture for Humanity is a nonprofit design services firm founded in 1999. It focuses on disaster mitigation and reconstruction, poverty alleviation, design innovation for at-risk populations, and addressing climate change through sustainable design.
Unprecedented monsoon flooding in 2010 annihilated the homes and livelihoods of millions in Pakistan. The needs of 5,000 victims in Sindh Province were met by this initiative. The low-cost, environmentally sustainable housing is built of local materials including stone, steel and brick. Inspired in layout by the region’s traditional rural dwellings, each unit comprises a thatched verandah, kitchen, bathroom and one or two bedrooms. Courtyards have been introduced between clusters of houses to foster a sense of community, and livestock are separated from living areas. Sanitary conditions have been drastically improved and solar panels and pumps installed. Previously feudal land ownership was transferred to villagers, who enthusiastically participated in the construction process.
