Design Matters
Design is the expression of a community’s vision for change.
The design process encourages community groups to set goals and work together to achieve them. By celebrating small victories along the way, community members are empowered to become stakeholders and to pursue larger long-term goals. We have learned that there is no single solution to responding to crisis or prescribed answer to a community need. By engaging the community as equal partners and designing adaptable solutions, we can create a ground up methodology that is not just sustainable but a multi-generational response.
The world is changing.
If you look at the state of the planet, it is easy to feel like we’ve lost our ability to care for the place we collectively inhabit. From man-made conflicts to our inability to rebuild after natural disasters, it appears we spend more time justifying destruction than investing in tangible solutions. Our future not only depends on how compassionate we are to our environment but how creative we are to successfully adapt to the changes.
The world is changing and it desperately needs thoughtful and impassioned builders. The Worldchanging Institute is a global research and development organization focused on solutions to the most pressing social and humanitarian challenges of our time. We partner with social ventures, cultural institutions, non-profits and foundations to implement hyper local building solutions. We work in community development, historic preservation. cultural conservation and reconstruction programs.
Our Methodology:
Environmentally and culturally appropriate design.
The removal of typical barriers to participation, such as formal hearings or forced locations.
Communication between different sectors and interests in the community, including government organizations, religious organizations and individuals.
The prioritization of issues by and with those most affected by the decision-making process
Opportunities for skills training and advancement.
Greater local capacity for decision-making and economic development.
Four Focus Areas;
Sports for Change - Developing and Building Facilities to Support Rehabilitation Through Sports. Football for Life is our lead initiative and is actively building in Ukraine
Resilient Housing - Developing programs to support Pacific Atolls and Islands
Design Diplomacy - Understanding the intersection between diplomacy and the built environment
Design Like You Give A Damn - Research on global humanitarian design solutions.
innovate
Our DNA is to empower, support or develop innovative solutions some of the most austere communities around the world, from emergency shelter to long term sustainable building to economic development. These solutions are adaptable to more typical needs.
iterate
We believe there is no silver bullet solution to global issues. By engaging professional firms, creating alliances with strong partners and deep community engagement, we can develop sustainable and highly adaptable solutions.
implement
Our work is more than designing change, it is about building it. Our partners have built around the world and continue to be engaged in projects until they are completed. The institute endeavors to support and empower designers and communities focused on building solutions.
