Rebuilding Lives: Architects Offer Free Aid to Bushfire Victims
Hundreds of Australian architects are offering pro-bono design and planning services to bushfire-ravaged communities
Heartbreakingly, thousands of homes in Australia have been destroyed or damaged by this summer’s devastating bushfires, and in response architects across the nation have put up their hands to help. Over 400 local architectural practices have signed up to Architects Assist to offer free design and planning services to help bushfire victims rebuild their homes and their lives – and the number is rising.
“The response so far has been incredible,” says Cambage. “We’ve had more than 400 practices and 800 students sign up, and the numbers continue to grow.
“Everyone from individual architects and small practices to some of the biggest and most well-known firms in the country have put up their hands to help these communities,” she says.
“Everyone from individual architects and small practices to some of the biggest and most well-known firms in the country have put up their hands to help these communities,” she says.
At this stage, the initiative is focused on collecting the names of architects who are willing to share their expertise. Ultimately, it aims to connect these design professionals with individuals who have lost their homes but don’t have sufficient means to rebuild them.
“Next week the website will include an interactive map that allows architects to indicate the regions they’ve worked in and their specialist skills – because remember it’s not just houses being lost in the fires, but bridges, infrastructure and schools too,” says Cambage.
“Next week the website will include an interactive map that allows architects to indicate the regions they’ve worked in and their specialist skills – because remember it’s not just houses being lost in the fires, but bridges, infrastructure and schools too,” says Cambage.
Homeowners aren’t the only ones who will be offered a helping hand under the scheme. Small businesses and communities affected by the disaster that have lost shops, halls, churches and theatres can apply for pro-bono assistance too. “We also hope to link up students with practices so they can rebuild these communities together,” says Cambage.
Services will be offered on a needs basis – anything from simply providing individuals with advice from a qualified architect and design and planning services to masterplanning entire communities.
Services will be offered on a needs basis – anything from simply providing individuals with advice from a qualified architect and design and planning services to masterplanning entire communities.
“Ultimately, it’s about architects going on-site and into these communities, listening to what people need and providing the help they require. Our hope is that homes and communities won’t just be rebuilt, but that they’ll be built better,” says Cambage.
If you are a registered architect and you would like to sign up or learn more, visit the Architects Assist website.
Your turn
Are you as impressed with this bold initiative as we are? Tell us in the Comments below, like this story and join the conversation.
More
Want more on architecture? Don’t miss: Building to a Budget: 12 Must-Know Design Considerations
Your turn
Are you as impressed with this bold initiative as we are? Tell us in the Comments below, like this story and join the conversation.
More
Want more on architecture? Don’t miss: Building to a Budget: 12 Must-Know Design Considerations
“Jiri started Architects Assist at a time when everyone was asking ‘What can I do to help?’” says Julia Cambage, CEO of the Australian Institute of Architects. “He was a developer before turning to architecture, and now he has put those two skills together to connect architects with individuals and communities in need.”