Architects Without Borders-Oregon assists communities in need by providing design and planning services through a volunteer network of professionals and students. Like other organizations using the designation Architects Without Borders or Architecture Sans Frontiere, AWB-Oregon is guided by the Hasselt Charter. AWB-Oregon’s mission, goals and practices rest on that foundational document. Our bylaws may be found here.

Goals

• Connect the Oregon design and building community to communities and non-profit groups that need architectural assistance.

• Address urgent and chronic conditions of inadequate infrastructure, community facilities, and shelter.

• Provide opportunities for architecture students and interns to gain experience in service, collaboration, design, and construction.

Practices

• Assess potential projects in order to understand the needs of the community, the feasibility of providing effective assistance, and the availability of appropriate volunteers and institutional and material resources.

• Respect and work closely with the people served by our efforts.

• Collaborate with relief and development agencies, government entities, building professionals, and educational institutions in interdisciplinary teams. Involve local labor, resources and technology.

• Provide designs and use practices and technologies that are environmentally responsible and appropriate to the culture and climate of each location. Utilize charrette techniques to maximize involvement and clarify potential solutions.

• Support each project team by recruiting volunteers; making contacts within the professional community; providing publicity, legal support and budgeting; and conducting fundraising for AWB’s work.