Good Deeds, Good Design: Community Service through Architecture

by Bryan Bell (Editor)

It may come as no surprise that only two percent of new homebuyers work directly with an architect to design the space in which they will live indeed, architects are usually seen as a luxury most of us, the other ninety-eight percent, cant afford.
Yet, why shouldnt more people call on the services of architects? With fierce competition for few commissions, why do architects not seek out other sources of work and income? Now, acting within larger institutions or on their own, many architects are taking local initiatives to address the underserved, particularly the poor. Good Deeds, Good Design presents the best new thoughts and practices in this emerging movement toward an architecture that serves a broader population.In this book, architecture firms, community design centers, design/build programs, and service-based organizations offer their plans for buildings for the other ninety-eight percent. Twenty-eight essays and case studies illustrate successes and failures and raise both design and social issues.
The success of Rural Studio suggests that there is a large and growing number of people who would like to see good design for all. With its clear, direct, and inspiring message, and numerous illustrated examples, Good Deeds, Good Design follows this important story.

Genres: Architecture

239 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2003

Reviews

[Josh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great as a reference but it was really hard for me to get through to the end. Maybe it was just the small font size?

[Jonathan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The very clear take away is that Architects should be activists. The participitory design process is promoted throughout. I am not so sure about participitory design. My experience has shown the loudest voices in the process are often the least deserving and least informed, in other words: dumb.

There are some nuggets of real wisdom scattered throughout, and the book has moved me towards activism. I was dissappointed to see that almost all the contributors were very young graduates as opposed to seasoned practitioners. Was does that say about experienced architects? Are we jaded, complacent, unwilling, overburdened?

[Carl Wade · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was still learning to take notes when I read this book. So the book will be better than my notes.
Pg 14: Resource: "Christian View of Simplicity" by Richard J. Foster.
Pg 70: Resource: "New Village: Building Sustainable Cultures"
Pg 17: Two questions of the book ; Get housing for low income groups. Get jobs for Architects just out of school.
Pg 18: Community Development Corporations; some are government and some are nonprofit. Marginal or unconnected students must find experience in architecture.

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

an inspiring look at the work of architects and designers addressing the 98% of the population who usually build without us. the essays, advice, and first-hand accounts of what it means is a refreshing perspective for those of us who have grown tired of designing luxury lofts and corporate interiors.