The World of Giving

by Jeffrey Inaba, The Museum of Modern Art (Editor), Columbia University (Editor)

The last decade was largely defined by consumption and greed. An untold story, however, is the rise in benevolent giving seen in institutional, public and private sectors. Such characteristics as altruism and duty are now as influential as self-interest. The geography of aid has also broadened; networks of NGOs now supplement philanthropy and the global operations of official channels. It has become a crucial counterpart of authorized programs; agencies that provide vital services rely on contributions to augment official doctrines. Yet, the current recession threatens to limit support, diminishing aid at this critical moment when distress is increasing. A new culture of giving that includes volunteering and action, coupled with accumulated expertise may enable imminent needs to be met. The Gift Economy presents aid's history as an index of past and current relationships, indicating how its future promises a significant global role.

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Jeffrey Inaba is an architect, urban designer, and the
founder of INABA, a New York-based firm that specializes
in an analytical approach to form making which aims to formulate creative solutions that can be built with a high degree of construction resolution. His office has received design awards from the AIA/NY, Architizer, Architectural League of New York, the International Association of Lighting Designers, and its’ work has been published internationally. Mr. Inaba is the founding director of C-Lab,
a think tank at Columbia University‘s Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation that studies contemporary urban and architecture issues. He is the features editor of Volume Magazine, and the author and editor of numerous publications including Adaptation: Architecture, Technology, and the City (2012); and World of Giving (2009).

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Meh.