Andrew Telker, Digital Artist: Architecture for Humanity, Presentation at Emory University (2.3.11)

Architecture for Humanity Seminar
Emory University Feb 3 2011

It was an eventful afternoon over at Emory University. Today I attended Emory as an invited guest speaker for the Architecture for Humanity Seminar hosted by Judith Rohrer, Ph.D, and Chair of the Art History Department. This is the second year in a row Professor Rohrer has hosted such a seminar, aimed at creating awareness and promoting social responsibility to students enrolled in the curriculum.

Guest speakers today were Rick Glassman, Chair & Andrew Telker, Board Member, on behalf of Architecture for Humanity Atlanta Chapter, and also Akin Afolayan, Executive Director of Hope Floats Initiative.

Architecture for Humanity Seminar - Emory University
Rick, Chair of the AFHA, Leading the Discussion

Rick, Chair of Architecture for Humanity Atlanta Chapter discussed the workings and founding of the Architecture for Humanity NATIONAL, through which the local Atlanta Chapter was (re)formed just over 2 years ago. He continued to discuss several of the success stories of the AFHA organization, including the Oasis Project, Haiti Reconstruction efforts, Birdhouse Social, and the English Avenue Project. Rick elaborated on some of the challenges of being a Civic Activist while talking during the Presentation, but continued to put a strong emphasis of the mission of the AFHA organization.

Andrew, Board Member of Architecture for Humanity Atlanta Chapter discussed the need for the cross pollination of several local activist groups in order to maximize progressive positive change in the community. Although not an official spokesman for the group, Andrew, a build volunteer since May 2008, discussed his role with the MADHousers organization. MAD HOUSERS Inc. is an Atlanta-based non-profit corporation engaged in charitable work, research and education. Their main focus is building shelters for the Homeless. Andrew talked about the two most successful structures built by the group: the HUT, and the LOWRIDER, and how each structure fit a particular situation and client. Both units are built in panel formations, and then assembled at the needed location in only an hour or two. AFHA will be volunteering labor in an upcoming MADHousers Shelter build, check the AFHA WebSite for event dates.

Architecture for Humanity Seminar - Emory University - 2.3.11
Andrew, Board Member of the AFHA, talking about Civic Activism.

The MADHousers organization: provides shelter for homeless individuals and families regardless of race, creed, national origin, gender, religion, or age. - develops low income housing for people in need of housing & help people develop the skills and knowledge for constructing and rehabilitating housing and shelter.

Akin, Executive Director of Hope Floats Initiative (HFI) presented the prototype Amphibious Clinic/Community Center. It is an Amphibious Clinic with the aim at providing healthcare and sustainable developmental solutions to informal coastal settlements worldwide. During the presentation, Akin outlined the need for such a project, and spoke about the process of designing, and testing the prototype here in Atlanta in early 2009. He went onward to describe launching the prototype Floating Clinic in July of 2009 in Makako Nigeria. Akin described that during Construction in Makoko, HFI provided temporary employment to a few dozen local youths, and a few long-term positions in the community. Ultimately he explained, the effort of HFI succeeded with amazing support from partners & friends at AFH Atlanta as well as the Yaba Local Government Development Authority in Lagos.

Architecture for Humanity Seminar - Emory University
Akin, Executive of the Hope Floats Initiative shares Ideas.

"Currently, Hope Floats Initiative continues to function, and has celebrated 22 free surgeries carried out by their medical team led by Dr Simeon Afolayan and his surgeon colleagues."

Hope Floats Initiative Slides

Finally, we finished our presentation by looking some at some fun items like the "HFI Coloring & Activity Book" promotional fundraising material and 3D FoldUp Paper Model. All in All, it was a great afternoon. Architecture for Humanity Atlanta Chapter (AFHA) was honored to be able to present today at Emory University. AFHA has made great progress in the past couple of years due to countless volunteer hours by numerous folks. We look forward to seeing both new & old faces participating in all the projects, activites and events for 2011. Special thanks again to Professor Rohrer & Emory University for hosting AFHA on 2.3.11.