We are Architects Without Frontiers!

Architects Without Frontiers was established in 1999 by Melbourne architects and planners Esther Charlesworth, Garry Ormston and Beau Beza, after Esther Charlesworth led a group of Melbourne University design students to Mostar in Bosnia-Hertzegovina. This expedition prompted research into ways of using Australian design expertise (predominantly in architecture, urban design and landscape architecture) in post-conflict areas. Since then, AWF have expanded its focus to long-term community development projects, integrating design and appropriate technology into sustainable development practice through partnership with communities, other non-profits, clients and organisations.

The strength of the organisation to date has been in its capacity to both develop and deliver incremental and long-term built outcomes for projects. This has had far reaching impact on communities, organisations, AWF members and partners.

In its recent history AWF have achieved the following: -

• Worked with local communities to deliver simple, low-cost design solutions and built projects in 12 countries;
• Established long-term partnerships and project bases in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Papua New Guinea and Fiji;
• Established long-term partnerships and project bases with Australian Indigenous communities in Arnhem land;
• Demonstrated work integrated learning programs for students through the ‘Building the Community’ student design studio in Hoi An;
• Mobilised volunteers from across Australia on projects in Australia and overseas.

Our Vision :

At AWF, we strive to mobilise the resources of the Australian design profession to assist communities in need through delivering built projects.

Our Mission :

Architects Without Frontiers’ mission is to build projects with communities in need, focusing on Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. We develop long-term community partnerships and provide design services that improve community infrastructure and sustainable livelihoods.

In pursuit of this mission, the goals of our organisation include: -

• Connecting communities in need with appropriate architectural services;
• Establishing long-term partnerships with communities through built projects;
• Promoting architecture as a means to ensure community development projects are culturally appropriate, cost-effective and environmentally sustainable.

The Millennium Development Goals :

Architects Without Frontiers works within the framework of the Millennium Development Goals, especially in relation to overcoming the causes of poverty and improving education, gender equality, health and environmental quality. AWF adopts a Results Based Management approach to development and has been working with disadvantaged communities, irrespective of race, religion, creed or political affiliation.

Charter :

• To provide support or remedial work on behalf of vulnerable and disadvantaged communities, respecting the principle of non-discrimination
• To promote an architectural culture based on appropriateness: i.e.; ethical attitudes, technologies and respect for environmental and local identity values
• To develop knowledge exchange, joint projects and processes underlining the educational potential in raising awareness on social issues
• To promote the facilitation of North to South and South-to-South dialogue and partnerships
• To recognise the benefits of multicultural and interdisciplinary approaches in the facilitation of support
• To underline the inherent long-term prospects of emergency relief to development growth
• To share public debate, knowledge and practices exchange and research on the basis of the aims of ASF-International
• To defend the right and improve access for adequate housing as a fundamental Human Right.

Guiding Principles :

• Develop and implement long-term design projects with and for communities in need
• Work with local communities to establish self-reliance
• Establish partnerships and knowledge exchange for other reconstruction efforts and projects in Australia and abroad.

Organisational Structure :