Architects Without Frontiers | Australia

AWF was set up 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 (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 developing and delivering 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.