Resumen en Español

"The more desperate the need for change in people's lives the greater the potential of architecture to help bring about such change" BHD

OUR GOALS ARE  

To stimulate human development through the provision of inspiring, uplifting and sustainable buildings. To read more  please click here.

BHD LETTER OF INTRODUCTION

Please click here to read BHD letter of introduction written by our director Marion Regitko

BHD ACTIVITY SUMMARY 2010

Please click here to read our BHD activity summary 2010.

PHOTOS OF THE NURSERY BUILDING IN PERU

Sketch model by Joelke Offringa and Marion Regitko

"The sketches already give a sense of what the building will be. People will come from all over the country attracted by the architecture and will find a project alive. To be able to live, recreate, dream, create in such a place will be a joy forever"

Sister Angela Mary C.S.C., President of the Centro de Orientação e Educação à Juventude in Sao Paulo, Brazil, 2002

THE HUMAN DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT      

" ... It is about creating an environment in which people can develop their full potential and lead productive, creative lives in accord with their needs and interests. People are the real wealth of nations. Development is thus about expanding the choices people have to lead lives that they value. ... Fundamental to enlarging these choices is building human capabilities - the range of things that people can do or be in life. The most basic capabilities for human development are to lead long and healthy lives, to be knowledgeable, to have access to the resources needed for a decent standard of living and to be able to participate in the life of the community. Without these, many choices are simply not available, and many opportunities in life remain inaccessible. ... The goal is human freedom. And in pursuing capabilities and realizing rights, this freedom is vital. People must be free to exercise their choices and to participate in decision-making that affects their lives. Human development and human rights are mutually reinforcing, helping to secure the well-being and dignity of all people, building self-respect and the respect of others."   

Article from the Web of the United Nations Development Program about Human Development 

To read the full article on the UNDP web site please click here.

OUR  VOLUNTEERS

• Charles Okunya Oode, Reverend and teacher

• Mónica Ángel  Muñoz, dentist and tranlator for BHD

• Robert  Haslett, company director

• Daniela  Stefan, architect

• MO STUDIO,  architect

BHD  says Thank You for Your Great Support!

 info@bhdinternational.org

WHAT WE DO

What we do is seek out charities and NPOs that want to make a building to carry out their work. We are open to helping many different types of organisation. Usually our partners are active in the fields of education, gender equality, health, culture, children rights and social cohesion. In fact any organisation that is based on the goal of 'human development' is a potential partner for BHD. Once we have identified a potential project we assess the partner organisation to see if they have the resources and experience to carry out the project. Once we have signed a collaboration agreement and the respective roles of BHD and our partners are clearly defined we start with the project.

The first step is to analyse the project together with the partner and draw up a design brief. We then look for architects to create preliminary designs based on this brief. Architects provide the preliminary design on a voluntary basis. The design is their donation, or gift, to the project. BHD then looks preferably for local partners, project architects, engineers etc. to realize the design through to completion. BHD always acts as overall project co-ordinator.

BHD relies completely on its volunteers, doners and members for support.

JOIN US and help BHD continue its with its mission. We are always looking for support both in terms of volunteers and financial contributions.

Please click here to find out how to support BHD through membership or donation. Click here to find out how to become a BHD Volunteer.

SUMMARY OF SERVICES

Free professional architectural services to non-profit organisations include:

• Needs assessment and site analysis.
• Liaison and negotiation with officials.
• Establishment of the design brief.
• Oversee selection of local firms (architects, builders etc.) to develop and realise the building.
• Supervision of the design.
• Oversee building construction supervision.
• Contract documents and tender process.
• Local Labour and skills training, professional advise about sustainable building design.
• Risk and liability management.
• Post-occupancy analysis.