Pro bono architecture initiative, Architects Assist, connects architects with people in need – Archinect

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Image courtesy of Architects Assist.

The massive brushfires in Australia have damaged a large portion of the country's landscape.As of today, according to BBC News, "more than 100 fires are still burning in the states of New South Wales and Victoria." Many have lost their homes and family members in addition to the amount of wildlife impacted by the fires. However, as with previous large-scale tragedies such as this, people have started to come together to provide aid to those impacted.

On January 4, 2020, architect Jiri Lev of, Atelier Jiri Lev, established Architects Assist, an initiative that aims to provide planning and design assistance to those who have lost their homes during the fire.According to the Architects Assist website, the initiative "acts as a simple referral service between clients and registered architects (it does not itself provide architectural services)." An initiative run under mantle of the Australian Institutes of Architects,Architects Assists has rallied to provide support for current and future natural disaster victims in Australia.

With the media drawing much attention to the country's response to climate change, celebrities using their influence to assist, and news of the country's coal export-fueled economic growth threatened by the fires, Lev aims to provide another voice to the mix of disaster coverage.

Excerpt fromArchitects Assist:

"AA currently represents about500practices from across Australia, willing to dedicate some of their resources to pro bono work and1000students and graduates of architecture prepared to help if any opportunity becomes available to involve them in the AA program.

We aim to enable those affected by the present and future disasters to rebuild their lives, either by themselves or with help from the community, at once or in stages, with minimum amount of money.

Small businesses or communities which are finding it difficult to replace their lost assets, such as shops, halls, churches, or theaters, may also apply for assistance."

Community support and collaboration across disciplines is needed during times of disaster. The role of architects and their response to issues such as these has grown over the years. Lev alongside architects, students, and graduate students alike have joined forces to create a movement that may provide a catalyst for increased action. With the aim of growing the initiative toward positive architectural impacts, Lev and his team have created the Architects Assist: Global Directory for other architects around the world to help provide pro bono services during times of crisis.

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Pro bono architecture initiative, Architects Assist, connects architects with people in need - Archinect