Sam Mitchell + Here There Architecture

Who Cares? talks 2018 – Sam Mitchell and Here There Architecture

Sam Mitchell

Reactive Carpentry
The ongoing European refugee crisis of recent years has been a unique context for humanitarian work. The fast-paced, rapidly changing situation on the ground for often small NGOs and independent volunteer networks has created a need to be flexible, responsive and innovative in how humanitarian services are designed and provided. This has been just as true for shelter and infrastructure needs. Across the continent, teams of builders and trades people (often carpenters) are having to work with the tools, skills and materials that are immediately available to address ever-changing construction challenges that arise from month to month, day to day and even hour to hour. This short talk will cover some examples of more improvised spontaneous construction solutions in this context and notes about how timber seems to often be the go-to material for DIY humanitarians.

Here There Architecture

Here there Architecture’s adventure began in 2016, to establish a socially minded and sustainable way of improving the built environment around our world.

They strive to work with people from all walks of life, whether to design and manage their new home, their new business venture or to develop a community project for their area. Their architectural design is informed by extensive experience in various countries. They react to clients needs and form relationships through design meetings without preconceptions of what clients need their space to do for them. Each client is unique and it is through a true understanding of their needs that good design can be achieved. This process was developed by responding to client needs in cultures that Here There Architecture were only beginning to understand. However they find it is equally applicable closer to home. Each completed project enables them to develop proposals in different communities and cultures around the world, where resources are finite and quality of life could be drastically improved with a new school or hospital. They offer transparency in every project and hope this added value will bring together a network of involved communities around the world.

A project "Here" at home allows them to progress a project "There" wherever needed.

They believe that architectural design should be available for everyone as a tool of social innovation. Their new business model will allow for those socially-minded individuals and companies to invest in them as designers to create a world where design can connect and empower those they work with, independent of status, location or opportunities.

Their experience includes a broad spectrum of projects around the world. These have inspired their innovative and unique approaches to design and progressive methods of project management.

The event will take place at 6.30pm in Goulston Street Basement Lecture Hall (room GSB–01).

Drinks and snacks will be provided – we hope to see you all there!