Real-life, fundamental problems demand an approach to architecture where everything serves a purpose – an architecture that follows necessity. That is the belief of the young Norwegian architecture office TYIN tegnestue, who will present a selection of their work in poor and underdeveloped areas of Thailand, Haiti, Sumatra and Uganda. By actively involving the local population in both the design and building of their projects, the office is able to establish a framework for mutual exchange of knowledge and skills. All materials used in their projects are collected close to the sites or purchased from local merchants, and architecture students from around the world are involved.
TYIN tegnestue Architects was established in 2008. Currently run by recent graduates Andreas G Gjertsen and Yashar Hanstad, it has its headquarters in the Norwegian city of Trondheim.
The AA Community Cluster (community.aaschool.ac.uk) is a newly formed group that acts as a forum for people engaging with socially and environmentally responsible design. One facet of the Community Cluster is the AA’s Article 25 Student Chapter, the aim of which is to raise awareness – through lectures, workshops and events – about the role the built environment can play in international development and disaster relief. www.article-25.org