Introduction to Every Shelter
Two Rice architecture alums, Sam Brisendine and Scott Key, are making a significant impact on a global level through their charitable organization, Every Shelter. As former Gensler Houston interns, they are utilizing their expertise to provide shelter solutions for homeless and displaced refugees.
Global Giveback Month at Gensler
June is Global Giveback Month at the international design and architecture firm, Gensler. During this month, Every Shelter is being featured in a new exhibit in the lobby of Gensler’s office in downtown Houston, titled "Why We Flee." The exhibit showcases the work of Every Shelter and highlights the issue of human displacement, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The "Why We Flee" Exhibit
The "Why We Flee" exhibit features photographs by 26-year-old war photojournalist Moses Sawasawa, which shed light on the endless conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The exhibit also displays common goods that Every Shelter repurposes into supplies and tools for refugees to design and build their own permanent homes. This unique approach empowers communities to take ownership of their shelter solutions.
Every Shelter’s Mission
Every Shelter focuses on designing, building, and supplying permanent shelter solutions for refugees. Based in Houston, TX, and Kampala, Uganda, the organization works directly with newly-arriving refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo in Nakivale Refugee Settlement. Every Shelter is "community-led, expert-supported," which means they teach communities how to design and build for their own needs.
Community-Led Approach
Every Shelter has a design studio in their Ugandan office, where humanitarian aid architects lead an architecture and design curriculum for refugees between the ages of 18-30 years old. At the end of the nine-week program, students design a solution for a need in their community. This approach empowers refugees to take ownership of their shelter solutions and creates a sense of community.
Impact of Every Shelter
The most coveted shelter solution provided by Every Shelter is the brick molds, which cost under $10 to make. By supplying these molds and teaching refugees how to make bricks from local organic matter, Every Shelter can help families move from living under a tarp to living in a brick home in about a year. This solution has a significant impact on the lives of refugees, providing them with a sense of security and dignity.
Partnership with Gensler
The focus on design, architecture, and construction in underserved communities resonates deeply with Gensler. The company’s managing director and principal, Stephanie Burritt, feels a connection to Every Shelter’s ethos and is excited to showcase their work. The "Why We Flee" exhibit has been a great opportunity for Gensler to give back to the community and raise awareness about the issue of human displacement.
Conclusion
Every Shelter is making a significant impact on the lives of refugees through their innovative approach to shelter solutions. The partnership with Gensler has provided a platform for the organization to raise awareness about the issue of human displacement and showcase their work. As the "Why We Flee" exhibit comes to a close, Every Shelter hopes to find a new home for the exhibit and continue to make a difference in the lives of refugees around the world. The organization’s community-led approach and focus on empowering refugees to take ownership of their shelter solutions are a testament to the power of design and architecture to create positive change.
