Nothing is more powerful than an idea

Today our Director, Jo Ashbridge shared her thoughts about our current project in China, on the British Council blog.

Until a few months ago, I had never considered myself a maker.

My assumption was that the maker culture lent towards high-tech engineering; electronics, robotics, 3-D printing... and that these pursuits were favoured over more traditional craftsmanship. The term suggests a focus and drive for a physical solution, solely market driven and perhaps even irrespective of need.

As someone who runs an architecture charity, believing in people and process over product, I wasn’t sure if our design ethos would align. However, when the opportunity arose to join Hello Shenzhen, a bilateral exchange programme connecting makers in the UK and China... I jumped.

Design competition - Xinguang village

Calling all designers, innovators, social scientists, students and companies... enter our new design / ideas competition.

We are looking for a range of innovative ideas and fresh thinking to imagine a new life for the forgotten buildings of Xinguang village, and a vision for progress in rural China. Shortlisted entries will form part of a public exhibition on Sunday 26th March in Xinguang village.

 

UPDATE: THE COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED.

Visit our project page for more details.

 

Featured on The Huffington Post

Recently we sat down with journalist and human rights campaigner Anastasia Kyriacou to chat about all things socially impactful, including what we're up to. Today her article on AzuKo was featured as Editor's Pick on The Huffington Post.

AzuKo wholeheartedly believes in trans-disciplinary designs that incorporate not just the architect, but the economist, the political head, the local artist and most importantly the end-user round the table from the very start of the process. After all, human-centered design must prize the beneficiaries at its heart, which is why AzuKo holds trust, respect and understanding as fundamental to the design process. For only with this holistic approach, can all of humanity benefit from sustainable design.