Do It Yourself - Towards self-construction in architecture

Essay from the year 2011 in the subject Art - Architecture / History of Construction, National University of San Augustin (-), course: Architecture & Urban Design, language: English, abstract: Many people believe that architecture is used inappropriately to obtain fame, richness and prestige with a disregard for societies' welfare, and that it is not capable to contribute socially and environmentally to humanity. In this context, this essay focuses on presenting the Do it Yourself Design Approach as an initiative to establish self construction processes to adapt high-technologies in communities affected by distressed conditions. Four architecture and urban projects undertook during the last four years exemplify how this vision could be achieved to improve the quality of life in both the city and rural areas. Designers have the opportunity to draw a balanced future for all acting as mediators in community involvement. Through this essay, I call everybody to expand their action beyond paper, beyond the studio; benefitting wealthy and poor communities alike, in order to reduce the social, economic and cultural gaps of our societies.