Open Architecture Network Launches iPad Application to Showcase Innovative Projects and to Bring Crowd Transparency to Social Impact Around the World

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Oct 14, 2010, 02:30 ET

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/open-architecture/id393461211?mt=8

NEW YORK, Oct. 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Open Architecture Network (OAN) an online, open source community dedicated to improving living conditions through innovative and sustainable design launched Open Architecture, a ground breaking iPad application today that will inevitably change the world looks at design and building for communities in need. This new application is the first of its kind tool for the designers and community groups in the field that connects with donors and supporters around the world. Already over 2500 Creative Commons licensed projects are included in the App and growing every day.

Developed and realized by Architecture for Humanity and o2 Creative Solutions, the iPad app was previewed at the 2010 Clinton Global Initiative and the USAID Science and Technology Forum before being included in the Small Scale, Big Change: New Architecture of Social Engagement exhibit, now appearing at the Museum of Modern Art until January 2011. The App will also be previewed at Design Like You Give A Damn Live!, a panel hosted by Architecture for Humanity on Saturday, October 16, in New York at the Center for Architecture.

Design Like You Give A Damn Live! Panel is open to the public.

Friday October 16, 2010 For tickets : http://tinyurl.com/24a2hnf

"There are a million ideas to change the world but unless we build it doesn't matter. Finally we can clearly see innovative humanitarian work happening all over the planet," said Cameron Sinclair, co-founder of Architecture for Humanity and 2006 TED prize winner. "As important as it is to see where work is being done, it is just as insightful to see where work is not being done and how we can respond to innovation deserts around the world. Additionally now anyone can see projects in real time, creating a new paradigm of crowd transparency as a mechanism development and disaster response accountability."

The Application originated when the co-founders of Architecture for Humanity and o2 creative solutions connected through Twitter and seed funded the idea with dozens of individuals through kickstarter <http://kck.st/9BSyw7> This online collaboration shows the ability to use online social networking to build an innovative product in less than a month. Today we are proud to announce that you can download the Open Architecture app for $2.99 at the App Store.

All the proceeds of the application are being placed towards projects that are improving living standards and will be selected through a virtual credit system by App owners. The first three projects to be funded will be a youth technology center in the slums of Nairobi, housing for those displaced by floods in Pakistan and a cultural center in New Orleans. As each project is funded Architecture for Humanity will build those building and additional structures will be added to the app, creating a unique ability to support and track projects in real time.

The Open Architecture Network was borne out of the 2006 TED Prize and is the brainchild of Architecture for Humanity and the designers who volunteer with us and through our local chapters. It grew out of a collective frustration in sharing innovative ideas and trying to work collaboratively to address shelter needs after disaster, in informal settlements and in our own communities.

Architecture for Humanity

Architecture for Humanity is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that seeks architectural solutions to humanitarian crisis and brings professional design and construction services to communities in need. To date they have worked in 38 countries and are involved in reconstruction work in Chile, Haiti and Pakistan. www.architectureforhumanity.org

Open Architecture Network

The Open Architecture Network is an online, open source community dedicated to improving living conditions through innovative and sustainable design. The network was born out of the 2006 TED Prize and has developed into the largest online repository of humanitarian projects in the world. www.openarchitecturenetwork.org

o2 creative solutions

o2 creative solutions is an experience design firm that fuses design, technology and communications to create integrated experiences. o2 creates immersive events, environments and applications that tap the senses and encourage participation. By blending storytelling and an understanding of human interactivity, o2 is able to offer unique ways to connect people and create the talked-about experience.

http://www.o2creativesolutions.com

SOURCE Architecture for Humanity