Another program that (red)rocks...

In my search for other programs out there that involve service learning similar to what the Rural Studio does, I came across DesignBuildBLUFF. Inspired by the Rural Studio, the DesignBuildBLUFF program is affilfiated with the University of Utah College of Architecture. Their mission statement flies the headline, "Engaging minds, calloused hands and open hearts," and it concludes, "Ultimately, DesignBuildBLUFF will not construct buildings as much as it will create unbounding joy." In the following clip, the program's founder, Hank Louis, indicates that in making one family happy, a hundred others become upset. When you see their work, you can understand why all families would like to benefit. I hope they find a way to keep bringing the "unbounded joy." Check out the video from Park City Television, visit the website, read the project blog and enjoy the scenery while you're at it...

A development example...

I don't remember how or where I came across Rural Studio, but I'm glad I did. The program is too vast for me to give a sufficient description here; it's more enjoyable to click around their website on your own anyway. I will quote one sentence from the Rural Studio mission statement: The Rural Studio seeks solutions to the needs of the community within the community's own context, not from outside it. In short, students in the Auburn University School of Architecture put what they learn to work in impoverished places. It's service learning. It's amazing.

I hope to expose my justice and peace students to as many programs like the Rural Studio as possible this coming semester. I think many of the ideas and attitudes about community that we try to incorporate in our semester project (see previous post) are embodied in the actions of the students, faculty and staff involved in Rural Studio.

Filmmaker Cristina Garmendia produced the following clip that gives a glimpse of the program. It is part of a full-length documentary. More of Christina's work can be viewed on the youtube channel criticalarchfilms.



I'd love to find more examples of people doing things like this.