Designed for Habitat: Collaborations with Habitat for Humanity
"Designed for Habitat presents potent evidence of the link between design and dignity, particularly in the context of low-income housing. It captures a crucial trifecta of perspectives--Habitat for Humanity leaders, homeowners, and designers. Their powerful, sometimes explosive stories aren't sugarcoated by Hinson and Miller; the pair makes clear that these collaborations present huge challenges for often-opposing cultures, but can yield unprecedented payoffs. With America's housing in a perpetual state of crisis, such partnerships are more important than ever. This highly-instructive, landmark book is an unmatched guide for future collaborations. It communicates so clearly and so convincingly to Habitat and its homeowners that they too deserve good design; indeed, we all do."John Cary, Author,The Power of Pro Bono; Founder & Editor,PublicInterestDesign.org"This book is a must read for anyone interested in solving US iniquities in housing because it’s not just about housing. These are stories about both America’s faith in itself and its tireless ingenuity. Hallelujah, amen and hats off to all its contributors!"Michael Pyatok, FAIA, Principal Pyatok Architects"Unlike most architecture books, this book goes beyond the pictures to explain how these houses were designed and built, and offers practical lessons for architects and practitioners. It should be required reading for anyone who develops or builds modest, affordable single family houses, as well as for any architect who considers this product unworthy of their talents."Alan Mallach, The Brookings Institution, Author ofA Decent Home: Planning, Building and Preserving Affordable Housing