Eco Abet Summer Charrette ReCap

On July 12th, 2011, Eco Abet, a Kansas City-based non-profit architecture and design organization, hosted its first annual summer charrette and fund/friendraiser at the KC Design Center in Kansas City, MO. As more than 90% of the population cannot afford design services, Eco Abet bought together the Kansas City design community with several non-profit organizations that address the needs of local underserved groups.

The design charrette included diverse groups of designers, along with representation from the non-profit groups being served. There were over 70 participants and eight charrette teams signed up for the charrette. The teams collaborated to generate a solution for a specific, identified design need. The charrette took place from 11:30 am to 5:00 pm, followed by a public exhibition and reception from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm. The presentation started at 6:30 pm.

The general mission of the organization is to participate in the creation, initiation, and design of local and global architecture projects. Of special interest to Eco Abet are design projects that address the needs of children (and other vulnerable populations) that have been exposed to poverty, natural disasters, and traumas of various kinds. Eco Abet will also engage in research and prototype development for disaster relief housing, schools and clinics, community play spaces, and sustainable design solutions.

Funds generated by the event will be used to provide architecture and design internships with Eco Abet. In return, interns will provide a valuable design service to underserved communities.

Eco Abet would like to thank event sponsors Burns & McDonnell, BRR Architecture, Treanor Architects, Zahner, Spin Pizza, Magnolia's, Boulevard Brewery and My Smart Plans. Thank you to our non profit partners 816 Bike collective, New House Women Shelter, ReStart, Downtown Council and WestsideCAN. Also we would like to recognize our panel members Kirk Gastinger, Kite Singleton, Dominique Davison, Ryan Townsend, Vicki Noteis and Joy Swallow, and the panel moderator Vladimir Krstic. A big thank you to Clint Wynn volunteering his time to document the event. Finally the Summer Charrette would not be a success without the charrette team leaders Chris Mitchell, Devan Case, John Quinton, Aimee Gray, Joy Coleman, Paul Sanders, Brian Roth and Eric Boch and their enthusiastic team members.

Thank you everyone for supporting Eco Abet to advance it's mission. We will keep you informed on our plans to take these projects forward. We hope to see you all at a future charrette.