Eco Abet Summer Charrette 2013 ReCap

On June 13th, 2013, Eco Abet, a Kansas City-based non-profit architecture and design organization, hosted its third 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 and individuals 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 50 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 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm. The presentation started at 6:00 pm.

The general mission of the organization is to act as a catalyst to meet the design needs of the underserved, primarily in the Kansas City metropolitan area, by serving as a connector and conduit between the design community and other nonprofit organizations.

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, BNIM Architecte, Price Chopper, Boulevard Brewery, JE Dunn, and Treanor Architects. Thank you to our non profit partners Upper Room Program, St Mark Hope Center and Digital Bridge. Finally the Summer Charrette would not be a success without the charrette team leaders 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.