On October 8th a 7.6 magnitude earthquake rocked the region near Kashmir, less than 65 miles from Islamabad, Pakistan. The death toll is over 87,000+, with another 80,000 injured. An estimated 3.3 million have lost their homes.

The real need is not only in relief and recovery but the transitional and long term shelter needs of those displaced - shelter that must be earthquake resistant for the future. Many more will die due to inadequate protection in the coming months and a second tragedy is unfolding.

Architecture for Humanity has launched an open call for ideas for pictorial (cartoon) diagrams of earthquake resistant housing schemes that will help empower communities on the long-term reconstruction effort. It is free to enter and is open for anyone. Ideas are due by January 20th 2006.

> Background Information and Criteria
> Entry Requirements
The criteria was developed by project partner Arup alongside a number of locally based architects, engineers and government officials. The AIGA and Architecture for Humanity will take the best refined ideas and help to assemble a manual for distribution throughout the affected regions.

Project Partners: Arup, AIGA, AFH-Boston, AFH-Minnesota, CALA and Architecture for Humanity


In Muzaffarabad, Pakistan, recycled advertising billboards are being used to waterproof the tents of earthquake refugees. We can do better and we should do better. The architecture, engineering and design community needs to respond.