Architecture Brigades FAQ
How are projects selected?
Projects are selected after reviewing the reports from our in-country Research & Evaluation team and talking with potential partner communities. Factors such as need, community buy-in, and location are just a few of the indicators used in the selection.
Why are we building schools and health centers?
Currently, most communities identify a lack of health and education facilities as their highest infrastructural needs. Most children in rural Honduras only have access to education until the 6th grade, after which it is too far for them to travel to a bigger school to continue their education. By building secondary schools, Architecture Brigades is providing the children of these communities with access to almost 50% more education. It is common for many Hondurans to have to walk for hours just to seek basic medical attention due to a lack of health care facilities in rural areas. For this reason, Architecture Brigades has recently expanded into the health sector by constructing health centers. Each new structure has a community center integrated into the design as well, providing the community with much needed meeting space.
As a design student, what kind of experience will I gain or skills can I learn?
As a designer, it is critical to understand the more practical side of design, and to practice the hands-on technical work of making the design come together. During a brigade, a student is able to see the design come to life through their own direct actions, and understand the effects of using different materials and techniques. This helps to further a student’s knowledge of the built environment and increase their ability to design efficient, practical, and elegant solutions in diverse situations.
I'm not studying anything related to architecture or design, can I still help build structures for rural Honduras?
Absolutely! Most of the work in Honduras is done by students from all disciplines who simply want to help in any way they can. They choose Architecture Brigades because they want to be able to see the impact they have made at the end of day, and take pride in the tangible product of their volunteer efforts.
Do I need construction experience?
Nope! Though construction experience comes in handy, local experts and your Program Coordinator will show you all the necessary skills and techniques you will need during the brigade.
What kind of interaction will I have with the community?
Volunteers and masons from the community will be working alongside brigaders for the entire brigade. Depending on the time of year, you also may be able to interact with the local children attending class next door. During recess they may shyly ask you questions or challenge you to an intense game of fútbol. Also, the community may invite you to a cultural event which can include traditional food, music, and dancing. However, the educational activities are where you will get the most interaction with community members, for they are eager to learn new things and interact with the Norteamericanos.
As one volunteer, what kind of impact can I make? With such a large project, does my work really make a difference?
Yes! Every single volunteer makes a significant impact in the lives of the community members and progress of the project. Without potential volunteers like you, the project simply cannot happen. Your investment of time, money, and labor is the single most important driving force of building for the future of these communities. For every single volunteer, we can lay 50 large concrete blocks, mix 5 bags of cement, and reinforce the concrete with steel rebar. Imagine what a 25-person architecture brigade can do!
Where do the funds I raise go?
Your in-country costs are split between several areas such as food, lodging, transportation, and staffing. $100 goes directly towards purchasing the materials such as cement, concrete blocks, rebar, and hardware that you will use during the brigade. The complete breakdown can be found under the Pledging section of the website.
Does Architecture Brigades work with the government to construct the projects?
Yes, we partner with the local municipality when selecting the project, the design, and in the gathering of local materials, labor, advice, and land for the projects. We also work with them to ensure that structures will be properly staffed and maintained for their original use once construction is complete. This is a crucial part of the Global Brigades model, allowing us to work together with the community to achieve a common goal that both parties can take pride in.
Does Global Brigades hire the staff for the new schools and health centers?
No. In order to maintain the sustainability of the project, it is the responsibility of the local government to hire the teachers, health care workers, and other staff who will run the facility after construction is complete.
Projects are selected after reviewing the reports from our in-country Research & Evaluation team and talking with potential partner communities. Factors such as need, community buy-in, and location are just a few of the indicators used in the selection.
Why are we building schools and health centers?
Currently, most communities identify a lack of health and education facilities as their highest infrastructural needs. Most children in rural Honduras only have access to education until the 6th grade, after which it is too far for them to travel to a bigger school to continue their education. By building secondary schools, Architecture Brigades is providing the children of these communities with access to almost 50% more education. It is common for many Hondurans to have to walk for hours just to seek basic medical attention due to a lack of health care facilities in rural areas. For this reason, Architecture Brigades has recently expanded into the health sector by constructing health centers. Each new structure has a community center integrated into the design as well, providing the community with much needed meeting space.
As a design student, what kind of experience will I gain or skills can I learn?
As a designer, it is critical to understand the more practical side of design, and to practice the hands-on technical work of making the design come together. During a brigade, a student is able to see the design come to life through their own direct actions, and understand the effects of using different materials and techniques. This helps to further a student’s knowledge of the built environment and increase their ability to design efficient, practical, and elegant solutions in diverse situations.
I'm not studying anything related to architecture or design, can I still help build structures for rural Honduras?
Absolutely! Most of the work in Honduras is done by students from all disciplines who simply want to help in any way they can. They choose Architecture Brigades because they want to be able to see the impact they have made at the end of day, and take pride in the tangible product of their volunteer efforts.
Do I need construction experience?
Nope! Though construction experience comes in handy, local experts and your Program Coordinator will show you all the necessary skills and techniques you will need during the brigade.
What kind of interaction will I have with the community?
Volunteers and masons from the community will be working alongside brigaders for the entire brigade. Depending on the time of year, you also may be able to interact with the local children attending class next door. During recess they may shyly ask you questions or challenge you to an intense game of fútbol. Also, the community may invite you to a cultural event which can include traditional food, music, and dancing. However, the educational activities are where you will get the most interaction with community members, for they are eager to learn new things and interact with the Norteamericanos.
As one volunteer, what kind of impact can I make? With such a large project, does my work really make a difference?
Yes! Every single volunteer makes a significant impact in the lives of the community members and progress of the project. Without potential volunteers like you, the project simply cannot happen. Your investment of time, money, and labor is the single most important driving force of building for the future of these communities. For every single volunteer, we can lay 50 large concrete blocks, mix 5 bags of cement, and reinforce the concrete with steel rebar. Imagine what a 25-person architecture brigade can do!
Where do the funds I raise go?
Your in-country costs are split between several areas such as food, lodging, transportation, and staffing. $100 goes directly towards purchasing the materials such as cement, concrete blocks, rebar, and hardware that you will use during the brigade. The complete breakdown can be found under the Pledging section of the website.
Does Architecture Brigades work with the government to construct the projects?
Yes, we partner with the local municipality when selecting the project, the design, and in the gathering of local materials, labor, advice, and land for the projects. We also work with them to ensure that structures will be properly staffed and maintained for their original use once construction is complete. This is a crucial part of the Global Brigades model, allowing us to work together with the community to achieve a common goal that both parties can take pride in.
Does Global Brigades hire the staff for the new schools and health centers?
No. In order to maintain the sustainability of the project, it is the responsibility of the local government to hire the teachers, health care workers, and other staff who will run the facility after construction is complete.