A Day in the Life of a Humanitarian Architect

BACKGROUND: 'A day in the life of a humanitarian architect' was a project curated by Esther Charlesworth comprising a series of events including an exhibition, a symposium and workshop. It was a part of the exhibition project 'WORKAROUND,' showcasing women working in architecture and related fields demonstrating the various "workarounds" they employ to effect positive change in the built environment. WORKAROUND had an unconventional format as a 'broadcasting exhibition;' rather than showing objects, it featured online broadcasts and a program of live events to showcase the 'voices and actions' of the activists through their practices. CONTRIBUTION: For this project, Charlesworth brought together the practices and projects of 10 'Humanitarian Architects' - including herself - dedicated to improving human welfare through designing shelter and infrastructure projects in complex and socially marginalised communities. During a live broadcast as part of the exhibition, Charlesworth articulated her strategies and workarounds and reflected on her activist practice. The project extends her ongoing research and practice on developing appropriate and effective design strategies for communities dealing with disasters. SIGNIFICANCE: Charlesworth was one of fourteen Australian practitioners invited by curators Kate Rhodes, Fleur Watson and Naomi Stead to show this project at RMIT Design Hub. The project was made public, or 'exhibited,' as a series of public talks by herself and invited speakers at the Design Hub. It was also broadcast live online. Charlesworth's project was also a headline event during Humanitarian Architecture Week. The project was extensively reviewed in Architecture Australia, ABC News, Sydney Morning Herald and online design platform 'Destig.' Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) radio broadcaster Phillip Adams has referred to Charlesworth as 'destined to develop into one of the greater forces of good on this battered planet.'