1.

Cameron actually raises money to build the projects selected during the competition. So, it's not all pretty pictures and portfolios. And the focus is not always on relief housing...sometimes the projects are community-focused buildings in Africa. I would suggest that this friend of the friend actually spend a little time researching AFH before lambasting it, or at least go see Cameron lecture sometime.

2.

I've heard a handful of people (some well-known) criticize Cameron Sinclair, and I doubt one of those people has the balls to confront him directly. I've also seen dozens, if not hundreds or thousands of people--and not just architects--energized by the work of Architecture for Humanity. Constructive criticism is perfectly appropriate and (I'd agree) needed, but this shallow journalism simply isn't helpful or convincing.

3.

My name is The Guttersniper. You called me a journalist. Prepare to die.

4.

CURRENT PROJECTS [NOT INCLUDING US BASED PROJECTS]

SRI LANKA:
- Al Hidaya Transitional School
- Arunadaya School [COMPLETED]
- Kanagaretnam Transitional School [COMPLETED]
- Thahampaddai Transitional School [COMPLETED]
- Al Absan School [COMPLETED]
- Sinhapura School [COMPLETED]
- Womens' cooperative bakeries in Pottuvil
- Tissa Livelihoods Complex
- Kirinda/Tissa Community Complex [four buildings]

Other Projects Supported
- TSI SafeRhouse project
- Pottuvil College Sports Complex

INDIA:
- Ambedker Nager Community Center in Cuddalore, India
- Lenin Nagar Community Center in Cuddalore, India
- Pier Project to get 350 children to school

Pro Bono Design Support
- Kids With Cameras school project

Other Projects Supported:
- Womens center in Auroville.

SOUTH AFRICA:
- Siyathemba Youth Sports Facility and HIV/AIDS Outreach Clinic [5 year project]

PAKISTAN:
- earthquake resistant housing manual

GRENADA:
- transitional housing after Hurricane Emily [70 currently in use]

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Pros: raises awareness, raises funds, develops programs, supports other designers. Provides probono design support for international and US communities and non-profits.

Cons: only been around 5 years, lack of financial support from the architectural associations.

----

= easy target.

5.

917-776-4301

6.

i don't know what you're talking about but it's nice weather out today, isn't it? ahhh it's good to be alive.

7.

If Cameron would stop promoting himself and focus on his actual "accomplishments," perhaps there would be fewer cynics. Nevertheless, the only thing I ever hear about is that Mobile HIV/AIDS Clinic for Africa. Um, AIDS is spreading so quickly in Africa, in part, because it's a taboo subject that no one wants to talk about (hence, lack of AIDS education). So what would make you think that a big flashy clinic-on-wheels rolling into town is going to help anyone? Nice way to advertise to your entire village that you might have AIDS. This is pretty common sense, people. Makes you wonder what the real agenda is; helping the HIV-infected does not appear to be part of it.

8.

In either case, the press and accolades that have been lavished on Cameron are not commensurate with his true achievements. Is this necessarily his fault? No. Does he have a lot he has to still prove? Yes.

9.

Dear Cynic,
Sorry that you feel the work we do is undeserved of attention or recent accolades. However I'd like to note some errors in your posting.

Had you paid any real attention to the mobile health clinic project you would realize the whole point was to develop a highly distributed (meaning a number of different options) network of healthcare to support existing ngo/medical groups in delivering ARVs as well as testing and population studies.

The project spent a year in development before launching and worked with dozens of doctors in seven countries. Post competition finalists worked with stakeholders to develop and refine their designs. currently 2 projects are now in operation in Nigeria and Kenya - run and maintained by medical professionals. There are a number of related projects in development as we speak. Our role is not to end the AIDS crisis (sorry if you thought that) but to provide alternative ways to deliver care.

The incinuation that we neither care about the issue or am promoting a 'flashy clinic-on-wheels' show a lack of knowledge and research on the project and its outcomes. Also if you knew anything about how medical care is delivered within sub-saharan Africa you'd understand that in rural areas mobile care has been in operation for decades. Secondly you'd also be aware that in order to ramp up a mobile system it takes alot to bring together all the stakeholders, community engagement and owership. This takes years -- we are only 2 years out from the competition. what do you suggest - a pop concert to 'raise awareness'??

As for accolades all the things that AFH (note the organization not me) has been awarded has been donated to its programs. We are also all working on a volunteer basis. So what are you suggesting our 'real agenda'?

The mission of AFH is to act as a conduit between the design profession and the humanitarian world and to provide design services for communities in need. As someone posted above we are currently doing this in four countries. We are actually quite overwhelmed of what we've accomplished with only 2 full time staff, 3 p/t students and 4 in the field project managers.

Six years ago we made a commitment not only to create that opportunity. In doing so alot of sacrifices were made along the way. I stop designing, which i love to do, and a number of people invested time, money and pretty much every waking hour towards developing and supporting projects. This wasn't done to get press, it was doen because we actually believe in something. That design CAN make a difference and that the profession has the resources, innovation and talent to do so.

We've not only worked on projects but also had to generate all the funding for them. And from the most unlikely sources. 9yr olds have raised ten times more funds selling hot chocolate than funds received from architectural associations over the last 6 years. Equally, the reason I am on the road speaking is not only to encourage other designers to get involved but ALL the speaking fees are donated to projects. Many of those project would not have happened otherwise.

I don't think that I should have to prove anything and that has been the problem in this profession. you, the critic, are expecting too much out of too little in as minimal amount of time as possible. You know it took Sambo more than 5 years to get the Rural Studio off the ground.

If you want to continue this banter why don't you contact me directly or if you have the desire to help, why don't you donate your services... AFH is only as successful as those who are willing to get involved. Last month I put out a call for architects to help assess homes and help families in Mississippi - not one US architect responded... what does that say about the profession?

Finally, people will always knock us and I'm sure there are a "handful of people" critical of me personally but very few have the guts to address the issue with me directly. Quite frankly I don't think any 'well-known' people have even contacted us, either to complain or help.

anyway. I have to get back to work we have projects to do. I'll be up until one or two. feel free to contact me.

10.

I would love to respond, and would love to debate you in a less anonymous forum. But, alas, I'm afraid you'll sue! (See about 2-3 posts up)

11.

Don't be an idiot. Gutters' just upset because we were acting on behalf of a couple of photographers who felt it was wrong to steal images without permission. big difference.

Obviously you remain the anonymous cynic (poss. the gutter) as it is pretty easy to email me. As you see I'm still up and working.

12.

Nope, not us. Carry on!

13.

this is bullocks! bloody bullocks i say!

14.

Dear Cameron Sinclair,
I just wane say that what you are doing is gone make a difference in different aspects I have listened your speeches at Pop Tech 2005 Camden main and I was one of the African participation fellows from Ethiopia and I really wane admire what you are doing and as I see it each person should do some thing humanitarian in the way they can to make a slight difference in peoples life.
i really want to tell you that if you can we will be happy to work with you in Ethiopia.
elovepeace@yahoo.com

15.

The following comment is not about architecture, but it is about a builder:

To follow is a dialogue between two individuals who have been very much in the public eye during the past ten years. Please note that the name and character of George W. Bush could be replaced with that of “Brother Tubby” (a.k.a. Conrad Black):

George W. Bush: Then I presume you are a Noble?*
Bin Laden: I am so accepted by all men of noble birth.*
George W. Bush: Have you traveled any?*
Bin Laden: I have.*
George W Bush: From where to what place have you traveled?*
Bin Laden: Traveled east over the hot burning sands of the desert.*
George W. Bush: Where were you stopped at?*
Bin Laden: At the devil's pass.*
George W. Bush: What were you requested to do?*
Bin Laden: I was requested to contribute a few drops of urine.*
George W. Bush: Why were you requested to do this?*
Bin Laden: As a token of my renouncing the wiles and evils of the world and granted permission to worship at the Shrine.*
George W. Bush: At what Shrine did you worship?*
Bin Laden: At the Shrine of Islam.*
George W. Bush: Did you ride?*
Bin Laden: Yes, I rode a camel until I paused to dismount.*
George W. Bush: Then what did you do with your camel?*
Bin Laden: I tied him.*
George W. Bush: Where did you tie him?*
Bin Laden: I tied him to a date tree, where all True Shriners should do so.*
George W. Bush and bin Laden together in unison:
Yes, I pulled the Cord, rode the hump, I have traversed the hot arid sands of the desert to find Peace and rest in the quiet shades of the Oasis.*

Footnote:
* The Shriners' Recognition Test
According to a Lauterer manuscript, this is how two Shriners recognize each other