The  unique architecture of the Barefoot College //courtesy Pinkpinkmoon.live.journal.com

Barefoot Architecture or Architecture and human rights is the newest UIA work programme, initiated following the UIA Council’s workshop/think-tank in Beijing in October 2013. It was officially launched in Durban at the UIA Congress, along with an exhibition of projects nominated for the UIA prize that since 2008, recognises exemplary architectural actions and realisations in the context of extremely precarious human or social contexts. This prize’s founder, Vassilis Sgoutas, alongside with Patricia Emmett also organised a round table at the congress forum. In addition to the UIA personalities engaged for many years in the crusade for architecture for the poorest populations, like former UIA President Rod Hackney, the round table, chaired by UIA President Albert Dubler, was attended by field actors such as Rose Malokoane, coordinator of Slum Dwellers International. Christine Auclair reminded participants on behalf of UN Habitat that the world urban campaign *(WUC) integrates the poorest communities and populations in the search for positive solutions to face today’s urban challenges. The UIA work programme will pursue these ambitious objectives and channel the enthusiasm generated in Durban towards long terms objectives.

> via uia.archi