{"id":7481,"date":"2022-01-24T10:04:20","date_gmt":"2022-01-24T10:04:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/edu-building.org\/about-us\/"},"modified":"2025-07-15T13:10:28","modified_gmt":"2025-07-15T13:10:28","slug":"about-us","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/edu-building.org\/en\/about-us\/","title":{"rendered":"About us"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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edu-building.org<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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This project builds on the work We-Building e.V. did between 2021 and 2023 through its workshop series \u201cBuilding in the Global South.\u201d These 1- to 2-day workshops were designed for staff and members of non-profit organizations working on construction projects in development cooperation. Originally planned as in-person events, the workshops were later conducted entirely online. The combination of presentations and open discussions enabled a rich exchange of experiences. The aim was to create a hands-on and relevant learning opportunity for both seasoned professionals and those just getting started. <\/p>

Numerous people participated in the workshops, and the feedback showed that the project was very well received. Many were able to take valuable insights from the content and discussions and apply them directly to their own projects. We also hope that the workshops helped to create new connections that will continue to foster professional exchange in the long term. We\u2019re glad to still be in touch with many of you and are happy to offer support whenever it\u2019s needed. <\/p>

By the end of 2023, it became clear that workshops alone were no longer sufficient to effectively reach our target audience. After the coronavirus pandemic, it became increasingly difficult to bring together 15 participants for two full days. Schedules often conflicted with work commitments, or the organizations had no ongoing construction projects at the time, making the workshops seem less immediately relevant. <\/p>

Since time is an especially limited resource in the non-profit sector, we decided to take a new approach: an online platform where content is available in smaller, flexible units \u2013 accessible anytime, whenever it fits your schedule.<\/p>

We reviewed all the presentation materials from the workshops, as well as insights from discussions with experts and other organizations, and turned them into a series of 30-minute videos. The content is based on the original presentations and is thematically structured into sections such as preparation phase, fundamentals, design, budgeting, sustainability, construction process, WASH, and more. To make the presentations more vivid and engaging, we supplemented the existing material with new photos and video footage. We\u2019ve brought this collection together under the title \u201cKnowledge Portal.\u201d <\/p>

Case studies of specific construction projects by various non-profit organizations form another category within the video series. The aim is to provide deeper insights into project development, highlight key challenges, and offer inspiration and motivation for future initiatives.
At the same time, we hope these contributions can serve as an archive \u2013 both for the participating organizations and the wider public. For us personally, preparing our own projects in this detailed way was a great opportunity to bring everything together clearly in one place. <\/p>

Looking ahead, we plan to expand the platform with new content during 2025 and 2026.
One of our main goals is to translate all materials into English, Spanish, and French so that local partner organizations can benefit from the videos as well. This way, we hope to encourage dialogue and contribute to stronger, more effective North\u2013South project partnerships. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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We-Building e.V.<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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We-Building<\/strong> is an international team of architects, urban and landscape planners, and project managers, some of whom have over 20 years of experience in construction projects. Since 2015, We-Building has been supporting construction projects primarily in Africa and Latin America and providing advice on issues related to construction within the context of development cooperation. <\/p>

As a non-profit organization, we aim to support fellow organizations working for the public good in their construction projects for disadvantaged communities. We contribute our expertise as architects, offer consulting services, assist with initial assessments and planning tasks, and provide guidance and support throughout all phases of construction. <\/p>

We are also active in education and want to raise awareness about sustainable construction in a global context through workshops and hands-on projects.
How we live here affects the rest of the world \u2013 and we want to help the next generation understand the challenges of building and using spaces in ways that respect the climate, the environment, and social equity. <\/p>

Our approach: Down to earth
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As experts in construction, we understand that building must be viewed from multiple perspectives. We know that many problems can be avoided through good and sustainable planning. Efficient building design must serve both people and the environment.
As architects, we are trained to anticipate and prevent problems before they arise, rather than trying to fix them afterward. \u201cDown to earth\u201d perfectly describes our working style: practical, realistic, and grounded in a human-, climate-, and environmentally friendly approach. This helps save valuable resources \u2013 and often time and money as well. <\/p>

Our Work: Rooted in Volunteering<\/strong><\/p>

What makes us especially proud is that We-Building, with the help of many dedicated volunteers, is able to make a real difference in local communities. We have contributed to construction projects in several countries, including Ghana, Peru, and Colombia. A great deal of volunteer effort also goes into the behind-the-scenes work: keeping the office running, maintaining our public outreach channels, communicating with partners and funding bodies, and supporting our volunteer and freelance team members. <\/p>

Our Understanding of Sustainable Architecture<\/strong><\/p>

Instead of talking about sustainable architecture, we could just as well speak of human-centered and efficient building practices. We advocate for architecture that makes people feel comfortable and at ease. It\u2019s about building in simpler, more modest ways rather than excessively.
\u201cBuilding simply\u201d means focusing on what\u2019s essential and using robust, long-lasting materials to minimize resource consumption. That means: no flashy glass facades or oversized concrete structures \u2014 but also no eco-labels at any cost.
For us, all three pillars of sustainability matter: social responsibility, environmental protection, and economic viability. Sustainable architecture must serve both people and the environment \u2014 globally, in industrialized countries as well as in the Global South.
To build for the future means advancing human- and climate-friendly architecture in both privileged and underserved communities. <\/p>

Is new construction really necessary?<\/strong><\/p>

The first and most important question we ask before starting any building project is: Does it need to be built at all? Because the most climate- and resource-friendly option is often not to build.
Could demolition or new construction be avoided by adapting, expanding, or renovating an existing structure \u2014 or by finding a completely different solution?
Especially in the Global North, it\u2019s crucial to critically question new construction projects: What do we really need? How can we make better use of existing living space? And how can we avoid wasting materials like steel, concrete, and glass? People, of course, need places to live, work, learn, and grow. But those spaces should be planned with care \u2014 and with sustainability in mind right from the start. <\/p><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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