9.1. We like to call ourselves - facilitators
We strongly believe that a lasting change is possible by involving our client group/s, and building end users in the design and development phase. So although being the expert of this trade, some people might proudly call themselves, architects, we on the other hand prefer to call ourselves- facilitators. Rather than imposing our thoughts upon them we provide them with the knowledge and expertise which is enough to encourage the locals to participate. Thus, we only facilitate the services so that the users can be the designers of their own destiny and hence the naming.
9.2. We believe in “Exchange”
We believe one must move out of their own situation to learn, to meet peers and to fortify themselves with fresh ideas from elsewhere. Hence we encourage inter cultural exchange between local and international students/designers both within our country and elsewhere, transferring ideas, technology and creating international network in the process.
9.3. We work towards creating a sustainable society
Nowadays people are bombarded with difficult terms and technology such as- eco-friendly building, green architecture which have no meaning to people living in rural areas. However, if looked carefully the concepts are also present in local knowledge. One of the wisest attitudes of traditional cultures and knowledge is that the problem becomes a part of and a source of inspiration for the solution. In other words the problem is turned into a resource. Also, traditional knowledge is not static or immobile, it does not deny innovation; it is a dynamic system which has evolved according to a system of trial and correction of errors. Since, the local knowledge has been perfected over a long period of time, so the existence of ancient structure can become a valuable legacy which can serve as a basis for new sustainable model. So in order to act efficiently we need to have the knowledge of the real problems, discover the missing links, get information, study, participate, form opinions and debate. In the end, instead of creating a sustainable architecture we try to bring a change towards a sustainable society.
9.4. We like ‘thinking small’
Our interests lies in working on a more localized level may it be a single site, within a particular area or block by block. Although it is our opinion that large scale planning or master planning scenarios for urban development is best handled by local planning departments nonetheless we will happily assist them.
9.5. We want to make our planet ‘a better place to live’
At present our role to develop build-able solutions for all the amazing organizations and individuals who are out there, trying to make a huge difference in their communities. We feel fortunate to be a part of this process and are honored to be able to work alongside them. For now we are content with doing our part to make our world a better place but someday when we will be able to gather some hundreds of thousands design professionals to work collectively only then we will have a shot at changing the planet for the better.
9.6. We believe in community design
We believe in bottom-up approach for the design process since it encourages community groups to set their own goals and work together to achieve them. It is thus the ‘expression of a community’s vision for change’ since by celebrating small victories along the way, community members are empowered to become stakeholders and to pursue larger long-term goals in future.
Community Design has proved to be beneficial over the years. From our experience, we found that not only it resulted in environmentally and culturally appropriate design but it encouraged communication between individuals, communities even government, non-government, religious organizations by removing the typical barriers to participation e.g. formal hearings or inconvenient locations. This means that greater local capacity can be included in the decision-making and economic development which in turn makes it easier to prioritize issues with the help of those who are most affected. Community design has the ability to convey complex ideas simply to expert and non-expert participants alike through the use of graphics and 3-D models and other visual presentations and also creates opportunities for skills training and advancement
9.7. We like to spread our thoughts, ideas worldwide
We believe that innovative, sustainable design solutions and resources have no value unless it is shared and made accessible to all. Therefore, we created the Open Architecture Network, an online community, as a platform for design professionals to share their knowledge worldwide and to become an open source for design solutions.
9.8. Promote wider practical experience for students and others
Students of today will become the socially responsible designers of tomorrow. Unfortunately, in our country they get little or no exposure to exercise creativity towards environmental sustainability and gaining real world experience. AFH-Dhaka,Bangladesh offers all these opportunity while AFH-International provides a platform by offering “Design Fellowship” so that young volunteers get the opportunity to share their knowledge and experience by working beside the international experts.