Architecture is far from simple shelter. When thoughtfully and carefully designed, it can lift citizens and entire communities from their burdens, whether physical, mental, or economic. Community-led architecture is an evolution toward equitable, inclusive, and diverse design.

This course will explore some of the challenges underserved populations face and how community-led architecture can help create more sustainable, healthier, and happier communities. It will also examine how designers can incorporate propane into buildings for cooking, water, and space heating as an affordable, energy-efficient alternative to electric appliances for vulnerable communities worldwide.


Learning Objectives

  • Identify and characterize underserved, vulnerable, and special needs populations.
  • Examine the challenges that various underserved populations face in our built environment and how community-led architecture can lift these populations and alleviate some of their burdens.
  • Describe how propane is used globally for cooking, water- and space-heating to provide an affordable, energy-efficient option for vulnerable communities.
  • Explore several case studies where community-led architecture improved the quality of life of underserved populations.

Pre-Requisite: Basic knowledge of community-led architecture principles.