What is the Open Architecture Networks goal anyway?
‘Far from replacing the traditional architect, the goal of the network is to allow designers to work together in a whole new way, a way that enables five billion potential clients to access their skills and expertise. The network’s mission: to generate not one idea but the hundreds of thousands of design ideas needed to improve living conditions for all,’ says the group. OAN offers various initiatives. ‘Own the Day’ is a scheme using which, the group says, it wishes to provide 365 days of pro bono design services around the world — one day at a time — by donating one day’s worth of your (an architect’s) salary. Since architects tend to be very busy and find doing pro bono work difficult, they’re given the choice of donating ‘one day of your salary instead’. Other initiatives are cropping up. Open Source Architecture promises an ‘egoless, cooperative and evolutionary practice of architecture’ (http://www.suite75.net/blog/maze/). On the other hand, Open Source Architecture for Africa i
