Made in Earth

WHO WE ARE Made in Earth was founded by a group of architects that in 2010 started work on projects located in Tamil Nadu (India) collaborating with two humanitarian organizations: the Indian NGO Terre des Hommes Core Trust and the Swiss Foundation Main dans la Main. Today the group has been joined by other professionals and partners specialized in structural and energy engineering. WHAT WE DO Made in Earth implements construction projects for needy communities in developing countries, working in the international cooperation field. Made in Earth acts to connect beneficiaries, local NGOs and international donors through the creation of a new social network that promotes development, culture and knowledge. Our interventions include new buildings, but also recovery and preservation of historical and artistic heritage. We design houses, schools, community buildings and temporary housing for refugees. We promote training of young architects, engineers and designers through professional participation and organization of workshops and seminars. PHILOSOPHY Architecture is a discipline with a significant social engagement, responsible towards people and environment. Working in the international cooperation sector, it has to provide simple answers to complex issues, especially in places where there is a lack of resources, technologies and know-how or in emergency situations. We aim to develop innovative solutions studying traditional techniques: by restoring and revitalizing traditional building systems we can preserve cultural diversities. We promote use of local labor and materials encouraging self-construction to build community autonomy and achieve social inclusion, as well as provide training for designers. We believe that each project is an exchange process between all people involved. A fundamental goal for every project is to combine ethical and aesthetic values in order to preserve and enhance people dignity. This is how architecture can become sustainable. FOUNDERS: Giancarlo Artese, Ada Catapano, Sebastiano Gorini, Diego Lama TEAM: Giuliana Sandulli, Flavia Scognamillo, Alessandro Turchi COLLABORATORS: Laura Bianchi, Salvatore Carbone, Emanuela Ciccarelli, Guido Cormino, Liana de Miro, Mariagrazia Esposito PARTNERS: Livio De Santoli, Main dans le Main, Terre des Hommes Core, Marialetizia Gaeta, Francesco Mancini, Francesco Marmo, Luciano Rosati, Energia e Ambiente srl