We work with American Indian communities to develop a road map to sustainable development. American Indian communities have historically been underserved in terms of good affordable housing design that responds to their local cultures and environments. The Collaborative is developing best practices materials targeted to the three key groups that impact green and culturally appropriate design in tribal communities: tribal housing authorities, tribal government leaders, and designers.
We are developing easy-to-understand “best practices” documents to help guide process and project design, and as tools for future workshops and charrettes. The topics include:
- Structuring an Effective Team
- Leadership and Tribal Support
- Green Building Practices and Resources
- Funding and Outreach
- Integration of Community Stakeholders
- Culturally Appropriate Design
We understand that exemplary projects and the stories behind them inspire, allow visual engagement, and communicate a new language for communities to approach their goals. We are currently researching funding opportunities to allow us to further our research on exemplary tribal projects nationwide. We plan to visit up to 15 completed projects, meet the design teams and clients, conduct on-site interviews, and compile project data. We will then prepare a case study document for each project and a short video documentary of up to three projects. Once we identify more designers throughout the country committed to the Collaborative’s mission, we will work with them as new members and prepare them to conduct their own regional workshops.
