Architects, development practitioners and designers are working in a global environment and issues such as environmental and cultural sustainability matter more than ever. Past interactions and interventions between developed and developing countries have often been unequal and inappropriate. We now need to embrace a new paradigm for architectural practice based on respect for diversity and equality, participation and empowerment. This book explores what it means for development practitioners to practice architecture on a global scale and provides a blueprint for developing architectural practices based on reciprocal working methods. The content is based on real situations -- through extended field research and contacts with architecture schools and architects as well as participating NGO's. It demonstrates that the ability to produce appropriate and sustainable design is increasingly relevant whether in the field of disaster relief, longer term development or wider urban contexts whether in the rich countries or poor countries.
