Generational poverty is a complex problem with no single, easy-to-apply solution. Unlike circumstantial poverty, resulting from a specific event, like an illness or temporary loss of a job, generational poverty involves multiple generations of family and community lacking either the accumulated assets, education or resources on which to build. And in Appalachia, this … [Read more...] about Catalytic in Appalachia.
The lost art of small-scale development.
Jim Kumon co-founded and leads the Incremental Development Alliance, launched in 2015 as a collaboration between two small scale developers who found that people kept asking them the same question: how do I build a small building in the place I love? They joined with Jim to create an organization with the goal of “resurrecting the small developer.” They built a suite of … [Read more...] about The lost art of small-scale development.
Smart money is on impact.
Simply put, impact investing is the practice of using investment dollars to generate positive social or environmental impacts in addition to offering a competitive financial return. The idea that we can do far more with our money than merely reap monetary dividends is important, and has grown popular recently, steadily gaining traction with investors, whether small or large. … [Read more...] about Smart money is on impact.
Equity is the thread.
John Folan is an architect and teacher like no other I know. He frames his work around issues of the environment, social justice and equity. Not only is his own body of work significant, but he is dedicated to teaching students to be the next generation of thoughtful architects, makers and citizens. John is probably best known for his work in Pittsburgh, as founder … [Read more...] about Equity is the thread.
The power of modular building.
As builders, architects, urban planners all look for innovative ways to create both affordable and sustainable housing, some new homeowners have been looking to the efficiencies of modular construction as one potential solution. While pre-fab (for pre-fabrication) is a general term for building components that are created in a factory to be assembled on site, modular … [Read more...] about The power of modular building.