Alastair Parvin: Architecture for the people by the people

Architect Alastair Parvin presents a simple but provocative idea: what if, instead of architects creating buildings for those who can afford to commission them, regular citizens could design and build their own houses? The concept is at the heart of Wikihouse, an open source construction kit that means just about anyone can build a house, anywhere.

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[qkhalili]

This is a real representation of selflessness and care for others. Whether we agree with the idea or not, whether its going to work or not, bottom line is people like him deserve respect. It is my firm belief that the most noble accomplishment in one's life is to help others.

[SVisionario]

Left speechless after this talk. Thank you so much for sharing your ideas Alastair, I thought they were absolutely spot on and makes great sense.

[sapphireblue]

As an architecture student, thanks so much for bringing back my enthusiasm for my subject!! I'd love to be part of this cool WikiHouse project in the future InshaAllah! :)

[ArchitectureMug]

It is a noble and visionary concept; I would love to see it getting tweaked and 'hacked' with different materials (contruction materials that are available locally) and different house requirents. Hope this takes off !

[kevin]

I agree sir. I must also add that concrete is also very advantageous in certain climates where wood might just not be the best option. In humid places for example, or those with heavy rainy seasons, wood wouldn't last even a decade.

[Kram]

amazing talk. I'm looking forward to what is to come surrounding these ideas.

[NYM]

most impresive and perhaps important TED discusion I´ve seen in 2013.

[lawrierajendran]

A wonderful and inspiring talk but a true visionary.

[artcommissionsfromcommissi]

When will Wikihouse release the plans? Its been "Coming soon (Find out more)" for a long time

[henrykrider]

Wow, this was quite interesting and thought-provoking! Glad it was put up.

[MatthewBendyna]

Open source is the present of software and the future of everything else, even the design of the socio economic system

[LanceWinslow]

Wow, that's pretty cool, great talk all the way around.

[AlexandreSk]

I think about that for a long time, as a lot of people, cnc in construction, great somebody its doing it.

[justgivemethetruth]

For example, just as a hypothetical, I think the idea of Earthships being taken OpenSource might compete positively with this because it addresses the house as a system idea ... although this system is far more flexible than a monolithic massive Earthship that is almost impossible to renovate.

[walterbz]

unfortunately you can't print land. still its good to see people thinking outside of the box, i hope these type of opensource hardware projects gain traction

[SimonDurrant_InteriorArchitect]

Love this, it's such a good idea I hope it takes off

[semiondiaconu]

thank GOD for such a practical genius people!

[austinpruitt]

im glad he mentioned the 3d printing machines, they are going to be a solid part of the future of design..

[artbyjcm]

I've been playing with legos and making artwork since I was little. I'm ready for this!

[justgivemethetruth]

> If it was in a tornado you could easily leave the house and rebuild

Thanks Conor, I guess you could, but the point of a house for most people, please excuse my preconceived notion is that the house should be able to weather such events.

There is something valuable here, I am just not sure the house I saw here is it - but it's a start. I like the Wiki/OpenSource methodology because it's the "process" and the "system" that are important and need to be captured, improved and distributed.