Design 21: Social Design Network

News & Events

Look for Project M in the September/October 2007 issue of Good Magazine.

History

On June 2nd, eight young graphic designers arrived in Hale County. We came from San Francisco, New York, Baltimore, Dallas and Dubai to live among its residents for one month. Inspired by the late architect Samuel Mockbee and the work he did with Auburn University’s Rural Studio, we came with a commitment to use our skills to positively affect the lives of Hale County’s neediest citizens.

In the four weeks we lived there, we were welcomed into residents’ churches and hosted for suppers in their humble homes. We were delighted by their stories and awed by their generosity. Although we were previously aware of many of the hardships faced by the residents of this rural community, none of us could have predicted the impact of witnessing their lives first hand.

The fact that not all residents have clean water—because of its cost—struck us. In a county where many of the families live on a fixed income of $600 a month, access to clean water is simply unaffordable. Because of this, parents and children continue to use well water contaminated by bacteria from industry and sewage.

To help, on July 2, 2007, we launched the website www.buyameter.org. It is promoted by a newsprint mailer which we designed and printed in Alabama.