Skip to main content
  • Home
  • About
  • Faculty Experts
  • For The Media
  • Videos
  • Topics
    • Alumni
    • Events
    • Faculty
    • Library
    • Research
    • Students
    • All Topics
  • Contact
  • Submit
Arts & Culture
  • All News
  • Arts & Culture
  • Business & Economy
  • Campus & Community
  • Health & Society
  • Media, Law & Policy
  • STEM
  • Veterans
  • |
  • Alumni
  • The Peel
  • Athletics
Sections
  • All News
  • Arts & Culture
  • Business & Economy
  • Campus & Community
  • Health & Society
  • Media, Law & Policy
  • STEM
  • Veterans
  • |
  • Alumni
  • The Peel
  • Athletics
  • Home
  • About
  • Faculty Experts
  • For The Media
  • Videos
  • Topics
    • Alumni
    • Events
    • Faculty
    • Library
    • Research
    • Students
    • All Topics
  • Contact
  • Submit
Arts & Culture

Syracuse Architecture AIAS students launch ‘Freedom by Design’ program to serve area’s elderly, disabled

Wednesday, September 30, 2009, By Elaine Wackerow
Share
CommunitySchool of Architecture

AIASThe Syracuse chapter of the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) announces the launch of “Freedom by Design” (FBD) at the Syracuse University School of Architecture.

FBD is a nationally based student-run initiative that utilizes the talents of architecture students and those in related fields. Volunteers come together to design and build small-scale projects that help individuals at the local level faced with physical, mental and/or financial challenges. FBD projects range from door knobs to ramps to complete renovations, and are designed to allow individuals to live in a safe environment, with a sense of dignity and comfort becoming any individual of the community.

The group celebrated its launch on Sept. 19 with a Wheelchair Accessibility Tour awareness event. Attendees were either blindfolded or pushed in a wheelchair around the SU campus and gained first-hand perspective on the impact of building/campus design decisions on physically challenged individuals.

The Syracuse FBD is currently seeking clients in need of help, as well as partners within the local area who will collaborate with the FBD group to help them carry out their mission. Under the guidance of Syracuse Architecture faculty acting as mentors, volunteer teams will be guided through each design process, critiqued on design solutions and receive guidance on the creation of construction documents. Opportunities exist to collaborate with local builders, design firms and other community resources to achieve team goals. All projects will be designed, built and funded by the student organization.

“This is a great opportunity for our students to have hands-on experience with design and construction that will impact the lives of people in our community. Our hope is that it will also open people’s eyes to the importance of implementing accessibility into everyday building design,” says Chris DePalma, second-year Syracuse Architecture student and Freedom by Design founding chair.

FBD started at a grassroots level in 1999, based on the vision of Denver architect Brad Buchanan. Within four years the organization completed more than $300,000 of built construction. In 2003, it officially aligned with AIAS on the national level. As of 2009, the FBD program has grown to include students in 56 universities and communities in the United States and Canada.

For more information or to get involved, visit http://aias.syr.edu or email freedom.aias.syr@gmail.com.

  • Author

Elaine Wackerow

  • Recent
  • ‘ADA Live!’ Focuses on Protection and Advocacy Systems for People with Disabilities
    Sunday, February 28, 2021, By News Staff
  • Hilda A. Frimpong Becomes the First Black Student to Lead Syracuse Law Review
    Saturday, February 27, 2021, By Robert Conrad
  • Important Update for Flexible Spending Accounts
    Friday, February 26, 2021, By News Staff
  • Message From Dean of Students Marianne Thomson
    Friday, February 26, 2021, By News Staff
  • CAS in Intercollegiate Athletic Advising and Support Addresses Unique Needs of College Student-Athletes
    Thursday, February 25, 2021, By Jennifer Russo

More In Arts & Culture

Community Folk Art Center: A Welcoming Place for All to Discover Art, Culture and Community

The Community Folk Art Center (CFAC) has been a vital part of the University and city for nearly 50 years—a hub of art, cultural understanding and community. “CFAC is a bridge between the Syracuse University community and the local community,…

Community Folk Art Center Launches Black Arts Speak Film Series

The Community Folk Art Center (CFAC) celebrates Black lives and voices in a new short film series, Black Arts Speak (BAS). Each episode of the series will feature a different Black artist and share their work, experiences and perspectives. To mark…

School of Architecture Professor Wins a 2021 Emerging Voices Award

Lori A. Brown, professor in the School of Architecture, is among the eight selected winners to receive a 2021 Emerging Voices award from The Architectural League of New York. Each year, the award spotlights individuals and firms based in the…

Volunteers Needed for SU Libraries’ Virtual Living Library Event

Syracuse University Libraries will host its annual Living Library event during National Library Week on Wednesday, April 7, from noon to 5 p.m. via Zoom. Participants will have the opportunity to talk to “living books”—volunteers from the broader Syracuse University…

School of Architecture Announces Spring 2021 Visiting Critics

Each semester, upper-level architecture students participate in the visiting critic program that brings leading architects and scholars from around the world to the school. Four studios will be held on campus this spring. The School of Architecture is also offering…

Subscribe to SU Today

If you need help with your subscription, contact sunews@syr.edu.

Connect With Us

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Youtube
  • LinkedIn
Social Media Directory

For the Media

Find an Expert Follow @SyracuseUNews
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Youtube
  • LinkedIn
  • @SyracuseU
  • @SyracuseUNews
  • @SUCampus
  • Social Media Directory
  • Accessibility
  • Privacy
  • Campus Status
  • Syracuse.edu
© 2021 Syracuse University News. All Rights Reserved.