ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses and questions what skills architects need to be able to work in changing environments. This is done by having a close look at rebuilding processes in the aftermath of natural disasters. In the case of a disaster, where houses are destroyed, numerous agencies and nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) work together with architects from countries all around the world. They collaborate together to design and build new homes for affected communities. The ability of architects to design for different contexts constitutes an important issue especially in light of the fact that the world is becoming increasingly smaller. First, this means architects are working more and more internationally, and second, it means the effects of architectural projects worldwide- for instance, regarding energy consumption, can be felt anywhere. In rural (and urban) environments in developing countries, it is still common that people build their homes without any professionals and above all without architects.
