1. Join a gym.
2. Learn that language.
3. Cut down on coffee.
4. Make a gift to Architecture for Humanity.

Now is the time to make those promises that we hate to break - the dreaded New Years resolution. Fortunately, we have some very good news: Making one last tax-deductible donation to Architecture for Humanity in 2008 can build invaluable momentum toward those other resolutions while also of course realizing good design and a more sustainable future.

What's your Design Resolution? Tell us.

The best and funniest answers received before midnight will each win an awesome Blik 'Article 25' graphic.

• To assemble criteria for a building that will house a small-town Texas historical society.
• I want to stop designing for a disillusioned, pretentious, successful architect, and create something for an illiterate, unhygienic, homeless vagrant.
  

We maybe biased but this year we think no one exemplified the power of good design to uplift and inspire better than Architecture for Humanity’s thousands of volunteers, local chapters and design fellows.

Traditionally we get this done by first thing on Boxing Day but as we suddenly realized all the great work we hadn't updated y'all on we ended up working into the wee hours. So for our sanity please take five minutes to read the 2008 Year in Review.

In this year's edition, we highlight chapter projects, the best of the Open Architecture Network, and remember those who passed.

We Regret We Missed the Party. We Were Too Busy Working.

Today New York Times architecture critic Nicolai Ouroussoff reinforced the perception that architects are somehow not solving the real world problems faced by ordinary people when they decide to build. We disagree. Join us in sharing your thoughts.

Dear Editors,

Nicolai Ouroussof began his weekly architecture column (Page AR27, December 21, 2008) exclaiming ‘Who knew a year ago that we were nearing the end of one of the most delirious eras in modern architectural history?’ For the vast majority of design and construction professionals this era ended long ago. It's as though the New York Times is the last to offer a eulogy at a funeral that long since took place.

Every two years we renew our advisory board and we are weeks away from the 2009 crop of advisers. Unlike the main board this is a gathering of folks that help to broaden the reach of Architecture for Humanity as well as bring in support in all the areas which our work affects or is influenced by.

Last week in an internal meeting we began to put together a shortlist of who we thought would be helpful to have on the board. Innocently I posted the same question on facebook today and within an hour received a dozen names. While we are going through this process I felt we should ask our readers who they felt should be on the panel. So shoot us your suggestion by December 27th 2008 (or add a comment below) and I'll pose it to the main board for inclusion.

One more thing. This is our 10th year so let's think big.

Cheers,
All of us at Architecture for Humanity

The following have currently been suggested:

Rick Fedrizzi, CEO, USGBC
Fareed Zakaria, Journalist, CNN
Frank Almeda

It has been an incredible year for us at Architecture for Humanity and to continue what we do we need your support. 88% of all our donations are spent on construction and design services. This makes us one of the most efficient charities in the United States.

In Lieu of clearing a forest to send out lots of letters asking for contributions we've put together a handy dandy giving guide. We triple-dog-dare you to check them out.

Nothing says you care this holiday season like contributing to projects that matter. We are very thankful to all of our corporate supporters. Here are just a few; AutoDesk, DesignTex, Herman Miller, Hot Studio, InterfaceFlor, Mokum Textiles, Morrissey Goodale, Service Power.

So stop ordering those stress ball-cum-tree ornaments, take a leaf from these like-minded groups.

Today the National Endowment for the Arts announced their 2009 recipients for the Access to Artistic Excellence Design Grants. Architecture for Humanity has been awarded funds to support the 2009 Open Architecture Challenge on classrooms. These funds will help us outreach to primary and secondary schools in partnering with design professionals to create innovative and energy efficient classrooms for the future. We would like to thank the leadership and continued support of the NEA towards access to design education and innovation.