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WorldBike prototype

Designer/manufacturer: Paul Freedman, Nate Byerley, Russ Rotondi, and Jeremy Faludi, with Gian Bongiorno and Dave Strain (prototype fabrication assistance)
United States, Taiwan, China, or India, 2003
Steel (Cro-Moly steel or high-tensile steel)
Dimensions: 40” h x 22” w x 78” d
In use in: Kenya (field test)

Worldbike exists as a challenge to the bicycle industry, particularly in the world’s bicycling centers of Taiwan, China, and India, to design bicycles for customers in developing countries. The bike weighs about the same as the inexpensive single-speed bicycles sold throughout East Africa, but is engineered to be comfortable, safe, stylish, with a higher carrying capacity.

Out of Poverty

Cynthia E. Smith

International Development Enterprises’ founder Paul Polak has just released his much anticipated book Out of Poverty, What Works When Traditional Approaches Fail. Based on his 25 years of experience he tells why traditional poverty eradication programs have fallen short and how his alternative approach works…

Voûte Nubienne Affordable Housing

Cynthia E. Smith

In sub-Saharan Africa, traditional building techniques are no longer feasible; due to increased deforestation use of timber for roofing and posts is not viable. Adapting an ancient architectural technique used in Sudan and Asia to West Africa, provides an affordable alternative…

Panel Discussion Video

WATCH THE VIDEO – This panel highlights the growing trend in design to create affordable and socially responsible objects for the vast majority of the world’s population (90%) not traditionally serviced by designers. Contributors to the exhibition Design for the Other 90%...