Who We Are

ARKITEKTER UTEN GRENSER NORGE ~ AUG (Architects Without Borders Norway) is a group of architects based in Norway, working together to design for communities in need. What started as a volunteer-driven initiative in 2016 became an official non-profit foundation in 2021, all under Norwegian law.

We’re proud members of Architecture Sans Frontières International (ASF-Int), a global network that pushes for social justice, heritage conservation, and the power of architecture to make a positive impact. AUG is led by architects Alfonso Rengifo and Paola Bornaschella, alongside our amazing board of members: Carina Watkinson, Katja Dorsch, and Quique Bayarri Sabariego.

Our work is made possible through resources generated from temporary employment and the invaluable support of professional volunteers who share our mission to build a more equitable and sustainable future.

AUG Norway Approach

At AUG, we focus on creating long-lasting solutions that provide real value to the communities we work with. Our projects are designed to be flexible, acting as prototypes that can be adapted and copied for other communities. We begin with regenerative research to assess each project, ensuring it’s well thought out and tailored to the needs of the area.

Collaboration is key, so we always start by working closely with local communities, helping them take ownership of the project from the start. We make sure to tap into local knowledge and resources, while also supporting communities in finding local sponsors to ensure the project’s sustainability. Our multidisciplinary teams include not only AUG architects but also local architects, engineers, sociologists, and psychologists, all bringing different expertise to the table. With our multicultural and multilingual professionals, we’re well-equipped to connect with people from diverse backgrounds, respecting their cultural contexts and making sure their needs are understood and met.

Our vision

Architecture for Health and Well-Being. Good design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about creating spaces that support our health and happiness. Evidence-based design shows how physical environments, from lighting and acoustics to materials, proportions, and color, can play a huge role in promoting well-being. Health is deeply influenced by our daily surroundings, and when these spaces are thoughtfully designed, they can positively impact our physical and mental health. In simple terms, the way we build our spaces can create a direct link to better health, helping people thrive in their environment.

By making the right design choices, architecture can stimulate key aspects of life that support health, such as mobility, community, and safety. A well-designed space fosters sustainability, variety, and inclusion—elements that work together to help keep our target groups healthy and enhance their overall quality of life. When we focus on these principles, we create environments that don’t just meet functional needs, but actively contribute to well-being.