Groundswell, envisioned as a center for architecture and design, was founded
to examine, from a cross-cultural perspective, the effects of environmental
design on daily life, and to increase understanding of basic building and design principles  within a social context.  Groundswell’s goals involve education on several levels: increasing architectural literacy among the general population: promoting a user/architect collaborative model; and encouraging underrepresented populations to enter architecture and related professions.

Dedicated to demystifying the fields of environmental design and architecture, Groundswell provides hands-on education, production, and presentation opportunities to those who traditionally have not had access to these professions. Our intention is to introduce new thinking to the field from diverse voices, cultures and disciplines. Our hope is to inspire the creation of dwelling spaces--in the imagination, in language, and in natural and built environments.