Studio at Large documents the international and regional community studios organized by Sergio Palleroni and his colleagues, typically held in intensive ten-week builds in marginalized communities. Involving community members and students, these studios promote maximum use of recycled or inexpensive, locally available materials, as well as lighting and energy systems that reduce utility costs and promote resource conservation. They serve as models for making architectural education relevant to urgent social problems, helping communities mobilize indigenous resources and social capital to develop long-term sustainable practices that protect rather than erode cultural identity, dignity, and stability.

Sergio Palleroni is visiting associate professor at the School of Architecture, University of Texas, Austin, and the founding director of the University of Washington BASIC Initiative. Christina Merkelbach is a designer and former design/build student. Bryan Bell is a founder of Design Corps and editor of Good Deeds, Good Design: Community Service through Architecture.