Open Source Applied to Architecture: Open Architecture Network

I found this Wired article about the Open Architecture Network via Planetizen. From OAN's website:

The Open Architecture Network is an online, open source community dedicated to improving living conditions through innovative and sustainable design. Here designers of all persuasions can:

• Share their ideas, designs and plans
• View and review designs posted by others
• Collaborate with each other, people in other professions and community leaders to address specific design challenges
• Manage design projects from concept to implementation
• Communicate easily amongst team members
• Protect their intellectual property rights using the Creative Commons "some rights reserved" licensing system and be shielded from unwarranted liability
• Build a more sustainable future

Memphis has much to gain and nothing to lose from the low-cost, share and share-alike, globally connected, hierarchy-flattening, mind expanding, rip-roaring and creative DIY ethos of the Open Source and Creative Commons movement. The OAN looks to be a wonderful example of it for the built environment.

It might not be long before public schools have no excuses to not build beautiful and cost-effective buildings.