The need for clean toilets and sanitation around the world can be truly over whelming. Today, 2.5 billion people on the planet lack adequate sanitation. According to UNICEF, some 665 million people in India practice open defecation. This lack of sanitation has horrific consequences. Diarrheal diseases kill more children in the developing world than HIV/AIDS. That's almost 5,000 children dying every day. According to UNICEF, 1,000 children die each day in India from diarrheal diseases.

Wherever the Need has come together to consider efficient and effective new ways to provide toilets to developing countries - both permanently and as part of disaster relief efforts. They are holding a competition which includes students from the University of Southern California, OTIS Art Institute and the Southern California Institute of Architecture. It will feature designs from young minds that are charting the future of Sanitation and Clean Water by combining social needs with good design.

On April 6, 2010, A&D - the Architecture & Design Museum in Los Angeles - will launch an exhibit to highlight some of these incredible designs. The exhibit opening is April 6th from 7-9 pm at 6032 Wilshire Blvd. The purpose of the exhibit is to raise awareness and remind everyone of the importance of sanitation and emergency relief systems.

The prestigious jury members of the competition are:

• Michela Abrams | President of DWELL Magazine
• Steve Fleischi | Former President of Waterkeeper Alliance
• Steve Kanner FAIA
• Ray Kappe FAIA
• Leo Marmol FAIA

Wherever the Need will be featured in the Water Village during the Live Earth Run for Water Los Angeles! Starting and finishing at Exposition Park in front of the Los Angeles Coliseum.

Click here for more info.