Using post-Sandy New York as a case study, C.J. Hughes looks at the extent to which architects can be helpful in the immediate aftermath of a natural disaster.
Thousands of homes in the New York region were destroyed by Hurricane Sandy, but "architects eager to help rebuild have little to do, at least when it comes to anything requiring their professional skills." Even though structural damage assessments will be needed later, the priority in the weeks following Sandy have been clearing debris, delivering food, and helping people. "There is a real need for people on the ground right now, and there will be for months," said John Cary, a design consultant who co-founded the nonprofit Public Architecture and runs the site Public Interest Design. Eric Moed, a Brooklyn designer, and his group People's Relief have been delivering care packages to elderly residents in Coney Island. "I would tell any architect out there to put on some boots, grab a broom, come here, and be ready to walk upstairs," he said. "We should table the golden-ratio discussions for another three to four months."
Before the rebuilding process begins, suggests Thomas Thomas, a founder of the relief group Staten Island Strong, architects can register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency for proper identification. Relief efforts towards long-term rebuilding are being coordinated by organizations like AIA New York, which is offering safety assessments by architects, and Architecture for Humanity, which is collecting donations, offering design help, and training architects for disaster relief. "One potential hitch: Architects aren't legally allowed to perform damage assessments as volunteers," says Hughes. "New York doesn't currently have any "good Samaritan" laws to protect them against any future lawsuits, like many states do." However, Cary hopes that architects and designers will still help with the effort and said, "I would hate to think architects are sitting around because of lack of Good Sam laws."
FULL STORY: Are Architects Useful After Natural Disasters?
The Mall Is Dead — Long Live the Mall
The American shopping mall may be closer to its original vision than ever.
The Paradox of American Housing
How the tension between housing as an asset and as an essential good keeps the supply inadequate and costs high.
Report: Las Vegas, Houston Top List of Least Affordable Cities
The report assesses the availability of affordable rental units for low-income households.
Anchorage Leaders Debate Zoning Reform Plan
Last year, the city produced the fewest new housing units in a decade.
How to Protect Pedestrians With Disabilities
Public agencies don’t track traffic deaths and injuries involving disabled people, leaving a gap in data to guide safety interventions.
Colorado Town Fills Workforce Housing Need With ‘Dorm-Style’ Housing
Median rent in Steamboat Springs is $4,000 per month.
City of Yakima
City of Auburn
Baylands Development Inc.
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Birmingham, Alabama
City of Laramie, Wyoming
Town of Zionsville
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.