http://www.cnn.com/2015/07/21/tech/disas...index.html
EXCERPT: The destruction of New Orleans by Hurricane Katrina was heralded as a wake-up call for the U.S., a catastrophe that illustrated the scale of the threat from natural disasters, and the inadequacy of preparations. But for all the earnest talk of 'learning lessons' that followed, no grand reform agenda was put in place to revitalize a city that remains devastated and deeply vulnerable. [...] the next disaster could be the city's last.
[...] The U.N.'s global risk report anticipates a record $314 billion of damage through natural disasters each year, exacerbated by the effects of climate change such as rising sea levels and more common 'freak' weather conditions. The report also highlights a widespread lack of preparedness and "continuous mispricing of risk."
Of course, there are few easy answers to how to withstand [...disasters...]
[...] Dutch architect Koen Olthuis has pioneered an approach of building on the water itself, creating floating structures on a foundation of foam and concrete, using 'scarless' techniques that don't damage the environment. His designs are in development from a hotel off Norway to a community in the Maldives, and the concept of building islands has become popular around the world.
"The only limit is finance," says Olthuis. "Building on water is much easier than people think, it just needs a mind-set change -- people have to see water as a threat but use it as an asset."
The concept has gone from 'freak architecture' to a practical necessity, he believes.
"Governments are starting to see the possibilities -- it could bring safety and also create new spaces. Hong Kong, New York and London have no space left to build."
Amphibious solutions also offer greater flexibility, allowing for the possibility of temporary and mobile buildings. One striking suggestion is that Olympic stadiums could be transferred between host nations rather than each country bearing their enormous costs.
Ultimately, Olthuis' designs are in service of addressing equality and the communities most at risk.
"People with money can own places that are higher and drier, and people with less money are more threatened. By having this technology on a larger scale we can improve the safety of threatened places. The natural location to do that is places like the Maldives, where you can have a positive effect on the slums and change the DNA. In this way, you can use architecture to create a more fair society."
The Dutchman favors a joined-up solution that combines resilient structure with urban planning that best protects the vulnerable points, along with sustainable practices that can forestall future danger, and effective disaster responses...
EXCERPT: The destruction of New Orleans by Hurricane Katrina was heralded as a wake-up call for the U.S., a catastrophe that illustrated the scale of the threat from natural disasters, and the inadequacy of preparations. But for all the earnest talk of 'learning lessons' that followed, no grand reform agenda was put in place to revitalize a city that remains devastated and deeply vulnerable. [...] the next disaster could be the city's last.
[...] The U.N.'s global risk report anticipates a record $314 billion of damage through natural disasters each year, exacerbated by the effects of climate change such as rising sea levels and more common 'freak' weather conditions. The report also highlights a widespread lack of preparedness and "continuous mispricing of risk."
Of course, there are few easy answers to how to withstand [...disasters...]
[...] Dutch architect Koen Olthuis has pioneered an approach of building on the water itself, creating floating structures on a foundation of foam and concrete, using 'scarless' techniques that don't damage the environment. His designs are in development from a hotel off Norway to a community in the Maldives, and the concept of building islands has become popular around the world.
"The only limit is finance," says Olthuis. "Building on water is much easier than people think, it just needs a mind-set change -- people have to see water as a threat but use it as an asset."
The concept has gone from 'freak architecture' to a practical necessity, he believes.
"Governments are starting to see the possibilities -- it could bring safety and also create new spaces. Hong Kong, New York and London have no space left to build."
Amphibious solutions also offer greater flexibility, allowing for the possibility of temporary and mobile buildings. One striking suggestion is that Olympic stadiums could be transferred between host nations rather than each country bearing their enormous costs.
Ultimately, Olthuis' designs are in service of addressing equality and the communities most at risk.
"People with money can own places that are higher and drier, and people with less money are more threatened. By having this technology on a larger scale we can improve the safety of threatened places. The natural location to do that is places like the Maldives, where you can have a positive effect on the slums and change the DNA. In this way, you can use architecture to create a more fair society."
The Dutchman favors a joined-up solution that combines resilient structure with urban planning that best protects the vulnerable points, along with sustainable practices that can forestall future danger, and effective disaster responses...