Everyday, architecture students and faculty study and affect how people live better together through the design of cities, neighborhoods, and buildings.
When disaster strikes, the initial wave of people on scene who help prevent loss of life are known, logically, as first responders. Second responders include the architecture community, along with other professions in construction, social work and healthcare, who help repair affected communities once the immediate event is over.
As architects, we respond to specific events — the 2011 earthquake in Haiti, Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans — and to larger, developing situations — for instance, the potential impact on ports of rising sea level due to global warming. Sometimes, we work with communities in the long-term evolution of how and where people live, work, and play.
Second responders not only meet immediate needs like temporary housing or community shelters to help stabilize a neighborhood, but also are key players in permanent investments in infrastructure and development to help that neighborhood thrive. As second responders we use our expertise to support rebuilding efforts, policy changes, and sustainable development for the long-term health of communities all over the world.
Want to make a difference? To dig your hands into real-world issues? Put yourself in a position to respond! Architecture schools can show you how while you're still in school and throughout your architecture career. Explore examples of both in this exhibit...
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Image 1 & 2 > The project consists of four cubic pavilions, intended to sit in a sustainable garden linked by pathways lined with interpretative texts. The pavilions form a mini-campus, the Quad, featuring sustainable and environmentally-sound technologies, including solar and wind power; solar water heaters; and recycled, salvaged and reclaimed materials.
Image 3 & 4 > A graphic representation of the responsibilities and logistics that being a "second responder" entails. This project was a winner in the ARCHIVE100 Second Responder competition!
Image 5 > A multifunction geodesic sphere made by prefab plastic cells that can be used as a temporary and portable house for a family of four on the remains of their neighborhood, a rescue team cabin, temporary police station, and so on.
Image 6 & 7 > A healthcare center in Tanzania constructed from locally available materials. The project also helped to enhance local construction techniques in the area. This project was a winner in the ARCHIVE100 Second Responder competition!
Image 8 > A deployable first response emergency shelter with the built in cradle-to-cradle features required for disaster relief.