Even though Hurricane Katrina only devastated the Gulf Coast
and the Greater New Orleans area, the whole world felt her effect. It
has been ten years since the horrendous storm blasted through the Gulf
Coast and the lessons learned have become the model for cities around
the world as they plan and prepare for severe weather and rising sea
levels. In essence that one storm became the catalyst for
new changes in
urban design and development around the world.
No one was prepared for the lives lost and communities lost by Katrina. The Urban Land Institute (ULI) realized that
this was a wake-up call for all communities in the area of buildings’
resilience to storms. Buildings must be built with every detail looked
at when facing the challenge of a major storm. Not only did New Orleans
need to have many buildings rebuilt, but they also needed to be built
better than before. Part of this process was not only to focus on the
buildings themselves but the land and environment around the community.
This was done by restoring marshland and wetlands that aid in absorbing
floodwaters, building affordable houses with green technology, and using
other means of building that do not solely depend on oil and gas.
According to Sarene Marshall, executive director for ULI’s Center for
Sustainability, “The result is a city that is more environmentally
sustainable, socially cohesive, and economically prosperous, and is as a
result attracting new residents, businesses and investors.”
ULI studied other communities around the world who have also been
proactive in their storm protection. These cities have focused on
resilience and molding their infrastructures to climate
change. Small
coastal towns to larger tourist
oceanfront resorts have all been affected by the climate change which
includes rising sea levels, extreme heat, drought and stronger storm
activity. Marshall explained, “As the resilience movement has gained
momentum, we are seeing innovative approaches to the planning, design,
development, financing, and insuring of real estate.”
The Urban Land Institute (ULI) reported that cities around the world
are building for resilience which is not only protecting from bad
weather but also improving local and economic growth and quality of
life. Resilient design strategies enable a stronger defense against
extreme weather which makes communities healthier and more desirable
places to live. How are communities doing this? They are taking a
holistic approach. Cities are building developments that are walkable
and mixed-use which encourage social interactions among neighbors.
The public and private sectors are also building community amenities
such as parks, trails, and fitness centers which are also being used for
neighbors to connect socially and to be used as emergency escape routes
during a storm. Homes in these developments are not only able to
withstand extreme weather but also reduce energy and water use which can
cut utility cost.
ULI’s Marshall backs up this theory stating, “Being resilient means
focusing on adaptation and flexibility of space, so that building uses
can change over time to 1) meet the new needs and preferences of
residents, and 2) be better equipped to withstand environmental and
economic stresses.”
The design of a community can prepare it for severe weather. Not
every community should be designed the same. There are a couple of
factors to consider such as the types of risks faced and the scale of
action. An example of this is considering strategies and risks for
someone who is building in a flood zone. These could include raising
electrical equipment above the first floor and using water resistant
materials in lower levels of the home. ULI has a publication called “A
Guide for Assessing Climate Change Risk” which will assist in choosing
the correct strategies and actions to take when dealing with disasters.
Basically it comes down to understanding the risks and tailoring a
strategy for a specific community.
Thankfully ULI has been there for New Orleans during the rebuild
after Katrina. ULI has provided guidance and assistance to New Orleans’
development industry through their “Resilience Strategies for
Communities at Risk” where the relationship between built and human
systems is considered when building housing in the Greater New Orleans
area developments.
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