http://avxhome.se/blogs/crazy-slim

58

Dr Iftekhar Ahmed, a researcher from HARB,

explains that lingering issues include a lack of

understanding and support for humanitarian

architecture. “Most architecture schools focus on

designing buildings of beauty and privilege for wealthy

clients who seek originality. The majority population of

the world, however, has inadequate housing. Architects

must reorient themselves and address the issue of post-

disaster architecture. They have the skills; now they

need the passion.”

Beyond the level of technological expertise, the

human element is essential when it comes to post-

disaster architecture. For Dr Ahmed, this involves a

keen understanding of the local culture and climate.

The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, for example, brought

in a wave of disaster relief aid, though not to the most

satisfying level.

In Indonesia, a country where people live in

extended families, the tiny shelters that were provided

by international organisations were far from adequate.

Months after the disaster, the inhabitants had extended

the shelters, with sub-par materials and techniques that

undermined the original quality.

In January 2015, Architecture for Humanity, a non-

profit design company founded in 1999, shut down its

top Christchurch, New

Zealand: A masterpiece made

substantially of cardboard

replaces the original stone

cathedral that was destroyed

in an earthquake in 2011

above Shigeru Ban’s

repurposed shipping

containers provide stable,

long-lasting shelter to the

residents of Onagawa, Japan

DidY

ou Know?

SOU

RCE

: (^) D.
(^) GU
HA-
SAP
IR,R
.BEL
OW,P
H.HOYO
IS, EM-DAT: INTERNATIONAL
DISAS
TER
DATA
BAS
E,W
WW
.EM
DAT
.BE
From 2010
to 2014 alone,
the total number
of people rendered
homeless due to
natural disasters
was 4,948,636.
PHOTO BRIDGIT ANDERSON, HIROYUKI HIRAI