The American Institute of Architects (AIA) is urging Senate lawmakers to adopt the Disaster Recovery Reform Act (DRRA) to ensure communities across America can recover from natural disasters more efficiently and cost-effectively.
AIA is supporting the legislation as it will prioritize pre-disaster mitigation and ensure that post-disaster assistance enables communities to rebuild with the latest model building codes to ensure future resiliency.
“Strong, disaster-resilient building codes are a vital foundation to creating safer communities,” said Rose Grant, chair of AIA’s disaster assistance committee. “Adoption of these codes go even further to help the built-environment battle the onslaught of billion-dollar disasters.”
Grant was speaking at the AIA’s educational briefing for policy makers Tuesday night, which provided insights on the lessons architects have learned serving as responders with AIA’s Disaster Assistance Program following hurricanes Maria, Harvey and Irma last year. The briefing also featured insights into how communities can prepare for the 2018 hurricane season that commences June 1.
“As hurricane season approaches, architects stand ready to help communities prepare for and recover from the kind of weather related events that victimized so many,” said AIA EVP and Chief Executive Officer Robert Ivy, FAIA. “We hope this discussion brings new insights and appreciation for how architects can assist communities in recovering from disasters and help to prepare for them in the future.”
AIA's Disaster Assistance Program has trained thousands of architect volunteers in responding to disasters. Through the program, architects serve as second responders providing critical safety inspections of buildings and infrastructures following disasters. In addition, architects provide lawmakers with insights and lessons they learn in the field to help shape better policies around disasters, which includes resilient-building policies.
“Forging relationships between architects and local officials is key to mitigating and preventing the damage caused by weather related disasters,” said Illya Azaroff, AIA (principal of +LAB Architect PLLC). “Of the post-Sandy policies AIA recommended, nine were enacted into law in New York and 10 were included in the New York City building code. This is just one of the many examples where architects have been able to lend their expertise to shape policies that support a better built environment.”
Visit AIA’s website for more information on its Disaster Assistance Program.
Related Stories
Resiliency | Nov 15, 2017
Resilient design for waterfront buildings: a real estate win-win in vulnerable area
The developer sees resilient developments achieving top-of-market pricing, faster leasing, higher renewal, and higher occupancy rates.
Greenbuild Report | Oct 18, 2017
Rebuild, retreat, or resist
Hurricanes Harvey and Irma expose the necessity—and limitations—of resilient design and construction measures.
Resiliency | Oct 18, 2017
Cities weigh relocations as part of their defenses against natural disasters
Convincing people to relocate can be a psychological hurdle.
Resiliency | Oct 16, 2017
The race to codify resilience design
An array of guidelines and standards coming from all kinds of sources are jockeying for position to stamp their imprint on resilience best practices and, potentially, new codes.
Resiliency | Oct 13, 2017
Resiliency takes center stage in new projects around the country
Projects like these, where resilience is central to their design and construction, are becoming more commonplace.
Resiliency | Sep 27, 2017
The East Side Coastal Resiliency Project will span 2.5 miles of Lower Manhattan
The project will safeguard the Lower East Side against severe weather and rising sea levels.
Codes and Standards | Sep 11, 2017
Natural solutions would be most effective flood resilience policies for Houston
New green infrastructure should be part of rebuild.
Mixed-Use | Aug 30, 2017
A 50-acre waterfront redevelopment gets under way in Tampa
Nine architects, three interior designers, and nine contractors are involved in this $3 billion project.
Resiliency | Jun 7, 2017
New disaster-resilient infrastructure building and upgrades hope to keep Haven Plaza up and running
The affordable housing complex was hit hard during Hurricane Sandy, leaving residents without electricity or water.
Codes and Standards | May 30, 2017
Florida preparing to adjust to new building elevation requirements
New floodplain maps and state code changes loom.
