Archinect - News
2025-01-02T08:46:41-05:00
https://archinect.com/news/article/150455549/cop29-new-intergovernmental-council-for-buildings-and-climate-to-speed-up-decarbonization-efforts-in-the-building-sector
COP29: New Intergovernmental Council for Buildings and Climate to speed up decarbonization efforts in the building sector
Josh Niland
2024-11-25T10:04:00-05:00
>2024-11-25T13:37:42-05:00
<img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/86/8644fc186a685a8f5c29144efb89d7ae.jpg?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><p>Last week at the <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/2667834/cop29" target="_blank">COP29</a> summit in Azerbaijan, the UNEP-hosted Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction (GlobalABC) announced the formation of the <a href="https://www.unep.org/technical-highlight/uneps-intergovernmental-council-buildings-and-climate-launches-cop29" target="_blank">Intergovernmental Council for Buildings and Climate</a> (ICBC) in order to administer goals set forth by the Chaillot Declaration from earlier this year. </p>
<p>This is aimed at helping fasten efforts at decarbonization and regulation in the building sector, which account for 37% of global emissions and is also growing in terms of sheer building footprint worldwide. New International definitions for low carbon cement and concrete were <a href="https://www.worldcement.com/the-americas/18112024/cop29-international-definitions-for-low-carbon-cement-and-concrete-launched-to-fast-track-green-procurement-of-essential-building-materials/" target="_blank">also launched</a> at COP29 by the Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA).</p>
https://archinect.com/news/article/150453861/aia-announces-participation-in-co29-summit-in-azerbaijan
AIA announces participation in CO29 summit in Azerbaijan
Josh Niland
2024-11-12T13:10:00-05:00
>2024-11-13T06:48:27-05:00
<img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/25/25b2e302bb743d42c5c3741a6b9bbf2a.jpg?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><p>The <a href="https://archinect.com/firms/cover/49568164/the-american-institute-of-architects" target="_blank">American Institute of Architects</a> (AIA) has announced its fourth official cohort of delegates that will be traveling to Azerbaijan to represent the organization and its interests at this month’s COP29 Summit in Baku. The contingent will be present to share the AIA's call on industry and governments to increase the amount of research and development for emerging decarbonization technologies. The announcement also mentions the publication of the AIA's first-ever <a href="https://www.aia.org/resource-center/aia-materials-pledge-numbers" target="_blank">AIA Materials Pledge</a> ‘By the Numbers’ annual report, which includes 280 signatories. COP29 takes place from November 11th to the 22nd this year against claims of greenwashing and authoritarianism on the part of the Azerbaijani government.</p>
https://archinect.com/news/article/150435713/mvrdv-and-other-dutch-studios-look-into-the-future-with-the-speculative-what-if-nederland-2100-study-on-urbanism-and-adaptability
MVRDV and other Dutch studios look into the future with the speculative 'WHAT-IF: Nederland 2100' study on urbanism and adaptability
Josh Niland
2024-07-05T12:20:00-04:00
>2024-07-05T17:16:09-04:00
<img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/98/9877214f3ca44a0b8f6ac8fd92585f70.jpg?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><p>The consequences that climate change presents to the future natural and built environment of the Netherlands have led to a new study on <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/29053/urbanism" target="_blank">urbanism</a> titled '<a href="https://www.mvrdv.com/projects/1007/what-if-nederland-2100" target="_blank">WHAT-IF: Nederland 2100</a>,' produced by a trio of Dutch studios that includes <a href="https://archinect.com/firms/cover/327/mvrdv" target="_blank">MVRDV</a>, IMOSS, and Feddes/Olthof. The research is aimed at adaptability and features a series of feasible plans to greet such challenges while showing how the country can "live with nature, provide housing and quality of life, protect its cultural heritage, and adapt its economy to a new normal."</p>
<figure><p><a href="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/23/23c86e48d3aa234bace02345bed8f897.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1028" target="_blank"><img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/23/23c86e48d3aa234bace02345bed8f897.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=514"></a></p><figcaption>Image courtesy MVRDV</figcaption></figure><p>Importantly, the authors say, these pragmatic potential solutions can be studied and applied to the situations of nearly 900 million global residents who are similarly imperiled by their lives in low-lying areas. <br></p>
<figure><p><a href="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/28/2841019f259f654133db152c08581c65.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1028" target="_blank"><img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/28/2841019f259f654133db152c08581c65.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=514"></a></p><figcaption>Image courtesy MVRDV</figcaption></figure><p>A 'decision matrix' is employed to answer all possible scenarios, including the maximum predicted global warming. In the end, the cities in the east become 'hyper-dense,' while the currently more populated large citie...</p>
https://archinect.com/news/article/150433007/cities-depend-on-water-here-s-the-best-solutions-for-urban-designers-to-ensure-their-security
Cities depend on water. Here's the best solutions for urban designers to ensure their security
Josh Niland
2024-06-17T19:51:00-04:00
>2024-06-17T19:51:21-04:00
<img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/48/488df93d0359273b8a8e4bdaf1f2c7bd.jpg?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><em><p>More cities will likely face these kinds of shortages as climate change, deforestation and ecosystems degradation increasingly threaten the natural systems that maintain water supplies. But nature offers solutions, too.
By protecting, restoring and sustainably managing forests within their watersheds, cities can improve water quality and quantity in a cost-effective way. And they can make water sources more resilient to a changing climate.</p></em><br /><br /><p>The most recent <a href="https://archinect.com/news/article/150429868/asla-survey-finds-increased-demand-for-nature-based-solutions-to-climate-change-among-landscape-architects" target="_blank">ASLA survey</a> of U.S.-based <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/73524/landscape-architecture" target="_blank">landscape architects</a> confirmed the industry’s positive response to this critical demand, including that a total of 42% of respondents have said they are pursuing climate projects worth more than $1 million and another 29% saying the value of this work was over $10 million. </p>
<p>Mexico's recent presidential election is another barometer, as the environmental engineer and former CDMX mayor Claudia Sheinbaum’s ability to tackle the looming <a href="https://archinect.com/news/article/150427436/mexico-city-s-fraught-water-crisis-could-prove-decisive-in-the-upcoming-national-elections" target="_blank">water crisis</a> there proved a decisive factor in her historic victory. (A catastrophic 'Day Zero', however, still looms <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2024/05/25/mexico-city-water-day-zero/" target="_blank">right around the corner</a>.)</p>
https://archinect.com/news/article/150357881/biden-announces-90-million-commitment-to-upgrade-building-codes-nationwide
Biden announces $90 million commitment to upgrade building codes nationwide
Josh Niland
2023-07-24T14:36:00-04:00
>2024-10-25T04:07:38-04:00
<img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/5f/5f739427da6749083ffba34530b708cc.jpeg?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><p>The <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/1725075/biden-administration" target="_blank">Biden Administration</a> has recently announced a new $90 million commitment in the form of competitive awards meant to help states and cities in their myriad attempts at mustering updated building codes into the country's patchwork response to climate change.</p>
<p>The funds are being taken from the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and supports 27 projects that are all aimed at increasing the <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/620233/energy-efficiency" target="_blank">energy efficiency</a>, <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/209053/resiliency" target="_blank">resiliency</a>, and overall <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/1249778/building-performance" target="_blank">performance of buildings</a> in different parts of the country.</p>
<p>In a <a href="https://constructiondigital.com/epc/us-government-invests-us-90m-into-building-energy-codes" target="_blank">statement</a>, U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm said: “Cutting emissions from buildings across America and ensuring they’re more energy efficient are critical components of President Biden’s plan to tackle the climate crisis and create cleaner and healthier communities. With unprecedented support from the President’s Investing in America agenda, the Department is providing new funding to help cities and states modernize their building codes — lowering energy costs for American famil...</p>
https://archinect.com/news/article/150351220/ukraine-s-optimistic-vision-at-the-2023-venice-biennale
Ukraine's optimistic vision at the 2023 Venice Biennale
Josh Niland
2023-05-29T15:32:00-04:00
>2024-10-25T04:07:38-04:00
<img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/97/97fdbf45c9d97355de983a66d220a57c.jpg?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><p>A pair of time-sensitive installations from the Ukrainian contingent at this year’s <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/1888350/2023-venice-biennale" target="_blank">Venice Architecture Biennale</a> is rallying two contraposed notions of future rebuilding and present-day trauma together for the outside world to experience optimistically under one prescient exhibition aptly titled <em>Before the Future</em>.</p>
<p>The country’s first Biennale entry since 2014 is being presented in two locations by curators Iryna Miroshnykova, Oleksii Petrov, and Borys Filonenko, who say their contribution presents Ukraine as a “powerful participant in transforming the image of the future in Europe and the whole civilized world.”</p>
<p>Beginning first inside the Arsenale’s Sale d’Armi, the exhibition remakes an otherwise cavernous host space into a windowless, claustrophobic chasm within which visitors can experience the state of abandonment and eerie comfort that Ukrainians are daily inhabiting as they fight for a <a href="https://archinect.com/news/article/150330923/ukraine-s-architects-look-ahead-to-the-challenge-of-rebuilding-war-torn-cities" target="_blank">more vital and sustainably built</a> peace-filled world to come.</p>
<figure><p><a href="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/3e/3e87dd5a64173f5aa42388e2c73bc231.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1028" target="_blank"><img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/3e/3e87dd5a64173f5aa42388e2c73bc231.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=514"></a></p><figcaption>Image: © Matteo de Mayda, court...</figcaption></figure>
https://archinect.com/news/article/150346301/ai-could-help-create-more-hurricane-resistant-buildings-nist-research-says
AI could help create more hurricane-resistant buildings, NIST research says
Niall Patrick Walsh
2023-04-14T15:06:00-04:00
>2024-10-25T04:07:38-04:00
<img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/7a/7abc98374db558b4a2b6dc4f1b5bc380.jpg?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><p>Researchers from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have devised a new method to digitally simulate <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/1655252/hurricanes" target="_blank">hurricanes</a>. Using data derived from 100 years of hurricane monitoring, infused with modern <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/566665/artificial-intelligence" target="_blank">AI techniques</a>, the researchers suggest that simulating the trajectory and wind speeds of storms can help develop improved guidelines for the design of buildings in hurricane-prone regions.</p>
<p>The research, <a href="https://journals.ametsoc.org/view/journals/aies/aop/AIES-D-22-0060.1/AIES-D-22-0060.1.xml" target="_blank">published recently</a> in <em>Artificial Intelligence for the Earth Systems</em>, envisions a scenario where designers are directed to standardized maps by their local <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/1300193/building-codes" target="_blank">building codes</a>. On these maps, designers can find the level of wind their proposed structure must handle based on its location and relative importance. For example, the resilience standards of a hospital would be regarded as higher than that of a self-storage facility.</p>
<figure><p><a href="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/f3/f3bc8cf1e0c1eee22a2ed8bf42083b89.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1028" target="_blank"><img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/f3/f3bc8cf1e0c1eee22a2ed8bf42083b89.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=514"></a></p><figcaption>Related on Archinect: <a href="https://archinect.com/news/article/150325739/building-codes-saved-this-florida-town-from-hurricane-ian-s-ravages" target="_blank">Building codes saved this Florida town from Hurricane Ian’s ravages</a></figcaption></figure><p>The wind speeds in the maps are derived from scores of hypothetica...</p>
https://archinect.com/news/article/150329073/asla-will-send-two-observer-delegates-to-un-s-cop27-for-the-first-time
ASLA will send two observer delegates to UN's COP27 for the first time
Josh Niland
2022-11-03T17:51:00-04:00
>2024-10-25T04:07:38-04:00
<img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/6f/6f1bf549b11429aee68595e09b649b88.jpg?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><p>A two-person delegation from the <a href="https://archinect.com/ASLA" target="_blank">American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA)</a> will be present as observers of next week’s COP27 summit in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, in an unprecedented move first announced yesterday by the organization.</p>
<p>Landprocess founder <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/1104990/kotchakorn-voraakhom" target="_blank">Kotchakorn Voraakhom</a> and Climate Positive Design founder/<a href="https://archinect.com/CMGLandscapeArchitecture" target="_blank">CMG Landscape Architecture</a> principal Pamela Conrad will travel to the conference in order to present the <a href="https://www.asla.org/climateactionplan.aspx" target="_blank">ASLA Climate Action Plan</a> to attendees, which is set for publication on November 12th.</p>
<p>The plan is an extension of the International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA) Climate Action Commitment that was announced at <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/1767597/cop26" target="_blank">last year’s summit</a>. The 27th edition is taking place under a rather unique set of circumstances colored by an ongoing <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/1934562/ukraine-invasion" target="_blank">land war</a> and a recent UN <a href="https://www.unep.org/resources/emissions-gap-report-2022" target="_blank">report</a> that called for up to $6 trillion in annual green investments in order to combat its updated prediction indicating the world is now on track to warm between 2.1 to 2.9°C by the end of the century.</p>
<figure><p><a href="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/a9/a996d2a158502a2dac5124a3edec59a9.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1028" target="_blank"><img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/a9/a996d2a158502a2dac5124a3edec59a9.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=514"></a></p><figcaption>Related O...</figcaption></figure>
https://archinect.com/news/article/150328717/boston-rolls-out-new-green-infrastructure-requirements-for-public-works-projects
Boston rolls out new green infrastructure requirements for public works projects
Josh Niland
2022-11-01T14:17:00-04:00
>2024-10-25T04:07:38-04:00
<img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/5a/5a4f25a2d480d5b5099411c84eb8eda9.jpg?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><p>Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has announced a new policy mandating the use of small-scale green infrastructure on curb extension projects throughout the city.</p>
<p>A set of five design standards will be introduced to help expand the adaptation and maintenance of the measures with the larger aim of improving pedestrian safety and bolstering climate resilience of the city’s <a href="https://archinect.com/news/article/150188929/boston-is-america-s-most-congested-city-again" target="_blank">crowded</a> walkways and streetscapes.</p>
<p>“These new design standards will allow the City to continue enhancing our streets as public spaces for everyone,” Boston’s Chief of Streets, Jascha Franklin-Hodge, said in a statement. “These curb extensions help keep our neighborhood safe by slowing cars and making street crossing easier for pedestrians and now they can also benefit our quality of life by providing more green space in our City.”</p>
<p>Boston planners say the policy will eventually lead to the implementation of green infrastructure into large-scale capital projects, combining with its recently-proposed <a href="https://archinect.com/news/article/150320956/boston-may-soon-become-the-next-major-american-city-to-ban-fossil-fuels-in-new-buildings" target="_blank">ban on fossil fuels</a> in new ...</p>
https://archinect.com/news/article/150325559/the-army-corps-of-engineers-reveals-initial-coastal-resiliency-plan-for-new-york-city
The Army Corps of Engineers reveals initial coastal resiliency plan for New York City
Josh Niland
2022-10-03T09:00:00-04:00
>2022-09-30T20:57:46-04:00
<img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/54/54e1fd920ae2e193095432a9e07d8567.jpg?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><em><p>The federal government wants to build a massive system of storm surge gates and seawalls to protect the New York harbor region from flooding and has put forth a much-delayed plan that would remake coastal areas from upper Manhattan down to Jamaica Bay.
The Army Corps estimates construction on the $52 billion project would begin in 2030 and be complete by 2044. The project must be first approved by federal, state and local officials and funded before any of the work can start.</p></em><br /><br /><p>The New York District, North Atlantic Division of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has released a <a href="https://www.nan.usace.army.mil/Portals/37/NYNJHATS%20Draft%20Integrated%20Feasibility%20Report%20Tier%201%20EIS.pdf" target="_blank">569-page report</a> outlining a coastal storm risk management feasibility study. According to <em>The City's </em>Samantha Maldonado, a public comment period will be held through January 6th, 2023, as a means to help "inform the design." Maldonado also reported that the government expects plans to be finalized by 2025. </p>
<p>The Army Corps also released an interactive <a href="https://hats-cenan.hub.arcgis.com/?fbclid=IwAR3_dRelxiiDlZyX6MobWySPdxIpgaprt0LrSZN7Bt-7MuhbNVpdBIcujOY" target="_blank">map</a> that details individual aspects of the initial proposal, which <a href="https://archinect.com/columbiagsapp" target="_blank">Columbia University</a> climate scientist Paul Gallay said will "set the tone for coastal protection and community viability for decades to come."</p>
<p>"We have a lot more room to advocate for environmental justice communities and truly sustainable solutions than many of the other plans would have allowed for," Victoria Sanders, a research analyst at the New York City Environmental Justice Alliance, told the publication. "There is still a long road and a lot of unknowns between now a...</p>
https://archinect.com/news/article/150324144/university-of-oregon-s-college-of-design-awarded-more-than-16-million-in-federal-funds-to-bolster-timber-application-in-construction
University of Oregon's College of Design awarded more than $16 million in federal funds to bolster timber application in construction
Nathaniel Bahadursingh
2022-09-19T15:14:00-04:00
>2024-10-25T04:07:38-04:00
<img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/89/89a6e723953dcd7645a82f94ea98ecc1.jpg?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><p>The <a href="https://archinect.com/schools/cover/200284/university-of-oregon" target="_blank">University of Oregon</a> has been awarded more than $16 million in federal funds as part of a grant to the Oregon Mass Timber Coalition from the <a href="https://archinect.com/news/article/150322514/mass-timber-clean-energy-biotech-and-indigenous-communities-are-among-the-biggest-winners-of-the-1-billion-build-back-better-regional-challenge" target="_blank">Build Back Better Regional Challenge</a>. </p>
<p>A total of $41.4 million was awarded to the coalition by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration. $24.6 million is heading to the <a href="https://archinect.com/firms/cover/150098647/tallwood-design-institute" target="_blank">TallWood Design Institute</a>, a collaboration between <a href="https://archinect.com/schools/cover/2910362/oregon-state-university" target="_blank">Oregon State University</a> and the University of Oregon that aims to advance <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/1038570/mass-timber" target="_blank">mass timber construction</a> and other wood product building approaches. Oregon State University will receive $8 million.</p>
<figure><p><a href="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/55/55fb0546180e5d93dbd2f9afe0f054d6.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1028" target="_blank"><img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/55/55fb0546180e5d93dbd2f9afe0f054d6.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=514"></a></p><figcaption>Previously on Archinect: <a href="https://archinect.com/news/article/150322514/mass-timber-clean-energy-biotech-and-indigenous-communities-are-among-the-biggest-winners-of-the-1-billion-build-back-better-regional-challenge" target="_blank">Mass timber, clean energy, biotech, and Indigenous communities are among the biggest winners of the $1 Billion Build Back Better Regional Challenge</a></figcaption></figure><p>At the University of Oregon, the funds will be split between two programs in the College of Design, with $14.6 million going toward the Oregon Acoustic Research Laboratory and $2 million for an affordable housing prototype using mass tim...</p>
https://archinect.com/news/article/150322501/one-year-after-hurricane-ida-nyc-updates-its-water-infrastructure-in-the-hopes-of-preventing-another-tragedy
One year after Hurricane Ida, NYC updates its water infrastructure in the hopes of preventing another tragedy
Josh Niland
2022-09-02T14:50:00-04:00
>2024-10-25T04:07:38-04:00
<img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/eb/ebdea65b9d24c6e32c6b45145d6b40a2.jpg?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><p>New York City is beefing up the effort to prevent a similar tragedy to Hurricane Ida a year removed from the historic storm’s <a href="https://archinect.com/news/article/150280072/ida-deaths-highlight-persistent-flooding-and-housing-issues-in-new-york-city-s-low-lying-immigrant-neighborhoods" target="_blank">wake of destruction</a>, which left 13 residents dead and hundreds of others <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NcfbiZK1GA" target="_blank">permanently displaced</a>.</p>
<p><a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/1877633/mayor-eric-adams" target="_blank">Mayor Eric Adams</a> was on hand yesterday to showcase newly-installed stormwater infrastructure in the heavily-affected neighborhood of Ozone Park, Queens, in unison with <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/1832066/governor-kathy-hochul" target="_blank">Governor Kathy Hochul</a> and the state’s Department of Environmental Protection. The city is investing some $2.5 billion there in the form of sewer upgrades which will be joined by a similar $454 million initiative targeting <a href="https://www1.nyc.gov/site/planning/data-maps/flood-hazard-mapper.page" target="_blank">historically-flood-prone areas</a> in Brooklyn, Staten Island, and other parts of Central and Southeastern Queens. </p>
<p>That money will all go towards replacing the antiquated, century-old <a href="https://www.thecity.nyc/2021/9/3/22656414/ida-deluged-nyc-drainage-system-neglected-climate" target="_blank">existing system</a> that, combined with the abundance of illegal basement dwellings in the neighborhood, created an untenable situation in September 2021, unable to handle the seven inches of rain that fell i...</p>
https://archinect.com/news/article/150309028/nyc-mayor-eric-adams-appoints-eric-ulrich-as-commissioner-of-the-department-of-buildings
NYC Mayor Eric Adams appoints Eric Ulrich as Commissioner of the Department of Buildings
Josh Niland
2022-05-05T11:57:00-04:00
>2024-10-25T04:07:38-04:00
<img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/ac/ac063ece364a84014bab1f343decdfe1.jpg?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><p>Former New York City Council member Eric Ulrich has been appointed as Commissioner of the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) by <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/1877633/mayor-eric-adams" target="_blank">Mayor Eric Adams</a>.</p>
<p>Ulrich will serve alongside Kazimir Vilenchik, the new First Deputy Commissioner, and replaces Gus Sirakis, who has been serving as the DOB’s Acting Commissioner for the past six weeks. </p>
<figure><p><a href="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/95/952e770dfa6e7d729c4d6e748bbef422.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1028" target="_blank"><img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/95/952e770dfa6e7d729c4d6e748bbef422.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=514"></a></p><figcaption>Earlier on Archinect: <a href="https://archinect.com/news/article/150272054/nyc-department-of-buildings-shuts-down-322-construction-sites-in-zero-tolerance-safety-sweep" target="_blank">NYC Department of Buildings shuts down 322 construction sites in 'zero tolerance' safety sweep</a></figcaption></figure><p>“Our city and our economy cannot recover from the COVID-19 pandemic without a strong construction industry, and this team will deliver while prioritizing worker safety and customer service,” Adams said before thanking Sirakis for his service during the pandemic.</p>
<p>Ulrich comes to the job with a reputation for having played a critical role in New York’s post-Sandy recovery efforts through his role on the council’s Committee on Housing and Buildings. His initiative in that capacity to rezone vulnerable communities in the city affected by <a href="https://archinect.com/news/article/150280072/ida-deaths-highlight-persistent-flooding-and-housing-issues-in-new-york-city-s-low-lying-immigrant-neighborhoods" target="_blank">coastal ...</a></p>
https://archinect.com/news/article/150292517/new-york-city-announces-the-multibillion-dollar-financial-district-and-seaport-climate-resilience-master-plan
New York City announces the multibillion-dollar Financial District and Seaport Climate Resilience Master Plan
Nathaniel Bahadursingh
2021-12-30T17:54:00-05:00
>2024-10-25T04:07:38-04:00
<img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/9c/9c0de72fba6c28fceb453809cbd6ac37.jpg?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><p>The New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) and the Mayor's Office of Climate Resiliency (MOCR) have released the Financial District and Seaport Climate Resilience Master Plan, a framework for comprehensive flood defense infrastructure to fortify Lower Manhattan in response to the increasing threat of <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/167905/climate-change" target="_blank">climate change</a>. </p>
<p>The plan is projected to cost $5 to $7 billion and will reimagine almost one mile of shoreline from The Battery to the Brooklyn Bridge with a resilient waterfront that can withstand severe coastal storms and rising sea levels. Based on the New York City Panel on Climate Change 90th percentile projections, noted in NYCEDC’s announcement, rising tides by the 2050s are expected to flood the Financial District and Seaport monthly and then daily by the 2080s. In addition, some level of frequent tidal flooding is likely to be seen as early as the 2040s. </p>
<figure><p><a href="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/a6/a6eef9bc745baf7690631480409ce3ec.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1028" target="_blank"><img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/a6/a6eef9bc745baf7690631480409ce3ec.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=514"></a></p></figure><p>The master plan features a multilevel waterfront that extends the shoreline of the East River by up to 200...</p>
https://archinect.com/news/article/150281774/the-university-of-arizona-launches-indigenous-resilience-center-addressing-environmental-issues
The University of Arizona launches Indigenous Resilience Center, addressing environmental issues
Nathaniel Bahadursingh
2021-09-17T13:31:00-04:00
>2024-10-25T04:07:38-04:00
<img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/25/25821ceae0275e75561e10fa03bbd058.jpeg?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><p><u></u><a href="https://archinect.com/schools/cover/1908078/university-of-arizona" target="_blank">The University of Arizona</a> is launching a new interdisciplinary center that will partner with <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/440646/native-american" target="_blank">Native American</a> nations to work on projects that address <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/450742/environmental-issues" target="_blank">environmental issues</a>.</p>
<p>Called the Indigenous Resilience Center, the program will be a partnership between Native nations and the university’s Arizona Institutes for Resilience, Agnese Nelms Haury Program in Environment and Social Justice, and multiple faculty members and academic programs that focus on supporting the resilience of Indigenous communities. </p>
<p>The center’s faculty and staff will work directly with tribal leaders and governments to co-design community-driven solutions that address issues facing Native communities, such as climate change. Projects will focus on areas including agriculture, solar energy, off-grid water resources, food resources, Native plant adaptation, and health. </p>
<figure><p><a href="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/12/12b663e5a8631669f29c30b42d67387f.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1028" target="_blank"><img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/12/12b663e5a8631669f29c30b42d67387f.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=514"></a></p><figcaption>Related on Archinect: <a href="https://archinect.com/news/article/150280883/university-of-new-mexico-announces-chris-cornelius-champion-of-indigenous-design-culture-as-new-chair-of-architecture" target="_blank">University of New Mexico announces Chris Cornelius, champion of Indigenous design culture, as new Chair of Architecture</a></figcaption></figure><p>Karlet...</p>
https://archinect.com/news/article/150280607/aluminum-wrapping-helped-one-cabin-withstand-the-caldor-fire
Aluminum wrapping helped one cabin withstand the Caldor Fire
Josh Niland
2021-09-09T11:33:00-04:00
>2021-09-09T13:44:45-04:00
<img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/7e/7ec32a0bf163a945c4f2eb255a869522.jpg?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><em><p>Jennifer Diamond, a spokeswoman for the team fighting the Caldor Fire, wasn’t sure who wrapped the Phillips Tract cabin but said she’s helped cover a historic backcountry building with foil in the past. Aside from historic buildings, firefighters might choose to wrap a remote cabin where property owners have already cut back vegetation, cut down overhanging trees and cleared roofs and gutters of debris.</p></em><br /><br /><p>The cabin was among <a href="https://www.wsav.com/weather-news/weather-she-wrote/raging-wild-fire-threatens-lake-tahoe-residents-cover-their-homes-with-aluminum/" target="_blank">many</a> in the South Lake Tahoe region to adapt a temporary version of an <a href="https://archinect.com/news/article/150276912/one-northern-california-designer-is-replenishing-housing-stock-in-the-region-with-new-fire-resistant-prefabs" target="_blank">adaptability approach</a> that has become increasingly popular during a year that has already seen <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-08-16/one-million-acres-up-in-smoke-as-wildfires-ravage-california" target="_blank">over a million acres</a> scorched in California alone.</p>
<p>The ongoing Caldor Fire has destroyed <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/caldor-fire-california-wildfire-half-contained/" target="_blank">more than 700 homes</a> as of this week and is still only about 50% contained. One problem facing homeowners who attempt the wrapping method is the labor involved: a typical structure takes several people a minimum of five hours to install using an army of <a href="https://wildfiretoday.com/2013/05/20/cabin-wrap-15000-staples-in-and-15000-staples-out/" target="_blank">15,000 staples</a>. A 200-foot roll of the material retails for $687. </p>
<p><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/06/us/lake-tahoe-caldor-fire-hotel-workers.html" target="_blank">Hotel workers</a> were among those left to prepare structures for the fire. <em>The San Francisco Chronicle</em> has a look at the wrapping method <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/california-wildfires/article/How-one-foil-wrapped-home-survived-the-Caldor-16444302.php" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>
https://archinect.com/news/article/150265823/the-deadline-for-an-infrastructure-deal-was-memorial-day-here-s-what-it-could-mean-to-architects
The deadline for an infrastructure deal was Memorial Day. Here's what it could mean to architects.
Josh Niland
2021-06-02T14:30:00-04:00
>2024-10-25T04:07:38-04:00
<img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/6b/6b2e2e8e7a6a03a2dad2938c88e93390.jpg?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><p>With the <a href="https://fortune.com/2021/05/26/memorial-day-deadline-gop-1-trillion-infrastructure/" target="_blank">Memorial Day deadline</a> now passed for <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/1686481/president-biden" target="_blank">President Biden</a>’s massive new $2.25 trillion <a href="https://archinect.com/news/article/150257711/what-happens-if-we-view-president-biden-s-2-trillion-infrastructure-plan-through-a-social-lens" target="_blank">infrastructure bill</a>, architects and planners are watching closely and with interested eyes to see what is included in any future version of the bill that has the potential to make outsized impacts in the industry.</p>
<p>Earmarked in the bill is a $213 billion aid package meant to increase, update, and refurbish America’s <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-07-30/the-u-s-affordable-housing-gap-is-getting-worse" target="_blank">dwindling supply of affordable housing</a>. Biden’s target of 2 million units would add much-needed stock to help alleviate the <a href="https://www.courant.com/politics/hc-pol-affordable-housing-tool-connecticut-20210204-o32ny57nejgh7e3zmcumzkn7cu-story.html" target="_blank">growing need</a> through a combination of grants, tax incentives, and the elimination of <a href="https://archinect.com/features/article/150261356/connecticut-is-in-the-spotlight-as-a-housing-reform-hotspot" target="_blank">discriminatory local zoning laws</a>, which serve to <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/news/nation/2021/04/14/zoning-biden-infrastructure-bill-would-curb-single-family-housing/7097434002/" target="_blank">artificially inflate</a> housing costs for a wide variety of Americans, according to the <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/biden-seeks-to-ease-housing-shortage-with-looser-zoning-rules-11617796817" target="_blank"><em>Wall Street Journal</em></a>.</p>
<figure><p><a href="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/4f/4f730c31474d71693d2335fac57de577.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1028" target="_blank"><img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/4f/4f730c31474d71693d2335fac57de577.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=514"></a></p><figcaption>Related on Archinect: <a href="https://archinect.com/news/article/150257711/what-happens-if-we-view-president-biden-s-2-trillion-infrastructure-plan-through-a-social-lens" target="_blank">What happens if we view President Biden's $2 trillion infrastructure plan through a social lens?</a></figcaption></figure><p>An additional $20 billion is set aside to address “historic inequities and build the future of transportati...</p>
https://archinect.com/news/article/150265589/coalition-of-design-and-construction-organizations-seek-support-for-more-resilient-built-environment-in-letter-to-congress
Coalition of design and construction organizations seek support for more resilient built environment in letter to Congress
Nathaniel Bahadursingh
2021-05-27T17:58:00-04:00
>2024-10-25T04:07:38-04:00
<img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/ea/ea128cd75434d0d87d98b0770ac56a99.jpg?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><p>A coalition of leading design and construction organizations have called on Congress to include funding in any <a href="https://archinect.com/news/article/150257711/what-happens-if-we-view-president-biden-s-2-trillion-infrastructure-plan-through-a-social-lens" target="_blank">new infrastructure proposal</a> that would significantly improve the resilience and performance of buildings across the country, <a href="https://archinect.com/firms/cover/49568164/the-american-institute-of-architects" target="_blank">The American Institute of Architects</a> announces. </p>
<p>In a <a href="https://content.aia.org/sites/default/files/2021-05/RBC_Sign_on_letter_5.26.2021_FINAL.pdf" target="_blank">letter</a> issued to Congress earlier this week, signatories addressed the increasing threat that natural and manmade hazards pose on the safety of the public and strength of the country. As stated in the letter, “The combination of aging infrastructure and worsening natural disasters has resulted in the unacceptable, yet preventable, loss of human life and costly property damage.” According to the <a href="https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/billions/summary-stats/US/2014-2019" target="_blank">NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information</a>, between 2014 and 2019, the United States experienced 77 weather and climate-related disasters that resulted in over $550 billion in damage and nearly 4,000 lives lost. </p>
<figure><p><a href="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/a6/a6ca809eccc35737fae9ab83c99e61c6.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1028" target="_blank"><img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/a6/a6ca809eccc35737fae9ab83c99e61c6.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=514"></a></p><figcaption>Related on Archinect: <a href="https://archinect.com/news/article/150257711/what-happens-if-we-view-president-biden-s-2-trillion-infrastructure-plan-through-a-social-lens" target="_blank">What happens if we view President Biden's $2 trillion infrastruct...</a></figcaption></figure>
https://archinect.com/news/article/150190625/turning-obstacles-into-opportunities-in-architectural-practice
Turning obstacles into opportunities in architectural practice
Sean Joyner
2020-03-23T18:04:00-04:00
>2020-12-23T11:46:04-05:00
<img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/29/2923875d39082425956970c5caa1e3ad.jpg?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><p>Today, with the developing inconveniences of life, the hardships and frustrations, and the multitude of circumstantial consequences many of us face, it can be tough to know how to navigate the challenges we encounter. How do we trek this rocky path?</p>
<p>In his book <em><a href="https://amzn.to/2QCVuc4" target="_blank">The Obstacle is the Way</a>,</em> Ryan Holiday takes the timeless teachings of stoic philosophy and translates them for the modern reader, pulling stories from history to teach the art of "turning obstacles upside down." The book is based off of a passage written by the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius:</p>
<p><em>Our actions may be impeded...but there can be no impeding our intentions or dispositions. Because we can accommodate and adapt. The mind adapts and converts to its own purposes the obstacle to our acting...The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.</em></p>
<p>As we all face obstacles in our professional and personal lives, the lessons Holiday expounds are crucially important during this time. Many firms of all ...</p>
https://archinect.com/news/article/150180090/the-case-for-pitting-big-infrastructure-against-climate-change
The case for pitting big infrastructure against climate change
Alexander Walter
2020-01-22T15:26:00-05:00
>2020-01-22T15:27:26-05:00
<img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/d8/d895c84ffc2460db5308fba3c4582735.jpg?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><em><p>The US has become terrible at building big things, and negligent in even maintaining our existing infrastructure. [...]
That all bodes terribly for our ability to grapple with the coming dangers of climate change, because it is fundamentally an infrastructure problem.</p></em><br /><br /><p><em>MIT Technology Review</em> senior editor, James Temple, penned an urgent plea for a renewed, but sustainable, American public works boom that could significantly speed up the painfully slow infrastructure planning process in the face of rapidly changing climate conditions.<br></p>
<p>"To prepare for the climate dangers we now can’t avoid, we’ll also need to bolster coastal protections, reengineer waste and water systems, reinforce our transportation infrastructure, and relocate homes and businesses away from expanding flood and fire zones," Temple writes. "Given those staggering costs and tight time lines, we can’t afford to take decades to build—much less <em>not</em> build—a single project."</p>
https://archinect.com/news/article/150146430/new-report-urges-venice-to-get-its-climate-change-act-together
New report urges Venice to get its climate change act together
Alexander Walter
2019-07-17T07:00:00-04:00
>2019-07-16T20:30:41-04:00
<img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/f6/f64328f103bebcd9a9dc9cc5d97453bd.jpg?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><em><p>Venice is full of water, Venice floods, the climate is visibly changing, and sea levels are rising, so you would expect Venice, of all places, to have an official strategy for what to do about it—but you would be wrong. The management plans produced by the City of Venice for Unesco in 2013 and 2018 barely mention the subject and twice, in 2016 and 2019, Unesco’s World Heritage Committee has failed to call them out on this astonishing failing.</p></em><br /><br /><p>"We are used to thinking that, given enough will and money, there is a solution to everything, but this report says that we must get used to the idea that in many cases there will be no solution," writes a frustrated Anna Somers Cocks for <em>The Art Newspaper</em> and explains how a new report by the International Council on Museums and Sites (Icomos) could lay out an urgently needed roadmap for climate change action for cultural heritage sites. "It emphasises again and again: collaborate, share knowledge and remedies, educate, and—above all—plan ahead. Then only may we be able to mitigate the approaching catastrophe."</p>
<p>In other recent Venice-related news: the 17th International Architecture Exhibition just announced a guiding vision for the <a href="https://archinect.com/news/article/150146340/2020-venice-biennale-asks-how-will-we-live-together" target="_blank">2020 Venice Biennale</a>.<br></p>
https://archinect.com/news/article/150127008/bill-de-blasio-proposes-manhattan-shoreline-extension-to-combat-projected-sea-level-rise
Bill de Blasio proposes Manhattan shoreline extension to combat projected sea level rise
Alexander Walter
2019-03-18T14:40:00-04:00
>2024-03-15T01:45:58-04:00
<img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/9d/9deeea9ddc0b1ca4d4c184346a17a57b.jpg?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><em><p>New York Mayor Bill de Blasio proposed a $10 billion plan to push out the lower Manhattan coastline as much as 500 feet, or two city blocks, to protect from flooding that’s expected to become more frequent as global temperatures rise. [...]
Portions of the extended land would be at 20 feet above sea level. The city can’t build flood protection on the existing land because it’s too crowded with utilities, sewers and subway lines, he said.</p></em><br /><br /><p>New York Mayor Bill de Blasio has unveiled the city's comprehensive plan to increase resilience in Lower Manhattan, a low-lying, highly critical area that <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/204779/hurricane-sandy/30" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">has proven to be vulnerable</a> to storm surges and flooding. The newly published <a href="https://www.nycedc.com/project/lower-manhattan-coastal-resiliency" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lower Manhattan Climate Resilience Study</a> recommends extending the Manhattan shoreline into the East River to better protect the Seaport and the Financial District.<br></p>
<figure><p><a href="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/8d/8d884eb38ebffff160374a66b190771b.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&w=1028" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/8d/8d884eb38ebffff160374a66b190771b.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&w=514"></a></p><figcaption>Lower Manhattan 100-Year Floodplains. Image: NYC Mayor’s Office</figcaption></figure><p>“Hurricane Sandy showed us how vulnerable areas like Lower Manhattan are to climate change,” said de Blasio in his public announcement. “That’s why we not only have to reduce emissions to prevent the most cataclysmic potential effects of global warming, we have to prepare for the ones that are already inevitable. Our actions will protect Lower Manhattan into the next century. We need the federal government to stand behind cities like New York to meet this crisis head on.”</p>
<figure><p><a href="https://www.nycedc.com/sites/default/files/filemanager/Projects/LMCR/Final_Image/Lower_Manhattan_Climate_Resilience_March_2019.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/87/87044ee2c4e25b4f726c7a6e99000783.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&w=514"></a></p><figcaption>Click image above to access the Lower Manhattan Climate Resi...</figcaption></figure>
https://archinect.com/news/article/150122777/why-is-florida-s-coastal-real-estate-still-booming-despite-rising-levels
Why is Florida's coastal real estate still booming despite rising levels?
Alexander Walter
2019-02-20T13:49:00-05:00
>2019-02-20T13:52:28-05:00
<img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/cc/cc3f4a1b5f8686b56d2d136064c355c8.jpg?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><em><p>In Florida, you will see a bewildering mix of optimism, opportunism and denial in the real estate market: luxury condominiums going up in flood-prone South Beach, and property values rising in the vulnerable Keys, post-Hurricane Irma. And though the House of Representatives passed a bill to require real estate agents to disclose flood risks, the Senate has not reviewed it, and a culture of “systemic, fraudulent nondisclosure” persists in high flood risk areas.</p></em><br /><br /><p>As part of her <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/series/climate-changed" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Climate Changed</a> series for <em>The Guardian</em>, Megan Mayhew Bergman investigates the reluctance of Florida's condominium boom (and the wealthy investors behind it) to cool it a bit on new developments in the face of projected climate change-related devastation. <br></p>
<p>"Humans tend to respond to immediate threats and financial consequences – and coastal real estate, especially in Florida, may be on the cusp of delivering that harsh wake-up call," writes Mayhew Bergman. "The peninsula has outsized exposure: nearly 2 million people live in coastal cities. On the list of the 20 urban areas in America that will suffer the most from rising seas, Florida has five: St Petersburg, Tampa, Miami, Miami Beach and Panama City. In 2016, Zillow predicted that one out of eight homes in Florida would be underwater by 2100, a loss of $413bn in property."</p>
https://archinect.com/news/article/150112514/seattle-boosts-seismic-construction-standards-for-new-skyscrapers-but-older-high-rises-are-biggest-concern
Seattle boosts seismic construction standards for new skyscrapers, but older high-rises are biggest concern
Justine Testado
2018-12-31T16:21:00-05:00
>2018-12-31T16:21:43-05:00
<img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/b4/b4a4ee1f4ea87eff7df5e119b6a8d932.jpg?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><em><p>Researchers found the sedimentary basin under [Seattle] can amplify the type of ground motion that’s hardest on high-rises by a factor of two to five — much more than previous estimates.
In response, Seattle and Bellevue are boosting seismic standards for new buildings 240 feet or taller [...] But the prospect of stronger shaking also raises concerns about older high-rises</p></em><br /><br /><!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd">
<html><head><meta></head></html>
https://archinect.com/news/article/150088997/deep-adaptation-in-the-face-of-planetary-climate-catastrophe
'Deep adaptation' in the face of planetary climate catastrophe
Alexander Walter
2018-10-02T18:36:00-04:00
>2018-10-02T18:38:57-04:00
<img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/8d/8d64e0c876839b0c2ee5e0512125c684.jpg?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><em><p>In the language of climate change, “adaptation” refers to ways to blunt the immediate effects of extreme weather, such as building seawalls, conserving drinking water, updating building codes, and helping more people get disaster insurance. [...]
But some researchers are going further, calling for what some call the “deep adaptation agenda.”</p></em><br /><br /><p><em>Bloomberg</em>'s Climate & Environment Reporter, Christopher Flavelle, lays out a range of <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/167905/climate-change" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">climate change</a> projections—from the general consensus to the more pessimistic—and how an array of 'deep adaptation' measures could help to mitigate the damage. "Rather than simply asking people to water their lawns less often [...]," Flavelle writes, "governments need to consider large-scale, decades-long infrastructure projects, such as transporting water to increasingly arid regions and moving cities away from the ocean."</p>
https://archinect.com/news/article/150080004/rising-sea-levels-threaten-miami-s-existence-from-above-and-below-ground
Rising sea levels threaten Miami’s existence—from above and below ground
Alexander Walter
2018-08-29T19:50:00-04:00
>2018-08-29T19:51:50-04:00
<img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/3d/3d06c2537729e9061c8cdff9c375d2d8.jpg?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><em><p>From ground level, greater Miami looks like any American megacity—a mostly dry expanse of buildings, roads, and lawns, sprinkled with the occasional canal or ornamental lake. But from above, the proportions of water and land are reversed. [...]
Barring a stupendous reversal in greenhouse gas emissions, the rising Atlantic will cover much of Miami by the end of this century. The economic effects will be devastating [...].</p></em><br /><br /><p><em>Bloomberg</em> reporter Christopher Flavelle takes a deep dive into the vast, intricate, and highly fragile network of natural aquifers and man-made infrastructure that has kept <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/7094/miami" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Miami</a> (mostly) dry and equipped with fresh drinking water. But for how much longer?</p>
https://archinect.com/news/article/150072175/despite-being-in-high-risk-flood-zones-waterfront-housing-developments-are-on-the-rise-in-nyc
Despite being in high-risk flood zones, waterfront housing developments are on the rise in NYC
Justine Testado
2018-07-06T17:31:00-04:00
>2018-07-08T13:24:14-04:00
<img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/8f/8f1c3971f0236c08186b2c9b803b6df8.jpg?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><em><p>Whether these new apartment buildings can endure another major storm does not seem to be a concern for most residents, who are glad to have new options in inventory-starved markets. Critics, though, ask whether the neighborhoods can withstand the surge of new development and the stress it will add to an already strained infrastructure. These new buildings might remain unscathed in a flood, they say, but what about the damage caused by the torrent around them?</p></em><br /><br /><!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd">
<html><head><meta></head></html>
https://archinect.com/news/article/150057132/your-sea-wall-won-t-save-you
Your Sea Wall Won't Save You
Places Journal
2018-03-29T09:21:00-04:00
>2018-03-28T18:21:28-04:00
<img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/u3/u3rcow9mh91rgrip.jpg?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><em><p>Concepts like “making room for the river,” which works well in the Netherlands, can mean mass evictions in the Global South. Too often, the rhetoric of climate adaptation is doublespeak for the displacement of poor communities, and an alibi for unsustainable growth.</p></em><br /><br /><p>As coastal megacities adapt to climate change, they often bring in outside planning experts who push highly engineered, technocratic resilience programs. Lizzie Yarina looks at how this trend is affecting local communities in Bangkok, Manila, Ho Chi Minh City, and Jakarta, and argues that "resilience is not fundamentally a technical question. It is social and political. Planners and designers must recognize and negotiate the diverse "resilience imaginaries" across the cities in which they are needed."</p>
https://archinect.com/news/article/150053020/porous-interventions-to-adapt-to-increasing-floods-in-bangkok
Porous interventions to adapt to increasing floods in Bangkok
Alexander Walter
2018-03-05T16:12:00-05:00
>2018-03-05T16:14:31-05:00
<img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/fg/fgmdfrjl99ygenad.jpg?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><em><p>Sea level rise and increased rain have posed serious flood risks for Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand, which is already close to sea level. [...]
She works to do this by reclaiming urban porosity through a network of public green spaces. [...]
She has already been planning and working on projects beyond climate resilient housing - including rain gardens, green roofs, permeable parking, urban forests and farms - to address the root causes of increased flooding in her city.</p></em><br /><br /><p>After witnessing a dramatic economic boom and rapid urbanization—and subsequent environmental challenges—in her native Thailand, <a href="https://archinect.com/harvard" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Harvard</a> graduate, landscape architect and TED fellow Kotchakorn Voraakhom founded <a href="http://www.porouscity.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Porous City Network</a> to fight the increased risk of flooding with design solutions and improve urban resilience and adaptability in Bangkok, primarily in the city's most vulnerable communities: "PCN makes the city porous by transforming underused impervious surfaces into a system of productive public green spaces, and advocating maintaining threatened landscape infrastructure like agricultural land, canals, and ditch orchards, which help mitigate excess water."</p>
https://archinect.com/news/article/150029488/what-makes-mexico-city-so-vulnerable-to-earthquakes
What makes Mexico City so vulnerable to earthquakes?
Mackenzie Goldberg
2017-09-21T11:51:00-04:00
>2024-03-15T01:45:58-04:00
<img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/qf/qfff977cif0uy0ux.jpg?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><p>Yesterday, <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/137971/mexico-city" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mexico City</a> was struck by a powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake. As of today, over 200 people have been reported dead as rescuers continue their efforts to recover those still trapped in the rubble. Dozens of buildings in and around the city were reduced to rubble and many more, severely damaged. Mayor Miguel Angel Mancera said buildings fell at 44 places in the capital alone, including a primary school where 25 bodies have since been recovered. </p>
<p>The temblor is the deadliest the country's capital has seen since a 1985 earthquake on the same date, exactly 32 years prior, killed thousands. Mexico sits at the boundary of three fault lines—a very active seismic zone that makes the area extremely vulnerable to earthquakes of high magnitude that are capable of destroying whole buildings and ripping façades off others. Just 12 days before, the country endured its second-largest earthquake in history when an 8.1-magnitude shake hit the states of Oaxaca and Chiapas. </p>
<p>Mexico City, i...</p>