The Role of Architects in Disaster Relief
Disasters, whether natural or man-made, devastate communities, leaving millions without homes. In these critical times, the need for housing extends beyond mere shelter. Displaced populations require structures that ensure physical security and foster emotional well-being. Architects, with their unique skills and understanding of these complexities, are pivotal in crafting comprehensive design briefs for disaster relief housing. This is more than just reconstruction; it’s about building sustainable communities that promote resilience and holistic well-being.
Global Displacement: A Stark Reality
According to a report on ALJAZEERA,, 1.5% of the world’s population, roughly 120 million people, have been displaced from their homes, equating to one in every 69 people on Earth.
Disaster Response Market Size
According to Modor Intelligence, “The Emergency And Disaster Response Market size is estimated at USD 166.73 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 229.30 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 6.58% during the forecast period (2024-2029).” – Emergency and Disaster Response Market Size & Share Analysis – Growth Trends & Forecasts (2024 – 2029)
Architects making a Difference
Architects are actively engaged in designing innovative solutions for disaster relief, including in war zones. Their work is crucial in providing both immediate relief and long-term resilience for affected communities. Here are some of the notable architects and their contributions:
Architects for Gaza:
Yara Sharif and Nasser Golzari: founders of Palestine Regeneration Team: Yara Sharif is also co-founder of Architects for Gaza. ” Palestinian Regeneration Team (PART) is a design-led research group that aims to search for creative and responsive spatial possibilities in Palestine to heal the fractures caused by the Israeli Occupation.”
Marwa Al-Sabouni (Syria): Based in Homs, Syria, Marwa Al-Sabouni focuses on rebuilding war-torn areas with sustainable and culturally sensitive urban designs that promote social cohesion and resilience.
Yasmeen Lari (Pakistan): Pakistan’s first female architect, Yasmeen Lari, is renowned for her humanitarian architecture. Her designs provide immediate relief while fostering long-term resilience and self-sufficiency among displaced communities.
Kunlé Adeyemi (Nigeria): Through his firm NLÉ, Kunlé Adeyemi adapts his floating structure designs to conflict zones in Nigeria. His floating school concept, initially for Lagos, now provides temporary educational facilities in violence-affected areas.
Salma Samar Damluji (Yemen): Leading the Daw’an Mud Brick Architecture Foundation, Salma Samar Damluji focuses on reconstructing traditional mud-brick houses using local materials and sustainable techniques, preserving cultural heritage and promoting environmental sustainability.
Shigeru Ban Architects: Shigeru Ban is known for using innovative materials like cardboard and recycled paper tubes in disaster relief architecture. His temporary shelters in Ukraine are quick to assemble, environmentally sustainable, and cost-effective.
See more of Shigeru Ban Architects work on Disaster Relief on this link.
Francis Kéré: Francis Kéré uses local materials and traditional techniques to build resilient structures. His work in Burkina Faso provides shelters and community buildings, emphasizing cultural relevance and environmental sustainability.
Norman Foster Foundation: Temporary refugee camps often become long-term settlements, yet shelters are still designed as quick, temporary solutions. The Norman Foster Foundation advocates for building high-quality, permanent homes and communities instead.
Interesting Content
Urban Adaptive Reuse with a Twist; Conflict Zones
Architects for Gaza creates fragments of demountable clinic for Gaza
Palestinian architect says the destruction must become part of Gaza’s reconstruction
A Palestinian architect looks for a future in Gaza’s rubble