The Imperative Relationship between Architecture, Urban Design & Development and Disaster Management

Abstract

The rising frequency of catastrophes, along with a variety of developing risks and patterns, leaves an ever-increasing number of people exposed to disaster consequences, resulting in bigger damages & vulnerability worldwide. The importance of urban design in ensuring a safe neighbourhood and fostering resilience cannot be overstated. When constructing resilience, it is critical to consider the urban landscape as a whole, rather than just one building [1].

The exploratory study aims to find the relationship between architecture, urban design & development and disaster management and the various related factors for disaster resilience. Research is conducted based on study and analysis of the existing literature. The literature was reviewed for exploring the various ways in which all these disciplines contribute to each other. After analyses and synthesis of different literature reviews, various approaches were identified and summarised in the research paper. The various resources were shortlisted and included based on: 1) Architectural interventions 2) Urban Design & Planning Interventions 3) Sustainable developments 4) Different approaches with relation to built environment.

Architects, Urban Designers & Planners can contribute through structural or non-structural mitigation measures. Structural mitigation like reinforcing or retrofitting of hazard prone infrastructure which can be accomplished by various engineering methods and construction techniques, as well as building byelaws is majorly influenced by Architects. Non-structural mitigation measures like relocation of inhabitants away from identified risky locations, preserving natural environment protective features, public education, professional training & drills are majorly influenced by Urban Designers & Planners [2].

There are numerous design opportunities in these professions to combat disasters. Architecture should contribute to withstand earthquakes & other disasters, urban planning in densely populated places should address the need to prevent fires from spreading, and tsunami victims should be relocated far enough away from the coast to avoid future tsunami disasters. The architectural designs are relevant to disaster preparations in many different ways. The logic behind some designs are to prevent harm from future disasters such as severe winds, fires, volcanic eruptions, and earthquakes and others are the result of natural disasters [3].

During previous disaster occurrences all over the world, it is proven that vernacular houses fare well in terms of survival and intensity of damage. [4]. Vernacular techniques in correlation with the contemporary techniques of construction using local resources are the way forward towards disaster resilience and sustainable development.

The disaster resilience should be incorporated from the planning stages of the cities itself. Cities with high levels of development generally feature confined living quarters made with low-cost materials that are quickly damaged [1]. Risk Factors and related driving issues in the Urban Environment, Cities and metropolitan regions are due to densely packed, interwoven systems of services. These risk factors include increasing settlements in hazard-prone places, growing urban populations & greater density, lack of financial resources. Apathy towards infrastructure, uncoordinated emergency services, weak local administrative capabilities and a lack of local stakeholder participation in planning and urban management are the other risk contributing factors [5]. The built environment not only requires emergency preparedness goals but also cultural & social management perspective [6].

The related study aims to find out the ways and role of Architecture, Urban Design & Development with effective disaster management. The understanding of the relationship & gaps between these fields will provide the guidelines towards disaster resilience and sustainable development in the built environment.

All the stakeholders of building industry must take active initiatives for disaster management in all stages of built environment i.e. designing, planning, execution and operation. Multiple stakeholders play a significant role in effective DRR. Professionals associated with the construction industry may have a major contribution in disaster management and hence must have collaborative approach with other disciplines towards disaster management and sustainable development. The capacity & sustainable development solutions should be practiced right from the community to the top administrative levels and must support each other for better disaster resilience. Urban resilience requires sustainable development approach at all levels including individual & critical infrastructure to the entire built environment at cumulative levels.