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
Seismic Design | Jul 28, 2016
Risk of man-made earthquakes now factor in seismic hazard analysis
Significant risk increases seen in some areas of the U.S.
Resiliency | Jul 27, 2016
New York’s resilience plans not taking long-term view, critics charge
Continued waterfront development may be regretted later this century.
Resiliency | Jul 18, 2016
Impact fees on development proposed to fund Miami’s rising sea level resiliency plans
$400 million flood plan includes new valves, pumps, and raised roadways.
Resiliency | Jun 1, 2016
Federal agencies boost standards for more resilient construction
HUD, FEMA, GSA, Army Corps of Engineers make policy changes.
Green | May 31, 2016
Miami Beach requires developers to meet green standards or pay a fee
Applies to structures larger than 7,000 sf.
Resiliency | May 12, 2016
Resilience Building Coalition releases progress report
The coalition released a set of guiding principles to help the building industry adopt resilient design and policies. Since the initial signing, the coalition has added 19 new signatories.
Architects | May 11, 2016
AIA to create a resilience curriculum for architects
The program will teach resilient design and decision-making on hazard mitigation, climate adaptation and community resilience.
Legislation | May 11, 2016
Two bills seek to expand flood insurance policy writing to private carriers
Thanks to new floodplain maps, this market, previously the sole province of a federal program, looks more profitable.
Resiliency | May 2, 2016
Connecticut to develop new code standards for resiliency
Expected more frequent severe weather events due to climate change prompts review.
Resiliency | Apr 6, 2016
Houston at high risk for major damage from hurricanes
After a decade of study, little has been done to improve resiliency.
