In recent years, we have witnessed increasingly frequent extreme-weather events, from devastating floods to violent storms. Climate change demands a response from virtually all areas of life, including architecture. Resilient architecture is one such response.
Resilient architecture is based on the design and construction of buildings that can withstand extreme weather events. For example, in flood-prone areas, a capable and well-dimensioned drainage and water retention system will play a key role. It will help prevent structural damage and minimise the risk to people.
In waterparks and theme parks, hotels and resorts, campsites, shopping centres and in general in any leisure and tourism attraction, resilient architecture is also necessary. This type of facility includes large open spaces with paved and landscaped areas, swimming pools, etc. The design of geometries, slopes, water drainage and collection systems, as well as the use of materials compatible with torrential rainfall in their construction, are all part of the solution.
Therefore, it becomes clear that a multidisciplinary perspective is of vital importance. Architects, landscape architects, infrastructure and MEP installation engineers, etc., in other words, all the technicians involved in a project, must work in a coordinated manner to address this issue and propose solutions.
It should be noted that it is also important to have early-warning systems that allow for a rapid and efficient response and safe shelters for people in the event of extreme weather events. In doing so, resilient architecture helps to reduce the damage caused by adverse weather.
Finally, resilient architecture not only seeks to withstand extreme events, but also to promote sustainability and the recovery capability of affected communities. It is ultimately a crucial tool for addressing the challenges of climate change and creating a safer and more future-proof built environment.
By Tianshu Liu, Senior Architect in Amusement Logic’s Architecture Dept.
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