Better Urban Planning Needed To Dodge Disasters

A flooded slum in Manila (Aug 2012) Image credit: Jason Gutierrez/IRIN, www.irinnews.org

Check out the article “Better Urban Planning Needed To Dodge Disasters” on IRIN

With the world’s mega-cities growing even larger, policymakers (especially those in developing countries) need urban planning that will help these areas withstand the impacts of natural disasters.

The article highlights:

  • Developing world will have 4 billion in cities by 2030
  • Urban flooding is a top worry
  • “Compact cities” speed emergency response
  • Colombo’s remedy for flash floods: lakes and pumps

In response to the article – What is the role for landscape architects in planning for urban flooding?

IRIN reports that in Colombo, Sri Lanka the government is digging six new lakes around the capital city in effort to boost rainwater storage. It is also setting up pumping stations at key outlets to the sea to more quickly flush out floodwater during storms.

The planning and design of storm water systems is a very common component of landscape architecture. The profession brings its design and ecology lens to storm water projects aiming to provide richer solutions compered to solely engineering options. This is not saying that engineering options are poor. It is suggesting that storm water projects can benefit from design professions such as landscape architecture.

Landscape architecture is a profession with the skills to make a difference in dodging distastes such as urban flooding.

http://www.irinnews.org/Report/97814/Better-urban-planning-needed-to-dodge-disasters?goback=.gmp_4079228.gde_4079228_member_231191329

Click on the Image or one of the links above to read the article on IRIN

Further reading:
www.irinnews.org

Playground Ideas – Building Playgrounds In Developing Countries

Playground Ideas’ first playground in Chiang Dao, Thailand. Image Credit: Marcus Veerman, www.architectureau.com

Check out the article “Playground Ideas” on ArchitectureAU

Since 2010, Marcus Veerman and his not-for-profit organization Playground Ideas has been helping build playgrounds in developing countries.

“Play is important in the developing world because schools often have few resources … In many schools playgrounds are considered unaffordable. We’re working with communities to create sustainable, affordable solutions to change the culture of education and the design of schools to become more focused on children’s need to play.”

http://www.architectureau.com/articles/playground-ideas/

Click on the Image or one of the links above to read the article on ArchitectureAU by Vanessa Murray.

Further reading:
www.playgroundideas.org

Rockaway Call for Ideas – Occupy the Dune, Balmori Associates

In an effort to foster creative debate on urban recovery in New York after Hurricane Sandy, MoMA PS1 and MoMA’s Department of Architecture and Design have asked for ideas to create a sustainable waterfront in Rockaway. Ideas were submitted in the format of a short video no longer than three minutes.

The aim was to hear ideas for alternative housing models, creation of social spaces, urban interventions, new uses of public space, the rebuilding of the boardwalk, protection of the shoreline, and actions to engage local communities.

Rockaway – MoMA PS1

Occupy the Dune, Balmori Associates

 

Balmori Associates suggests creating and occupying sand dunes. Ultimately the dunes will help fortify the city from natural disasters such as large storms. The design uses natural processes to build the dunes. Public space is created on the less sensitive land. The public space is programmable and adaptive to different uses.

Further Reading:

www.momaps1.org/news/view/89

www.balmori.com

Humanitarian Opportunity! Papua New Guinea

For landscape architects interested in humanitarian work located in a tropical environment; check out this opportunity for a two year stint in Papua New Guinea working as an urban planing adviser.

Work will include advising on the development of waste and environmental management, and supporting the development of a beautification program for Kimbe town. To ensure local staff have the capacity to implement the town plans, you will also work towards developing a training program for local staff.

Image Credit: www.vsa.org.nz

Humanitarian Opportunity! Papua New Guinea

Click the image or link above for information about this opportunity.

Borderless Competition

Landscape Architects should be involved with devising ways to bring out the best cross border solutions.The Borderless Competition brings attention to the spaces along the borders of the 10 ASEAN nations, with the aim of improving their existing conditions. Does landscape have borders? Is the LA profession well placed and primed for projects of this nature? Have a look at the competition website below and get involved!

Image Credit: www.borderlesscompetition.com

www.borderlesscompetition.com

Click the image or link above to visit the competition home page.