Today, 26 million people worldwide have been displaced by natural disasters. By 2050, 150 million people will become climate refugees. – Environmental Justice Foundation, Asian Development Bank

The Reconstruction and Resiliency studio team manages programs and projects related to resiliency, long-term recovery, and post-disaster and post-conflict reconstruction. Currently, the studio is managing four programs: Haiti Rebuilding Program, Tohoku Rebuilding Program, Hurricane Sandy Reconstruction Program and Disaster Resiliency and Recovery Program.

Current Programs

Haiti Rebuilding Center

Established after the January 2010 earthquake, Architecture for Humanity’s Haiti Rebuilding Center serves as a one-stop-shop for professional design and construction services in support of Haiti Reconstruction.

With a staff of around 30 professionals from a range of design and construction disciplines and more than 20 projects underway, the Rebuilding Center brings together structural engineers, architects, planners, surveyors, and other professionals to provide technical resources to assist in rebuilding. The Center will not only speed recovery but also leave a lasting legacy that supports the long-term economic prosperity and cultural aspirations of the people of Haiti. The Rebuilding Center is engaged in long-term recovery and will transition into a local development agency.

Following the March 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, Architecture for Humanity established the Tohoku Rebuilding Program to assist communities in their reconstruction efforts. Through our vast network of local design and construction professionals in Japan, the program provides technical construction expertise to community groups and local businesses. This program will help generate “urban acupuncture” projects, business recovery, jobs, and training opportunities that will help establish a self-reliant and stable financial future for the region.

Recovery from disaster requires a holistic approach. Disaster survivors require access to a wide range of services, including counseling, education, training, construction and design. The integration of construction services with business support services is key to the long-term economic recovery of the region. In Fall 2012, we opened our first regional office in Japan - "MakiBiz," which seeks to help small businesses in the Tohoku region rebuild and recover. MakiBiz provides design, construction, and business development referral services to the community of Ishinomaki in support of their efforts to build back better.

Hurricane Sandy Reconstruction

In the closing days of October 2012, Hurricane Sandy carved a path through the Caribbean before moving up the Atlantic and turning into New Jersey striking many coastal towns. The storm moved north and created a storm surge that devastated the entire New York metro area. In the days after, East Coast communities were left without water and power, leading into the long winter months. Architecture for Humanity’s New York Chapter--counting more than 400 volunteer members -- is committed to supporting the rebuilding of coastal communities.

The reconstruction plan will focus on communities with the greatest need for design and construction services. Architecture for Humanity believes in rebuilding sustainably and more resilient to protect these areas from future storms. This program will focus on schools, sports facilities, small business and small building owners as they represent the most affected populations in the devastated region.

Disaster Resilience and Recovery Program

Established in 2012, the Program focuses on designing and advocating for disaster resiliency in cities around the world, starting in the United States. In partnership with the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the ArchitectsRebuild.org program provides advocacy, education and training programs to help architects define their role in disaster preparedness, response and recovery.

The Disaster Resiliency and Recovery Program will support local recovery efforts in the built environment and set in place partnerships with public, private and non-profit organizations in advance of a disaster. The Program will facilitate relationships with professional groups, disaster and emergency management groups and community organizations throughout the country.

Past Programs