The American Institute of Architects (AIA) and Architecture for Humanity are pleased to announce the grant recipients for the 2012 Disaster Response Plan Grant. These inspiring proposals are coming not a moment too soon as we continue to see disasters strike.
We look forward to the positive impact these teams' work will have on their home states as they make progress toward safer and more resilient communities.
The grant recipients are:
Architecture for Humanity D.C. Disaster Response Project
The project aims to engage Washington, D.C., architects in preparing the District’s shelters, helping with post-disaster damage assessment, and allowing architects to serve as leaders in all the communities of our nation’s capital. It also aims to engage D.C. architects in documenting and learning lessons from past disasters.
Washington State Disaster Preparedness and Response (DPR)
A new Intrastate Mutual Aid law in the state allows architects, engineers and code officials to receive training and integrate with emergency management, but many of the details are yet to be determined. The DPR will advocate, educate, and train these design professionals to help implement the new law and prepare communities for disaster.
NYC Safety Assessments Trainings
In partnership with the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the NYC Office of Emergency Management (OEM), Architecture for Humanity NY (AFHny) will develop a disaster response network and offer periodic trainings in the post-disaster Safety Assessment Program (SAP).
Disaster Assistance Coordination Network in Maryland
The Baltimore AIA, in partnership with the Architecture for Humanity Baltimore chapter, plans to establish an active Disaster Assistance Program for the state of Maryland. This group will liaise between the state emergency management agencies, AIA, and other emergency management professionals in the region to develop plans and programs to address disaster preparedness and recovery.
Illinois Architects’ Emergency Management/Disaster Response Workshop
The workshop will have key leaders of AIA Illinois and Architecture for Humanity Chicago work collaboratively to develop an industry-specific comprehensive statewide disaster response plan in an exercise environment working alongside emergency management officials. In addition, develop a post-workshop toolkit for the education of our members in the architect’s role in emergency management in Illinois.
Stay tuned as the Grant site is revised to highlight these great proposals.
