Source: Architecture for Humanity / 
A TIME TO REBUILD
An earthquake of magnitude 7.0 hit Haiti on January 12, 2010, its epicenter 10 miles southwest of the capital Port-au-Prince and just 6.2 miles below Earth’s surface. As of today’s count, 200,000 deaths have been tallied and 2,000,000 people remain homeless. The quake and its aftershocks have been particularly devastating because of the weak infrastructure of the nation of 9.7 million people. Reduced access has hampered relief efforts, and Haiti’s largest airport can only receive and coordinate a fraction of the airplanes carrying humanitarian aid.
From its earliest history, Ayiti, the name given by the Taino, an Arawakan people, has suffered from natural and man-made disasters. Its first major earthquake was reported in 1564; the next, in 1701, ravaged the nation once again. Ten years after that, widespread fires destroyed the resulting rebuilding efforts. In the 1770s, another massive earthquake and widespread disease devastated the island yet again. Wars and civil unrest have been the norm since the days of the buccaneers, and the French, English and Spanish colonialists. In recent history no less than 9 deadly hurricanes have devastated the island since 1954.
With such seemingly perpetual disaster begetting the island, and with much of the country lying in ruins today, there is a crucial opportunity to re-think the country’s infrastructure, the organization of the capital city, and the construction method of buildings. In terms of sustainability alone, reforestation of areas cleared for single-crop plantations and fuel–the nation’s trees have long been the only means of heating and cooking–as well as the implementaion of alternate sources of energy, would go a long way to limit the destruction from natural disasters.
A long-term rebuilding effort first centers around servicing the most basic human needs: clean water, shelters, hospitals, markets, and transport.
Soon the priority shifts to the repair or rebuilding of hospitals, schools, churches and government buildings, community spaces and locations for sheltering of displaced individuals.
Finally, in conjunction with now functional government agencies, permanent housing in neighborhoods and in villages is slowly rebuilt. Urban planning, re-zoning, enacting earthquake-resistant building codes are some of the tasks ahead beyond the immediate humanitarian necessities.
To rebuild, we must also think beyond basic tenets of urban design and think of the elements which will restore the character, dignity and history of Haiti.
THE RELIEF EFFORT
Please consider donating to recovery efforts relating to the rebuilding of Haiti.
Some examples…
Architecture for Humanity is a nonprofit design firm dedicated to “building a more sustainable future through the power of professional design”. By tapping a network of more than 40,000 professionals willing to lend time and expertise to help those who would not otherwise be able to afford their services, Architecture for Humanity brings design, construction and development services where they are most critically needed. To fully enact their seven point reconstruction plan in Haiti, they need to raise approximately $100K. Over the past week they have raised close to $50K, mainly from $25, $50 and $100 online donations. To support their cause or learn more about them click here.
Habitat is addressing shelter solutions for low-income families affected by the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12, 2010. Habitat’s ability to respond effectively to this disaster will require support from donors, corporate partners and other community organizations. To lend support, please donate today.
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American Institute of Philanthropy
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“Architecture aims at Eternity.”
Christopher Wren
A bientôt,
Karin
Tags: A Time to Rebuild, American Institute of Philanthropy, Arawakan, Architecture for Humanity, Ayiti, Charity Navigator, Destruction, Earthquake, Eternal Architecture, Habitat for Humanity, Haiti Earthquake, Haiti Relief, Humanity, January 12 2010, Magnitude, Natural Disaster, Network for Good, Port-au-Prince, Reconstruction, Sustainability, Taino, Third World Country, Urban Design, Urban Planning
