Thought Leadership: Vulnerability: What it is and why architects should care
Specialized architects are advocating for urgent attention to the topic of vulnerability, as it relates to climate change and building design. Architectural Nexus Regenerative Design Specialist, Megan Recher, is a contributor for the recent AIA article, Vulnerability: What it is and why architects should care.
As climate change increases the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, the assessment of vulnerability is as critical to building design as knowing the heating, cooling, or plumbing needs of a building.
Architects are facing a new reality, as seen in 2021; with Chicago roofs collapsing under record snowfall and the tragic winter power outages in Texas – to deadly heat in the Pacific Northwest and flooding in New York City. Rethinking methodology and understanding social factors are important next steps Architects must take, as outlined in the highly informative article.
“It can be hard or even overwhelming for our clients to know all the vulnerabilities in their project regions because they’re running businesses – which are often not related to climate science. It is our job to help educate our clients on best practices for an ever changing future. What we’ve found is that if we take this knowledge to our clients in a way that is relevant to their practice, whatever it is, they are eager to design the best places they can.” – Megan Recher, AIA
Click here to read the full AIA article, including informative links for information about hazards, vulnerability, and risk and how to conduct a vulnerability assessment for new or existing buildings.