World Architecture Day has been celebrated annually since 1985 on the first Monday of October, parallel to World Habitat Day, by the International Union of Architects (UIA). The theme of this year's World Architecture Day has been determined as 'Architecture for Resilient Communities’. Thus, in parallel with the theme of World Habitat Day, 'Resilient Urban Economies: Cities as Drivers of Growth and Recovery,' the aim is to emphasize the role of designers in the relationship between urban and rural environments.
World Architecture Day 2023/ Image taken from https://www.uia-architectes.org/en/
The International Union of Architects invites member countries and architects to think about different topics and to generate new ideas and solutions each year with the themes it determines.With this year's chosen theme of 'Resilient Communities,' the aim is to discuss various elements threatening societies, such as climate crises, global pandemics, and uncontrolled urban sprawl, in order to create livable communities. Architects, urban planners, landscape architects, interior designers, and industrial product designers, who play significant roles in shaping communities, have a substantial say in this matter. In this article, various topics that are considered essential for creating resilient communities are briefly compiled.
What is Urban Resilience? / ©Luiz Felipe S.C. on Unsplash Image taken from https://www.archdaily.com/
What is Urban Resilience?
Over the years, the increase in urbanization and industrialization has led to significant changes in urban and rural lifestyles and has brought various problems with it. Global pandemics, natural disasters, uncontrolled urban sprawl, and climate crises are among the primary challenges societies face. Modern urban communities need to adapt to and find solutions to these challenges. The ability to provide solutions, recover, and adapt in the face of societal problems defines urban resilience.
Resilient cities organize public policies and urban planning to enhance the quality of life in communities, while local governments allocate resources to address urban issues they face, striving to create a physically and socially resilient community. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), there are four factors that determine a city's/community's resilience: the economy, the environment, society, and public governance.
Urban Policies/ ©Onnis Luque Image taken from https://www.archdaily.com/
Economy
One of the most significant factors influencing the resolution of societal issues is economics. Economic factors are a key driver of accelerated urbanization, and the solution to many problems individuals face in urban living often hinges on economic adequacy. Economically developed societies can respond quickly and generate solutions when faced with disasters and pandemics. They ensure minimal impact on all segments of the community by creating long-term urban plans.
Istanbul/ Courtesy of Grimshaw Image taken from https://www.archdaily.com/
Environment
In today's world, where climate crises and global warming have become significant factors affecting the quality of life in societies, creating sustainable communities is of paramount importance. Building climate-resilient cities involves reducing energy consumption and mitigating environmental pollution. Solutions that will benefit include the widespread promotion and encouragement of bicycle and pedestrian paths to reduce energy consumption, the expansion of recycling programs, and the utilization of renewable energy sources. Preserving and increasing green spaces in urban planning is another effective factor in enhancing climate resilience.
Society
In the creation of resilient communities, social factors are as influential as physical ones. The development of community awareness, the establishment of societal cooperation and solidarity are influenced by common values and cultural memories shared by communities. Uncontrolled urbanization also brings about social problems, leading to individual and societal integration issues. Such problems can be addressed through well-planned urban and rural settlement policies, as well as public space solutions that enhance social interaction and communication.
Dubai Skyscrapers/ ©Badahos via Shutterstock Image taken from https://www.archdaily.com/
Public Administration
Government policies are of significant importance in ensuring social resilience. The priorities of governments are determined accordingly, responsive policies are developed to meet the needs of the society, and individuals are engaged in the governance processes. As a result, communities enhance their resilience, prepare for potential issues, and facilitate the more effective delivery of public services.
The formation of resilient communities depends on a variety of factors. In this regard, the contributions and perspectives of architects and urban designers, who play significant roles in shaping communities and cities, are also crucial. With this blog post, we invite urban designers to reflect on the topic and celebrate World Architecture Day!
Resources
https://www.uia-architectes.org/en/
https://dergipark.org.tr/en/download/article-file/2759377
https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/download/article-file/397145
