This research project will critically examine the role of architects, designers and urban (ADU) professionals in their engagement with other stakeholders and with the practice of planning, designing, building and managing the built environment in the face of urban crises. These “crises” may range from a natural and man-made disasters, shortages in water- or energy supplies, defective infrastructure or housing conditions, as well as conflict- and environment-induced displacement, returning diaspora, conditions of precariousness, neglect and/or repression, etc. The project will include a research component as well as an immediate and tangible academic service component that intends to directly benefit volunteers, professionals and organizations that are handling crisis situations in Southeast Asia in collaboration with other networks and action groups. Starting from July 2019, research will be the backbone of an inception and assessment phase (Jul 2019 – Dec 2020, while academic services will focus on outreach and dissemination during a consolidation phase of another 18 months (Jan 2021 – Jun 2022).
WHY CITIES?
CITIES ARE DAZZLING!
But cities are also contested sites
where covert stresses accumulate
or sudden shocks may result in social breakdown, physical collapse or economic deprivation.
WHY CRISES?
CITIES HAVE ALWAYS FACED RISK
But the scale of urban risk is rising as more people are living in cities. As more complex local and global pressures play out at a city level, urban crises are more likely yet increasingly unpredictable.
WHY ASIA?
ONE-THIRD OF ALL DISASTERS THAT OCCURRED OVER THE LAST 30 YEARS WERE IN ASIA
Asia will be home to half of the world’s megacities by 2025. Several of these conurbations are amongst the most vulnerable to flooding in the world.
Contact:
Asst. Prof. Asan Suwanarit (TDS) asan@ap.tu.ac.th
Asst. Prof. Koen de Wandeler (KUL) koendw@ap.tu.ac.th / koen.dewandeler@kuleuven.be
website / blogsite under construction
