The morbid connection between disaster and architecture

[heni30]

I have an architect friend in NJ and when Sandy struck he was commenting that even though it was devastating and caused destruction and suffering, that probably after the requisite respectful mourning, architects and construction industries were high-fiving each other behind closed doors anticipating the money to be made with re-building.

 

From the London and Chicago fires to 9-11 and the recent Philippines typhoon, disasters have afforded architects opportunities for new construction and improved planning.

 

It just feels a little weird that we're in this predicament that's similar to funeral homes after the jet crash.

Edited November 16, 2013 by heni30

[vincentreyes]

Disasters or tragedies will improve design, construction methods or even rethink or add building standards but to think of them in making profits is just too selfish. For some it is an opportunity to help others while some may think of the profits that they will earn. I think it will depend on the moral stand and principles of the person/company.

[harryhirsch]

"that probably after the requisite respectful mourning, architects and construction industries were high-fiving each other"

"probably"...assumptions...and these desasters won't save the construction industry...this is not the business to get rich anyway...

Besides, architects are our clients so we are in it as well.

[heni30]

I don't think he meant they were happy to have work in a malicious way. Just that the new work meant they didn't have to let that employee go after all and now they could pay some bills and replace that printer that kept breaking down; definitely didn't have anything to do with getting rich.

 

For many people there WAS a silver lining to Katrina, however uncomfortable the thought of it may be.