WHEN:
Friday, September 8th, 2017
12:15-13:30 PM

WHERE:
Room 112 (Stubbins), Gund Hall, 48 Quincy Street, Cambridge, MA 02138

EVENT DESCRIPTION:
Hurricane Harvey has inflicted enormous damage on the people and property of Houston and other areas of Texas and Louisiana. In its immediate aftermath, matters of immediate recovery, including temporary shelter, food, medical assistance, financial aid, and pathways to full recovery receive primary attention. Even in these early moments, however, murmurs of questioning have emerged. Were the results of Harvey and its massive, persistent rainfall inevitable? Is there something Houston and, by implication, other cities could have done to mitigate the harms of Harvey and similar natural disasters? Did Houston pave its way to greater disaster by growing irresponsibly and crowing about no zoning? Would more permeable surfaces have made a significant difference?

With recognition that the focus on immediate recovery is of paramount important, this panel will respectfully engage the “what ifs” and “lessons learned” as Houston and other cities seek to better prepare themselves for future storms and other natural disasters.

Please join Harvard Graduate School of Design School faculty members Rosetta Elkin, Jerold Kayden, Alex Krieger, Rick Peiser, and Abby Spinak, with special guest by live video Patrick Walsh, Director of the City of Houston’s Planning and Development Department, for presentations and discussion.

Featured image source: abc.com