Humanitarian architecture: seeking spatial solutions for complex global challenges

Why should design and construction professionals be involved in humanitarian work and the often-complex projects needed to deal with the recovery of post-disaster emergencies? How as disciplinary groups can they contribute to the long-term reconstruction processes needed to ensure the effective rebuilding of resilient communities after disaster? This paper explores these questions through profiling the emerging movement and literature of 'Humanitarian Architecture'. From Shigeru Ban to architects working within the United Nations system, many of the built environment professionals I have interviewed, are united by a belief that the processes of spatial problem-solving can actively contribute to the challenges of rebuilding resilient cities and communities following disaster scenarios. This paper will explore those beliefs and examine how they are translated (or not) into the actual practice of rebuilding after disaster.