The world’s leading architecture associations are beginning to call on members to do everything possible to assist with disaster relief for the Japan earthquake and tsunami.
The president and chief executive of the American Institute of Architects has pledged to support their colleagues at AIA Japan and the Japan Institute of Architects with expertise and when the rebuilding intitiave begin.
They also called on members to do “what you can as a generous contributor to organizations best able to provide the immediate assistance the Japanese people need in the aftermath of destruction”.
There are also pleas coming from Japan for the support of the Royal Institute of British Architects.
A statement from the AIA said: “as a profession, we know that once the humanitarian relief efforts are stabilized, the next phase of rebuilding begins. The AIA’s Disaster Assistance Task Force will coordinate our profession’s contribution moving forward and we are in contact with our colleagues at AIA Japan and the Japan Institute of Architects to offer, not only our condolences, but our profession's technical and professional expertise when the initiative begins focusing on rebuilding.”
“There will be much work to be accomplished after the debris is cleared to recover and rebuild institutions, communities, neighborhoods, and families. You can rest assured that the AIA will be there to help the Japanese people reclaim their lives and build confidence in their future.
“Now, in this immediate time of need, we urge you to take action today by reviewing the ways in which you can make a difference.
Meanwhile, architects in Japan have told the Architects Journal in the UK how buildings which managed to survive the earthquake were swept away or gutted by the following tsunami.
Takefumi Kamio from the Tokyo-based Studio Duca said: “Many buildings withstood the earthquake but not the tsunami.
Kamio said they now face the rebuilding question of what or how these town should be, after the tsunami ‘s devastating effects.
Architect Shigeru Ban has started a charity to support earthquake victims staying at a gymnasium, and is asking for donations.
(Image: geneva.usmission.gov)
