The NANO team has been traveling all over the country showcasing our resilience-focused research titled ‘Saving Cities, Saving Societies: A Guide to Thrive’ at numerous conferences and symposiums. Last month, Managing Partners Terri Dreyer and Design Studio Director Samantha Johnson presented at the South-Central Climate Resilience Forum in Dallas, Texas. The three-day event drew climate stakeholders from government agencies, higher education, and members of the AEC industry from Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Arkansas. Prior to this, 'Guide to Thrive' has been presented at events in Puerto Rico, New Orleans, Chicago, Venice, and more.
Our 'Guide to Thrive' underscores the significance of Resilience Centers for the future of New Orleans and other cities, especially those threatened by climate change. Our research began by way of a layered analysis process – our team identified factors that affect the landscape and function of each city we present in to identify strategic locations and programmatic elements for Resilience Centers. Rooted in our 'Program to Thrive,' we cultivate four pivotal components essential for fostering resilient architecture.
In February, Managing Partners Terri and Ian Dreyer presented at the Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Centers (TCTAC) Spring Symposium hosted by the Institute for Sustainable Communities in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The Environmental Justice TCTAC Program, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy, allocates $177 million to 16 centers to aid underserved communities by removing barriers, enhancing accessibility, and providing training in navigating federal grant systems, developing strong proposals, and effectively managing grant funding. These centers aim to empower communities with environmental justice concerns by offering guidance on engagement, meeting facilitation, and language services, thereby fostering a holistic approach to building thriving communities nationwide.
We expanded our research to address the issues facing San Juan, including access to water, failing infrastructure, and the tourism economy. Puerto Rico faces challenges such as water pollution from industrial activities, inadequate waste management, deforestation driven by urbanization, and infrastructure development, threatening biodiversity and exacerbating risks of soil erosion. Additionally, rising sea levels and coastal erosion pose significant threats to coastal communities, infrastructure, and ecosystems, exacerbated by climate change. Through our mappings, we suggest that the implementation of resilience centers offering safe harbor, water management, filtration, and economic development opportunities would be a beneficial solution. Utilizing resilience as a guiding principle and negotiation tool in all future development is crucial for Puerto Rico to thrive.
'Guide to Thrive' has been featured at the following events:
- Shaping the City Symposium, European Cultural Center, Venice, Italy, 2021
- Shaping the City Symposium, European Cultural Center, Chicago, 2022
- Shaping the City Symposium, European Cultural Center + NANO, New Orleans, 2023
- FORWARD Symposium, USGBC Louisiana, New Orleans, 2023
- Environmental Justice TCATC Symposium, Environmental Protection Agency, San Juan, Puerto Rico, 2024
- South Central Climate Resilience Forum, Dallas, 2024
Managing Partners Terri & Ian Dreyer at 'Shaping the City' New Orleans