The KPF Senior Associate Principal outlines a three step process for confronting the risks of climate change.
Al writes that “most scientists agree that climate change will increase the occurrence, intensity, and duration of extreme weather events including flooding, hurricanes, droughts, heat waves, and wildfires.” He notes that architects and planners can help increase urban resilience, and frames his checklist around three possible scenarios: too wet, too dry, and too warm. “If we do it right, we can even think of these as an opportunity to improve our cities and buildings.”
As a designer KPF, Al contributes to a number of mixed-use transit-oriented developments, master plans, and high-rise towers. Before joining the firm, Al served as a TED resident, adviser to the United Nations High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, and professor of urban design at the University of Pennsylvania. His latest book is Adapting Cities to Sea Level Rise.
ArchitectureBoston, a quarterly publication of the Boston Society of Architects/AIA, explores the ways architecture influences and is influenced by our environment and our society. To view the full resilience checklist, including Al’s identification process and solutions, please click here.