Related Posts

This Pride Month, I joined an important conversation on inclusive design in disaster risk reduction, focused on how gender and sexual minorities are recognised, represented and supported before, during and after disasters…

When disasters strike, the goal is not just to rebuild quickly, but to rebuild smarter, stronger, and more sustainably. That’s the essence of Build Back Better (BBB), a concept that has evolved into a comprehensive framework used around the world to guide recovery efforts

While in Banda Aceh, Sumatra, conducting research for my Masters, I became involved reviewing beneficiary housing rebuilt by NGOs after the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami. My findings highlighted how, over the following 10 years, occupants modified these standardised houses to suit their evolving needs—converting stairs to ramps to accommodate mopeds and expanding structures to include second floors.

This review analysed 40 reports—30 from major UN entities like UNHCR, UNICEF, and IOM, and 10 from national and government bodies—spanning 18 countries across four global regions. It revealed recurring roadblocks that hinder key decision-makers from effectively implementing Build Back Better initiatives across diverse sectors and deployment contexts. This research formed part of my PhD research.

Facing the threat of significant change or loss due to new legislation requiring earthquake strengthening , alongside risks from various natural hazards. The digitally preservation of marae as they currently exist ensures these important sites are documented and can remembered for generations to come using VR.

Part of my Master’s thesis, this project explores timber-framed, foundation-free construction inspired by Rumah Aceh. Merging vernacular seismic design from Indonesia with NZS3604 standards, it reimagines post-quake housing solutions for Christchurch’s Red Zone—offering a code-compliant, resilient, and culturally adapted architecture for displaced communities.