Healing Structures
The Human Experience of Natural Disasters
The 6.4 magnitude earthquake that took place a year ago in Puerto Rico not only left the island’s urban infrastructure compromised but challenged the survivors to recover from the physical and mental repercussions. Often, the problem is that post-disaster response focuses on physical wellbeing--immediate solutions like shelter--and overlooks mental wellbeing and invisible injuries like trauma, which have a long-term impact on the survivors.
Architecture and lighting are integral to the healing process. Built spaces are not only meeting points, but environments where people share stories and attempt to heal one another through communal interaction. If healing is the goal, the quality of these spaces needs assessment and consideration.
The earthquakes targeted a community that resonates with me in every aspect. It is my hometown and the people I grew up with. Having been exposed to tremors during my time on the island not only helped me understand key factors to consider when designing my community center but also to understand the real issues that require attention. Understanding the immediate needs post-disaster is important but it should not be the only consideration for providing a design solution. It is the long-term impacts of the disaster that will follow the users throughout their lives, and therefore there should be a space that will facilitate a better healing path for the survivors.
Puerto Rico is prone to natural disasters every year. It is a reality that the communities have to endure. Therefore, this project addresses the human need to feel safe, using architecture as the medium of providing a support system.
Architecture is a pillar that holds firmly what healing is about. It is through rebuilding, in a place where destruction took place, that allows for resiliency and optimism. It is a representation of what communities not only went through but how they prospered. Day to day life takes place inside structures. Healing takes place inside structures. Therefore, let’s design structures that heal.
Thesis Video Presentation
Video of Final Thesis Presentation
Thesis Presentation
PDF of Final Thesis Presentation
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Compendium Publication
This PDF includes written thesis and a selection of drawings & renderings from the project.
Carmen Iris Ruiz Cruz
Hello, my name is Carmen Iris. I’m originally from Puerto Rico and I moved to New York City to pursue my Dual Masters Degree in Architecture & Fine Arts in Lighting Design from Parsons School of Design.
It was through my years of education and preparation that I learned to fully appreciate design and its capabilities to serve humanity. I believe good design is an integration of good practices and community engagement. Learning from the voices of the community and using our expertise and contributions to give back to them is what our profession is all about. Design is for the people after all. Therefore, let’s design for the people.