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.