Resilient Urban Design

Urban resilience is defined as the capability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from significant multi-hazard threats with minimum damage to public safety and health, the economy, and security of a given urban area. Its dimensions include social, economic, environmental and physical resilience. Resilient urban design is based on two models: the equilibrium model and the non-equilibrium model. The former model attempts to reduce vulnerability and increase response capacity, while the latter emphasizes the adaptability of physical form and city functions to hazards. In terms of content, both models require certain quality features to be envisaged in urban design as regards function, environment and aesthetics. In terms of process, resilient urban design requires a knowledge-based strategic approach that is both interactive and participatory.