Passive Survivability and Building Performance Modelling

Passive Survivability and Thermal Autonomy

We learn from hazards past. And when we do, we tend to develop enhanced codes, practices of design and even perspectives of living. Since Hurricane Sandy, we discovered the importance of Passive Survivability, which is the ability of a building to operate on its own should systems such as water and electricity ever fail. The goal of Passive Survivability is to design or retrofit buildings to serve as livable refuges in the event of crisis or breakdown of infrastructure. Scyma is currently conducting research on Passive Survivability, Thermal Autonomy (or indoor comfort conditions without electricity) as part of a shelter-in-place study in San Francisco. It is an exciting merger of how we think about building resilience, from a structural standpoint, to the implications of design from an energy and mechanical perspective. More to come from Scyma on this topic! In the meantime, read about Passive Survivability from the Resilient Design Institute and Alex Wilson, who coined the term years ago. 

Lessons Learned from Rebuild x Design Competition, Hurricane Sandy

Following the disruption caused by Hurricane Sandy in 2012, The Rockefeller Foundation launched an innovative competition called Rebuild by Design to inspire afflicted communities to rebuild holistically with future disasters in mind while addressing current needs of the New Jersey and New York residents. A report released in 2016 summarizes the lessons learned from the competition, several of which we find useful for future recovery and mitigation projects:

1) "Berms with Benefits" are flood control structures that can reduce flood risk and can offer environmental and recreational benefits are a means to provide dual purpose to green-grey elements that can also be integrated with open space.

2) Long-term approaches for large-scale projects must be phased appropriately and progressively implemented with inbuilt guidance for maintenance over time. 

3) Coordination across agencies and levels of government can reduce redundant administrative requirements, streamline coordination for regional projects, as well as inform improved permitting processes that may delay project implementation.

Other important lessons can be gleaned from Rebuild by Design, and can be reviewed in the following publications which have been referenced in this post. 

"Ten Key Lessons from the Rebuild by Design Competition Projects After Hurricane Sandy" 

"Rebuilding with Resilience: Lessons from the Rebuild by Design Competition After Hurricane Sandy"

http://www.rebuildbydesign.org/