Heart Attack of a City, Reconstruction of L`Aquila (I)

On April 6th 2009 the region and town of L`Aquila was hit by a devastating earthquake. Still thousands of the survivors are living as refugees, many of them too scared to return to the city despite reassurance that most buildings are safe. Meanwhile all of the historical centre with town hall, churches, universities, office buildings and banks are restricted by the police. All official central functions are temporary relocated and nobody knows when which parts can be reconstructed.

Refugee camp at L`Aquila

There are politicians looking for answers, businesses looking for clear future perspectives, residents looking for homes. All these issues need to be addressed by the creation of a new vision for L’Aquila.

Demolished buildings in L`Aquila

The Istituto Nazionale Bioarchitettura, the Academy of Urbanism, John Thompson & Partners, Joachim Eble Architektur and the Von Zadow GmbH believe that a community planning and charrette-based approach can be key to rebuilding L’Aquila.
In October 2009 they presented their concept to the L’Aquila council. The creation of a vision through public participation provides the opportunity for joined-up thinking and collective responsibility. Without time loss a consensus will be build at an early stage to make responsible people and concerned people acting in concert. In this situation, similar to New Orleans after the hurricane Cathrina, L`Aquila needs a new vision to bundle all its activities and emergency measures!

Downloads:

→ Download english text: Rebuilding L’Aquila by Effective Co-operation – 8 Thesis

→ Download italian text: La ricostruzione della città de L’Aquila