In the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, and as other areas of our national coastline await Hurricane Irma, Rice University in Houston has announced that members of its architecture faculty will be available to discuss the impact of major storms on our buildings. The Rice School of Architecture faculty can be contacted for discussions and interviews via Mike Williams and David Ruth (contact info below).
Here are the Rice architecture professors on hand for these discussions (via Rice); note that each faculty member can cover different areas of concern:
Professor Ron Witte has expertise in urban architecture, the implications and possibilities of rebuilding and rethinking cities, buildings’ relationships to flood zones, architecture and density, and different models of housing and development.
Professor Albert Pope can discuss the urban consequences of the storm. “We have built this city for another climate and are out of step with the realities we face in the future,” he said of Houston. “In its present form, the city is as useful as a snowmobile in a swamp.”
Professor William Cannady can talk about how cities, especially Houston, rebound from natural disasters.
Professor Gordon Wittenberg can discuss planning and building construction issues related to flooding.
Assistant Professor of Architecture Jesus Vassallo is available to discuss density, housing and the role of public authorities in urban planning and design.
To schedule an interview or discussion with any of these faculty members, please contact Mike Williams at 713-348-6728 or [email protected], or David Ruth at 713-348-6327 or [email protected].