SCI-Arc Launches the Resilient Futures Task Force to Assist Communities Rebuilding After Wildfires

In response to the devastating firestorms that have ravaged the Altadena and Pacific Palisades communities, SCI-Arc is proud to announce the formation of the Resilient Futures Task Force. This initiative, led by Erik Ghenoiu and composed of SCI-Arc architects and educators, landscape architects Terremoto, and community partners, aims to support homeowners and neighborhoods impacted by the recent wildfires, offering resources and expertise to guide them through the challenging process of recovery and rebuilding.

“Architecture is about change—transforming spaces and the way we live,” says Hernán Díaz Alonso, SCI-Arc Director. “For those affected by loss and disruption, rebuilding is not just about structures; it’s about healing and support. The Resilient Futures Task Force stands in solidarity with these communities. We are committed to using design to help them recover, adapt, and build a stronger future. This task force is about facing challenges head-on, making a practical, necessary difference.”

As a leader in architectural education and innovation, SCI-Arc recognizes the urgent need for both immediate relief and sustainable, long-term solutions for rebuilding in the wake of such disasters. The Resilient Futures Task Force will provide a comprehensive range of resources, from educational programs to design strategies, to help affected communities navigate the complexities of recovery.

The task force’s mission centers on fostering resilience through cutting-edge educational tools, community engagement, and the application of innovative design strategies to improve the durability and sustainability of homes and public spaces in fire-prone areas.

“Los Angeles is a city of pleasure and peril, where we consume our environment rather than live with it,” says task force member and SCI-Arc faculty Zeina Koreitem. “The city’s collective psychology swings between the allure of the tropics and the danger of natural disasters. As architects, we may not solve climate change directly, but we can ask: 'How can we live and build differently?'”

Mission & Goals

The Resilient Futures Task Force is focused on four key goals:

1. Education and Expertise: SCI-Arc faculty will offer tailored workshops and educational programs for homeowners and local stakeholders, focusing on sustainable design practices, fire-resistant building materials, and technologies to mitigate future fire risks.
2. Community Engagement: The task force seeks to empower affected communities by facilitating collaboration with residents, policymakers, and organizations to identify specific needs and develop targeted solutions for each neighborhood.
3. Research: Combining advanced geospatial analysis with an interactive platform, the research team will explore how the fire spread, which materials contributed to building destruction, and what factors helped some buildings survive. This research will inform safer rebuilding efforts for residents and policymakers.
4. Design Solutions for Resilience: Drawing on SCI-Arc’s expertise in advanced design and architecture, the task force will propose fire-resilient design solutions for homes and neighborhoods, prioritizing sustainability and safety.

Additionally, the task force is currently developing a detailed packet of resource materials aimed at wildfire survivors who lost their homes. This comprehensive packet will include valuable research, design recommendations, and actionable insights for residents and policymakers. It will be shared widely to support ongoing recovery efforts in affected communities.

Public Events and Ongoing Engagement

In addition to educational initiatives and design solutions, the Resilient Futures Task Force has been hosting, and will continue to host, public events to engage the broader community and raise awareness about resilient architecture in disaster recovery. These events provide a platform for residents, architects, and designers to exchange ideas and collaborate on rebuilding efforts.

Past events, such as Building Back Houses, have brought together local residents and experts to discuss innovative strategies for designing homes that are both sustainable and fire-resistant. Looking ahead, the task force will host Rebuilding After Disaster, a program that will address the complexities of rebuilding in fire-prone regions.

These events play a critical role in the task force’s mission, ensuring that both community members and industry professionals are equipped with the knowledge and resources necessary to tackle the challenges of post-disaster rebuilding.

Through these initiatives, the Resilient Futures Task Force aims to establish a new standard for rebuilding communities in the wake of natural disasters. By harnessing the power of design and architecture, SCI-Arc is committed to helping communities not only recover but thrive in the face of ongoing climate challenges.

For more information and resources, upcoming events and how you can get involved with the Resilient Futures Task Force, please visit our website.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250401104639/en/