The storms that have hit several countries in recent times, in increasingly frequent and/or unusual ways, are no longer exceptions. Proof of this was what recently happened in Portugal, when, in February, the country was devastated by some of these events.
Climate change has made these phenomena more intense and exposed weaknesses that we insist on ignoring. Whenever the wind rips off roofs or rain invades houses, we realize that we continue building as if we lived in a stable past that only exists in our memories. It has become inevitable to think about the future we want, knowing in advance that catastrophes will be increasingly recurrent.
According to calculations, at the end of last month, several reports showed that only depression Kristin affected more than 30% of homes in the 12 municipalities most affected by the weather. In other words, architecture has an inevitable responsibility here.
It’s not about taking advantage of the tragedy, but about learning from it and designing better. And, in addition, architecture can, and should, contribute to quick and resistant solutions that respond quickly to the urgent need to relocate those who lose their homes. Combined with technology, it can offer more agile, modular and robust construction systems, capable of providing immediate response in emergency scenarios.
Countries like Japan or Chile, repeatedly hit by extreme phenomena, have already managed to transform adversity into technical advancement through training programs to face natural disasters. They created rigorous seismic standards, developed flexible materials, improved drainage systems and elevated construction to a level where resilience is as essential as aesthetics.
In Portugal, we often continue to react instead of anticipating. But good construction can and should be the first line of defense in an increasingly unpredictable climate. Well-anchored structures, wind-resistant roofs, water retention systems and buildings that respect the territory are measures that do not represent luxury, but preparation and moral obligation.
Recent storms show that rebuilding the same is wasting the opportunity to evolve and, above all, to prevent and protect. Each extreme event must serve as a warning and an impetus to raise the standard of national construction.
If we want a future in which catastrophe is not synonymous with collapse, we have to design with the awareness that the climate has changed and we have to change with it. As well as our priorities and the elements to be taken into consideration when making decisions.
CEO Architect Your Home
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