For those still dealing with the aftermath of the May 22 tornado that hit North Minneapolis, the
American Institute of Architects (AIA) of Minneapolis and Minnesota have joined forces to provide some architectural assistance through a program called "Rebuilding it Right."
Beverly
Hauschild-Baron, the executive vice president of AIA-MN, says
that the affected area of the North Side has historic character that should be
preserved. That being said, for those who are having to reconstruct part
or all of their homes, "it might be difficult...to maintain
the integrity of their homes, without some guidance," she says.
Architect
teams, including 60 volunteers, are working with the neighborhood to
study the structures, trying to figure out what types of drawings or
sketches might be most helpful.They're also striving for greener
technologies and smarter urban design in the rebuilding effort.
Teams
are assigned various blocks to work on, "identifying structures that we
might be able to have an impact on, or just simply providing quick
design sketches to the homeowners," she says.
"We're trying to
help with providing some interface between the homeowner and contractor
so that the history and integrity of the neighborhood can be
maintained."
This initial phase runs through Aug. 31. The group
is partnering with the Northside Community Recovery Team, the city,
USGBC-Minnesota, Architecture for Humanity-Minneapolis/ St. Paul, The
Assembly of Architects, Rebuilding Together Twin Cities, Preservation
Minneapolis, American Society of Landscape Architects Minnesota, and
other local and state organizations.
"We recognize that this type of natural disaster is one in which people
need to come together, to provide the skills they have and rebuild in
the best way possible," she says.
Source: Beverly Hauschild-Baron, executive vice president, AIA-MN
Writer: Anna Pratt