disaster

Zarkon Group Real Estate Builders & Developers > Blog > disaster

Tag: disaster

IoT sensors for hyper-local natural disaster insights
CategoriesSustainable News

IoT sensors for hyper-local natural disaster insights

By Zarkon Group,

Spotted: As locations around the world battle increasingly severe weather events, outdoor sirens, mobile texts, and television notices are common ways of notifying communities of impending disaster. The lethal fire on Hawaii’s Maui Island is an example of a time when planned emergency alerts did not work. With more than 400 outdoor alarms available for use, the fire moved so quickly that disaster management teams didn’t have time to activate them. 

One way of improving safety for residents is to install more local environment trackers, making it possible to generate super-specific alerts before a threat runs out of control. Aurassure, a Bhubaneswar-based environmental technology company, is building an extensive network of informed, connected citizens and neighbourhoods to provide real-time weather and ecosystem data for a variety of uses. 

Using a system of smart environmental monitoring devices with wireless sensors for networking, Aurassure tracks meteorological data, including wind direction and speed, humidity, temperature, and rainfall. The Internet of Things (IoT) system also tracks other essential urban information such as noise levels, the amount of UV light present, and the presence of gases and particulates in the air. And for residents living in close proximity to bodies of water,  

All sensors are customisable so that areas can track exactly what they need, and a dashboard presents information in easy-to-grasp visuals to help make it easy to spot changes over time and identify areas of potential high risk. The sensors are also usable in a variety of locations and are easily mounted on existing infrastructure. Depending on local facilities, there are different ways for a neighbourhood to transmit data to the cloud, and information is viewable on the web and via a mobile app.  

The company’s goal is to provide policymakers, urban planners, and communities with accurate, robust data on which to base ecosystem improvements. 

From portable power stations for grid independence to building-level flood alerts, Springwise’s database includes examples of innovators around the world seeking ways to predict, cope with, and thrive after monumental changes are wrought by natural disasters.

Written By: Keely Khoury

Reference

architect shigeru ban offers earthquake disaster relief to morocco
CategoriesArchitecture

architect shigeru ban offers earthquake disaster relief to morocco

By Zarkon Group,

A resourceful Response to Morocco’s Recent Earthquake

 

In the wake of the devastating earthquake that rocked Morocco‘s Marrakesh–Safi region on September 8th, 2023, Japanese architect Shigeru Ban has once again demonstrated his unwavering commitment to disaster relief efforts. This natural disaster, which registered a moment magnitude of 6.8–6.9 and a maximum Mercalli intensity of VIII, left in its wake a trail of destruction and claimed the lives of over 2,900 people. It is in this time of dire need that Shigeru Ban and his team, known globally for its humanitarian architecture, has extended a hand to the people of Morocco.

shigeru ban moroccoimages courtesy Shigeru Ban Architects

 

 

sHigeru Ban: A Champion of Disaster Relief

 

Shigeru Ban’s involvement in disaster relief spans over three decades, with his work taking him to disaster-stricken regions across the globe, from Kobe to L’Aquila, Turkey to Haiti. His humanitarian approach to disaster relief is marked by resourcefulness, a quality that has become synonymous with his architectural practice and contributed to his winning the prestigious Pritzker Prize in 2014. Shigeru Ban is celebrated for repurposing materials, even those not known for their durability like paper and cardboard, into structural elements for his designs. This same spirit of innovation permeates his planning and execution of disaster-relief housing projects. 

shigeru ban moroccothe first Paper Log House mock-up shelter has been constructed in Marrakech

 

 

paper log houses to be deployed across the region

 

In response to the recent earthquake tragedy in Morocco, Shigeru Ban has launched a commendable initiative to aid the victims. This humanitarian effort is being spearheaded by the Voluntary Architects’ Network (VAN), an organization founded by Shigeru Ban in 1995 to coordinate post-disaster construction aid. A significant facet of this project is the construction of a mock-up of Shigeru Ban’s iconic Paper Log House. This temporary dwelling, designed to provide shelter for those in urgent need, has been constructed at the National School of Architecture of Marrakech. It stands as a symbol of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. 

shigeru ban morocco
the team will assess the affected areas, identifying potential locations for the deployment of the Paper Log House

 

 

Shigeru Ban’s dedication extends beyond the blueprint. On September 27th, he is delivering a lecture where he will introduce the ‘Paper Log House’ and share his wealth of knowledge and experience in providing post-disaster support. Moreover, on September 28th, he will remain in Marrakech to assess the affected areas, identifying potential locations for the deployment of the Paper Log House.

 

 

 

project info:

 

architecture: Shigeru Ban Architects | @shigeruban

location: Marrakesh–Safi region, Morocco



Reference