We just passed our 30 year anniversary of living and working in Charleston, SC and have seen quite a change to the built environment in retrospect. While there is much to notate on the changes since 1994 (population growth, multi-industry economic solidification, our ability to not freak out as much at the sight of a Palmetto Bug), one thing that has not changed is watching the tide chart when there is rain in the forecast lest we find ourselves navigating through flooded streets. Flash back to our first landlord ferrying us in his canoe from our attic apartment on Halsey Street to our car parked on higher ground a couple blocks away. Then there was the time we were returning home from a late night in the office and drove through what we thought was a puddle in Hampton Park Terrace to the detriment of our 2000 Volkswagon Beetle’s transmission. We were still learning that water in the streets is a big deal. Throw in multiple mandatory hurricane evacuations due to storm surge threats, heat waves, coastal erosion and the sub-effects of each, and it’s hard not to be thinking about lessons learned and how best to design in the future. Enter a new discovery from Roman Mars and his team at 99% Invisible, one of our go-to podcasts.
The "Not Built for This" series from “99% Invisible” explores the intricate relationship between design, infrastructure, and the unexpected challenges that arise from our built environment. It delves into how many structures and systems, while ostensibly functional, often fall short in addressing the realities of everyday use and unforeseen circumstances. Through engaging storytelling, the series highlights various examples, from inadequate public transport accommodations to the shortcomings of urban planning, ultimately prompting listeners to reflect on the importance of thoughtful design that anticipates human needs and activities. By shedding light on these issues, "Not Built for This" encourages a reconsideration of how those involved in development, design and construction approach architecture and urban development to create more resilient and adaptable spaces. Below is an itemized glimpse at each episode.
Episode 1: ‘The Bottom of the Bowl’ Emmett FitsGerald talks about the devastating flooding that happened in his hometown of Montpelier, VT.
Episode 2: ‘The Ripple Effect’ (Paradise, CA) “This is the story of what happened after the famous fire in Paradise, California, and where many of the survivors ended up. It’s a cautionary tale about a town caught in the cross hairs of both the climate crisis and the housing crisis, and what happened when thousands of displaced people showed up on its doorstep.” NBFT
Episode 3: ‘The Price is Wrong’ illuminates how the literal cost of climate change trickles down to the homeowners in Florida as insurance companies are realizing the risk is no longer paying off.
Episode 4: ‘Unbuilding the Terrace’ shows us the effect an alternative approach to handling flood-prone areas has; instead of homeowners rebuilding and hoping for the best, government programs are helping residents move to higher ground.
Episode 5: ‘The Little Levee That Could’ spotlights a hard won infrastructure project - Hamilton City, California’s levee.
Episode 6: ‘Maximum Temperature’ “The impacts of climate disasters are often measured in terms of property damage. But in places like Phoenix, Arizona, and in hot places all over the world, climate change is wreaking a very different kind of havoc – on living things. In the final episode of Not Built for This, we reckon with the biological limits of climate adaptation.” NBFT
Click here for the series landing page.