Designing to heal; reconstructing communities after disasters Available to Purchase

Disasters, whether caused by nature or human nature are a major and growing issue. This paper explores the human and physical costs of disasters and suggests how planners and urban designers can help create the optimal conditions for people to put their lives back together and access, as far as possible, the opportunities they need to thrive and fulfil their potential. The paper draws on the author's observations from Kosovo, Sri Lanka and Northern Ireland. It concludes that whilst there is a rich vein of initiatives that directly or indirectly assist in the healing and rebuilding process they are unlikely to succeed without wider social, economic measures and political initiatives.