June 8, 2024
As part of an ongoing collaboration between MIT Urban Risk Lab, Universidad De Santiago Chile, Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María, and Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, members of the MIT Urban Risk Lab attended a workshop on tsunami research and design strategies in Chile. Hosted by Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María, the workshop, titled "Resilient Coquimbo: Urban Planning and Design Against the Risk of Tsunamis," took place from June 2nd to 8th in Valparaiso, Chile.
During the weeklong workshop, participants attended presentations by MIT Urban Risk Lab's Larisa Ovalles and Romina Cordova Grados on "Designing Dual-Use Tsunami Evacuation Strategies" at the University of La Serena. Additionally, Miho Mazereeuw delivered a lecture on her forthcoming book, "Design Before Disaster: Japan's Culture of Preparedness."
The group conducted site visits and fieldwork in the Coquimbo Region, specifically in La Serena, Baquedano, and Tongoy. This allowed students to document and understand the urban, social, and ecological challenges of these sites. The observations and analysis were then integrated into a conceptual urban vision and proposals for tsunami design strategies.
The second part of the workshop is scheduled to take place at MIT in Boston this fall.