Hosted by Mercy Corps Puerto Rico
Presenter: Yanel de Angel, Principal at Perkins&Will, co-founder resilientSEE-PR
This presentation focused on 4 myths and realities when it comes to building Resilient Community Centers:
Myth: All resilient centers have the same systems and types of community programs. Reality: There are about 8 characteristics that are ideally present, but all the centers are a little different.
Myth: If they donate a building to me to transform it into a community center, by putting solar panels on it and painting it, we are already on the right track. Reality: First, you must understand the physical conditions of the building: structure, code, if it is in a flood zone...
Myth: Transforming a historic building into a community center is difficult, almost impossible. Reality: It is not impossible, but it does require an expert historic preservation architect who can navigate the regulations.
Myth: "It is cost prohibitive to build a community center from scratch (new construction)." Reality: not necessarily! It depends on several factors: size, soil conditions, construction materials, services offered and the necessary equipment.