October 13 is International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, celebrating how individuals and communities are reducing their exposure to disasters, and disseminating knowledge of the methods by which this is done. To mark the day and to do our part in raising awareness, we have updated this exhibition on Disaster Risk and Resilience highlighting material that focuses on architecture, residential planning, and engineering that has been developed to mitigate the risks of, or to facilitate recovery after catastrophic events such as chemical spills, cyclones, earthquakes, floods, war, and other natural and man-made disasters.

It is well-established that many natural disasters are caused by human disregard for the fragile environment, either locally or on a global scale.  Recognizing this fact, the exhibit includes a distinct collection highlighting the impact of these forms of knowledge in the area of environmental design.  It also highlights the Disaster Risk Management Initiative - Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture Knowledge Bank on Disaster Risk Reduction.  The knowledge bank contains extensive documentation  on village planning and disaster risk reduction in Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, and Tajikistan. 

-Michael A. Toler, 8 October 2015