Resilient infrastructures: building a safe and sustainable future

The construction industry has changed in recent years. Current and future projects are focused on creating resilient infrastructures that are designed to be safe and sustainable. This approach translates into the construction of buildings that do not degrade easily, adapt to extreme situations and stand the test of time.

By constructing resilient buildings, architects and other professionals in the sector ensure their functionality and human well-being in their use. In the face of any disturbance that may momentarily modify their structure, these buildings are prepared to fulfil their basic functions and continue to be safe spaces for the population.

Students of the Universidad Europea’s Degree in Architecture discover the concept of resilient infrastructure and learn how to align their future projects with SDG 9 goals (innovation in infrastructure and industry). In this way, they become highly qualified professionals to respond to the demands of today's society.

What are resilient infrastructures?

Resilient infrastructures are public and private constructions that are designed with three main objectives in mind: to be functional, safe and durable. Under this perspective, buildings of all types are protected against natural disasters, terrorist and cyber-attacks or the negative impact of climate change. In doing so, they meet the minimum standards set out in SDG 9.

This point of the UN Sustainable Development Goals states that, by 2030, governments and businesses should work to “modernize infrastructure and reshape industries to make them sustainable, using resources more efficiently and promoting the adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes.”

At a time when it is important to promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation, this trend has been placed at the centre of studies such as the Master in Architecture. Our graduates learn to improve procedures on management, risk prevention, planning, quality and environmental systems used in the construction process.

Differences between resilient and sustainable infrastructures

It is important to differentiate between resilient infrastructure design and sustainable construction:

• The concept of sustainability has gained prominence in recent decades and focuses on taking measures that reduce the ecological impact of buildings and industries.
• Resilient infrastructures go beyond that. In addition to the sustainability and ecology of buildings, concepts such as the optimization of safety and structural readaptation to any natural or human threat are added.

Why are resilient infrastructures essential in today's world?

The context today is one of constant risk for companies and public administrations. The world has become a scenario full of hazards, where natural disasters and human threats make security alerts commonplace.

Climate disasters (floods, earthquakes, landslides...), as well as the increase in terrorist and cyber-attacks require a response from civil society.

In the field of construction, this takes the form of a need to protect infrastructures and turn them into safe spaces for society. These protection measures are essential in the face of the rise of smart cities.

The vulnerability of connected cities is much greater due to the number of devices accessing the Internet and, therefore, defence strategies against any type of digital attack must be considered by those responsible for urban development.

Key elements for designing resilient infrastructures

Infrastructure design must consider several variables, such as human attacks, climate change, accessibility and durability, among others. This comprehensive approach enables the development of a clear plan of action for professionals in the construction sector.

To facilitate its implementation, it defines key elements for designers to consider when creating resilient infrastructures:

• Do not delay adaptation: resilience should be an integrated concept in the construction or retrofitting of infrastructures as soon as possible. This ensures cost reduction and, above all, improved effectiveness of the space.
• Study the risks: the creation of a resilience plan starts with the analysis of the risks to the infrastructure. Thanks to this, any structural decision will take these potential drawbacks into account and seek solutions for them.
• Work towards achievable objectives: it is important to assume that risk cannot be eliminated. It is advisable to focus on the most vulnerable points and gradually improve the rest of the infrastructure's defences.
• Consider different solutions: different risks and contexts require different decisions to be made to deal with them. In some circumstances, it will be necessary to accept that the risk is there. In other cases, the site's defences can be raised, and, in a third scenario, an alternative space can be created to maintain activity and security in case problems occur in the main area.
• Betting on constant improvement: resilience must be combined with other concepts such as sustainability and accessibility from a perspective of constant improvement. In this way, spaces will adapt to new demands and threats that may arise.

Examples of resilient infrastructures around the world

There are many buildings that testify to the importance of developing resilient infrastructures on the planet:

• Langone Health NY University Hospital: this medical centre has developed a complex and efficient flood protection system thanks to the installation of flood walls and automatic entrance barriers.
• The Shma Company tree house: this private building in Bangkok has two courtyards and numerous green roofs. In addition to accumulating a lot of vegetation, it plays an essential role in managing and retaining rainwater, reducing the building's temperature naturally.
• Euston Station: this transport interchange in London stands out for the installation of hollow piles to reduce the use of materials and, at the same time, optimize their use to generate hot water and heating for the building autonomously.

The role of professionals in the creation of resilient infrastructures

Today's construction and building specialists are trained in concepts such as the creation of resilient and sustainable infrastructures.

These experts, of which you can become one by studying a program such as a Master in Architecture in Canarias have become a key player in the development of public and private construction projects. More and more companies, administrations and individuals are looking for people capable of developing projects that assume these values and implement them in any corner of the world. Professionals trained in resilient infrastructures will be the ones to lead the industrial and civil transformation in the coming years.

Current challenges and future perspectives in resilient infrastructures

The current challenges of resilient construction are clearly delimited by the Sustainable Development Goals. In its proposal number nine, this international initiative recognizes that “economic growth, social development and climate action depend to a large extent on investments in infrastructure, sustainable industrial development and technological progress”.

Therefore, the figure of the resilient infrastructure specialist is vital to lead these investments in a wide variety of contexts, to achieve “sustainable development and empower communities in many countries”.