A COMPARATIVE STUDY ON URBAN SCALE RECONSTRUCTION: EXPERIENCES FROM BAM, KOBE AND NORTHRIDGE

This paper is about reconstruction in three different experiences including Bam, Iran (2003), Kobe, Japan (1995) and Northridge, United States (1994). Considering the damage extent in each event, it is expected that in reconstruction plans the risk reduction matters been taken into consideration. Since case studies have different geographical, social and economic scopes, so their comparison could give some helpful considerations in reconstruction planning and management. In all three experiences, reconstruction was based on a top-down approach. In case of Bam, preparing reconstruction plan and policies were considered for the first time. In case of Kobe, there was neighbourhood-level planning process in reconstruction to maintain the community fabric. In case of Northridge, building repair and stabilizing neighbourhoods were considered. There are some similarities among these experiences such as economic reviving, loan programs etc. Comparing the three experiences show that reconstruction could lead to vulnerability reduction through bottom-up approaches and considering realistic time frames for reconstruction.

Keywords:

Urban reconstruction , Post-quake development , Recovery , Rehabilitation , Sustainability