We help cities around the world become more resilient to the physical, social, and economic challenges that are a growing part of the 21st century.
Toyama, Japan
Defining urban resilience
Resilience is about surviving and thriving, regardless of the challenge.
Urban resilience is the capacity of individuals, communities, institutions, businesses, and systems within a city to survive, adapt, and grow no matter what kinds of chronic stresses and acute shocks they experience.
CHRONIC STRESSES
weaken the fabric of a city on a day-to-day or cyclical basis
Examples include: high unemployment, inefficient public transportation systems, endemic violence, and chronic food and water shortages.
ACUTE SHOCKS
are sudden, sharp events that threaten a city
Examples include: earthquakes, floods, disease outbreaks, and terrorist attacks.
Resilient cities demonstrate seven qualities that allow them to withstand, respond to, and adapt more readily to shocks and stresses.
Reflective
Resourceful
Robust
Redundant
Flexible
Inclusive
Integrated
