[112] – Leading Climate Action Through Adaptation & Mitigation

How can architects support their communities before a disaster happens?

This week we speak with Illya Azaroff, an internationally recognized leader in disaster mitigation, adaption, regenerative design, and resilient planning strategies. Following Superstorm Sandy, Illya frequently consulted New York City and other public entities on resilience, policy, and sustainability issues. His work has continued to expand beyond New York into wide-reaching US and international communities. Illya is using his training in architecture to help the communities he partners with the fund and implement climate-focused solutions. We discuss some of the projects he supports, strategies he recommends architects can take action on, and the difference between adaptation and mitigation. Illya explains why architects must become global leaders in climate action.

Guest:
Illya Azaroff, FAIA, is an Architect, Geographer, and professor at New York City College of Technology (CUNY). He is the founding director of +LAB Architect whose mission is to build resilient capacity and advance goals for a sustainable, regenerative future while giving underserved communities greater voice and visibility. Illya serves on the AIA National Board (2023-25). He served as a COP-27 delegate and will lead the COP-28 delegation for the AIA this year. Illya serves as a technical expert on the New York Climate Impact Assessment.

📍 Show Links: 
Learn about + lab https://www.pluslabglobal.com/
https://illyaazaroff.com/

📚 Continue Learning:
Listen to PD Episode 004 – Purpose Driven Practice https://practiceofarchitecture.com/2020/07/09/004-purpose-driven-practice/

COP
https://www.aia.org/articles/6571631-aia-delegates-at-cop27-provide-key-takeawa
https://www.aia.org/resources/6077668-framework-for-design-excellence

Adaption
https://www.undrr.org/publication/sendai-framework-disaster-risk-reduction-2015-2030
https://climatechampions.unfccc.int/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SeS-Adaptation-Agenda_Complete-Report-COP27_FINAL-1.pdf

Performance Based Codes
http://media.iccsafe.org/downloads/CodesPlus/Performance-Based-Building-Design-Concepts-Chapter2.pdf

2030 Commitment
https://www.aia.org/pages/6464938-the-aia-2030-commitment