Join The Dallas Architecture Forum for a poignant panel discussion “Disaster Recovery – Helping Communities Come Home,” moderated by Emily Henry, Principal at Studio Outside. In response to the rise in deadly storms across the globe, the discussion follows on the heels of Dallas’ own recent devastating tornado. The free panel convenes at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 4, in the Dallas Black Dance Theater building. It is open to Forum members and the public.
Using Design to Aid Disaster Recovery
“Recently, with the increase in frequency and damage caused by natural disasters we are faced again and again with pressing questions of how to recover. How can we effectively return people to work, school, and home?” said Forum Executive Director Nate Eudaly. “This panel will present the ways that civic and governmental organizations are using policy and design to help communities recover after these traumatic events and create more sustainable cities. Case studies that will be examined include the catastrophic hurricanes and flooding on the Gulf Coast, and also the devastating tornados here in North Texas.”
Local urban planning, disaster response, and urban forestry professionals Steven Duong, Benje Freehan, Travis Houston and Janette Monear will discuss ways that government and civic groups use policy to recover after events like the October 2019 storm. The panel will center on case studies include the catastrophic hurricanes and flooding on the Gulf Coast, and also the devasting tornados here in North Texas.”
About The Panel
All biographical information courtesy of The Dallas Architecture Forum.
Panel Moderator Emily Henry, Principal, leads business development for Studio Outside. Building relationships is at the core of her being; Emily leverages her communication skills and resources as a landscape architect to connect and collaborate with like-minded and creative partners and clients to elevate our environment as a better place to live. She currently serves as the landscape architecture lead for TREC’s Dallas Catalyst Project and Past Chair for TREC’s Leadership Alumni Core Committee.
Steven Duong, AICP is an Associate Vice President and the Urban Design Lead for AECOM’s Urbanism + Planning practice for the Central US. He has led a wide variety of projects, most recently for the City of Dallas 100 Resilient Cities plan and Climate Action Plan and the Texas Hyperloop Project. His focus is on urban resilience, sustainable development, smart cities, and urban design.
Benje Feehan, Architect, is Executive Director of buildingcommunityWORKSHOP, leading significant initiatives promoting public interest design across Texas. Benje is responsible for leading the organization into its next season of design justice through community engagement. Leading diverse teams, his work has been recognized with numerous awards and honors including LEED platinum certifications, multiple local AIA design awards, national AIA/HUD design awards and the Rudy Bruner silver medal.
Travis Houston is a Senior Emergency Management Specialist with the City of Dallas Office of Emergency Management. In his role, he assists the city to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters. During his time with the City of Dallas, he has responded to many major incidents, including the Hurricane Harvey Mega Shelter, Northwest Dallas Gas Explosion, June 9th Crane Collapse, and most recently the October 20th EF-3 Tornado.
Janette Monear, President/CEO of the Texas Trees Foundation, is dedicated to creating livable and resilient communities through the use of trees, green infrastructure and sustainable design. Ms. Monear is a pioneer in urban forestry. “Economic development in the absence of environmental integrity is not sustainable” is her mantra, and connecting people to the land and creating that “sense of place” where all people thrive is her mission.
Venue and Event Details
The Dallas Black Dance Theater is located at the corner of Arts Plaza Street and Ann Williams Way – at 2700 Ann Williams Way, Dallas. Free parking is available between the DBDT building and Fellowship Church, located to the east of the DBDT building.
The discussion begins at 6:30 pm, with complimentary beverages available beginning at 6:15 pm. No reservations are needed to attend. One CEU AIA credit is available. For more information on The Dallas Architecture Forum, or the Panel Discussion Series, visit their website or call 214-764-2406.
