Purpose This paper aims to explore the conceptual, tactical and institutional tensions between short-term and long-term engagement of humanitarian actors in the built environment, as framed through disaster resilience and transformative adaptation, respectively. The paper seeks to synthesize a more resolute understanding of the limits and challenges associated with each concept in the advancement of analytical and practical clarity. Design/methodology/approach This commentary paper is based, in part, on a literature review in disaster resilience, humanitarian design and planning and climate change adaptation scholarship. Findings This commentary paper highlights some of the critical weaknesses associated with a disaster resilience framing of humanitarian design and planning in the built environment. Originality/value The value of this viewpoint paper is to challenge the short-term, single equilibrium applications of disaster resilience in favor of longer-term perspectives associated with transformative adaptation. The intent is not to highlight a conceptual inferiority but to position these concepts as point and counter-point with the potential for complimentary and conflicting applications.
Keenan, JM
Seeking an interoperability of disaster resilience and transformative adaptation in humanitarian design
International Journal Of Disaster Resilience In The Built Environment