Building Resilient Communities with Lisa Lattu

?? Constructive Voices: Building Resilient Communities with Lisa Lattu! ????

Welcome to the latest edition of the "Constructive Voices" newsletter! In this episode, we're thrilled to bring you a conversation that's at the forefront of sustainable urban development and resilient design. Join host Jackie De Burca as she sits down with Lisa Lattu a trailblazer in the world of urban planning and civil engineering, to discuss how we can create communities that withstand the test of time – and nature.

?? Meet Our Expert: Lisa Lattu, the "Plangineer" ??

Lisa Lattu, a Senior Consultant at Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam, Inc. (LAN) ., introduces us to the concept of "plangineering" – a unique approach that merges urban planning and civil engineering to craft resilient, sustainable solutions for modern cities. With her rich background in both disciplines, Lisa provides insights into how cities can prepare for and adapt to natural disasters, such as hurricanes, while also addressing the more frequent but less visible challenges, like infrastructure ageing and interconnected system failures.

??? Key Insights from the Episode:

1. Resilient Infrastructure for All: Lisa emphasises the importance of planning for all types of disasters – not just the obvious ones. From hurricanes to unexpected IT outages, resilient infrastructure must be prepared for a wide range of events. She discusses innovative techniques like designing flexible infrastructure that can be adapted for multiple purposes and thinking creatively about using existing structures in new ways.
2. Community Involvement is Key: Resilience isn't just about technology or engineering; it's about people. Lisa highlights the value of involving communities in the planning process, ensuring that local needs and knowledge are integrated into infrastructure projects. This approach not only builds more resilient systems but also fosters a sense of ownership and pride among community members.
3. Innovative Strategies in Action: Hear about real-world examples, such as the Hall’s Bayou project in Harris County, Texas, where years of strategic planning and community engagement are now paying off in the form of enhanced flood control measures and sustainable infrastructure. Lisa also discusses the use of cutting-edge technologies like data modelling and simulations to predict and prepare for future scenarios.
4. Collaboration Across Sectors: Successful urban resilience requires collaboration between government, private sectors, and the community. Lisa explains how coordinated efforts and smart funding strategies can turn ambitious plans into reality, driving sustainable development and disaster preparedness across regions.

?? Why This Episode Matters:

?? Listen to the full episode here

As climate change continues to increase the frequency and intensity of natural disasters, resilient urban planning has never been more critical. This episode of "Constructive Voices" provides listeners with practical knowledge and inspiration to think differently about urban development and community safety. It’s a compelling reminder that with innovative thinking, collaborative efforts, and a commitment to sustainability, we can build cities that not only survive but thrive, no matter what challenges lie ahead.

?? Tune In Now!

Don't miss out on this inspiring episode! Whether you’re a professional in construction, urban planning, or simply passionate about building a better future, there’s something here for you.

?? Listen to the full episode here