Nature continues to confound us. The undersea earthquake of December 26, 2004, shook the globe at force 9, triggering waves that slapped the civilized world into submission. When the waters had receded, more than 200,000 persons lay dead and millions throughout 11 countries wandered traumatized and homeless. Entire communities were reduced to soggy ruins or had been washed from the planet; disease lurked in the aftermath. What could we, as architects, do when confronted by this epic disaster?

While it may be difficult advice, architects should not rush to action. That is the message from David Downey, the managing director of the AIA’s Center for Communities by Design, when besieged by questions from architects who want to help. “The majority of people who go might find that they are in the way,” he asserts. Instead, he advises design professionals to channel our compassion into contributions to established organizations already in the field, saving our planning and rebuilding skills for a later day.