The wildfires that tore through California have left scars on the land and reduced homes to ash. The haunting images and stories should resonate deeply with Coloradans—we, too, are no strangers to devastation. In 2020 alone, Colorado lost 348,925 acres to three massive wildfires: Cameron Peak, East Troublesome, and Pine Gulch.
We now stand at a crossroads. We can rebuild what was lost, piece by piece. Or we can seize this moment to rethink how we live, work, and interact—creating something stronger, more resilient to the increasing frequency of extreme weather events. These disasters, while tragic, offer a rare opportunity: the chance to transform our shared loss into a foundation for a better future.
Resilient architecture must be our starting point. Sustainable materials like cross-laminated timber and fire-resistant composites could (and should) become the norm. Passive house designs that minimize energy consumption and maximize natural cooling must replace outdated, inefficient models. Urban planners can integrate green spaces—not just for aesthetics but as functional firebreaks, safeguarding communities while enhancing quality of life.
Yet, resilience isn’t just about fireproof buildings; it’s also about people. Both Californians and Coloradoans alike face a mounting housing crisis—homelessness, soaring costs, and economic segregation have reached a breaking point. Mixed-income housing models could break down these divides, blending luxury apartments with affordable units and shelters. Shared spaces, from community gardens to co-working hubs, could foster connection between our neighbors. Instead of relegating affordable housing to the outskirts, imagine a city where people from all walks of life share the same block—creating a truly inclusive community.
History provides a blueprint for meaningful reconstruction. When Paris faced the destruction of Notre-Dame’s famed wooden spire in 2019, they didn’t opt for steel or modern materials. Instead, they honored their heritage, rebuilding the spire using traditional methods and more than 1,000 carefully chosen oak trees from French forests. Sawyers and woodworkers used centuries old practices to hand carve and fit wooden supports, much to the historical accuracy of what was lost. Architecture isn’t just about structures; it shapes identity, instills pride, and strengthens the bonds of community.
Natural disasters leave behind more than destruction. Lives are lost, memories scattered, and landscapes altered. The concept of a “blank slate” is more than just starting over. It’s a demand to think differently; to blend empathy with innovation, and to create a community that’s not just rebuilt but reimagined. We must seize this moment to create communities that are not just restored, but reimagined. These extreme weather events will be occurring more, not less. Critically they offer us the opportunity to set a bold example for the world—proving that from the ashes, something truly transformative can rise.
