The basis of architecture is to create a shelter that can protect humanity against the forces of nature. Though as time has proven the elements are formidable adversaries. To this day we still have not mastered the ability to counter natural disasters before they happen. It seems that the best way to plan for a disaster is to allow it to happen and then design for the next disaster. Hopefully in the future we can we gain enough experience from this trial and error process to get ahead of the disaster. 

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This website represents a compendium of the different manmade and natural disasters that have devastated American cities. Each disaster was chosen due to its respective significance within the grand history of American architecture. The six disasters are ordered chronologically, and are organized as follows: 

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Background: Providing a brief narrative and to set the stage of the events surrounding each disaster. 

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What was lost: This gives an accounting of the number of lives lost and/or the amount of buildings destroyed/monetary loss. 

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What was learned: This gives a general summary to the lessons received due to the disaster. 

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Significance: This explain why the disaster was so impactful, and what it helped to change with regards to construction, design, and even codes.  

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I hope that this website can spark an interest in designing to combat the elements of nature. While architects must due this innately, there is a certain level of creativity that can come about when it becomes the forefront of the design.