ABSTRACT
The main aim of post-disaster planning is to cope with the emergency phase by identifying fast, cost-effective ways to reconstruct cities, facilities and infrastructures. Yet for the communities affected by natural disasters it is arduous and often impossible to regain the level of wellbeing and safety reached before the event. Historic buildings reconstructed after an earthquake can be similar but not identical to their original appearance. Similarly, the culture, the traditions and daily habits of a community are forever changed by a natural disaster, at least until the next generations have “forgotten” the catastrophic event.
The difficulties arising from reconstruction and regeneration clearly emerge from the processes and policies enacted after the earthquake that struck the valley of the River Po in the Italian region of Emilia in May 2012. The results of rebuilding offer ample ground for investigating connections and gaps between post-disaster reconstruction and wellbeing. Rebuilding involves safety as well as the protection of cultural memories shared by local communities, representing at the same time a unique opportunity to examine innovative projects for territories, urban settlements and economic activities. It is an opportunity on which local authorities should be able to capitalise.
