BETWEEN SHELTER & ASH, DESIGNING FIRE-PROOF RESILIENT NEIGHBORHOODS

In response to the ongoing catastrophic wildfires in the U.S., especially the West Coast region, the State of California is proactively implementing the first multi-faceted legislative and regulatory framework to enhance wildfire resiliency. During a disaster, embers are the most important contributors to wildfire, and can dictate whether homes ignite or not. Given their potent ignition source, their capacity to travel for miles, researchers have concluded that wind-blown embers are the leading cause of destruction during wildfires. Simultaneously, the purpose of the 2025 building codes is to strengthen construction methods, requiring the use of rated structural materials, such as sheathing, roofs, windows, vents, etc., decreasing the risk of home ignition: since embers tend to accumulate and reach areas on the structure, such as eaves, gaps between deck boards, combustible siding, etc. Therefore, in this research, I conduct an in-depth analysis of legislative codes at the Local (San Diego), State (CA), Federal (U.S.), and international levels to identify regulatory gaps contributing to wildfire vulnerability, despite California’s strictest codes. In the second part of this research, I incorporate design to frame conceptual plans for a fire-resistant neighborhood, incorporating resilient materials and architectural elements into layouts that can contribute to the recurring search for fuel management.