LA Architects Discuss Rebuilding Plans After the Devastating Fire in Altadena

Article: Rebuilding Altadena after the Eaton Fire

The Eaton Fire, which started near Eaton Canyon and was sparked by a power line, has left a trail of destruction in Altadena, California. The fire, which claimed at least 29 lives, has led to discussions about rebuilding the community in a more fire-resilient manner.

Heather Flood, the dean of the school of architecture and a professor at Woodbury University in Burbank, California, lost her home in the fire. Flood emphasises that architects must find a better way to design at the edge of the wildland-urban interface.

Darrell Park, a neighbor of Flood, also lost his home and accessory dwelling unit (ADU) in the fire. Park is proposing a fast-track pilot programme to construct 100 houses in 100 days to expedite the rebuilding process in Altadena.

Steven Lewis, a principal at ZGF Architects and former president of the National Organization of Minority Architects, had his home spared by the fires, but many of his neighbors in western Altadena were not as fortunate. Lewis is dedicated to helping Altadena retain its identity as rebuilding efforts take shape and is working with the Pasadena Foothill AIA Chapter and colleagues from NOMA.

The historically Black neighborhood of western Altadena is a tight-knit community with households spanning generations and families with multiple homes in the area. The most fire deaths occurred in this neighborhood, with 17 of the 29 deaths.

Evacuation orders on the western side of Altadena lagged hours behind the ones issued on the eastern side, even as the winds whipped flames and smoke at enormous speed. This discrepancy has led to discussions about improving the evacuation process in the future.

Regardless of future infrastructure or homeowner aesthetics, Lewis believes that involving the community in leading the way forward is not only crucial to preserving the spirit and rich heritage of Altadena, it's the only way. He shares a lesson from working in Detroit: "Nothing about us, without us, is for us." This mantra resonates deeply after the Eaton Fire.

Various groups are discussing how licensed architects might be used to 'self-check' plans in order to expedite the permitting process. This could help to speed up the rebuilding process and get Altadena back on its feet more quickly.

The remains of Flood's home include a Batchelder tile fireplace, a brick chimney, collapsed stucco, and a burnt refrigerator. The Eaton Fire's erratic path is visible, with a perfectly intact craftsman bungalow surrounded by oaks at the end of a destroyed block.

As Altadena begins to rebuild, the community is coming together to ensure that the rebuilding process preserves the area's rich heritage and identity. The rebuilding efforts are not just about replacing homes, but about creating a community that is fire-resilient and that honours the spirit of Altadena.