Seek Resilience in Reconstruction: Towards a Resilient Post-Disaster Urban Development in Sichuan, China

Abstract

This paper examines post-disaster urban resilience design in the context of reconstruction efforts following the Great Sichuan (Wenchuan) Earthquake of May 2008. Focusing on socio-spatial coherence, temporal continuity, and multi-stakeholder integration and communication, it critically assesses government-led reconstruction, which relied largely on generic, top-down planning approaches. Using the case of Dujiangyan city, the research highlights deficiencies in official reconstruction efforts, particularly in the lack of resilience considerations, and presents an alternative design scenario where resilience principles are embedded. The proposed urban resilience design framework seeks to promote better living conditions and sustainable urban futures, positioning resilience as a central element of post-disaster city development.