Lorenza Lazzati
Doctor of Philosophy candidate
Architecture, Heritage, Disaster studies
Biography
Lorenza is an architect and community developer passionate about integrating architecture into the humanitarian and development sectors. Her research seeks to understand how grassroots and community-driven initiatives in post-earthquake contexts contribute to cultural recovery and influence current heritage agencies and protocols.
In her previous role, Lorenza was involved with the Diaspora Humanitarians research project, which aimed to map the extensive humanitarian activities and contributions of Australian-based migrants to crises abroad. She has experience working with and engaging Australia-based diasporas, developing projects focused on human rights, peacebuilding, development, and humanitarian aid overseas. She collaborated closely with diaspora communities, providing mentoring in capability and capacity building, advocacy, and networking support, as well as mapping and assessing community needs while working with a broad range of professionals. As the Coordinator of the Diaspora Learning Network, Lorenza planned and managed multi-sector dialogues aimed at fostering and sharing knowledge on diaspora humanitarianism.
Lorenza holds a Master's degree in International Urban and Environmental Management, with a thesis that explores the role of community participation in building resilience in post-disaster scenarios. She has 15 years of experience in the construction sector as an architect.
Thesis
Post-Disaster Cultural and Heritage Recovery: The cases of L'Aquila and Bungamati
For many years, disasters have entered our daily lives. Whether it is a bushfire, a flood, an earthquake, conflict, or other types of disasters, these catastrophic events are increasing in intensity, frequency, and magnitude. The destruction of the built environment caused by disasters, along with the disruption, fragmentation, and alteration of the social fabric, compounds people’s vulnerabilities and accrues social costs.
In the face of this rapidly changing reality, examining what can contribute to disaster mitigation, recovery, and resilience building is crucial. This multidisciplinary research focuses on cultural and heritage recovery in post-earthquake scenarios in L’Aquila (Italy) and Bungamati (Nepal). Grounded in place-making and place attachment theories, this study analyses the contribution of grassroots initiatives to the cultural and spiritual recovery of affected communities, adopting the impacted communities' perspective.
Although acknowledged, the role of culture in building resilience after a disaster is poorly integrated into heritage practices. Humanitarian policies often overlook cultural considerations, despite conventions acknowledging the risks posed by natural hazards. Additionally, the implementation of community participation remains inconsistent and often lacking in depth.
This project aims to enhance the understanding of cultural practices in disaster recovery, providing insights to heritage agencies on best practices and policy guidance.
Contact
- Email lorenzal@student.unimelb.edu.au
- LinkedIn Profile LinkedIn profile
- ORCID Profile ORCID