Executive Summary
The earthquake of January 12, 2010 was a tragic demonstration of the importance of well-designed and constructed buildings for the safety of the Haitian people. The earthquake, that left an estimated 300,000 dead, as many injured, and 1.5 million homeless, was the latest of natural disasters that continue to haunt and stunt the development of Haiti. As the country begins to rebuild, it is critical that all new buildings are designed and built to minimize the repeat of these preventable tragedies. Leading organizations from the international building community, with active engagement of Haitian professionals, propose the development of a National Hazard Resource Center to provide a focal point for the development, dissemination and implementation of safe and sustainable physical development for Haiti.