Author(s): Humberto Eduardo Cavallín Calanche & Carla López Del Puerto
The RISE-UP program, initiated by the University of Puerto Rico in response to a series of natural disasters and crises, represents a strategic and interdisciplinary approach to enhancing the resilience and sustainability of Puerto Rico’s infrastructure. The program bridges the gap between architecture and engineering disciplines, fostering a new generation of professionals capable of tackling the complex and interconnected challenges known as “wicked problems.” Through its innovative VISION framework—comprising Vulnerability Assessment, Interdisciplinary Collaboration, Servingness, Innovative Design Solutions, Operationalization of Implementation and Testing, and Nurturing Continuous Improvement—RISE-UP equips students with the necessary skills and mindset to address the dynamic nature of these challenges. The program’s structure includes integrated courses, practical experiences, and a commitment to community-oriented solutions, ensuring that graduates are not only technically proficient but also socially responsible and adaptable to future challenges. RISE-UP’s success over the past five years demonstrates its potential as a model for other regions facing similar infrastructural and environmental challenges.
Volume Editors
ISBN
978-1-944214-49-4