Architects Propose Fire-Resistant Homes for LA
SCI-Arc's Resilient Futures Task Force exhibited nearly 70 home design proposals for fire-prone zones.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Safety
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The SCI-Arc Resilient Futures Task Force, formed after the January 2025 Los Angeles fires, showcased nearly 70 home design proposals for fire zones in an exhibition titled Architecture After the Fires. The Task Force helps displaced homeowners with building safety, soil toxicity, emergency funding, and insurance claims.
Why it matters
The Task Force was created to rethink standard rebuilding methods after weaknesses in Southern California's residential standards were exposed. Outdated safety codes, standard construction habits, and insurance gaps contributed to past rebuilding mistakes.
The exhibition presented nearly 70 fire-zone home designs, a figure drawn from the Task Force's exhibition catalog rather than from any official permitting data. It is not yet known how many of these designs will move into actual construction in Los Angeles.
The players
SCI-Arc
The Southern California Institute of Architecture is a private graduate school in Los Angeles known for its experimental design programs.
Lorcan O'Herlihy
Lorcan O'Herlihy is a Los Angeles-based architect whose firm has produced residential and institutional projects in Southern California.
Morphosis
Morphosis is a Los Angeles architecture firm founded by Thom Mayne, known for experimental civic and residential buildings.
The details
The Task Force brings together teachers, researchers, and students, and organized public panels on alternative materials, mass timber, rebuilding economics, and fire-adapted landscaping. Exhibition work came from Lorcan O'Herlihy, SPF, Studio Murnane, Morphosis, Heather Flood and Story Dimson Studio, Knowhow Shop, and Scott Uriu, and the Task Force is publishing a book documenting the projects.
Timeline
January 2025: Los Angeles fires occurred, prompting creation of the Task Force.
November 6, 2026: Article published about the Task Force's rebuilding work.
Seasonal Patterns
The exhibition responds directly to the January 2025 Los Angeles fires, the event that exposed weaknesses in Southern California's residential standards and prompted the Task Force's creation. Its proposals shift the rebuilding conversation from emergency recovery toward fire-adapted design for future seasons.
Homeowners rebuilding in fire-prone areas can review the Task Force's proposals and resources before choosing materials or designs. Anyone affected by past fires can seek guidance on building safety, soil testing, and insurance claims through the Task Force.
The takeaway
Fire-zone rebuilding can draw on design proposals that address materials, landscaping, and building codes together. Residents planning repairs should consider these options alongside insurance and soil-safety checks.
Further reading
Explore more Safety coverage for how Los Angeles residents are preparing for future fires.
More information
Find the SCI-Arc Resilient Futures Task Force resources on fire-zone rebuilding.
Source note: This article includes information reported by ArchDaily.
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