The article discusses the devastation caused by the January 2025 wildfires in Los Angeles, which left the city mourning and in limbo. It contrasts the city's reconstruction challenges with an example from Santa Barbara, where homes are being remodeled with fireproof materials in anticipation of future disasters. The author reflects on a broader question of whether to restore what was lost or to rethink future possibilities, drawing parallels to London's past experiences with fires and the endurance of its businesses.
The air still smells of ash. Many families are still camped in hotels or with relatives, waiting on insurance claims and city permits.
This question - do we restore what was, or do we rethink what could be? - stayed with me as I recently traveled to London.
They made a choice: a steel roof. It was significantly more expensive than traditional materials, but fireproof. Resilient.
I was there to explore its deep history, particularly the endurance of its oldest businesses.
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