At Method Group, we believe that truly great architecture isn’t just about how a structure looks—it’s about how well it stands the test of time. In Oklahoma and across the Midwest, communities face an evolving set of environmental and economic challenges, from extreme weather events to shifting population dynamics. That’s why our approach to architecture prioritizes resilience: designing buildings and communities that can adapt, endure, and continue to serve their purpose through changing conditions. In this article, we explore the principles, strategies, and real-world applications of resilient architecture, and how Method Group is helping shape a more sustainable and secure future for Oklahoma.
What Is Resilient Architecture?
Resilient architecture refers to the design and construction of buildings that can absorb, recover from, and adapt to adverse conditions, whether they stem from natural disasters, climate change, or socioeconomic shifts. It goes beyond sustainability by not only reducing environmental impact but also ensuring long-term operational continuity and safety.
In Oklahoma, resilience in design is particularly relevant. We experience a unique combination of challenges:
Tornadoes and high-wind storms
Flash flooding
Drought and extreme heat
Aging infrastructure in both urban and rural areas
Economic fluctuations that affect local development priorities
By designing for resilience, Method Group helps communities reduce risk, protect investment, and strengthen civic infrastructure for future generations.
Key Principles of Resilient Design
1. Durability and Material Integrity
Every resilient structure begins with choosing the right materials. At Method Group, we prioritize:
Impact-resistant roofing and siding to withstand high winds
Moisture-resistant materials to prevent mold and decay in flood-prone areas
Fire-resistant surfaces for developments in drought-susceptible zones
By working with manufacturers and suppliers who understand our local conditions, we ensure that the materials used in our projects can endure Oklahoma’s climate and environmental stresses.
2. Passive Design for Energy Independence
Resilient buildings are often energy-independent or energy-efficient. Passive design strategies include:
Strategic window placement for natural lighting and airflow
Use of thermal mass materials to regulate indoor temperatures
Reflective roofs and green roofing systems to combat the urban heat island effect
In both residential and commercial projects, we design buildings that reduce reliance on the grid—a crucial advantage during power outages or energy price spikes.
3. Flexible and Adaptable Use
Spaces should evolve with the people who use them. Flexibility in design means:
Open-plan interiors that can be repurposed over time
Multi-use community areas that shift function throughout the day
Infrastructure-ready buildings that can be upgraded as technology evolves
We believe a resilient building is a future-ready building—prepared for new uses, users, and environments over time.
4. Water Management and Flood Resistance
Oklahoma faces both flash floods and long-term droughts. Water resilience strategies include:
Permeable pavement and rain gardens to reduce runoff
Elevated structures and floodwalls in at-risk zones
Greywater reuse systems for irrigation and non-potable use
Every Method Group project includes an in-depth analysis of site hydrology to guide water-smart design decisions.
5. Community Integration and Social Resilience
Architectural resilience doesn’t stop at the building’s edge. Our designs support:
Public gathering spaces that foster social cohesion
Shelter-in-place features for emergencies
Partnerships with local governments for shared community benefits
We view buildings as nodes within a community network—each one contributing to a stronger, more connected social fabric.
Real-World Resilience: Projects That Stand Strong
Cains Coffee Building Revitalization
A cornerstone of our resilient design ethos, the Cains Coffee Building in Tulsa is a prime example of how adaptive reuse intersects with resilience. Once a decaying industrial structure, it was transformed into a modern coworking space designed to withstand Oklahoma’s weather extremes.
Key features include:
Reinforced exterior walls to withstand wind uplift
Solar panels and battery backup systems for energy resilience
Structural retrofitting to modern seismic and storm standards
The building is now a hub for entrepreneurs, built with both the past and future in mind.
Community Center in Norman
Designed in partnership with local nonprofits and municipal planners, this community center incorporates resilience at every level:
Storm shelter zones incorporated into design
Backup power systems for community use during outages
Passive cooling techniques to reduce HVAC dependency
It serves as a refuge in times of crisis and a resource year-round.
Rural Housing Resilience in Eastern Oklahoma
In rural Oklahoma, we face a different set of resilience challenges: limited infrastructure, inconsistent utility access, and aging housing stock. Our approach has included:
Modular housing designs that can be expanded or relocated
Off-grid power and water systems for remote homesteads
Use of local materials to reduce transportation costs and environmental impact
We collaborate with regional nonprofits and public health officials to ensure these homes serve their communities well into the future.
The Future of Resilient Design in Oklahoma
Resilient design is no longer optional—it’s essential. With climate models predicting more extreme weather events and a growing demand for sustainable development, Oklahoma must prioritize structures that can endure and adapt.
Urban Growth and Resilience
Cities like Tulsa and Oklahoma City are expanding rapidly. At Method Group, we advocate for:
Transit-oriented development that reduces vehicle dependency
Green infrastructure such as bioswales and rooftop gardens
Zoning reform that supports density without compromising safety
These strategies are part of a broader vision to make urban spaces more livable, inclusive, and prepared for the future.
The Role of Policy in Architectural Resilience
Public policy can accelerate or impede resilient design. We work with city planners and advocacy groups to:
Update building codes to reflect modern risks
Secure funding for resilience retrofits in public buildings
Promote tax incentives for developers who build with resilience in mind
Through education and collaboration, we help shape the regulatory environment in favor of long-term community wellbeing.
Education and Workforce Training
A resilient Oklahoma also requires a resilient workforce. Method Group supports:
Continuing education programs for contractors and designers
Internships and apprenticeships focused on green building practices
Knowledge-sharing partnerships with local trade schools and universities
By investing in the next generation of builders and designers, we ensure that resilient design is not just a concept but a standard.
Why Resilience Matters Now More Than Ever
We are living in a time of unprecedented change. From increasingly volatile weather patterns to evolving community needs, our built environment must be prepared to respond. Resilient architecture is not just about survival—it's about ensuring that our buildings continue to serve their communities in meaningful, long-lasting ways.
At Method Group, we don’t just design for today. We design for the Oklahoma of 10, 20, even 50 years from now. We design for the families who will seek shelter in our buildings during a storm, for the entrepreneurs who will launch their businesses in our workspaces, and for the neighborhoods that will gather in the public plazas and parks we help bring to life.
The stakes are too high for temporary solutions. That’s why every project we take on is rooted in a commitment to resilience: to lasting value, to environmental stewardship, and to the enduring strength of Oklahoma communities.
If you’re ready to build with resilience in mind, we invite you to connect with our team. Whether you’re planning a new development, considering a renovation, or exploring adaptive reuse, we can help you design a space that stands strong—today and tomorrow.
Reach out at info@method.group or call 918-623-5001 to start the conversation.