Using Traditional Knowledge Systems for Post-disaster Reconstruction – Issues and Challenges following Gujarat and Kashmir Earthquakes

Journal Title: CREATIVE SPACE - Year 2013, Vol 1, Issue 1

Abstract

In post-disaster situations, traditional constructions are generally considered vulnerable and, therefore, often get replaced by modern ones that are culturally and climatically incompatible, economically unaffordable and, thus, unsustainable in the long run. While it is now known that an enormous wealth of knowledge is embedded within traditional buildings, it is also true that many aspects of this knowledge have become diluted due to the changing social, economic and political context, as well as the needs and aspirations of the people. Herein lies the dilemma of making the appropriate approach for post disaster reconstruction in developing countries. Should we reject outdated traditional technology and go for a complete break from the past, or should we look backwards and revert to the tried and tested traditional wisdom? A hypothesis has, thus, been raised through this article -- can there be a middle way, taking the best of the past and the present, for planning a better future? The article will discuss this core issue in the context of the reconstruction challenges following the 2001 Gujarat earthquake and Northern Kashmir earthquake that struck on 8 October 2005.

Authors and Affiliations

Rohit Jigyasu

Keywords

Related Articles

Encapsulating the Translatory Attributes in the Formulation and Development of the Selected Modernist Building Constructed in Islamabad, Capital of Pakistan

Right after the construction of Islamabad, National Capital of Pakistan, different foreign architectswere hired by the State to undertake landmark projects in the city. Most notable among them were Doxiadis, Kenzo Tange,...

Alternative Modernity of the Princely states- Evaluating the Architecture of Sayajirao Gaekwad of Baroda

The first half of the 20th century was a turning point in the history of India with provincial rulers making significant development that had positive contribution and lasting influence on India’s growth. They served as...

Augmenting the Transit Capacity of Delhi by Renewal of the Sub-Urban Railway

This paper discusses the specific case of the untapped potential of the Sub-Urban Railway in Delhi. The Sub-Urban Railway, used as a passenger service during ASIAD Games of 1982, lost its relevance in due course of time....

Review and Restructuring of Contemporary Practices in Architecture Design Studio Education

The paper is based on the premise that a 360 ° restructuring of the existing architecture education system is required to bridge the wide gap between academia and the practical world and equip students to meet national a...

Defining The Identity of Technocentric Transformations In An Urban Edge – A Case of Kazhakuttom, Trivandrum

Technocentric developments often result in creating a socio-spatial duality in different contexts, forming a place identity with contesting nature of the global and local settlements. The location of technocentric campus...

Download PDF file
  • EP ID EP596541
  • DOI 10.15415/cs.2013.11001
  • Views 194
  • Downloads 0

How To Cite

Rohit Jigyasu (2013). Using Traditional Knowledge Systems for Post-disaster Reconstruction – Issues and Challenges following Gujarat and Kashmir Earthquakes. CREATIVE SPACE, 1(1), 1-17. https://www.europub.co.uk/articles/-A-596541