Appropriate technology for post-disaster reconstruction - Rebuilding After Disasters: From Emergency to Sustainability - page 61

Figure 3.7 Traditional bhungas of Kutch. The traditional bhungas performed well
against earthquake because of their circular form and wattle-and-daub
construction.
earthquake-safe but also demonstrate a sensitive understanding of locally
available resources, climatic conditions and people's spatial requirements. In
fact, all these factors play an important role in the evolution of vernacular
architecture at any given place. Similarly, rammed-earth constructions found
in the region are acclimatized to the natural factors, besides being locally
available, thus requiring minimal costs for construction.
Nonetheless, the initial reaction to the damage caused by the earthquake
was to think that the traditional housing construction was not safe for earth-
quakes. The fact that traditional housing had its share of positive features
was overlooked by most of the agencies concerned with reconstruction.
Moreover, the introduction of new technologies and the enabling market
mechanisms for these seem to have forced traditional technology somewhat
into oblivion while, at the same time, the new technology introduced did not
make its way into the building habits of the local people.
Misconceptions about 'technology'
A significant determining factor for the loss of traditional knowledge is the
predominant perception of the local people, who favour the use of concrete
as a symbol of progress. Therefore, introducing concrete slabs as roofing is
considered good, even if they are made with poor reinforcement and mix and
are not tied well to the walls. In spite of viable design alternatives proposed