Abstract

This study focused on presenting a secondary source academic analysis on the nature of the architectural design processes used in the creation of post-disaster housing. The specific focus was on sustainability and the extent to which architects have managed to develop sustainable designs, both in terms of economic factors and longevity (including possible experience of future disasters). This study was necessary due to the rise in natural disasters globally over the past two decades as well as the realization that those individuals most affected by the disasters tended to be those poorest in society.

The secondary data analysis found that the existing data supported the hypotheses. The current sustainable architectural designs in disaster-hit areas are linked to high economic expenditure. It is clear though that no current cheap and affordable method of sustainable housing exists apart from one example in Sri Lanka and this needs to be highlighted in the literature. It should also be noted that there are specific political and economic factors that prevent the sustainable development of post-disaster housing. Recommendations are made as to how future studies can use primary data to help discover methods of design that could be used by the wider population in regions hit frequently by natural disaster. By drawing attention to the inequality in housing in these regions through this current study, it is felt that the work has been a success and should lead to further debate and action in the near future.

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