Disaster-Proof Architecture: An Introduction

1. Disaster-Proof Architecture: An Introduction

2. Introduction • Yes, life is unpredictable. And while some phenomena may be predicted and prevented successfully, some others are rather inevitable. However, the good news is that it is still possible to minimize the impact of the aftermath of such inevitable occurrences. A natural disaster is one such occurrence that cannot be prevented but whose impact may be made less severe by means of certain precautions and timely measures. • Since the locals of a certain disaster-hit area are the worst and the most immediately affected persons post a natural calamity, architecture as a field has always strived to come up with innovative architectural models that can help to protect the homes and buildings in such localities. That is why reputed B Architecture colleges emphasize the importance of disaster-proof architecture as a means to promote safety and exercise damage control. Here is a detailed look at disaster-proof architecture and its distinct models:

3. The Significance of Disaster-Proof Architecture • Sustenance can often become a challenge in areas prone to natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, tsunamis, and cyclones. These can not only adversely affect one’s livelihood but also threaten one’s shelter and basic existence. • In such cases, houses that are not resilient to natural disasters may be subject to partial or total damage that can not only disrupt the external structure but also its foundation. • While homes may be renovated and rebuilt after such incidents, some damages caused due to natural calamities are irreparable. Mo/reover, such renovation typically involves a significant amount of time, effort and money invested in the same. • Disaster-proof architecture is all about avoiding such massive consequences of these natural disasters and helping the affected communities to recover faster and more efficiently from the same.

4. Some Architectural Models Included Under Disaster-Proof Architecture • So, what are some architectural models and ideas that B Voc colleges and architecture courses usually incorporate as part of their curriculum? Here’s a glimpse: • Installing Plastic and Concrete Ring Structures An effective architectural intervention to curb the effects of earthquakes is to install concentric plastic and concrete rings (also called seismic invisibility cloaks) beneath the ground around the structure. These rings help to divert the seismic waves to the outer parts of the rings and away from the structure, thus resulting in minimal damages. This is an innovative and non-invasive solution that protects the structure externally and does not require any procedures to be carried out on the building.

5. Elevation of the Structure • Houses on stilts and elevated surfaces have been effective flood-proof solutions since time immemorial. From the traditional wooden stilts to elevated platforms, architects have leveraged many such innovative strategies to elevate the structures and prevent floods from inundating into the interiors. Such an elevation is a tried-and-tested idea to ensure that residents do not have to carry out ad-hoc measures before the rains to prevent any damage resulting from floods.

6. Installation of a Waterproof Layer Over the Roof • Another effective technique to avoid water penetration on to houses is to install a waterproof layer or membrane over the roofs. This resilient layer protects homes from the inundation of flood water during heavy rains, thus preventing any damage to the residents and property. This technique is increasingly leveraged in areas that witness heavy rainfall at frequent intervals.

7. The ‘Pendulum’ Effect • Another important earthquake-resistance strategy catered specifically to skyscrapers is the installation of a huge pendulum on the top of the building. Here, a large ball or pendulum is suspended through steel cables and installed on the top of the skyscraper. Thus, when an earthquake hits the place, the pendulum sways on the opposite direction owing to inertia, thus ensuring that the building remains intact. Interior designing schools and architecture colleges often incorporate such disaster-proofing strategies as part of their curriculum.

8. Sloping Surfaces and Gardens • It is common knowledge that flat surfaces are more susceptible to waterlogging in the events of floods, cyclones and tsunami. Thus, it is always a good architectural practice to design open spaces with multiple slopes especially in areas prone to heavy rainfall or located close to coasts. This allows rainwater to flow freely rather than stagnating at one place and causing a threat to the inhabitants.

9. Conclusion • While natural disasters have the ability to cause mass destruction, their effects can be successfully contained by leveraging certain basic measures. Architecture as a field has always been trying many innovative strategies to address the after-effects of such calamities and prevent these from affecting the people and resources in the area. As a premier Mumbai-based college offering architecture degree courses in India, Aditya College incorporates various such architectural ideas and aspects as a part of its curriculum, providing the students with a holistic approach.