2.1. Discussion on architecture at risk

Welcome to the course, Disaster Recovery and Build Back better. My name is Ram Sateesh, I am a faculty from department of architecture and planning, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee. Today, we are going to talk about architecture at risk, so today we are going to discuss about the theoretical component along with the implications, the practical implications with various variety of examples and how architecture as a domain it contemplates with the theory.

In this introduction, the speaker sets the stage for discussing 'architecture at risk'. He emphasizes that architecture is significantly influenced by disasters, and this course will explore both the theory and the practical aspects of how disasters impact buildings and communities. It also implies a focus on real-world examples and theoretical frameworks to understand this complex topic.

Consider architecture like a tree that needs a strong root system to withstand storms. Just as a tree can be harmed by high winds, buildings and communities can suffer severe consequences from disasters. This course aims to understand how to strengthen these structures and the communities around them so they can endure and recover.

Whenever a disaster happens, we encounter a huge loss not only to the lives of people but to their properties, to the civic buildings, to the religious buildings, to the cultural heritage of the communities.

Disasters cause significant upheaval, leading not only to loss of life but also destruction of vital structures. This includes homes, public buildings, and culturally important sites that define the identity of communities. Therefore, architecture serves a critical role in not just sheltering people but preserving a community’s heritage and history.

Imagine a library in a small town that holds the local history. If a flood destroys it, the community loses not just books, but also their identity and memories. Recovery efforts focus on rebuilding not just walls, but the collective identity of the community.

For instance, in this photograph what you are seeing is the Durbar square in Nepal, the recent Nepal earthquake. And many of the historic buildings which are under the UNESCO heritage have been demolished.

The Durbar Square in Nepal is a crucial example of what happens during a disaster. The earthquake resulted in the loss of many historic buildings that were part of the UNESCO heritage list. This highlights the vulnerability of architectural heritage in disaster situations and underscores the necessity for reconstruction efforts that recognize the significance of these buildings.

Think of a beloved community center that brings people together. If it were lost to an earthquake, it would not just be a physical loss, but an emotional one for the community that valued it. Rebuilding that center is essential for restoring community spirit and heritage.

Similarly in 2003, Bam earthquake in Iran what you can see here is, before and after the earthquake.

The Bam earthquake serves as another critical case study. It showcases the extensive destruction of historical sites and the long road to recovery that follows. After such catastrophic events, it’s essential for architects to understand the history, materials, and integrity of the structures to rebuild accurately and authentically.

Rebuilding a cherished historical building after it is damaged is like restoring a classic car. It requires understanding its original materials and design to preserve its character while making it safe and functional for the future.

So it needs a very longer time to actually understand its historical significance, understand its materiality and then reflect back with its historic integrity and within its historic context.

After a disaster, architects face the challenge of not only rebuilding structures but also understanding their historical and cultural significance. This understanding is crucial for ensuring that the reconstruction respects and reflects the original integrity and context of the building.

Consider the task of piecing together a jigsaw puzzle. Each piece represents a part of history, and understanding how they fit together is vital for creating a complete picture. Similarly, architects must ensure that every aspect of a structure's history is acknowledged in the reconstruction process.

And that is how they started working on like a few examples where a merchants house has been rebuilt by the clay brickwork and they also use a kind of the fiber-reinforcements and looking at the alternative materials which can sustain the earthquake in future as well.

Reconstruction efforts often require innovative approaches, such as using modern materials and techniques while respecting traditional methods. This combination can enhance the resilience of buildings against future disasters, thus addressing both historical integrity and contemporary safety needs.

Think of a sports team that needs to improve after a losing season. They look to bring in new training methods while still building on the strengths that got them there in the first place. Similarly, combining old techniques with new technology can help buildings withstand future disasters.

We can call it as a kind of conservation project which is a bigger umbrella of all these components which can go into restoration, the reconstruction aspects and that is where we deal with the authenticity of the product.

Conservation encompasses various processes, including restoration and reconstruction, aimed at preserving the authenticity and historical value of structures. It ensures that while buildings are restored, they retain their unique identity and significance in line with their heritage.

Preserving a family heirloom, like a vintage locket, involves more than just fixing it; it requires ensuring that its history and value are respected. Likewise, conservation in architecture involves safeguarding the essence and story of a building during reconstruction.

--