5.1. Guidebook for Technicians and Artisans

And UNDP and CBRI and IIT Delhi and they have all been partners of technical institutions, they have already covered Assam, Chhattisgarh, Himachal, Jharkhand, Manipur Orissa, Rajasthan, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal so, I will just show you, I will not show you everything but I will show you one state how there; what is the pattern they have tried to address.

This part introduces the collaboration between UNDP, CBRI, and IIT Delhi in creating a guidebook aimed at technicians and artisans. It highlights that these institutions have worked across multiple states in India to develop technical guidance aimed at improving local practices.

Think of this as a school where teachers (technical institutions) are collaborating to create a curriculum (the guidebook) to help students (technicians and artisans) understand complex topics like building methods more easily.

First of all, the design of the manual itself is the important thing when you are developing guidance, for example, this is a zone A, this is how the coding works so now, it says UPA 01, UP is Uttar Pradesh, A is what is the zone and within the zone, you might have 2, 3 typologies, so that is where the typology number.

The text explains that the organization of the manual is crucial for understanding it. Each zone, identified by a code system, allows users to easily locate information. For example, 'UPA 01' indicates 'Uttar Pradesh', and 'A' signifies a specific zone within that state, with further typologies available within each zone.

This is like a library's classification system where books are categorized by genres or subjects. Knowing how to read the code helps you find the information you need without getting lost.

So this is how and they are all classified by vulnerability to natural hazards, physiographic and access to building materials and the cultural compatibility.

The zones are classified based on various factors such as the level of vulnerability to natural hazards (like floods or earthquakes), the geographical characteristics, the availability of building materials, and how well the buildings fit with local cultural practices.

Consider this like a risk assessment in everyday life. Just as you might avoid living in a flood-prone area because of past experiences, this classification helps builders choose safer locations based on historical data.

So here, they have even described what actually this zone A comprises of in the high vulnerability especially to floods and what kind of floods they are talking about, what kind of riverbank erosions, they are talking about and you know, it is also talking about what kind of elevations and the forest cover, so that’s how the descriptions of each zone has been given.

Zone A has a high vulnerability to floods, and the manual describes the specific types of floods, the risks of riverbank erosion, and the geographical features like elevation and forest cover that define this area. Such details are critical for design and construction decisions.

Imagine a weather forecast that not only tells you if it’s going to rain but also explains the chances of flooding based on recent rainfalls and terrain; this helps you prepare better.

Then in the zone A, where we talk about, here, this is the zone A and it is based on the high vulnerability and medium vulnerability cyclonic storms and mostly, low vulnerability riverbank erosion, so here, this particular typology, this is a typology of a house where they try to document it and this response to brick masonry houses with three-inch walls which are most common.

In Zone A, buildings face high vulnerability from cyclonic storms and some risk from riverbank erosion. The guide documents specific housing types, especially traditional brick masonry houses, indicating that these are common and provide some structural integrity against these risks.

Think about how some houses in hurricane-prone areas are built with stronger materials and features. Similarly, the guidelines suggest using tried-and-true methods to enhance safety in vulnerable regions.

And because it is an effort how one can validate these rural housing typology which are already existing you know, so how structurally one can validate how, so that earlier whatever the rural technology exists, they try to ignore it and they try to give their own uniform and standardized solution but this is an effort, how we can bring that local character still and how we can validate those techniques.

The guidebook aims to validate and enhance existing rural housing designs instead of imposing a standardized solution. It acknowledges and incorporates local building techniques and styles while providing structural validation.

This is like a recipe book that respects traditional dishes while providing tips for tweaks that can enhance flavor without losing the original essence, ensuring the dish stays genuine to its roots.

Now, it says about the plinth; the high plinth design and a sloped roof, it also talks about the foundations and the wall, wall finish, plain roof structure and the floor and it’s all talking about the recommended specifications of it.

This section covers specific construction details for houses in Zone A, including a high plinth design to prevent flooding, roof specifications to withstand storms, and detailed recommendations about materials and finishes for foundations and walls.

It's akin to building a sturdy ship to navigate stormy seas: every aspect from hull design (foundations) to sail placement (roofing) needs careful consideration to ensure safety and functionality.

Then, a typical dwelling unit like this is a zero-one, this is one typology and you can even think about you know, the how the basic dimensions, which are existing and how one can actually understand that 6 foot 3 inches because the span between 6 foot 3 inches...

This segment explains the importance of specific dimensions in the design of the homes. For example, it mentions a span of 6 feet 3 inches, illustrating how critical measurements guide the construction process to ensure structural integrity.

Just like in sports where the right distance between goalposts can change the game, each dimension in a building impacts its strength and usability.

Then, comes to the cost estimate, you know the cost estimate for zone A, design one so, when we talk about cost estimate, it covers excavation, brick soiling, PCC, brickwork foundation, brickwork about plinth, concrete...

Here, the section discusses the comprehensive cost estimate for building in Zone A. It outlines various cost components, including materials, labor, and specific construction techniques, to help stakeholders budget accurately.

This is similar to budgeting for a vacation. Just as you would break down costs for flights, hotels, and activities, builders need to do the same to avoid overspending and ensure all necessary components are included.

Similarly, there are efforts in Pakistan in countries like Pakistan, there have been a guidebook for technicians and artisans, they call it as artisans. Like in India, also in Himachal and as well as in Uttarakhand...

The section notes similar initiatives in Pakistan, where guidebooks help local artisans learn about traditional construction methods like Dhajji wall constructions, which are earthquake-resistant building techniques using timber frameworks.

Imagine a neighborhood workshop where skilled craftsmen share age-old techniques with the younger generation, ensuring that local knowledge and methods are preserved and enhanced for future use.

So, this is where they even talk about the nail sizes, they even talk about the spacings to it you know and now, here 1 inch by 4 inch you know, there even talking about the length of studs, the dimensions of the studs...

This part emphasizes providing specific technical guidance, such as appropriate nail sizes and spacing for construction. These details ensure local carpenters can construct safe and effective structures based on the manual's guidelines.

It's like giving a musician the exact notes and timing for a song; when they follow this precise guidance, the final performance comes out beautifully, just as buildings constructed with precise details stand strong.

I mean this is a brief about these manuals of course, there are many manuals in different, different languages but I try to show you from the Indian context and probably Pakistan I covered...

The conclusion reflects on the importance of making technical manuals accessible in local languages to ensure that vital information reaches everyday people, empowering them to improve their construction practices effectively.

Consider this like a recipe book printed in multiple languages for diverse cooks; it ensures everyone can learn to cook, enhancing cultural dishes while also preserving traditions.

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