KATHMANDU: There are some wonderful examples of how communities in remote villages have worked together to build their own temporary shelters using salvaged material. These will probably not last very long, but the inhabitants themselves can easily fix and further strengthen the shelter when the monsoon begins. After the rain, original shelters can be rebuilt using

locally available material with strengthening methods introduced to ensure better stability. When the temporary shelters are removed, natural materials used to build them can be recycled. There is no waste.

Choice of material and design will determine whether the structure lasts for 10 years, for a generation or till next big quake

Traditional buildings are built with knowledge collected over centuries. Innovative solutions were devised in the use of local materials to overcome the restrictions of limited resources. Indigenous techno-logy and local materials allowed the communities to maintain their own houses. The maintenance would have been based on the understanding that all elements of the buildings were replaceable. Had a wooden beam been rotten, it was possible to replace it. If a part of the wall was cracked, that part could be rebuilt. This allowed for a system of renewal, which made it possible for buildings to last forever if they were maintained.

It would be a rather romantic and possibly an illusory mindset to believe that people in the villages remain living in adoring little huts. If this is not considered agreeable, the government must quickly figure out a better solution. The National Planning Commission will be coordinating such activities and we must hope that it will not be conducted behind closed doors. Wide participation in this discourse must be entertained, including national and international voices bringing together the entire spectrum of options. From a compilation of all these ideas, a policy can be developed which will be binding for all those

involved in reconstruction.

There are some basic things that need to be considered when discussing rehabilitation of shelter. At present, the only concern people have is seismic stability, pushing aside all other requirements. Even in respect to seismic stability, the concern seems to be limited to having a house that is safe in the present. There seems little interest to think beyond the immediate need. The choice of material and design will determine whether the structure lasts for 10 years, for a generation or till next big earthquake.

In the villages where many of the traditionally constructed houses collapsed, there will be an immediate reaction to abandon these methods for what might be considered stronger modern materials. Will these materials really help create a more resilient living environment? A concrete frame structure built in the hills might be considered strong today, but when left to age will become a death trap in the next earthquake. New techniques and materials might need to be introduced; however, this should be done only with caution and an overall understanding of the implications. Continuity can only be achieved through a renewal process that allows elements to be replaced over time.

Traditional materials require constant maintenance and replacement, but damage of individual elements is usually not critical to the structure. The lifespan of modern materials might be longer, but what happens when it expires? Modern materials do not require continued maintenance and have a tendency not to show stress but then suddenly fail. Furthermore, when considering the entire lifecycle of materials, the disposal must also be considered. It must be possible to recycle, reuse or dispose of the material without polluting the environment. This can become a major issue with modern materials, which are often not reusable, not biodegradable and difficult to repair.

The design of the shelters appropriate to the identity of the particular place will be critical to ensure continued cultural diversity. The final consideration will be the people who have to live in these shelters and carry out activities defined by their own particular culture.

(The author is an architect and can be contacted through paharnepal@hotmail.com)