Impact of Disasters in Shaping the Vernacular Architecture of Coastal Area

Coastal regions are highly vulnerable to a range of disasters, such as hurricanes, storm surges, and tsunamis. Unfortunately, the increasing sea levels caused by climate change only serve to worsen these risks, resulting in more frequent flooding and erosion. These disasters not only pose a significant threat to human settlements, ecosystems, and infrastructure along the coastlines, but also highlight the urgent need for proactive measures to ensure resilience and adaptation. One approach that has shown promise in creating a climate-resilient built environment is vernacular architecture, which is the practice of local communities using locally sourced materials. Through years of experience and attempts to mitigate against disasters, vernacular architecture has evolved to incorporate specific construction techniques and architectural features that are better equipped to withstand such events. In this article, we explored how disasters have influenced the development of vernacular architecture in coastal settlements, focusing on three case studies from countries surrounding the western ring of the Bay of Bengal like Sinhalese jungle huts in Northern Sri Lanka, Odisha in India, and Bangladesh. To understand the impact of disasters on building design, we have selected five key features for investigation such as building form and shape, angle of the roof, roof materials, overhang length, and wall protection techniques. Through our research, we have observed that certain design elements are directly related to the intensity of disasters. For example, regions with lower rainfall, such as Odisha, exhibit shorter overhang lengths (0.35-0.4 meters) compared to areas like Sinhalese and coastal Bangladesh, where overhang lengths range from 0.45-0.6 meters [3-6]. Additionally, the choice of materials is influenced by both local availability and the impact of disasters. Thatch and bamboo, for instance, are commonly used as roofing materials in coastal areas of Bangladesh, while Sinhalese utilizes coconut thatch, dried coconut leaves, bamboo, or mud bindings. These interrelationships between design features and disasters in vernacular architecture have led us to examine the guidelines provided by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Remarkably, Odisha has fully embraced these guidelines, resulting in a significant reduction in cyclone-related damages over the years. By conducting a comparative assessment of disaster intensity, design features and techniques, and the UNDP guidelines, our study provides valuable insights for future architects and policymakers working on built-environment projects in coastal areas. In conclusion, the vulnerability of coastal areas to disasters necessitates the adoption of proactive measures for resilience and adaptation. Vernacular architecture, with its focus on locally sourced materials and evolved construction techniques, has proven to be an effective approach. By understanding the interplay between design features, disasters, and international guidelines, architects and policymakers can create more resilient built environments in coastal regions.