Learn from Tradition: Utilizing Traditional Building Materials in the Post-Earthquake Reconstruction

Abstract

The post-earthquake reconstruction aims to assist the earthquake survivors return to their normal lives physically and mentally. This paper examined three post-disaster reconstruction cases occurred in the west of China and deciphered that facing the short-term and massive projects in the reconstruction process, the decision makers and designers utilized the non-local materials and modern technologies produced plenty of modern structures which were not completely fit the local social and physical environments. After conducting fieldtrips and interviews in these quake-hit areas, this paper suggested the decision makers and designers to learn from the local traditional architectural design and construction methods in order to improve their design to be suitable for the local unique cultural and physical backgrounds. To be continued, this paper proposed some improvements regarding using the modern technologies to strengthen the advantages of traditional building materials and technologies as well as avoid the traditional architectural practices weaknesses.