The places devastated by the recent landslides in Wayanad, among other things, are also a land of concrete debris now. It is heartbreaking to see people wading through the rain and mud, searching for their loved ones. People and rescuers have been struggling to break through the concrete slabs with whatever tools they can lay hands on. One thing is certain: if it wasn't for the concrete, a few more lives could have been saved.
Left standing here are only two concrete buildings. These buildings, which have survived the landslide, are often highlighted in articles and social media posts that praise their resilience of concrete structures against the natural disaster.
Consider alternatives
First and foremost, let me clarify that the buildings (shown in photos here) are not capable of withstanding the landslide. The raging waters did not harm the buildings as they were not directly in its path. This does not mean we are against concrete. Concrete and steel undeniably have their use-cases. These construction materials, which require a significant amount of energy to produce, should be used wisely. High-rise buildings that can withstand earthquakes to some extent can be constructed using these materials. However, for smaller structures, we should consider alternatives.
We are witnessing rapid climate changes. The increasing heat is driving natural disasters closer to us in the form of landslides, floods, and earthquakes. Structures with light roofing and crumple-resistant designs offer a greater chance of survival. Kerala, being a region adjacent to the sea, experiences significant rainfall and floods. Many of these disasters are, to some extent, man-made. By altering the natural flow of the land-filling in wetlands, raising or lowering the ground level, or disrupting natural slopes—we inadvertently increase the risk. When excessive water from these alterations flows unchecked onto roads and other areas, we contribute to the magnitude of these disasters.
When we state that there are no quarries within a 10-km radius, we must acknowledge that nature does not adhere to our human boundaries and records. The complexities of disasters cannot be fully captured by human calculations. Roads, quarries, buildings, and other land developments should all be planned with consideration for the natural flow of water. There should be regulations ensuring that, during heavy rainfall, water can flow according to the natural slopes of the land. This way, there would be proper drainage paths to allow water to move freely through all properties. We must engage with these measures with a sense of civic responsibility.
Responsible architecture
Now, let us come to architecture. Eco-friendly building practices often get confined to simply plastering walls with mud or stacking stones and painting them brown. However, we need to go beyond these superficial solutions to implement responsible architecture. Professionals in this field must collaborate to achieve this goal and we know it is no easy task.
Each of us should make certain decisions. I believe that if each individual starts making small changes, we can collectively transform the world. Today, we have access to digital surveys that provide detailed information about the terrain and existing trees. This means that before constructing a building, we need not necessarily cut down trees indiscriminately. We can create designs around valuable trees and integrate them into our plans. We should also identify spaces where new trees can be planted as replacements for those that cannot be saved.
Designing buildings in harmony with land
A designer should figure in the property of the plot while conceptualising a building. For instance, if the terrain is sloped, we must consider that excess water may flow from a higher property to a lower one. We need to create pathways for water to flow in and out. Light fencing or perforated walls can be used instead of solid barriers.
Our roads are not always designed according to the natural slopes. The small roadside drains are meant to channel water away from the road. If every household directs excess water into these drains, the lower parts of the road will inevitably flood. This is exactly what happens in many places today. Responsible design and planning should aim to prevent such issues by allowing natural water flow and incorporating proper drainage solutions.
Rethinking concrete
Concrete is often seen as the ultimate safeguard for our buildings. However, in the face of natural disasters, vernacular construction methods have proven resilient. For instance, two-storey buildings can be designed as load-bearing structures. The roof can be truss-structures with tiles atop it. When constructing buildings in environmentally sensitive areas, it is crucial to follow strict guidelines and use resources wisely.
Instead of building large, energy-intensive structures that require constant air conditioning, we should consider sustainable alternatives. Seeing such buildings, one is reminded of this saying: “the production of too many useful things results in too many useless people.” We need to learn to interact with nature responsibly.
Everyone’s responsibility
The state of affairs now was not brought about by developing countries. However, the need for a collective effort to reduce carbon footprints and mitigate global warming has never been more urgent. While we often think about the longevity of the buildings we construct, we must also consider whether these structures contribute to the degradation of our planet’s health. As aptly put, “Nature is man’s inorganic body.” This profound environmental philosophy reminds us that our actions directly impact the environment.
(The writer is an architect running Bhoomija Creations, an institution, which builds eco-friendly buildings).
