SEISMIC RESILIENCE THROUGH TRADITIONAL METHODS: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF SOUTH ASIAN VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE

Abstract

South Asia lies along active tectonic boundaries, making it highly vulnerable to earthquakes. Rapid urbanisation, high population density, and widespread non-engineered construction amplify this risk. Modern seismic engineering offers effective solutions, but high costs and resource constraints limit their application in rural areas. Traditional vernacular architecture using locally available materials such as timber, bamboo, stone, and adobe has evolved over centuries to with stand local hazards, yet remains largely excluded from formal building codes. This study compares three notable South Asian vernacular systems: Koti Banal (India), Dhajji Dewari (Pakistan), and Assam-style bamboo homes (Bangladesh). An exploratory qualitative approach examines their configuration, materials, structural systems, and historical earthquake performance. Results show that these systems embody key seismic design principles, including plan regularity, light weight structures, and integrated bracing. Their resilience can be improved through targeted reinforcement and hybridisation with modern engineering. The study contributes to the growing discourse on heritage-informed disaster resilience by proposing a framework for integrating vernacular seismic strategies with modern engineering. This hybrid approach has the potential to deliver earthquake-resistant, culturally appropriate, and environmentally sustainable architecture, offering a viable pathway for reducing seismic risk in South Asia’s vulnerable regions while preserving architectural identity.