“House Nepal” project: Initial results and perspectives for an anti-seismic cooperation project

Abstract

The “HouSe-Nepal” project is being developed within the framework of the ADSIDEO programme (Project for the Centre for Development Cooperation of Universitat Politècnica de València 2018-2020) in collaboration with the Nepalese foundation Abari: Bamboo and Earth Initiative. This action aims to provide the technological and scientific support needed for the construction of anti-seismic housing taking into consideration environmental, socio-cultural, and socio-economic sustainability as key factors for the project. Students from Kathmandu University are taking part in a series of experimental constructive actions in the town of Dhulikhel, aiming to provide a response to the major constructive problems and limitations of local housing (as starkly highlighted by the 2015 Ghorka earthquake). This paper aims to present the initial results of the project and some possible perspectives and actions to be specified in its final year. Basically, the design efforts are being aimed at the promotion of an architecture taking inspiration from local Nepalese architecture, as a sign of identity which is safer in the event of ground movement, and more sustainable in terms of production and execution than conventional constructions whose format and technology have been imported from Europe.