Jadavpur University Researcher Studies Climate-Resilient Housing

A civil engineering PhD scholar from Jadavpur University is gaining attention for research that explores how traditional building techniques can support climate-resilient housing. The work focuses on vernacular architecture and its potential to provide sustainable construction solutions in disaster-prone regions. The research is being carried out by Aritra Majumder, a senior research scholar in the university’s civil engineering department. His doctoral thesis examines how traditional housing methods can help address challenges linked to climate change and environmental sustainability.

Inspiration from Cyclone Amphan and Climate Change Impact

The research was influenced by the devastation caused by Cyclone Amphan in 2020, which destroyed large numbers of homes along the eastern coast of India. Observing the destruction prompted Majumder to study how housing design could improve resilience against natural disasters. After the cyclone, he conducted field visits across coastal areas in West Bengal to examine the damage and understand how local communities built and maintained their homes. The experience shaped his focus on sustainable and climate-responsive construction methods.

What Is Vernacular Architecture and Why It Matters?

Vernacular architecture refers to traditional construction practices developed by local communities using locally available materials and indigenous knowledge. These structures often adapt naturally to the environmental conditions of a particular region. Examples of such structures across India include:

• Bamboo and thatched houses in rural Bengal
• Stilt houses in northeastern regions
• Wood-and-stone houses in Himalayan areas
• Stone-based structures in colder regions such as Kashmir

These building styles have evolved over generations to suit regional climates and environmental conditions.

Lower Carbon Emissions Compared to Modern Housing

To assess sustainability, Majumder conducted a life-cycle assessment comparing traditional buildings with modern low-cost housing models, including homes constructed under government housing schemes. The findings indicated that conventional low-cost housing can generate up to three times more carbon emissions than vernacular structures. The research suggests that adopting traditional building practices, or combining them with modern engineering techniques, could significantly reduce environmental impact while maintaining structural safety.

Field Research Across Different Regions of West Bengal

The study also included extensive fieldwork across four climatic regions of West Bengal:

• Coastal areas
• Ganga delta region
• Plateau regions
• Hilly regions

During the research, Majumder analysed 17 structural and environmental factors to evaluate the sustainability and resilience of traditional houses. The study involved interactions with local communities to understand construction techniques and maintenance practices.

International Recognition and Future Research Plans

The research has gained international attention, with Majumder publishing papers in journals and presenting findings at global conferences such as the “Net Zero Future 2025” conference hosted by the University of Cape Town. His work aligns with global sustainability efforts and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to climate action and sustainable cities. The scholar is currently preparing to submit his doctoral thesis and hopes to expand the research further, aiming to develop practical housing models that combine traditional building knowledge with modern engineering techniques for climate-resilient infrastructure.