Rebuilding Resilience in Nepal

Melanie Quintero, Apoorva Thapa
2024

This student research explores the aftermath of Nepal’s devastating 2015 Gorkha earthquake and proposes sustainable construction methods as a path forward. The project investigates how traditional and locally sourced building techniques—specifically rammed earth and Compressed Earth Stabilized Blocks (CESB)—can offer long-term resilience in the face of future natural disasters.

Focusing on Nepal’s vulnerability to seismic activity, the student highlights the cultural, environmental, and economic advantages of using local materials and indigenous knowledge in reconstruction. These methods not only reduce dependence on imported materials but also empower local communities, preserve craftsmanship, and align with Nepal’s unique climatic and geographical conditions.

The project underscores the potential of decentralized construction to build stronger, more self-sufficient communities. With benefits such as thermal efficiency, seismic durability, and low environmental impact, rammed earth and CESB construction present a powerful alternative to conventional approaches—supporting both immediate recovery and sustainable development in Nepal.