First published 1995
Andrew Coburn focuses on practical construction methods for areas vulnerable to natural disasters. He presents building principles in straightforward language that builders, homeowners, and entire communities can understand and apply. The book emphasizes cost-effective approaches to improving structural resilience against hazards. Coburn covers site selection safety, construction techniques for brick and block materials, earth and stone building methods, timber construction, reinforced concrete work, and roofing systems. His guidance targets universally applicable principles rather than region-specific solutions. The work emerged from the UK government's Building for Safety Initiative through the Overseas Development Administration. Cambridge Architectural Research Limited partnered with Oxford Brookes University's Disaster Management Centre to develop this resource. The book serves as both a practical manual and training material for public education programs. Coburn delivers knowledge about safe construction practices to communities that face the greatest risk from natural hazards.
Genres: non-fiction, architecture, engineering
Vibes: informative, practical, thought-provoking
Tropes: educational, practical-guide
Setting: UK, Overseas Development Administration, Cambridge Architectural Research Limited, Oxford Brookes University
Period: 21st-century
120 pages · Paperback · Intermediate Technology Publications