SAIRA: Shared And Individual Response for Action

Towards a Future of Resilient Architecture

Natural disasters such as floods disrupt lives, homes, and communities, leaving behind destruction and loss. The 2018 Kerala floods and similar calamities across India have highlighted the urgent need for flood-resilient architecture that not only focuses on rebuilding structures but also empowers people to take proactive measures for the future.

SAIRA (Shared and Individual Responsibility for Action) presents an innovative resilience strategy aimed at creating sustainable housing solutions and resource systems. Developed as a shortlisted entry of HEAL+, the project by Seba Shukhur and Lekshmy Hirandas redefines the relationship between architecture, community, and resilience.

A Multi-Layered Resilience Framework

1. Rehabilitation and Immediate Relief

SAIRA emphasizes coordinated efforts between individuals, local administrations, and state agencies to provide immediate relief—food, medicines, clothing, and temporary shelters. Mapping flood-affected areas ensures rapid response and informed rebuilding.

2. Building Flood-Resilient Communities

The core idea is to construct resilient architecture through:

• Elevated housing with raised plinths to withstand flood levels.
• Preservation of natural drainage channels to allow uninterrupted water flow.
• Integration of water harvesting systems to improve percolation and sustainability.
• Introduction of Half Houses as an affordable disaster-resilient upgrade option for vulnerable families.

3. Shared Resource Centres

Resource Centres form the heart of SAIRA. Designed as multifunctional hubs, they serve as:

• Shelters during floods, offering safe accommodation.
• Educational hubs, where disaster preparedness and resilience training are conducted.
• Recreational spaces, strengthening social ties and community engagement.
• Monitoring centres, managed collectively to ensure long-term resilience.

Architectural Interventions for Resilience

Half Houses

A cost-effective solution, Half Houses are modular, disaster-resilient units designed with a hall, bedroom, and toilet, serving as a safe retreat during floods. These units can later be expanded into full resilient homes, making them a sustainable pathway from survival to long-term security.

Rapid Shelters to Resilient Homes

SAIRA introduces a phased architectural evolution:

• Rapid Shelter: Temporary structures built immediately after disasters.
• Half House: Semi-permanent modular homes built within 1–2 years post-disaster.
• Resilient House: Permanent, flood-adaptive homes with strong foundations, raised plinths, and modular adaptability.

Redevelopment and Expansion

Inspired by traditional Nalukettu typology, the Resilient House is designed around courtyards for ventilation and community interaction. Flexible modules allow expansion from low-density to high-density housing, based on available resources.

Urban and Environmental Integration

• Reclaiming Floodplains: Designating no-construction zones while providing safe buffer spaces for communities.
• Allowing Water to Flow: Retaining natural drainage channels with culverts and bridges designed for continuity.
• Elevated Construction: Raising ground floors by 1.2m to safeguard essential living spaces.
• Community Monitoring: Establishing local committees for disaster response, infrastructure maintenance, and awareness campaigns.

Resilient Architecture as Community Empowerment

SAIRA exemplifies how resilient architecture goes beyond construction—it becomes a catalyst for social responsibility, collective preparedness, and long-term sustainability. By combining immediate relief, adaptive design, and shared responsibility, the project empowers communities to rebuild with dignity while reducing vulnerability to future disasters.