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This paper aims to trace the tectonic effects of openings as Heideggerian “built-things”.

This study has been organized in two phases. The first phase attempts to set up the theoretical framework through exploring the links between Heidegger’s notion of “built-thing” and contemporary tectonic discourses on dialectics between the values of matheme (construction, technology) and poetics (representation, meaning) to identify the key indicators in tectonic effects of openings. Accordingly, as the term “tectonic effects” is concerned with feelings and emotions that tectonics may evoke in people, the author searches for the indicators based on the poetic aspects of tectonic values and applies them within the phenomenological method implemented in the second phase of the research to explore the indicators in the designated case of the “Çavuşoğlu house”.

The results of this study indicate the significance of ontological nexus between tectonics as “poetic revealing” and the ability of the “built-thing” to generate tectonic effects within the embodied experience of dwellers. In fact, an opening can generate ontological tectonic effects in space only if it is brought about through a truthful build-dwell process which responds in a poetic way to the daily-life needs of the dwellers. The tangible examples of this fact are evident in the openings of the Çavuşoğlu house.

The theory of tectonics of openings as a separate “built-thing”, which is put forward in the present study, is a subject that has not been sufficiently studied so far and has the potential to be developed through further research. In light of this, the theoretical results of this study can contribute to tectonic thinking during the design process.

For a state like Uttarakhand, which is located in the seismically active Himalayan region and in the vicinity of plate boundaries, estimation of seismic hazards and the preparation of a zoning map are an urgent necessity. This paper aims to focus on this hazard.

In total, 32 potential seismo‐tectonic source zones were identified in a very wide area in and around the state, on the basis of seismicity and tectonics, and the longer ones were segmented. The maximum magnitude that each seismo‐tectonic source zone can support was then estimated. The seismic hazard due to each seismo‐tectonic source zone was assessed at 180 sites, in terms of peak ground acceleration (PGA).

The maximum PGA at each site varied between 0.06g and 0.50g. The seismic hazard was highest around the main central thrust and the main boundary thrust, and five other thrusts between these two thrusts. This assessment was adapted to make a seismic zoning map of Uttarakhand, with five distinct zones.

If seismo‐tectonic source zones from the contiguous regions of Nepal and Tibet were included as part of this assessment, then a higher hazard would be expected in Uttarakhand.

Threat perceptions of a potential earthquake disaster can be assessed in this zoning map. Disaster mitigation strategies will vary geographically, with priorities defined by the zoning map presented here. The methodology evolved has the potential to be extended to other vulnerable states in the Himalayan arc.

The seismic hazard assessed has been adapted to formulate a seismic zoning map of Uttarakhand.

The purpose of this paper is to present an integrative review of the literature to understand the underlying risks of tectonic plate movements, earthquakes and possible earth tremors on Bangladesh as a country filled with waterways.

This study presents a review of seismic activities to present an overview of the active tectonic architecture of the region and its seismic potential with past consequence in Bangladesh region and its immediate surroundings. For the purpose of this review, peer-reviewed journals and electronic databases are the main sources for identifying studies, along with conference proceedings from the similar events and networks.

Review reveals that Bangladesh sits on three tectonic plates atop the world’s largest river delta and has blind faults, shallow faults and high amplified liquefiable zones. It has experienced few devastating earthquakes but most of the records are not documented and also a lack of proper seismic equipment could not record all the events. Also Bangladesh is ill prepared to tackle the aftermath of any strong earthquake and if an earthquake with 7 Mw or greater magnitude occurred, it would leave Bangladesh blighted by a catastrophic disaster with significant destruction of infrastructure, fire outbreaks resulting from breakdown of gas piping systems, fire from collapsed electrical lines and disruption of water connections both in urban and rural centres with greater impact on industrial cities that may not have adhered to standard building codes.

This paper outlined the necessity of an earthquake hazard catalogue, also preparation in sense of seismic risk mitigation and influence of decision-makers, policy institutes and professionals in ensuring infrastructure development and the building code provides for a safe environment and resilient buildings that can reduce or eliminate the risks.

This study aims to define the main characteristics and possibilities of ontological approaches to research in architecture by considering content, methodologies and subject position in this type of research and questions if there is a future for this type of research or not.

The primary data collection method of this research is based on the ethos of the author who has taught research courses for many years. This research has also been questioned through the discussions made within a related PhD course.

Results of this research reveal that the spontaneous ideology of architecture might have influenced the neglection of the ontological approaches in academic research in architecture.

Architecture has an interesting position towards reductionism because architectural thinking has ontological characteristics. The ontological approaches to academic research seems to be more applicable to architecture. However, research in architecture does not necessarily have this ontological character.

The “ontological approach to academic research” covers a larger set of research than the method of ontology, which is used to discuss the categories, limitations in research. Thinking on ontological approaches to research is needed because there is a considerable increase in the use of mixed research methods, which combine qualitative and quantitative research. The second reason for this is the criticisms about the unethical reductionism directed towards contemporary science by philosophers. However, there is no sufficient literature on the ontological approaches to research. This is true also for the academic research in architecture.

The aim of this paper is to present a discussion on prognosis and mitigation of major landslide zones in an attempt to minimize the impact of such disasters in future. A case study on the sequence of sliding events of Varunavat Parvat, Uttarkashi (India), response of masses and administration and causative factors of sliding events has been presented in detail for prognosis and mitigation of large slide zones.

The prognosis and mitigation strategy discussed is based on the monitoring of mass wasting zones through field investigations and satellite image analysis (of pre‐ and post‐landslide period images) and experiential learning and interaction with village elders in landslide hazard‐prone Himalayan terrain.

The paper finds that Himalayan habitations such as Uttarkashi (which is situated in an area of fragile rocks, complex tectonics, seismic activity and cloud burst‐prone unstable hill slopes with colluvium and old slide zones) should have minimum anthropogenic activity in the form of slope cutting for road or building construction.

The paper reflects the author's individual understanding of causative factors and indications of landslides in Varunavat Parvat area in Uttarkashi township of Uttarakhand (India).

The paper calls for amalgamation of experience‐based local knowledge of villagers of landslide‐prone areas and modern scientific and technical know‐how and above all the coordinated efforts of community and authorities for prognosis and mitigation of large‐scale landslides in the inhabited areas. It has been further emphasized that sensitization and awareness programs and strict implementation of land‐use regulations are vital components of effective mitigation strategy.

The purpose of this paper is to construct a series of narratives by assessing a selection of the key literature generated by Open House International (OHI) over a period of 15 years. The paper also presents a brief review of the latest developments of the journal while introducing concise observations on the articles published in this edition – Volume 45, Issues 1 and 2.

Through a classification procedure of selected special issues published by OHI since 2006, 10 issues were identified based on the currency of the issues they generated. Following the review of the editorials, the key content of more than 100 articles within these special issues, the content of this edition and relevant seminal literature, the analysis engages, through critical reflection, with various themes that echo the polyphonic nature of built environment research.

The analysis conveys the plurality and diversity in built environment research where generic types of narratives are established to include three categories, namely, leitmotif, contextual/conceptual and open-ended narratives. Each of which includes sub-narrative classifications. The leitmotif narrative includes design studio pedagogy, sustainable environments for tourism, responsive learning environments, affordable housing environments, diversity in urban environments and urbanism in globalised environments. The contextual/conceptual narrative encompasses architecture and urbanism in the global south and the tripartite urban performance and transformation. The open-ended narrative embraces thematic reflections on the contributions of this edition of OHI.

Constructing polyphonic narratives in built environment research based on contemporary knowledge is original in the sense of capturing the crux of the themes within these narratives and articulating this in a pithy form. The elocution of the narratives stimulates a sustained quest for re-thinking concepts, notions and issues of concerns while invigorating research prospects and setting the future direction of OHI.

Seeks to examine risk assessment of human settlements due to seismo‐tectonic setting of a populated area in the Himalayas, so that mitigation measures may be taken before the next earthquake takes its toll.

Keeping in view the seismic vulnerability of the Himalayan ranges, an earthquake scenario is considered for the Narendranagar block of Tehri Garhwal District which lies in Seismic Zone IV of the seismic zoning map of India (BIS, 1893‐2002). Damage of MSK Intensity VIII and peak accelerations of 0.25 g are expected here at any time. The hypothetical epicenter is placed near Tapowan at 30°08′10″N and 78° 20′30″E on the crest of the meandering River Ganga, where three large thrusts, viz. Garhwal, Tons Nayar and Krol, congregate. Iso‐acceleration contours plotted for the entire Narendranagar block for earthquakes of magnitude 7.0 and 7.5 are elongated along the main boundary fault.

Almost 59 percent population of the Narendranagar block was found to be vulnerable to damage associated with higher accelerations of 0.41 g.

The topographic effects influencing the risk of settlements have not been taken into account.

Implications of such an earthquake on housing stock; roads; infrastructure; awareness and time of occurrence are discussed. Strategies are suggested for long‐term earthquake preparedness and short‐term action plan for emergency management.

The methodology evolved can be extended for other Himalayan regions.

The matter of predicting disasters has always been one of the hottest and most challenging tasks in geology. Earthquakes are among the most destructive ones among all the natural hazards. Occurring often without any warning, they are the most feared and unpredictable natural phenomena. In recent years with the emergence of new remote sensing instruments and techniques, geologists interested themselves to define accurate and reliable procedures to foresee disasters using this new technology. This paper aims to examine some of the data that have been used so far in earthquake prediction as well as cheap, relevant remotely sensing and geographic information systems methods to acquire and manipulate data.

Earthquakes are not the same in terms of origins, places (depth) and effects. So after having a brief look at the earthquakes, this paper examines the data that can be used for predicting earthquakes and reviews some of the remote sensing methods used to predict tectonic earthquakes. According to the types of measurements, remote sensing methods can be categorized in three main types; crust displacement, thermal and electromagnetic detecting techniques. Regarding the area's geological characteristics, satellites with optical and/or synthetic aperture radar sensors applications in prediction of large‐scale natural disasters will be discussed.

Presentation of the definitions and characteristics of earthquakes, categorized representation of the types of data used in this field as well as the types and names of the ground, aerial‐ and space‐borne data providers are the most important products of this review paper.

This method, if fully and systematically conducted, can be the cornerstone of an earth‐predicting system.

Until the Loma Prieta earthquake of 17 October 1989, also known as the “World Series earthquake” or the “San Francisco earthquake,” many of us may have considered earthquakes a remote danger. But instantaneous television transmission from the interrupted World Series game and frightening images of the collapsed Cypress Viaduct and the burning Marina district transformed this incident from a distant disaster into a phenomenon that touched us all. The Loma Prieta earthquake was followed in December 1990 by the inaccurate but widely publicized New Madrid earthquake prediction. Despite its inaccuracy, this prediction alerted the public to the fact that the largest earthquake ever to have occurred in the United States occurred not in California or Alaska, but in Missouri, and that a large earthquake could occur there again. Americans are discovering that few places are immune to the possibility of an earthquake.

This study aims to determine and consolidate the multi-scale components that inform anticipatory action for resilience; propose a conceptual framework for the collaborative and holistic design, delivery and management of resilience at both the macro and micro scale; and test the efficacy of the framework to deliver sustainable (sustained) resilience.

A conceptual framework was proposed by consolidating what was learnt from literature review. Case studies were then used to explore the efficacy of the framework to deliver resilience. The applicability of the specific measures was also examined to determine the extent by which they support anticipatory action and resilience capacity.

It was found that a combination of active, latent, evolving and to some extent improvised yet integrated solutions can support anticipatory flood resilience at the micro, meso and macro scale, as well as the physical and social domains.

Socio-physical resilience improves when policy makers, designers, planners and engineers work together to deliver anticipatory solutions prior to a natural disaster. Further, findings confirm that resilience can be achieved in both new and existing urban contexts.

The multi-scale, integrated strategies can inform anticipatory practices, which, in turn, may reduce social vulnerability during and after natural events such as flooding.

This work lays the foundation for further theoretical and practical work on socio-spatial resilience and provides the learning-based structure within which policy makers, planners and architects can administer interventions for the practical delivery of planning-scale and building-level resilience.