Long-term performance and sustainability of post-disaster housing projects (Advert Reference: RDF19/EE/ABE/WEDAWATTA)

One of the four key priorities of the Sendai Framework of Action 2015-2030 (1) is to ‘Build Back Better’ in recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction. This priority recognises the critical opportunity provided to ‘build back better’ following a disaster event, and recommends national and local governments to consider long-term sustainability of their initiatives when developing disaster re-construction strategies. However, previous research has shown that permanent reconstruction following a disaster is often inefficiently managed, uncoordinated and takes time to initiate (2). Post-disaster reconstruction, especially in developing countries, often follow unstructured processes involving plethora of stakeholders. In such complex situations, the emphasis is on quick transition from relief shelter to permanent housing, and housing reconstruction efforts are likely to focus on short to medium-term objectives. Long term performance and sustainability of housing are issues that have been overlooked under such conditions by policy makers, practitioners, funding bodies as well as occupants (3, 4). On a similar note, literature pertaining to the performance of post-disaster reconstruction in the long-term is scant and limited research has been undertaken to observe how post-disaster housing projects have performed in the long-term. The project will seek to address this gap and undertake research on long-term performance of post-disaster housing.

The research will be multidisciplinary and will investigate long term performance and sustainability of reconstruction initiatives against relevant Key Performance Indicators. Outcomes of the work will include a decision making framework for the delivery of effective post-disaster housing provisions integrating long-term performance criteria. How to best utilise new innovations associated with Construction 4.0 in achieving this will specifically be considered. Although the study is focused on post-disaster housing, findings and recommendations will be relevant to reconstruction in general; e.g. post-conflict reconstruction. The research will contribute towards the global agenda of making better use of post-disaster funding and providing post-disaster housing provisions that make a lasting contribution to communities affected.

The principal supervisor for this project is Dr. Gayan Wedawatta.

Eligibility and How to Apply:
Please note eligibility requirement:

• Academic excellence of the proposed student i.e. 2:1 (or equivalent GPA from non-UK universities [preference for 1st class honours]); or a Masters (preference for Merit or above); or APEL evidence of substantial practitioner achievement.
• Appropriate IELTS score, if required.
• Applicants cannot apply for this funding if currently engaged in Doctoral study at Northumbria or elsewhere.

This project is well suited to motivated and hard-working candidates with a keen interest in disaster resilience, building performance, new innovations in construction practice, planning, housing, and sustainability. The applicant should have excellent communication skills including proven ability to write in English.

For further details of how to apply, entry requirements and the application form, see
https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/research/postgraduate-research-degrees/how-to-apply/

Please note: Applications that do not include a research proposal of approximately 1,000 words (not a copy of the advert), or that do not include the advert reference (e.g. RDF19/EE/ABE/WEDAWATTA) will not be considered.

Deadline for applications: Friday 25 January 2019
Start Date: 1 October 2019

Northumbria University is an equal opportunities provider and in welcoming applications for studentships from all sectors of the community we strongly encourage applications from women and under-represented groups.