Improvement of Vernacular Housing in Jamaica to Withstand Hurricanes and Earthquakes

摘要

The vulnerability of native Jamaican housing to hurricanes and earthquakes is analyzed in this report and strategies to reduce this vulnerability are presented. After assessing the risks posed by hurricanes and earthquakes to native housing, the history of Jamaican architecture and housing construction is set forth, with special reference to both non-and semi-engineered contemporary housing. Next, 9 different types of native construction using varied materials are analyzed as to their vulnerability. Both rural and urban building practices are examined and key issues related to housing, i.e., financing, land tenure, the extent of housing deterioration and its implications, and lack of a designated agency to maintain/upgrade existing dwellings, are investigated. Intermediate, short-and long-term vulnerability reduction strategies are assessed. Finally, a comprehensive program to upgrade non-engineered housing is recommended.