Before building Apartments in Cochin , the question of appropriate technology for appropriate places must be given much importance. In this age of globalization, many changes have taken place and better designs and other proven building construction methodologies are now readily available. Therefore, there is absolutely no need to either grope in the dark, in search of technology, execution methodology or for any other felt need.
Several questions beg for a clear answer. Why not use at least the tried, tested, proven and readily available Japanese building construction technology in our State and that too in joint ventures operating on Trusteeship Principles. Kerala can thus further leap frog on feedbacks and create more similar or other proven housing units all over the state. Then only the problem of housing scarcity will be solved by not creating problems for Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Building Consortiums and other institutions. Such issues if not resolved on time will end up in wasting their time and money to attend meetings and conferences to discuss a way out of these barren issues. The State Government and the public alone can stop such dubious activities of the vested interests holding position of authority, both in and out of the government departments.
Apartment complexes in Cochin that are built according to international standards and that incorporate Japanese earthquake resistant designs cost several times those built with conventional designs. The earthquake resistant design consumes nearly the cost of the building from the ground floor to the top of the building. It is very difficult to compromise on this cost for piling and foundation works. Not only that, in the marshy land, which dominates a major part of Cochin City, no compromise is possible in the foundation works. People who have constructed buildings without studying the history of the land are now a vexed lot, due to such structures either sinking into the land or showing major structural damage
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