Disaster Recovery & Build Back Better Course | IIT Roorkee
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 408 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Elective |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 8 weeks |
| Categories | Architecture and Planning |
| Credit Points | 2 |
| Level | Undergraduate/Postgraduate |
| Start Date | 16 Feb 2026 |
| End Date | 10 Apr 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 16 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 27 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 18 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Mastering Disaster Recovery: An In-Depth Look at the Build Back Better Course
In an era of increasing climate-related and natural disasters, the need for resilient and sustainable recovery strategies has never been more critical. The online MOOC course "Disaster Recovery and Build Back Better" offers a groundbreaking international perspective on transforming post-disaster challenges into opportunities for creating stronger, more equitable communities. This 8-week program, designed for undergraduate and postgraduate students, bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application in disaster risk management.
Meet Your World-Class Instructors
The course is led by a distinguished faculty bringing unparalleled global expertise.
Prof. Ram Sateesh Pasupuleti from the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee serves as the lead instructor. An accomplished architect and member of the Swedish Association of Architects, Prof. Pasupuleti brings a deep understanding of vernacular architecture and sustainable planning to the curriculum. His role as Professor-in-charge of Institute Archives at IIT Roorkee and coordinator for International Studies in Vernacular Architecture ensures the course is rooted in both historical context and contemporary practice.
Prof. Subhojyoti Samaddar from Kyoto University's Disaster Prevention Research Institute provides essential expertise in disaster risk governance and community preparedness. An award-winning researcher (Hazards 2000, 2016) and secretariat member of the Global Alliance of Disaster Research Institute (GADRI), Dr. Samaddar's work spans India, Bangladesh, Japan, and Ghana. He co-edits the GADRI book series on Build Back Better, ensuring the course content is at the forefront of global research.
What is Build Back Better (BBB)?
The core philosophy of this course is the Build Back Better framework. BBB moves beyond mere reconstruction, advocating for an integrated, holistic approach to post-disaster recovery. It aims not just to replace what was lost, but to address pre-existing vulnerabilities, improve resilience, and ensure that redevelopment is equitable, sustainable, and community-centered. This course deconstructs BBB principles through research concepts, best practices, field studies, and critical analysis of real-world projects.
Who Should Enroll?
This course is meticulously designed for:
- Students of B.Arch and Masters in Architecture, Planning, and Built Environment studies
- PhD researchers focusing on disaster management, urban planning, or community resilience
- Professionals from NGOs, humanitarian agencies, and disaster management bodies
- Practitioners in municipalities, corporations, and village councils
Prerequisite: Completion of the first year of B.Arch or B.Plan.
8-Week Course Layout: Your Journey to Expertise
| Week | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Introduction: Understanding Risk, Vulnerability, and the BBB Roadmap |
| Week 2 | Vulnerability Mapping and Culture at Risk |
| Week 3 | Organizational Setup & Role of Built Environment Professions in DRR |
| Week 4 | Disaster Risk Reduction and Pre-Disaster Planning |
| Week 5 | Relief, Recovery, and Transition Phases |
| Week 6 | Post-Disaster Reconstruction: Principles and Practices |
| Week 7 | Evaluating Post-Reconstruction Development |
| Week 8 | Communication and Participation for People-Centered Development |
Essential Reading and Resources
The course curriculum is supported by a robust reading list featuring seminal texts and research, including:
- "Building Back Better" by Lyons, Schilderman, and Boano – a key text on people-centered housing reconstruction.
- Global assessment reports from the UN International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR).
- Critical research on community participation, indigenous knowledge, and strategic planning from past disasters in Turkey, India, and Nepal.
Why This Course is Essential
This course offers a unique blend of architectural planning, disaster risk science, and social governance. By learning from instructors who are actively shaping global policy and research through GADRI and international projects, participants gain not just knowledge, but access to a network of pioneers in the field. The focus on vernacular architecture and local knowledge ensures solutions are culturally sensitive and sustainable.
Whether you aim to work with international NGOs, government agencies, or pursue advanced research, this course provides the foundational toolkit to champion resilient recovery and truly Build Back Better.
Enroll Now →