Use of information and communication technology (ICT) for rural housing

Abstract

This paper proposes a method to use ICT as a decision support system in rural housing. The need of using ICT extensively arise from the fact that traditional societies have started using modern material without engineering and architectural knowledge support. Often masons are finding themselves as advisors to the house builders. Creative usages of engineering materials have created structures which are uncomfortable and dangerous. Building hygiene factors like thermal comfort, seismic resilience, wind resistance, cyclone etc. have not been the forte of the traditional knowledge base, especially in context of modern materials. As mobile phones and Pcs are becoming ubiquitous, there is an opportunity to provide such a knowledge support. This paper proposes a methodology for development of such ICT decision support systems such that it can clearly demonstrate the pros and cons of each material and technology choice within the socio cultural framework of the user.