Developing a new Framework for Providing Permanent Housing after Earthquakes in Vulnerable Urban areas Using Build-Back-Better Approach (The Case of District 3, Sari City)

Post-disaster reconstruction remains problematic despite the increasing number of disasters worldwide. This research calls for a systematic approach to pre-earthquake planning, which focuses on Build-Back-Better principles and its application in post-earthquake housing reconstruction.The study uses the sequential methodology approach to provide a framework for defining the key aspects of Build-Back-Better and its practical application. First, a qualitative approach is used to identify and interpret the main dimensions of providing permanent housing with a Build-Back-Better approach in District 3 of Sari city. Data from semi-structured interviews and field observations is analysed through qualitative content analysis, with results quantitatively analysed in the second part of the research using survey method by receiving two rounds of feedback from experts.The Build-Back-Better framework for post-earthquake housing consists of four categories and fourteen sub-categories. In order to emphasise the importance of pre-earthquake measures, this framework begins with earthquake risk reduction in physical, economical, socio-cultural and legal dimensions. Then, in the category of community participation, it defines the purpose of participation, the key participants, the type of participation, and the needed resources. Following that, the reconstruction of financial and organisational arrangements is discussed in two parts; resource procurement and organisational design. Finally, the paper presents the requirements for the design and implementation of permanent housing in the form of four subcategories: executive requirements, design approach, economic efficiency, and socio-cultural considerations. The output of this research is a unique framework that can help planners and implementers of recovery projects in risk reduction before the earthquake and in accelerating the provision of safe and affordable housing after the earthquake by predicting the needs and guiding executive actions.