Learning from Resident's Adjustments in Self-built and Donated Post Disaster Housing after Java Earthquake 2006

Housing reconstruction cases without cultural sensitivity resulted in rejection. These raise challenge to understand the importance of cultural background and how different post disaster housing designs affect resident's lifestyles. This study investigated self-built and donated housing through on-field research with questionnaires, interviews, and field observations. Items related to dwelling usage, behavior adjustments, evaluation and community activities participation were obtained. Results suggest that residents adjust their physical behavioral aspects to maintain previous lifestyles, but evaluations indicate dissatisfaction with the unchangeable donated housing design. Social interactions importance, flexibility and open ended design in built environments are advantageous for their post disaster recovery.