Civil Engineering Practices with Vastu Shastra for Sustainable Infrastructure Development in Dang District, Nepal: A Study of Residential Buildings

Abstract

Residential buildings are shaped by urban expansion and climatic and seismic stress. Moreover, planning practices have to be culturally acceptable as well. Dang District of Lumbini Province is a relevant case for assessment of how spatial traditions of local value such as Vastu Shastra may be evaluated through modern civil engineering, sustainability and occupant-comfort criteria. This paper develops and demonstrates a mixed-method research framework useful for assessing the integration of Vastu Shastra principles in the residential building practice in Dang District, Nepal. In this paper, the researchers proposed the questionnaire design, Vastu Compliance Index (VCI) construction, Sustainability Performance Index (SPI) construction and statistical workflow using a clearly labelled hypothetical/simulated pilot dataset of 200 respondents and residential-building observations as no verified field dataset was presented. The following processes may be used to analysed the data collected: frequency analysis, reliability test, cross tabulation, chi-square test, independent-sample t test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation and multiple regression. The simulated data set indicates a moderate level awareness Vastu principles. In addition, there is a variable level adoption in orientation, entrance, kitchen, bedroom, ventilation and daylighting criteria. Furthermore, the positive illustrative relationship between VCI and SPI. The simulated regression model indicates that VCI, daylighting and ventilation variables are meaningful predictors of perceived sustainability performance. The suggested Integrated Vastu-Civil Engineering Sustainable Residential Building Model boosts the spatial preferences of a culture with safety from structures, climate responsiveness, local materials, rainwater harvesting, solar readiness, natural ventilation and fitment with municipality. In conclusion, Vastu cannot be accepted as a substitute for engineering codes and evidence-based design. There are systematic ways in which some selected general Vastu can be translated into measurable planning variables and tested against thermal comfort, daylight, ventilation, sustainability and occupant satisfaction outcomes.