Finding Connections between the Diné Philosophy of Life and a Project Definition Rating Index to Develop a Planning Tool for Construction on Tribal Lands
Publication: Journal of Architectural Engineering
Volume 30, Issue 4
Abstract
Many Tribal Nations are working to build capacity to plan, scope, execute, and operate construction projects internally, yet they face a lack of resources designed to support their efforts to self-perform such projects. In a research study conducted by the authors, 22 professionals in the construction industry were interviewed to identify best practices and strategies for designing and building facilities on tribal lands. This paper presents a construction planning tool borne from these interviews, the Project Definition Rating Index for Tribal Building Projects (PDRI—Tribal Building Projects), which supports planning and executing projects on tribal land considering their unique features. The paper further explores the PDRI—Tribal Building Projects through the lens of the Diné (Navajo) philosophy of Sa’ąh Naagháí Bik’eh Hózhóón (SNBH), and the guiding principles of Nistáhákees (thinking), Nahat’á (planning), Iiná (living), and Sihasin (assurance/reflection). This paper contributes to the architectural engineering and construction planning bodies of knowledge by presenting a new tool to support planning and executing projects on Tribal lands, the PDRI—Tribal Building Projects, and its benefits, including the promotion of culturally responsive communication, ensuring capital projects meet the needs of the tribe, and building capacity for front-end planning in Tribal Nations. The paper also makes explicit connections between the Diné philosophy and the front-end planning process for tribal construction projects.
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Data Availability Statement
Some or all data, models, or codes that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
Acknowledgments
Support for this project was provided in part by a University Graduate Fellowship from Arizona State University. The views and opinions presented herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of Arizona State University. All support is gratefully acknowledged.
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Published In
Journal of Architectural Engineering
Volume 30 • Issue 4 • December 2024
Copyright
© 2024 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: May 30, 2023
Accepted: Jun 4, 2024
Published online: Sep 27, 2024
Published in print: Dec 1, 2024
Discussion open until: Feb 27, 2025
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