This investigation evaluated the level of adaptation and participation within traditional indigenous local communities (Los Nasa community (Colombia), world example of resilience after disasters (UNISDR)).

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A method grounded in ‘social cognition’ – i.e. the ‘Repertory Grid’ – was introduced in order to understand the local constructs and the patterns of experience of their physical settings, expressed in a matrix (i.e. grid) of meanings that uncovered the main underlying dimensions through which individuals construe the natural built environment. Special attention to literature concerning participatory design, resilience and the theory of appropriation of place (e.g. Henri Lefebvre), behaviour and environment, and indigenous knowledge was comprised in this study in order to cover the main sociological aspects needed to achieve resilience at the community level.