This paper is developed in built environment context on the premise that integrating cultural aspects in development produces sustainable ways of living for communities affected by natural disasters. It employs a conceptual framework to validate the argument that cultural dimensions of the affected communities are not effectively and sufficiently addressed in the current post disaster humanitarian and development processes. This has been well articulated in this study from the analysis of shelter reconstruction process in 2004 tsunami hit fishing villages of Tamilnadu, Southern India, in which the author has carried out primary research as part of his PhD study. This paper discusses the disaster reconstruction process in two different ways. Firstly, Instrumentally - in a positivist way. Secondly, the findings on the outcome of the reconstruction process have been discussed from the perspective of cultural anthropology. It concludes by highlighting the importance of ‘connectivity’ as a construct of culture that links a positivist approach with a socio-spatial understanding of traditional settlements in post disaster reconstruction process.