Transition - Auroville

Heidi Peura & Anna Van der Zwaag Proyectos 7-8 Un. Vicens + Ramos Taller en India, Luis Basabe, Luis Palacios & Anupama Kundoo Universidad Politecnica de Madrid, Etsam primavera 2018

How to plan the organic city?

This question was rised at one of our first feedbacks back in Februay. The black and white model (image) was our first attempt at creating a porous city structure. Four different types of housing were put together in a random pattern wanting to achieve a city structure similar to that of the ancient cities of the Indus valley.

Rainy space, Welcoming City

Systematizing the urban fabric in a way that allows for a seemingly “organic” growth has been the main aim of our work with the city structure.

Flux

What is our minimum spatial need?

In the workshop of Auroville we were encouraged to redefine the limit of private and shared space in collective housing. We worked in separate groups, both projects discussing the spatial minimum people need in their home.

Ruins of Mohenjo-Daro

First model

Project

In the developement of our project after coming back from India our shared experience from the workshop haa been put together. The themed spaces of “Welcoming city” have found their place in our squares, its “bare minimum”-sleeping boxes and the duplex/triplex towers of “Flux” have been combined and re-interpreted in shared housing clusters, growing in height along the line of force.

Coming from a northern climate, the travel to India was crucial to flip our way of thinking about architecture’s relation to the sun and heat, allowing the developement of a project without fear of outer wall area. This has resulted in the mix of monofunctional private and shared spaces which make out our final urban proposition.

AUROVILLE AS PROTOTYPE

WHY?

Eco-friendliness and low-cost One of the most important values of Auroville as a city is it’s aim to serve as “prototype” for the cities of India and the world. Today, this is present in the way the city works as a show room of shared housing and a society based in co-operation. It seems however, like the manners of construction is generally done in a traditional way - traditional in the sense that buildings are constructed in Auroville like they are in the rest of India: using mainly materials like steel and concrete.

HOW?

We believe, that if Auroville is to really serve as a prototype for Indian cities, it needs to become a site of experimentation of eco-friendly alternatives to these building materials. It is a necessity that Auroville is constructed with a shallow environmental foot-print.

We want to provide an option to the present construction industry within Auroville that serves as an umbrella including the institutions of the Earth Institute and the Bamboo centre, but serve as an educator and production hub on a bigger scale..

This will be the co-operative ecological construction lab “CO-eCO-LAB”. Our vision is that it will be a symbiotic house providing space for 1) industrial mass production 2) sharing of knowledge 3) promote co-operation between Aurovillians 4) welcoming new learners to the city It will be placed in the very beginning of the transitional path of PROJECT NAME an hence serve as the very first meeting between new visitors and Auroville. We believe that the impact of taking all tourist through the industrial spaces of the COeCO-LAB will give an increased understanding of how the city of Auroville is constructed, as a priming before entering the city. It will also serve as a showcase of optional ways of constructing a window, a house, a city.

We imagine that shortly into the process of constructing the first line of force in Auroville, many people involved will sit on a lot of knowledge.

We believe, that Auroville needs to represent ways to build at a low-cost, independent of the construction market promoting expensive steel and concrete. Low cost construction is key to provide shelter for millions of Indians in need of a roof today.

The Auroville Earth Institute and the Auroville Bamboo Centre are already existing institutions within Auroville that promote alternative construction skills using earth and bamboo. They do workshops, are involved in research and developement and host volunteers and interns.

This knowledge will be shared betweeen aurovillians, volunteers and people interested in taking part in the construction of the PROJECT NAME. The CO-eCO-LAB will therefore be a place where construction skills are taught and shared. Since the course of building in Auroville will promote a different take on construction, both in terms of materials, methods, production chain and workload-sharing, the knowledge aquired here will differ from that of a traditional path to becoming a professional within the construction industry.

In this way the CO-eCO-LAB has the potential to evolve into an alternative constructive education.

In a bigger perspective, the CO-eCO-LAB can become a hub for persons within the field of construction or other interested to participate in workshops, presentations, constructions festivals etc. The construction lab will be a place where the building industry of India can meet in a situation of surplus and optimism. We believe this can be key point of sharing ideas and knowledge and ideally reach greener habits within the Indian construction industry.

ECOLOGY

climate-friendly and resource-saving construction, which is largely based on existing environmental resources (climate, location and origin) for the operation

AUROVILLIANS

ECONOMY MATERIALS share knowledge

PROFESSIONALS

LEARNERS

CO-eCOLAB

sufficient, robust and cost-efficient construction, which aims at a reduced technology share over the entire life cycle (production – operation – dismantling)

SOCIAL

needs-oriented, comfortable standards that ensure adequate supply and disposal as well as avoid potential hazards and food competition

PARTICIPATION / CULTURE

simple, comprehensible and self-responsible construction, which strengthens self-construction, self-sustained maintenance and the regional building culture

RE-DISCOVERING “LOW TECH”

Low Tech Antithesis of High Tech, it involves the recycling of materials and components and the use of traditional construction, insulation, and natural means of heating and ventilation. Low Tech recognizes the environmental damage done by High Tech through excessive use of resources, and has been applied to the circumstances of poverty-stricken areas, where it has been termed “alternative”, “intermediate” and even “utopian” technology.

It might involve the harnessing of solar energy or the use of human wastes to generate energy and nutrient of the soil.

Curl, James Stevens. (2016) “Low Tech”. A Dictionary of Architecture and Landscape Architecture.

X +

X

X X

The use of lime from crushed sea-shells as solidifier in mortar and cement to replace other, more poisonous materials.

The legacy of Laurie Baker The filler slab is a technique where low-cost and lightweight pots, coconut shells or mangalore tiles is used to replace concrete in tension zones. Gives a lighter concrete construction and reduces costs by about 30% (source: COSTFORD) Laurie Baker was an English architect, dedicated his life’s work to find cheap and short travelled solutions for use of construction materials in Indian architecture. His legacy is particularly interesting due to his straightforward illustrations of practical solutions and alternatives to low-cost construction, with the low-income part of Indian society in mind. Through his work he promotes the necessity of understanding the construction hands on and making an architecture that “everyone” can do and an environmental perspective on bulding with close-proximity-to-site materials.

He was also a believer in low-tech, traditional solutions of shading, air-flow etc in buildings in an Indian context.

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The following are excerpts from the text Contemporary Bamboo Architecture in India and its Acceptability written by Neelam Manjunath at Manasaram Architects and Center for Green Building Materials and Technology, Bangalore, India On problems and issues with traditional bamboo houses: “Most of the present dwellers of bamboo houses belong to the socially and economically weaker sections in the society. Probably due to their poor economic condition. (...)

Demand for bamboo for the construction sector is more than the total supply of bamboo. (...) Quality bamboos, at low cost must be made available to people who wish to construct bamboo houses. (...)

The state governments should include bamboo as a construction material in their housing scheme thereby upgrading the status of bamboo houses to ‘pucca’ house. Economical technology for preservative treatment of bamboo should be popularized for construction. Some model bamboo houses suitable for local conditions and weather can be constructed to popularize the same among the people.”

On integration in Academic curriculum: “Bamboo is not included as a mainstream material for building construction in the curriculum of architecture, civil and interior design disciplines.

Hence most of the designers remain unaware of this wonderful sustainable material. Awareness needs to be built through workshops, seminars and lectures etc by experts in the universities and institutes. The students need to be exposed to innovation and global best practices in the field. All the previous research and findings must seep into the class rooms immediately, through dissemination by academicians by incorporating bamboo in their syllabus.”

On social issues: “Substituting Bricks, Cement, Steel and Timber Alone can Account for a Cost Reduction of up to 40%: By substituting bricks, cement, steel and timber with bamboo even partially for constructing walls, floors, roofs etc. Buildings can be designed for a longer life, improved quality, and low maintenance. Bamboo in combination with other alternative materials for these components alone can give a cost reduction of up to 40%.”

On contemporary architecture in India: “Several young architects are trying to work with the material, but most of these projects do not see the light of the day and remain on paper due to various factors. ( we will discuss them in the next section). Due to its sustainable properties, it is a favourite material used in design competitions to get an edge. It is also being used for eco-tourism projects, but most of them are built as temporary structures.”

“Bamboo in combination with other alternative materials for these components alone can give a cost reduction of up to 40%.”

Some active promotors of use of bamboo and earth in construction in an Indian context Auroville Earth Institute http://www.earth-auroville.com/ Auroville Bamboo Centre http://aurovillebamboocentre.org/ Uravu, Kerala http://www.uravu.net/ Indian Plywood Industries Research and Training Institute, Bangalore http://ipirti.gov.in/ Indian Academy of Wood Science, Bangalore http://www.iaws.org.in/ Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi http://web.iitd.ac.in/~sbhalla/brg/index.html Wondergrass Initiatives, Nagpur http://www.wondergrass.in/

CO-OPERATIVE CONSTRUCTION

ECONOMY

PRACTICAL CHRONOLGY

SOCIAL ASPECT

In order to overcome the economical challenges with building this new part of Auroville, we believe that taking the co-operative spirit of the city into the actual construction will be of great value.

This will provide a local, volunteer work-force and a sense of self-sufficiency which goes well with the “non-monetary“-intentions of Auroville.

Our design provides a grid of water and energy lines that can be provided to every floor necessary and with the possibility og expanding alongside the exisiting city in later steps of city developement.

An added value is the process of co-operation. The way we understand Auroville is that it is a city that requires a certain dedication of its inhabitants.

When literally constructing this first step of this new step of creating an urban city of Auroville side-by-side, the dedication and personal interest and gratification of a whole new generation of 8000 Aurovillians can be ensured. Both in social terms; learning to co-operate, face problems, solve problems, and the pleasure of having built something together. And on a more personal term; having put in the nails or created a part of the wall of your own house.

In terms of material, we imagine materials grown on site or materials derived from left over “trash” from construction sites in other places will be a cheap option, with the green aspect as a big plus.

We imagine that bamboo can be grown closeto-site and that soil for bricks also can be found within a certain circumference.

REFERENCES

Quinta Monroy, Concepción, Chile, Alejandro Aravena

Experimental self-builder housing, Svartlamon, Norway, Nøysom Architects

The grid makes the base of the system of housing.

We believe that the prefabrication of elements in the CO-eCO-LAB is key to divide between work groups: what can be done by unskilled and what needs to be done by skilled professionals.

Everyone helps out everyone in the construction phase, first building the shared community spaces and then the private rooms that come on the floor above. When this “main skeleton” of each housing unit is made, the individual holder of an individual unit is free to leave the space open and free or close up to get an increased private sphere.

VISION

AXONOMETRY

GRID

Grid: 3,6m x 3,6m Angle: 45 degree facing to main wind direction GSEducationalVersion

Grid of Vertical connections: 5,4m x 5,4m

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One unit: 3,6m x 7,2m + 1,8m x 2,7m + 1,8m x 1,8m= 34m2 / 1-7 person(s) Rule: Small box has to touch pipes

Playing in the grid: Create communities

HOUSING TYPOLOGIES Upper floor

Relaxing space

Sleeping rooms

Bath rooms

Lower floor

Relaxing space

Dining space

Farming space

Workin rooms

Kitchen

Playroom

Laundry Space

Sleeping boxes

Monofunctional spaces 1:200

Long term stay

Short term stay

lower floor

upper floor

lower floor

upper floor

Examples of organization 1:500

CITY STRUCTURE

BUILT AREA A strict grid system creates organized chaos.

BLOCK STURCTURE Grid system allows variation of different size of blocks. An organic growth of units transform to the organized block structure.

STREET CONNESTIONS The main path in the middle creates hierarchy of the roads. Secondary roads create an organic form for Line of Force.

BUILT AREA

BLOCK STRUCTURE

STREET CONNECTIONS

A strict grid system creates organized chaos.

Grid system allows varia di . An organic growth of units transform to organized block stucture.

The main road in the middle creates hierarchy of the paths.

Secondary roads grow from main crea .

TRANSITION

TRANSITION

The transitional path slows it’s pace as it gets closer to the Matrimandir. This shows in the articulation of the path in the ground but also in the activities along the path.

anticipation

recharge

awareness of surroundings

awareness of those around you

awareness of self

fast

reset

slow

The transitional path slows it’s pace as it gets closer to the Matrimandir. This shows in the articulation of the path in the ground but also in the activities along the path.

ROAD TYPOLOGIES ROAD TYPOLOGIES

ex. 1

ex. 2

ex. 3

ex. 4

ex. 5

small pieces fast rythm many impressions surfaces: stone wood

two levels walking path vegetation hard overhead sun-cover surfaces: grit wood

larger pieces rythm in ground slower softer materials: soil grass

soft cover fewer impressions grass sand

slow rythm sand in ground with footprints of those who walked before you

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MAIN PATH BAMBOO CONSTRUCTION front

plan

1 800

3 600

1 800

plan

2 580

front

1 800

3 600

1 800

4 500

Bamboo bypass

1 350

side

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7 200

1 350

7 200

2 580

side

4 500

Road coverage

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Stage

Noisy Space +64,8

+46,8

Master plan 1:750

Windmill

Ope nSpa

Windy Space

+22,2 +25,2

Ope nSpa

Rainy Space

+36,9

Shelter

Co-working Lab

Botanical Garden

Fire Space

Jungle Space

+7,2 +10,8 +9,0

+14,4 +16,2

Dance Center

Observa n tower

Food Lab

Bakery

Smellig Space

Greenhouse +3,6

Dry Space

Food Lab

Healthcare Center

Touch Space

Body Health Center School

School

School

+0,0

Knowledge Space

Daycare

+0,0

Book changing Space

Library

Art Gallery

Art Gallery

Yoga Center Pavillion

Re

+0,0

Dark Space -6,8

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Viewpoint

Noisy Space

Long Section 1:750

Water Space Windy Space

Jungle Space

Fire Space

Smelling Space

Knowledge Space Dry Space

Touch Space

Re Dark Space

Silence Space

NOISY SPACE

I climb up the stairs. I see and hear all those people around me. I touch energy.

I start to run. I run up and I breath faster. I will not stop. I run everywhere, all the time going up.

Suddenly I stop.

I see a large group of people giving applause to the performer. Sounds are getting higher and humming full my head. I keep going up.

I breath deeply and look at the city opening to me in the horizon.

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Sleeping Boxes

Stage

Open-Air Bar

Floorplan 1:150

open-air bar

look-out

exhibition space

co-working

listen

stage

path

learn

communicate

storage

workshop invent

workshop

workshop share

produce

reception

Section 1:150

RAINY SPACE

I hear the noise of the water that covers the laugh of the people.

The street carries me closer to the sound.

I turn.

In front of me I see a high bridge. On the other side of the bridge, there is a fall. Children run between fountains.

The sounds are drowning in the plunge of the water.

I breath. The air is fresh.

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Cool pool

Shower

Resep

Open Spa Hot pool

Shower

Dressing rooms

Cold pool

Shower

Warm pool

Water Collectors

Water Fountain

Floor plan 1:150

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water collector

play

connection to crossing path

dip feet in stream

connection to visitor's centre

seasonal lake

Section 1:150

WINDY SPACE

The wind blows in my face.

My damp hair begins to dance at its own pace.

I’m walking on the pier of the clouds.

I see the birds flying. I’m flying with them.

I am a bird.

looking down on the tree tops

wind in hair

Sleeping space Dining Room

Living room

Working space

Res space

Kitchen

Sleeping boxes

Farming space

Working space Dining room

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Windmill

Playing space

Kitchen

Living space

Workshop space

Sleeping space

Res space

Sleeping space

Res space

Silence space

Plan ans Section 1:400

Kitchen

Playing space

Living space

Sleeping space Living room

Dining Room

Working space

Res space

Kitchen

Sleeping boxes

Farming space

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Working space Dining room

Windmill

Floor plan 1:150

Playing space

Kitchen

Living space

Workshop space

Sleeping space

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looking down on the tree tops

wind in hair

Section 1:150

JUNGLE SPACE

I hear the leaves flowing around me.

I walk between the treetops.

I hug the tree and feel its rough surface on my cheek.

I see the birds feeding their babies, fighting monkeys, resting cat.

The light passing through the leaf will stain us all green.

We hide in the depth of the forest.

Kitchen

Café

Café

Viewpoint

Shelter

Shelter

Viewpoint

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Maintenance

Botanical Garden

Floor plan 1:150

hug a tree

listen to the sound of rustling leaves

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Section 1:150

FIRE SPACE

I arrive at the square. Above the square there are hanging colorful fabrics.

People are everywhere.

I hear the tastes and smell the sounds.

I sit together with others around the fire.

We are here.

Storage

Kitchen

Kitchen

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Food Lab Food Lab

Market area

Market area Fire Space

Dancehall

Co-Working Lab

Dance center

Floor plan 1:150

Dressing room

bonfire

eat

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shop

meet

chat

chat

circular connection

Section 1:150

meet

shop

eat

KNOWLEDGE SPACE

I open my notebook while schoolchildren are running the stairs of library up.

Empty papers are flying up in the air.

I look at books in front of me.

What I was yesterday, I may not be today.

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Book changing place

School

CafĂŠ

Resep Wi

School

Library Wi

Wi

School

Daycare

Floor plan 1:150

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share books

library

school

discuss

connect to wi-fi

connect to wi-fi

Section 1:150

REFLECTION SPACE

I slow my pace.

I slow my mind.

Water and mirrors reflect the landscape twice around me.

I am calm.

I turn to sit on the bench.

Mirrors reflect my picture.

I see the past and the coming.

Pavillion

Dressing room

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Open Medita Space

Yoga Center

Yoga room

Exhibi Space

Exhibi Space

Art Gallery

Floor plan 1:150 Exhibi Space

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pause

take in

Section 1:150

sit

DARK SPACE

I descend down the stairs.

The light goes off my back and turns into a narrow ribbon above me.

I’m awake.

I trust my intuition to lead me in the dark.

I will reset.

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Floor plan 1:150

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Section 1:150

SILENCE SPACE

Curved ramps lead me up.

The warm-colored light turns white when I enter the room.

The room is completely quiet.

The narrow light focuses the mind.