self sustaining vilage system

University of Moratuwa (UoM), Faculty of Architecture, Department of Architecture, Moratuwa

Project idea

Around the world, many villages have recently faced various difficulties, including population decline, the loss of traditional livelihoods, and natural disasters. These challenges have rendered rural communities vulnerable, particularly in times of crisis. In this context, the significance of architecture has grown, as it has the potential to revitalize village systems and foster self-sufficiency.

This project examines the architecture of a village centre as a means to re-energize and sustain the village system, especially during challenging times. It highlights the difficulties faced by communities and the need for architectural intervention to restore their social, cultural, and economic structure. The focus is on designing a village centre that acts as a catalyst for change and a hub for social interaction.

The design research proposes a framework for intervention that incorporates community involvement, the use of local materials, and eco-friendly practices. The aim of the design intervention is to create a village centre that respects the customs and culture of the area while integrating modern amenities essential to the community's well-being. Additionally, the intervention seeks to foster a sense of place and identity to enhance the community's resilience and self-sufficiency.

The study thoroughly examines the investigation, analysis, and synthesis phases of the design process. It also addresses the design outputs, including site planning, building design, and landscape design. Emphasizing the importance of sustainability and environmental friendliness, the architecture of the village centre is envisioned to reduce the community's carbon footprint and promote environmental stewardship.

The project concludes by highlighting the crucial role architecture can play in revitalizing the village system and establishing self-sufficient communities. It emphasizes the need for architects to collaborate with the local population and provides designers with a framework for creating meaningful and enduring interventions in the village system. The project aims to inspire designers to embrace their role as agents of change and produce works that support social and economic stability during challenging times. The layout of a village centre can serve as a powerful tool to achieve these objectives and can serve as a blueprint for future initiatives in rural areas.

Project description

Rural communities can benefit from efficient village centres in a variety of ways. In times of crisis, village centres can serve as focal points for essential facilities like clean water, healthcare, and education. They can also provide economic opportunities by promoting local enterprise and generating income for the populace. Village centres can be a focal point for community events, promoting social cohesion and a sense of place. They can assist in boosting catastrophe resilience by providing a centralized location for emergency services and disaster response. Finally, village centres can encourage communal ownership and problem-solving, increasing villagers' feelings of fulfilment and self-worth and strengthening self-sufficiency. To make villages resilient and self-fulfilling, we must focus on elements like the ones below.
I. Community engagement: Engage with the rural community to identify their needs and goals.
II. Needs evaluation Evaluate the unique problems and challenges faced by the community.
III. Planning and design: Plan and design a village centre to meet the community's requirements and objectives.
IV. Service delivery: Deliver services and amenities through the village centre, such as healthcare, clean water, and disaster relief.
V. Continuously monitor and assess the impact of the village centre program on the community.
VI. Sustainability: Ensure the program's sustainability through stakeholder involvement, education, and long-term funding and support

Technical information

1. Structure concepts/ structure solutions
Buildings are elevated using rubble foundations to reduce moisture as well as to reduce the impact on the environment.
Concrete stabilized rammed earth is used to maintain structural support acting as load-bearing walls.
Concrete columns and wood columns are used to support structures.

2. landscaping
As a site with natural terrain, connecting different levels for the flow of different spaces was a determinant of the entire design scheme. According to the main program, the connection between management spaces and other service spaces is connected through transition spaces which are a community recreational area. A series of landscaped pathways and courtyards act as buffers, as a reference to the solid-void relationship.
Spaces are arranged along the different landscape areas to give them individual private spaces.
Other plantations and small crop cultivation are considered in the landscape to show the connectivity to the context.

3. Environmental response
The building is oriented in response to the sun's path and wind direction.
The use of naturally sustainable materials can be said as an environmentally conscious decision.
Natural materials used here last long and maintain a cooler environment even on hot summer days.

4. Services
Roofs with typical rainwater draining detail (integrated into the structure). drainage is provided to prevent water seepage from retaining walls to the interior. The water is recycled for maintaining the landscape.
The site has a depression of 4 meters, and managing drainage is essential to the design. To address this, the concept of bioswales will be used as a landscape feature throughout the site. Bioswales are designed to remove pollutants and silt from surface runoff water. They are shallow ditches filled with vegetation and have gently sloped sides. The bioswale design maximizes the time water spends in the swale, allowing for the trapping of pollutants and silt. Depending on the available land, the bioswale may have a meandering or straight channel alignment.

5. lighting
Building formation and alignment try to utilize maximum natural light while artificial light is used when necessary.
Renewable energy is used to maintain power cut issues.

6. Materiality
Make use of local sources concerning environmental damage and to protect nature –earth materials, and fallen tree trunks. And it gives cost-effectiveness.
Less use of harmful materials to the environment.
Structural flexibility and new technologies
Local community engagement, durability, and climate suitability is considered.
Using materials like rammed earth gives a comfortable environment inside the buildings even in hot summer climates.

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