Sustainability Workshop

'Towards Sustainable Habitats', a CSR workshop during 22-27 October 2001, initiated by the Council of Architecture (COA), the apex body of architects in India.

Towards sustainable habitats

We just had a week-long seminar in which 25 Indian architects came to Auroville to look at what the township thus far has done in the field of 'sustainable habitats'. The seminar was conducted by CSR and organised by a team of seasoned Aurovilians which has been doing similar workshops for 10 years: Tency from Belgium, Tineke from Holland, Rajagopalan from India, Claude from France, Bhavana from USA, missing this time, Alan from U.K.

Present world situation

We introduce the week with a review of the world's present situation in regard to environment and development. We show the participants those amazing exponential curves, which show the (by now not predicted but actual) exponential rise in population, CO2 emissions, species extinction, loss of arable land.., quite impressive. Along with global warming, ozone layer depletion, pollution, water scarcity, rise in criminality, wars, etc., there's no arguing with the unprecedented situation which we are facing.

There are three ways of reacting

1. Don't pay attention, don't form concepts about the larger picture, just go along adjusting to the changes, coping with the immediate situation in one's life.

2. Take it seriously and begin to try to understand the reasons, change your lifestyle and start warning others about the dangers, work on technological fixes, raise awareness for political and social changes which would mitigate the catastrophes and prevent the worst consequences.

3. Perceive the crises as the inevitable concomitants of a major evolutionary shift going on right now, and align with the activities and innovations of the incoming new paradigm.

Auroville's dealing with world situation

We started off presenting to these architects and architecture teachers Auroville's commitment to the third way, its future-oriented experiments and accomplishments in matter. The participants were really grateful for the consolidation of the environmental problems -which they were familiar with only through the bits and snatches which come over the mass media- into a comprehensive picture. Despite the really gloomy outlook which this generally provokes, they may get inspired with the examples they see in Auroville of a society of people dealing creatively and successfully with this essentially 'doomsday' situation.

Sustainability in relation to earth, water, energy, habitat, and self

It was a great week with these people, because we really do practice what can be called 'integral learning'. That is, the 'teachers' are learning as much as the 'students', and the delight in getting new perspectives is picked up by both!
In the mornings, the conference room of CSR is used to present lectures by various Aurovilians on the overview of sustainability in relation to earth, water, energy, habitat, and self, - one theme per day. In the afternoon field visits in Auroville take place. The participants meet our 'greenbelters' in their beards and dhotis, as well as technicians and architects on their sites, and they're usually completely charmed by the simple sincerity, efficacy and dedication of the Aurovilians.

Sessions on 'inner sustainability'

While throughout the week also lectures and slideshow presentations are given on topics such as the Auroville Master Plan, and the new 'Auroville mobility' ideas on transport in the future township, - also optional sessions are offered to learn experientially about one's 'inner sustainability'. This can be done through a meditation session, or hatha yoga, music or sometimes t'ai chi; participants can choose the activity which they feel drawn to. Sessions like these can often be real eye-openers and people may sense strong inner feeling experiences - the recognition that, for a change to be true, it has to be personal, deep and 'spiritual'.

Feedback from the participants

The evaluation session is always heartening. We get to hear how the participants appreciate the knowledge and inspiration they've gained, and the atmosphere of dedication and optimism among the Aurovilians. Perhaps it's best to let them speak for themselves:

• What has inspired me most is that Auroville is a living workshop where whatever is preached is practiced. The best part of the experience was that all through the course we were made part of the community. I congratulate and thank the organisers for paying great attention to the minutest details of organisation.
  Faculty member, College of Architecture, Jaipur

• This has been an inspiring journey through sustainable living and habitats. It has opened several doors in my mind towards various sustainable options for living. The workshop has been organised extremely well with attention paid to all the minute details of organisation. This has definitely been a workshop with a difference!
  Planner, HUDCO Regional Office, Chennai

• Quite an eye-opener and extremely inspirational; well organised; I am touched by the efforts taken by all, for us! Auroville seems an ideal model concept of a township, not seen anywhere so far. It shows how much one is able to do, discover ideas and implement them in such a short span of time.
  Architect, Mumbai

• Very meticulously organised; lodging & boarding both extremely appreciable; format of daily programmes memorable. The fragrant flowers, the incense, the center table, the soothing music, the attention to detail.. I heartily appreciate the interaction the organising team cared to have with participants.
  Faculty member, Visveswaraya Regional College of Engineering, Nagpur

• Very good, excellently managed, time schedule was very good. All resource persons were motivated and inspired us a great deal. In all, a memorable one week!
  Faculty member, SRM Engg. College, Kattankulathur, Kancheepuram District

• Coming from Mumbai, it gave me a fresh and new way of looking at issues that disturb one in an urban environment like Mumbai.
  Architect, Mumbai

• The workshop gave me an excellent opportunity to learn about new ideas and technologies, be with a wonderful organising team and an enthusiastic group of participants.
  Architect, Nagpur

• Within a short span of 6 days this program has effectively introduced and taught us the various principles of sustainability and ways of developing sustainable habitats.
  Faculty member, SRM Engg. College, Kattankulathur, Kancheepuram District.

- based on a report by Bhavana.

Contact: csr@auroville.org.in