vinamra agarwal

Intergenerational CENTER FOR LEARNING

Old Yelahanka is one of the oldest towns in Bangalore. It was the agricultural hub, but due to urbanization, it has transformed into a high-density urban fabric. First, this has led to a generational gap in the society as the younger population migrates to other cities for economic benefits and opportunities leaving the older generation. Second, due to the scarcity of agricultural land, people have to import food from nearby towns and cities to fulfill their needs.

During the community survey, the data suggested that many people were interested in agricultural activities but due to the scarcity of land, lack of awareness, and insufficient funds they are unable to participate in agriculture-related occupations. Various studies have shown the benefits of intergenerational learning: children and elderly work better together to create a cohesive learning environment. There is a need to educate and make people aware of new agricultural technologies that require less space and have a high yield, as well as blur the generational gap in the society.

‘To connect inter-generation by cohesive learning through the integration of different farming methods and recreation.’

Strategies related to the proposed intervention include:

• Center for learning infused with agricultural technologies such as traditional farming, aquaponics, hydroponics, rooftop and vertical farming, and animal husbandry

• Yelahanka ‘Haat’ - Communal recreational spaces for events, food festivals and much more

Design matrix

AQUAPONICS

INTEGRATING BOTH HYDROPONICS

TRADITIONAL FARM

Possible solutions-integrating

ANIMAL HUSBANDRY

FISH, MILK & EGGS COMMUNITY GARDENS COMMUNITY WELLBEING

EDIBLE GARDEN

FLOWER GARDEN

FRUIT GARDEN

PLANT THE PADDY

DYE INDUSTRY

RESTORE THE HERITAGE

FISH POND NATURAL AQUAPONICS

ROOFTOP FARM

YELAHANKA ‘HAAT’

Intergenerational activities

Intergenerational activities increase cooperation and interaction across generations. It involves sharing of skills, knowledge and experience between old and young. In the table shown, there are a few of the activities which young and old people like to do and how these activities can be integrated with the spaces.

This type of program will help establish a connection between generations creating a cohesive learning environment.

FUTURE FARM

SELLING OF SURPLUS

Traditional farming is a linear, soil-based agricultural system which requires a lot of resources for output. It requires a lot of land to produce vegetable and crops. This agricultural system is the most economical way to grow, but in the future due to the lack of land because of urbanization, traditional farming will not be an ideal system to grow food products.

Aquaponics is an innovative closed-loop farming system which helps to grow vegetables and fishes cohesively. This system requires six times less space and 90% less water to grow vegetables. An aquaponic system can be expensive to set up, but the cost can be recovered overtime. Aquaponics is the future of farming in urban areas as it is a portable option to grow food.