Community Farming - Master of Architecture Thesis

COMMUNITY FARMING

R E V I S I T I N G

F A R M

A R C H I T E C T U R E

I N

T H E

2 1 S T

C E N T U R Y

SANJAY SRIDHAR Master of Architecture Thesis

COMMUNITY FARMING

R E V I S I T I N G

F A R M

A R C H I T E C T U R E

I N

T H E

2 1 S T

C E N T U R Y

Intentionally left blank

Intentionally left blank

FIG 1. SUMMER TIME USE OF THE HALL-PHOTOGRAPH BY AUTHOR

abstract Can you imagine a world where food is more expensive than a service?

The past years have witnessed unprecedented disturbances in vegetable prices i.e. increases in 300% for a kilo of onions in India in 20151. Imagine a world where the only source for food is through some manufacturing industry. A world where food is not grown anymore but is mass produced like cars or phones. As scary as that sounds it doesn’t seem like an impossible event, does it?

This study aims to explore community farming driven by a multi-cropping farming system. It would involve in looking at a community from a master plan viewpoint to developing residential typologies and a community center. It will compare single cropping and multi-cropping farming techniques based on live interviews while looking at vernacular architectural styles that have helped inform successful architecture in the south Indian region. This thesis looks at the idea of utilizing resources communally where farmers grow crops in a more beneficial way to improve food production and benefit from it. The most common farming method practiced in India is Subsistence farming ; where a framer grows crops to feed his family and in the case of having any surplus supply it is sold at nearby markets for profits.

1 HuffPost India, August 21, 2015. https://www.huffingtonpost.in/2015/08/21/onion-prices-india-_n_8018678.html.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTs Mom and Dad - i wish to say my first thanks to the both of you, Thank you for believing in me and letting me pursue my dreams. You have been the backbone of this journey. I wish to express my gratitude to Terry Boling for being a constant shadow throughout my time here at DAAP. For all the efforts he along with the ex-dean Robert Probst, have taken to advise and help me in all my endeavors.

This project would not be the same without the regular discussions with my Chair : Aarati Kanekar and Co-Chair : Mara Marcu, whose valuable inputs have helped beyond explanation. My friend and advisor on this project, Greg Lewis I thank you for taking time out of you work schedule and keeping constant track of my progress. Thank you all.

F I G 2 . CO CO N U T FA R M S S U R R O U N D I N G T H E S I T E - P H OTO G R A P H B Y AU T H O R

table of contents 01 abstract 02 acknowledgments 03

list of figures

04 introduction 05 background 06

research + analysis

07

the interviews

08

design approach

09 summary 10 bibliography

list of figures ABSTRACT FIG 1. SUMMER TIME USE OF THE HALL-PHOTOGRAPH BY AUTHOR TABLE OF CONTENTS F I G 2 . CO CO N U T FA R M S S U R R O U N D I N G T H E S I T E - P H OTO G R A P H B Y AU T H O R INTRODUCTION FIG FIG FIG FIG

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JUNCTION BETWEEN THE ROADS BORDERING THE SITE - PHOTOGRAPH BY AUTHOR MAIN ROAD ADJACENT TO THE SITE - PHOTOGRAPH BY AUTHOR FA R M O W N E R S H I P A N D FA R M E R I N CO M E / / I N F O - G R A P H I C S B Y AU T H O R O R G A N I C FA R M I N G V S CO N V E N T I O N A L FA R M I N G / / I N F O - G R A P H I C S B Y AU T H O R

BACKGROUND FIG FIG FIG FIG FIG FIG FIG FIG FIG FIG FIG FIG FIG

7 . CO CO N U T FA R M S I N TA M I L N A D U - P H OTO G R A P H B Y AU T H O R 8. NEAREST VILLAGE FROM THE SITE - PHOTOGRAPH BY AUTHOR 9 . I N F O G R A P H I C S B Y E F F E K T / / A R C H D A I LY - P H O T O G R A P H B Y A U T H O R 1 0 . I N F O G R A P H I C S B Y E F F E K T / / A R C H D A I LY - P H O T O G R A P H B Y A U T H O R 1 1 . I N F O G R A P H I C S B Y E F F E K T / / A R C H D A I LY - P H O T O G R A P H B Y A U T H O R 1 2 . I N F O G R A P H I C S B Y E F F E K T / / A R C H D A I LY - P H O T O G R A P H B Y A U T H O R 1 3 . I N F O G R A P H I C S B Y E F F E K T / / A R C H D A I LY - P H O T O G R A P H B Y A U T H O R 1 4 . I N F O G R A P H I C S B Y E F F E K T / / A R C H D A I LY - P H O T O G R A P H B Y A U T H O R 1 5 . T E A E S TAT E S I N WAYA N A D - P H OTO G R A P H B Y AU T H O R 1 6 . I N F O G R A P H I C S B Y E F F E K T / / A R C H D A I LY 1 7 . I N F O G R A P H I C S B Y E F F E K T / / A R C H D A I LY - P H O T O G R A P H Y S B Y A U T H O R 1 8 . FA R M S I N I N D I A - P H OTO G R A P H B Y AU T H O R 19. H I L L S // D E S S E R T S // B A C K WAT E R S // S N O W // F R O Z E N L A K E - P H OTO G R A P H S B Y AU T H O R

R E S E A R C H + A N A LYS I S FIG FIG FIG FIG FIG FIG FIG FIG FIG FIG FIG FIG FIG FIG FIG FIG FIG FIG FIG FIG FIG FIG FIG FIG 12

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CO CO N U T FA R M S I N TA M I L N A D U - P H OTO G R A P H B Y AU T H O R MAP // GLOBAL LANDUSE MAP // CROPLAND HIGHLIGHT M O R N I N G M A R K E T AT P O N D I C H E R R Y - P H OTO G R A P H S B Y AU T H O R M A J O R FA R M E R P O P U L AT I O N CO N C E N T R AT I O N N C E R T M A P S T E X T B O O K R E F E R E N C E // R I C E // W H E AT NCERT MAPS TEXT BOOK REFERENCE // SUGARCANE // COTTON N C E R T M A P S T E X T B O O K R E F E R E N C E / / T E A / / FA R M E R P O P U L AT I O N CO N C E N T R AT I O N E F F E K T / / A R C H D A I LY E F F E K T / / A R C H D A I LY E F F E K T / / A R C H D A I LY T R A D I T I O N A L N A L E K E T T U V E E D U / B U I LT A R O U N D A C O U R T YA R D H O U S E TRADITIONAL NALEKET TU VEEDU EXPLODED AXON - BY AUTHOR COMMUNIT Y POND THIRUVANMIYUR, CHENNAI - PHOTOGRAPH BY AUTHOR COMMUNIT Y POND THIRUVANMIYUR, CHENNAI - PHOTOGRAPH BY AUTHOR A R E S I D E N C E I N T H E N E I G H B O R I N G PA R T S O F T H E S I T E - P H O T O G R A P H B Y A U T H O R A R E S I D E N C E I N T H E N E I G H B O R I N G PA R T S O F T H E S I T E - P H O T O G R A P H B Y A U T H O R A R E S I D E N C E I N T H E N E I G H B O R I N G PA R T S O F T H E S I T E - P H O T O G R A P H B Y A U T H O R A B U S S T O P I N T H E N E I G H B O R I N G PA R T S O F T H E S I T E - P H O T O G R A P H B Y A U T H O R ARCHITECTURE TYPOLOGIES SURROUNDING THE SITE - PHOTOGRAPHS BY AUTHOR G O O G L E M A P A N A LY S I S / / I N D I A : R O A D N E T W O R K / / S E T T L E M E N T S / / C O M M U N I T Y S I Z E G O O G L E M A P A N A LY S I S / / U S A : R O A D N E T W O R K / / S E T T L E M E N T S / / C O M M U N I T Y S I Z E L A N D U S E C O M PA R I S O N O F I N D I A / / G E R M A N Y / / U S A S TO R A G E FA C I L I T Y AT B R E W I N G TO N FA R M S , I N D I A N A - P H OTO G R A P H B Y AU T H O R

LIST OF FIGURES

list of figure, continued THE INTERVIEWS FIG FIG FIG FIG FIG FIG FIG

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PA D D Y F I E L D S B O T H D R Y A N D S U B M E R G E D I N WAT E R - P H O T O G R A P H B Y A U T H O R T H E O R G A N I C FA R M A N D CO M M U N I T Y H A L L - P H OTO G R A P H B Y AU T H O R C O C O N U T T R E E / / PA D Y F I E L D S / / B E E T L E N U T T R E E S - P H O T O G R A P H B Y A U T H O R S OYA G R A I N S TO R A G E S I LO S | B R E W I N G TO N FA R M S , I N D I A N A - P H OTO G R A P H B Y AU T H O R FA R M S I N U S A / / FA R M S I N I N D I A - P H OTO G R A P H S B Y AU T H O R A CO M B I N E H A R V E S T I N G S OY AT B R E W I N G TO N FA R M S - P H OTO G R A P H B Y AU T H O R PA D D Y F I E L D S A N D A FA R M E R S R E S I D E N C E - P H O T O G R A P H B Y A U T H O R

DESIGN APPROACH FIG FIG FIG FIG FIG FIG FIG FIG FIG FIG FIG FIG FIG FIG FIG FIG FIG FIG FIG FIG FIG FIG FIG FIG FIG FIG FIG FIG FIG FIG FIG

5 2 . PA D D Y F I E L D S - P H O T O G R A P H B Y A U T H O R 53. D I A G R A M M A P S : LO C AT I O N O F I N D I A // TA M I L N A D U A N D I T S B O R D E R S 54. D I A G R A M M A P S : TA M I L N A D U C L I M AT I C CO N D I T I O N S 55. D I A G R A M M A P S : TA M I L N A D U C L I M AT I C CO N D I T I O N S 56. D R AW I N G // LO C AT I O N O F M A S T E R P L A N A N D S I T E 57. D R AW I N G // S I T E LO C AT I O N 58. SITE PLAN AERIAL - PHOTOGRAPHY BY AUTHOR 5 9 . E X I S T I N G PA D D Y F I E L D S O N T H E S I T E - P H O T O G R A P H B Y A U T H O R 6 0 . M A S T E R P L AY L AYO U T O P T I O N S / / D R AW I N G B Y AU T H O R 6 1 . C O L L A G E S H O W I N G M O D E R N A N D O L D WAY S O F FA R M I N G / / D R AW I N G B Y AU T H O R 6 2 . D I A G R A M / / P R O G R A M A N A LY S I S 63. DIAGRAM //MASTERPLAN 64. D I A G R A M // R E S I D E N C E D E S I G N S T R AT E G Y 65. SECTIONS // 3BHK // 2BHK // 3BHK 66. DIAGRAM // EXPLODED AXONOMETRIC OF 3BHK RESIDENCE 67. DRAWINGS // FLOOR PLAN 1BHK 68. DRAWING // ISOME TRIC 1BHK 69//70. 2 B H K D E TA I L M O D E L - P H OTO G R A P H S B Y AU T H O R 71. DRAWINGS // FLOOR PLAN 2BHK 72. DRAWING // ISOME TRIC 2BHK 73. 2 B H K D E TA I L M O D E L - P H OTO G R A P H B Y AU T H O R 74//75//76//77. 2 B H K D E TA I L M O D E L - P H OTO G R A P H S B Y AU T H O R 78. DRAWINGS // FLOOR PLAN 3BHK 79. DRAWING // ISOME TRIC 3BHK 80. DRAWING // COMMUNIT Y CENTER+MARKE TPLACE PLAN DIAGRAM 81. COMMUNITY CENTER MODEL - PHOTOGRAPH BY AUTHOR 81//82//83//84. COMMUNITY CENTER MODEL - PHOTOGRAPHS BY AUTHOR 85 COMMUNITY CENTER FLOOR PLAN 86//87. COMMUNITY CENTER MODEL - PHOTOGRAPHS BY AUTHOR 68. COMMUNITY CENTER MODEL - PHOTOGRAPH BY AUTHOR 89. RENDER - RESIDENTIAL ZONE

SUMMARY F I G 9 0 . M U LT I P U R P O S E H A L L S PA C E S - P H O T O G R A P H B Y A U T H O R BIBLIOGRAPHY F I G 9 1 . R O A D D I V I D I N G FA R M L A N D A N D G R A S S L A N D - P H OTO G R A P H B Y AU T H O R

LIST OF FIGURES

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04 | introduction

Description of the topic Throughout history humans have progressed through rural areas, with the earth sustaining the necessities of food, water and shelter. With the increase in population the built environment and human habitat have grown tremendously. Keeping up with a way of life and understanding the possibilities for the future has become a larger challenge for families and individuals living in these rural areas.

In countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Vietnam, to name a few, the people who suffer the most are farmers. The last few decades have been constantly changing as development and technology keep getting advanced.

In the many cultures where the occupation determines the individuals respect and importance in society, farmers have a very challenging life to lead. They have been left behind both in terms of technology and guidance as to how they can better benefit the world by still being farmers.

Organic farming and the idea of vegetables grown without the use of excessive chemicals determines both the selling price of the crop and the margin of profit the farmer can make. Multi-cropping is a farming technique that has gained traction as a popular farming method, mainly by medium sized farmers. Farmers with land areas of 30 acres and above can easily practice this method of farming.

Most of the farmers in the subcontinent do not fall in the category of owning large amounts of land. Therefore not being able to practice a profitable way of farming.

FIG 3. JUNCTION BETWEEN THE ROADS BORDERING THE SITE - PHOTOGRAPH BY AUTHOR

INTRODUCTION

15

The most affected people due to this are the small farmers1 (who make the majority of the farming population in the country) and are forced to look for various other ways to lead life.

Organic produce is now being sought after due to awareness and high demand for produce that has less to no added chemical content. There has been a rise in the number of farmers who have started to do organic farming and one such farmer is Alladi Mahadevan, the founder of The Organic Farm in a remote village located in TamilNadu. He is a chartered accountant by profession now a farmer by occupation. The Organic farm deals only with chemical free produce and he believes in a balanced ecosystem where both plants and animals (domesticated) are present together in the same place in order to improve and maintain soil quality and bring back earthworms to the ground. A discussion with him will follow in further chapters.

1 “India at a Glance | FAO in India | Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.” Accessed March 25, 2019. http://www.fao.org/india/fao-in-india/india-at-aglance/en/.

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INTRODUCTION

FIG 4. MAIN ROAD ADJACENT TO THE SITE - PHOTOGRAPH BY AUTHOR

INTRODUCTION

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Description of the topic

STEP 01 : UNDERSTANDING THE ISSUE Understanding the farming scenario globally and focusing on the issues in India.

Learning the farming context of the sub continent before proceeding with design

STEP 02 : RESEARCH AND DATA COLLECTION Research on crops produced and importance of farming in INDIA. Looking at various farming typologies and how various methods work in case specific scenarios. How community based farming/living/agriculture can benefit the overall life quality of farmers ?

STEP 03 : FARM - CASE Studies Learning from 2 ends of the spectrum, The Organic Farm, a small farm located in India and Brewington Farms, a large farm located in USA. Interacting with both the farmers through interviews and learning their views on community farming.

Documenting both the farms based on their land area and crops they grow to be able to get a holistic idea of the scale in which they both operate. Finally, drawing inspiration from both farms based on what works and what doesn’t.

STEP 04 : DEVELOP THE PROGRAM Developing the program based on the number of families involved in the part of the village district that the site falls into. Arriving at areas based on the requirements per family and their usage. Also looking into the aspects that help a village function as a village - and inferencing potential programmatic solutions to the project through the same. Lastly, take a look at the Organic Farm site itself, since it is the site for a community of 4 families and their livelihood.

F I G 4 0 . D I V I D E D FA R M L A N D F R O M 1 2 0 0 F T - P H OTO G R A P H B Y AU T H O R

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INTRODUCTION

Description of the topic

STEP 05 : SITE and master-plan Developing master-plan options that cater to the arrangement of the program in a meaningful manner. Zoning the site to cater for future growth both in terms of community expansion and new farming strategies which may come to play.

STEP 06 : DESIGN DEVELOPMENT “ Reading and understanding how a city like Havana was able to completley transform into an Urban Farm” - Precedent : “FARMING CUBA”

“Compare the region of choice with other farming civilizations”

“Analysing data from a global perspective in relation to the topic and further look into the region which is the most promising.”

Methodology

- Commitee Comments

“Look at the Vernacular Architecture and prime aspects of its Materiality, Construction and Features”

“Understand the working model at hand The Organic Farm, Chennai” - Commitee Comments

“On deciding the region of interest, further analyse and understand the local/regional situations.”

“On deciding the region of interest, further analyse and understand the local/regional situations.”

“Analyse the community layouts from the regions that have been compared”

FIG 41. METHODOLOGY STEP DIAGRAM

INTRODUCTION

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11% other 5% services 5% business

11% other

agriculture in india 79% agriculture

79% agriculture

farmer income source 5% services 5% business

farmer income source 26% wont quit 11% other 62% ready to quit if i get a better job.

26% wont quit

13% cant say

62% ready to quit if i get a better job.

79% agriculture

13% cant say

want to quit farming ?

farmer income source

7% large farmer

want to quit farming ?

26% wont quit

14% landless farmer 7% large farmer

14% landless farmer

60% small farmer

62% ready to quit if i get a better job.

19% medium farmer

13% cant say

60% small farmer 19% medium farmer

farm size/farm ownership

want to quit farming ?

7% large farmer

farm size/farm ownership

4% landless farmer

60% small farmer

9% medium farmer F I G 5 . FA R M O W N E R S H I P A N D FA R M E R I N CO M E / / I N F O - G R A P H I C S B Y AU T H O R

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INTRODUCTION

farm size/farm ownership

agriculture in india

organic farming vs conventional

$190

4,022 lbs/a/yr

$558

4,079 lbs/a/yr

yield

profit 906 lbs co2/a/yr 3,264 mj/a/yr

1,400 lbs co2/a/yr

4,568 mj/a/yr

energy

greenhouse gasses

F I G 6 . O R G A N I C FA R M I N G V S CO N V E N T I O N A L FA R M I N G / / I N F O - G R A P H I C S B Y AU T H O R

INTRODUCTION

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05 | background

FIG 8. NEAREST VILLAGE FROM THE SITE - PHOTOGRAPH BY AUTHOR

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BACKGROUND

By developing a model that draws lines from successful architectural practices in the region and looking at vernacular architectural elements, creating a new living system for the struggling farmers of rural India. Technology exists, and has become available to the masses at ease. In order to solve many problems there are specific solutions which incorporate modern day tech in them. It’s a matter of looking at how a balance in terms of getting this tech and architecture that works together to the masses. More than a fix to a problem, the main intention is to understand the importance of food and the massive repercussions we can face on its shortage.

Further, looking at prospect methods of building strategies which can be beneficial both as a business model and a resource for the community itself. Also in order to understand the scale of community settlements, looking at farming communities as a means to understand the importance the size of the community, the infrastructure and managing land for developing farm regions.

BACKGROUND

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FIG 8. A MILK BOOTH/STORE FOR THE VILLAGE - PHOTOGRAPHY BY AUTHOR

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BACKGROUND

background

Farmers in rural India are highly disregarded and generally used as an easy means to earn votes and often forgotten right after that. With very few farmers today wanting their future generations to become farmers, as they don’t have the ability to lead a financially stable life with farming as the main source of income.

Villages are getting smaller and farmers are willing to leave farming. This thesis aims to address that by developing a community in a rural part of Tamil Nadu, India. This will be a proposal wherein a community that survives through farming is created. Implementing a meaningful type of farming on a large scale which helps generate income. Multi Cropping is the farming technique to be used, which will be further discussed in detail. Residential solutions and commercial openings will be the major parts of the master-plan. A community center+marketplace and residential unit layouts will be the main scope of design.

BACKGROUND

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GLOBAL FACTS

F I G 9 . I N F O G R A P H I C S B Y E F F E K T / / A R C H D A I LY - P H O T O G R A P H B Y A U T H O R

F I G 1 0 . I N F O G R A P H I C S B Y E F F E K T / / A R C H D A I LY - P H O T O G R A P H B Y A U T H O R

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BACKGROUND

F I G 1 1 . I N F O G R A P H I C S B Y E F F E K T / / A R C H D A I LY - P H O T O G R A P H B Y A U T H O R

F I G 1 2 . I N F O G R A P H I C S B Y E F F E K T / / A R C H D A I LY - P H O T O G R A P H B Y A U T H O R

BACKGROUND

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GLOBAL FACTS

F I G 1 3 . I N F O G R A P H I C S B Y E F F E K T / / A R C H D A I LY - P H O T O G R A P H B Y A U T H O R

F I G 1 4 . I N F O G R A P H I C S B Y E F F E K T / / A R C H D A I LY - P H O T O G R A P H B Y A U T H O R

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BACKGROUND

F I G 1 5 . T E A E S TAT E S I N WAYA N A D - P H OTO G R A P H B Y AU T H O R

BACKGROUND

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GLOBAL FACTS

F I G 1 6 . I N F O G R A P H I C S B Y E F F E K T / / A R C H D A I LY

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BACKGROUND

F I G 1 8 . FA R M S I N I N D I A - P H OTO G R A P H B Y AU T H O R

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BACKGROUND

WHY ARE FARMERS IDEALLY POSITIONED TO FIGHT CLIMATE CHANGE ?

F I G 19. R O L L I N G H I L L S // D E S S E R T S // B A C K WAT E R S // S N O W // F R O Z E N L A K E - P H OTO G R A P H S B Y AU T H O R

Growing crops, raising livestock and clearing land all produce greenhouse gases, so agriculture gives off lots of the pollution that is warming the planet.

Scientists say that without significant changes, farming’s global warming footprint will grow rapidly in the next few decades.

Farmers, along with the rest of us, would pay the price. While farms are emissions sources, they’re also important climate solutions. Farmers have a vested interest in reducing emissions, too: Rising global temperatures fuel heat waves, droughts and extreme rainfall that can destroy a season’s entire crop. Potential for reining in these threats is just below the surface. Soils store two to three times more carbon than the atmosphere, which also creates the rich organic matter that food crops thrive on.

BACKGROUND

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06 | research + analysis

introduction

Looking at farming from a global perspective by understanding the regions that practice it on a large scale.

India is one of the largest nations with over 70% of the population being farmers.

Therefore agriculture plays a large role in the Indian economy, furthermore the factors affecting agriculture are discussed along with an overlook on agriculture in India.

Following the research and discussions on agriculture and its importance, the community neighborhood designed by EFFEKT is discussed and is a precedent study for this thesis.

Lastly an overlook at a one of the vernacular architecture styles “nallekettu veedu� translates to the house around a courtyard and also looking at how communal water bodies are used in a larger context. Settlement and community size comparison from different scaled farming nations and the research concludes with a look at the existing contextual architecture in the region.

F I G 2 0 . CO CO N U T FA R M S I N TA M I L N A D U - P H OTO G R A P H B Y AU T H O R

R E S E A R C H + A N A LY S I S

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global landuse

Food production shown in its primary forms; pasture land and cropland both having a fairly wide distribution in different regions around the globe. The prime focus will be on cropland, which spreads over through all of Europe, into Asia and consuming the whole of the Subcontinent, India. There are regions in North America leading into South America which are also major regions of cropland availability.

FIG 21. MAP // GLOBAL LANDUSE

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R E S E A R C H + A N A LY S I S

focus : cropland

Focusing specifically on the crop regions, it is safe to say that India is in a region which has a lot of strategic importance as far as food and farming goes. The Middle East, Africa and most of Asia are regions to which the Indian market can cater to in terms of food production. Considering that china has purchased land in Africa in order to farm and produce food there, further strengthening the value in India becoming a farming nation.

FIG 22. MAP // CROPLAND HIGHLIGHT

R E S E A R C H + A N A LY S I S

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F I G 23. M O R N I N G M A R K E T AT P O N D I C H E R R Y - P H OTO G R A P H S B Y AU T H O R

R E S E A R C H + A N A LY S I S

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Stagnation in Production of Major Crops Production of some of the major staple food crops like rice and wheat has been stagnating for quite some time. This is a situation which is worrying our agricultural scientists, planners and policy makers. If this trend continues, there would be a huge gap between the demand of ever growing population and the production. Nobody wants India to go back to a situation that was prevailing in our country prior to Green Revolution. Try to find out what was the situation during Pre-Green Revolution period.

F I G 2 4 . M A J O R FA R M E R P O P U L AT I O N CO N C E N T R AT I O N

R E S E A R C H + A N A LY S I S

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agriculture in india

rice

wheat

F I G 25. N C E R T M A P S T E X T B O O K R E F E R E N C E // R I C E // W H E AT

sugarcane

cotton

FIG 26. NCERT MAPS TEXT BOOK REFERENCE // SUGARCANE // COTTON

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R E S E A R C H + A N A LY S I S

PRECEDENTS Designed by the Dutch firm EFFEKT, this is a look at modelling a self sustaining communal neighbourhood in Almere, The Netherlands. The main focus of this design is to make a community which is independent in both energy sources and production of food. This is an attempt to tackle present day crisis like Global Warming, Population Growth and the Global Food Crisis. It focuses agriculture being the input source for the main design.Understanding how this works and looking at ways in which this can be translated into an Indian village concept will be the larger picture of this thesis. Identifying a region in India and developing a case wherein such a development would prove to be a way forward in a community where farming is already the main source of livelihood.

F I G U R E 2 8 . E F F E K T / / A R C H D A I LY

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R E S E A R C H + A N A LY S I S

F I G U R E 2 9 . E F F E K T / / A R C H D A I LY

F I G U R E 3 0 . E F F E K T / / A R C H D A I LY

R E S E A R C H + A N A LY S I S

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VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE OF SOUTH INDIA

F I G 3 1 . T R A D I T I O N A L N A L E K E T T U V E E D U / B U I LT A R O U N D A C O U R T YA R D H O U S E

TamilNadu falls in the hottest region of South India. With the need to keep buildings cool and ventilated courtyards have been used as a primary design driver mainly in residential architecture. Both TamilNadu and Kerala have various types of courtyard houses also known as the “Nallekettu Veedu.�

The courtyard acts as a divider of spaces by providing an internal external corridor. This acts as the main circulation path in the house, as seen above. The wall systems are usually earthen, mostly bricks and laterite. Stone can also be seen used occasionally, depending on the existence of a water body.

In the case of larger structures and urban planning, a central water-body which would usually be connected to a temple is also used.

48

R E S E A R C H + A N A LY S I S

FIG 32. TRADITIONAL NALEKET TU VEEDU EXPLODED AXON - BY AUTHOR

R E S E A R C H + A N A LY S I S

49

VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE OF SOUTH INDIA

Shown above and on the right are the images of what once used to be a common water-body for this neighborhood. This is present day Chennai, the capital of the state of TamilNadu. This water-body would have been used as a source for the community over a 100 years ago. It is now a part of the Marugdeeswar Temple complex in Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai. Drawing inspiration from the use of a central water-body on a building scale will be a significant piece of this thesis.

FIG 33. COMMUNIT Y POND THIRUVANMIYUR, CHENNAI - PHOTOGRAPH BY AUTHOR

50

R E S E A R C H + A N A LY S I S

FIG 34. COMMUNIT Y POND THIRUVANMIYUR, CHENNAI - PHOTOGRAPH BY AUTHOR

R E S E A R C H + A N A LY S I S

51

Regional architecture

F I G 3 5 . A R E S I D E N C E I N T H E N E I G H B O R I N G PA R T S O F T H E S I T E - P H O T O G R A P H B Y A U T H O R

F I G 3 6 . A R E S I D E N C E I N T H E N E I G H B O R I N G PA R T S O F T H E S I T E - P H O T O G R A P H B Y A U T H O R

52

R E S E A R C H + A N A LY S I S

F I G 3 7 . A R E S I D E N C E I N T H E N E I G H B O R I N G PA R T S O F T H E S I T E - P H O T O G R A P H B Y A U T H O R

F I G 3 8 . A B U S S T O P I N T H E N E I G H B O R I N G PA R T S O F T H E S I T E - P H O T O G R A P H B Y A U T H O R

R E S E A R C H + A N A LY S I S

53

Regional architecture

All the images on the right represent the existing architectural typology around the site in TamilNadu.

The structures vary from thatched roof tuck shops to temples and bus stops which are made up of a plinth, 2 columns and a wall.

The regional architecture which has developed over time is a result of both not being able to afford to build better structures and also due to a large negation towards the population in rural and developing areas in India.

FIG 39. ARCHITECTURE TYPOLOGIES SURROUNDING THE SITE - PHOTOGRAPHS BY AUTHOR

54

R E S E A R C H + A N A LY S I S

R E S E A R C H + A N A LY S I S

55

farmland size comparison : india

TamilNadu, India - the state in which this thesis is being proposed. One can clearly see and understand the complexity in land-use and distribution. At a glance the aerial image shows a lot of chaos in terms of plot sizes, color and density of human settlements. Utilizing the advancement in drone technology and their ease of use, it made it easier to see and understand the size and magnitude of farmlands. The above image showcases the region around the selected site. The area of each piece of cropland is very minimal due to traditional farming practices being followed in this area, subsistence farming ; it is growing crop to sustain life for the household, beyond which the surplus is then sold (if any left) on a commercial scale.

56

R E S E A R C H + A N A LY S I S

Aerial Map

Road Network

Settlements

Community Size

F I G 4 0 . G O O G L E M A P A N A LY S I S / / I N D I A

: ROAD NETWORK // SETTLEMENTS // COMMUNITY SIZE

R E S E A R C H + A N A LY S I S

57

farmland size comparison : germany

Outside Munich, Germany - these farms show a larger extent of size in terms of their distribution. The settlements are also planned and distributed along a the road network. The number of settlements within the same extent of the map also shows how regular they are in terms of location. There seems to be a ratio in use with the settlement sizes and the area of cropland surrounding each settlement. The community level comparison clearly depicts organized planning strategies, more so when compared to the community size in the case of the Indian context.

The use of large equipment to help increase productivity goes without saying in the more modern farms that are present in Germany.

58

R E S E A R C H + A N A LY S I S

Aerial Map

Road Network

Settlements

Community Size

F I G 4 1 . G O O G L E M A P A N A LY S I S / / G E R M A N Y

: ROAD NETWORK // SETTLEMENTS // COMMUNITY SIZE

R E S E A R C H + A N A LY S I S

59

farmland size comparison : usa

The Palouse, Washington, USA - the size of these farms were massive and seemed way larger than life in terms of their magnitude as farmland. As goes for most of USA, the common practice for farming is single crop farming. Utilizing large areas and cultivating the same crop in large quantities. This practice seemingly aids in a safe bet when it comes to profits/losses as explained by the farmers. There is a large use of technology to aid in production in these farms.

Advanced farming equipment and large machinery are only the tip of the iceberg, there is a major use of satellites and help from devices which aren’t even on earth to be able to navigate and plan on how to manage the farmland.

60

R E S E A R C H + A N A LY S I S

Aerial Map

Road Network

Settlements

Community Size

F I G 4 2 . G O O G L E M A P A N A LY S I S / / U S A : R O A D N E T W O R K / / S E T T L E M E N T S / / C O M M U N I T Y S I Z E

R E S E A R C H + A N A LY S I S

61

ROAD NETWORK

CROPLAND

community F I G 4 3 . L A N D U S E C O M PA R I S O N O F I N D I A / / G E R M A N Y / / U S A

62

R E S E A R C H + A N A LY S I S

india

germany

usa

R E S E A R C H + A N A LY S I S

63

FIG 43. OVERSPILL OF SOY BEANS DURING STORAGE - PHOTOGRAPH BY AUTHOR

F I G 4 4 . S TO R A G E FA C I L I T Y AT B R E W I N G TO N FA R M S , I N D I A N A - P H OTO G R A P H B Y AU T H O R

R E S E A R C H + A N A LY S I S

65

07 | the interviews

Comparing the Organic Farm to a farming system of larger scale and understanding how the process is different in a developed nation was important to be able to proceed forward. This helped with understanding the differences in scale and land sizes. It also brought out a broad view and sense of how communities have been planned and laid out.

Brewington Farms, Indiana is run by Bob Brewington and focuses mainly on single produce crops. The main crop is soy beans and are exported worldwide.

From the 1000 acres of farmland over 800 tons of soy bean is harvested during the season. All of which is stored in the silos (shown on the right) and are maintained at the right temperature until transported to the nearest river. Trucks are used to transport multiple loads of soy which are they carried by boats along the Mississippi and further exported via sea around the world. On having a conversation regarding community farming, Mr. Brewington expressed that it would have been a lot more easier had the farming been done on a community level. “With the amount of machinery and inventory each farmer owns, sharing them during the harvest season would have been the right thing to practice,� said Bob.

F I G 4 5 . PA D D Y F I E L D S B O T H D R Y A N D S U B M E R G E D I N WAT E R - P H O T O G R A P H B Y A U T H O R

THE INTERVIEWS

67

Interview : Alladi Mahadevan, the organic farm HOW AND WHY DID THE FARM START ?

It was in 1995 when I started my journey on “Organic Farming”. You wouldn’t believe that it was quite easy then to learn and understand organic farming. The objective was simple. :”How do we produce clean & green food?”, says Mahadevan.

Just 2 years from my graduation it was a pursuit towards creating a model that would bring good food to our table. Never did it occur once that there is an income that needs to be considered. Our pursuit was just trying to bring good food to the table and felt it would take care of the world around us.

We kept growing good food but never took back any income that would sustain our farm. 2010 we were getting burnt out is when we realized that we need to start changing our practice.

Multi-Cropping emerged as an option that changed our income and expenditure models. A model that back the real meaning of natural farming back into our farm space. This write up is aimed towards explaining the concept of multi-cropping. Listed below are the main produces of the Organic Farm.

40 ACRES $1500 PER ACRE - 2ND YEAR $4000 PER ACRE - 5TH YEAR 68

THE INTERVIEWS

VEGETABLES

TIMBER

MANURE

F I G 4 6 . T H E O R G A N I C FA R M A N D CO M M U N I T Y H A L L - P H OTO G R A P H B Y AU T H O R

THE INTERVIEWS

69

F I G 4 7 . C O C O N U T T R E E / / PA D Y F I E L D S / / B E E T L E N U T T R E E S - P H O T O G R A P H B Y A U T H O R

70

THE INTERVIEWS

multi-cropping WHAT IS MULTI-CROPPING ?

A simple practice of growing native varieties of vegetables, fruits, pulses, grains, herbs, green manure trees and greens on the same field.

WHY MULTI-CROPPING ?

Biodiversity - It creates an Ecosystem that allows natural interactions.

This in turn would bring down the cost of farming by 40% - 60% Variety Basket -

A farmer is closer to the end consumer and this improves marketing practices for the farmer in the following ways

Repeat customers - Variety can attract repeat customers for the produce Sustainable Income - Fluctuating prices can be offset with multiple varieties.

Income is spread throughout the year and this improves the

farmer cash flows Farm Management - Deficiency, Disease and Insects are naturally managed.

Biodiversity brings a balance in soil and microbial structures

within the field.

WHAT ARE NATIVE VARIETIES ?

Crops that are locally consumed and have been a part of its festivities can be considered as native varieties - also collecting and distributing their seeds helps in maintaining quality of the crop.

WHAT IS THE CROPPING MODEL ?

Crop pattern should be short term (3 months to 6 months), mid term (1 to 2 years) and long term (4 years and above). This way income generation would see an iterative growth over a period of time.

THE INTERVIEWS

71

q&a with alladi mahadevan, owner, THE ORGANIC FARM, CHENNAI, TAMILNADU - INDIA

Q:

What systems are you using in the farm ? For irrigation etc

A:

It is more close to a natural farming practice. The irrigation system we use is through channels. The channels again are covered with short term crops to improve soil efficiency and also for optimal use of water. One main reason why we use open channel and NOT DRIP is we believe rain water if not given to soil to percolate we would not be left with any ground water.

Q:

How have monetary aspects improved in terms of profits/loss over the years ?

A:

We were a complete loss making venture till 2010. Moved on to multi-cropping practice since 2010 and it has hence changed everything for the better.

Q:

What cycle of crop rotation are you using with the multi cropping method ?

A:

We follow the traditional festival calendar. What this means is the food that is prominent during a festival and back work the sowing pattern of crops. With long term crops too we have linked it to the festivals and harvests have started for most of them.

Q:

What problems or hurdles have you faced with multi cropping ?

A:

We do not face any problem or hurdle with multi-cropping. It is a model that is aimed at the end consumer or shelf and not wholesalers. Builds in bio-diversity as well as better income.

Q:

Are there aspects you feel should have been implemented differently ?

A:

We need to focus on end consumer need. What goes into the kitchen locally is very important and we found out that it built sustenance.

72

THE INTERVIEWS

Q:

Are there other ventures practicing similar methods of farming as you are ?

A:

Check out methods of Namalvar Foundation, Vanagam, Tamil Nadu, India

Q:

What aspects are you lacking on - what efforts fo you see fit for them ?

A:

Feel a lot more thought and effort should go into planning. Planning space, cost, effort and time. We also need to think a lot more on produce value addition.

Q:

Farming strategies that have inspired you-where you have drawn and learnt from on a global perspective ?

A:

Prof Sultan Ismail who is known to be an expert in Soil and Earth Worms are a great inspiration for me.

THE INTERVIEWS

73

Interview : bob brewington, brewington farms how does your farm work and your thoughts on community farming ?

Comparing the Organic Farm to a farming system of larger scale and understanding how the process is different in a developed nation was important to be able to proceed forward. This helped with understanding the differences in scale and land sizes. It also brought out a broad view and sense of how communities have been planned and laid out.

Brewington Farms, Indiana is run by Bob Brewington and focuses mainly on single produce crops. The main crop is soy beans and are exported worldwide.

From the 1000 acres of farmland over 800 tons of soy bean is harvested during the season. All of which is stored in the silos (shown on the right) and are maintained at the right temperature until transported to the nearest river. Trucks are used to transport multiple loads of soy which are they carried by boats along the Mississippi and further exported via sea around the world. On having a conversation regarding community farming, Mr. Brewington expressed that it would have been a lot more easier had the farming been done on a community level. “With the amount of machinery and inventory each farmer owns, sharing them during the harvest season would have been the right thing to practice,� said Bob.

1000 acres

74

THE INTERVIEWS

soy bean

F I G 4 8 . S OYA G R A I N S TO R A G E S I LO S | B R E W I N G TO N FA R M S , I N D I A N A - P H OTO G R A P H B Y AU T H O R

THE INTERVIEWS

75

single crop farming vs multi-crop farming

F I G 4 9 . FA R M S I N U S A / / FA R M S I N I N D I A - P H OTO G R A P H S B Y AU T H O R

76

THE INTERVIEWS

F I G 5 0 . A CO M B I N E H A R V E S T I N G S OY AT B R E W I N G TO N FA R M S - P H OTO G R A P H B Y AU T H O R

F I G 5 1 . PA D D Y F I E L D S A N D A FA R M E R S R E S I D E N C E - P H O T O G R A P H B Y A U T H O R

THE INTERVIEWS

77

08 | design approach

design intent

Based on the interviews and site visits conducted and after an in-depth look at the possible program options, designing a residential community centered around a marketplace + community center became the main focus of the project.

A broad view of the master plan is also looked into where the community has been zoned based on stages of development and different building typologies which are included within the program. Allocation for future development with buildings like a school, vertical farms, equipment handling units, storage units etc have also been accommodated as parts of the master plan which do not fall under the scope of this thesis.

The residential units which have been designed were done so considering affability, vernacular architecture, ventilation, use of local material and labor. Courtyards form the main design element based on which all the residence have been planned and detailed.

The community center takes its design inspiration from the large communal water bodies that used to be built in towns, which later became obsolete as shown earlier in the case of the existing pond, now a part of the temple complex in Chennai.

F I G 5 2 . PA D D Y F I E L D S - P H O T O G R A P H B Y A U T H O R

DESIGN APPROACH

79

SITE LOCATION

F I G 53. D I A G R A M M A P S : LO C AT I O N O F I N D I A // TA M I L N A D U A N D I T S B O R D E R S

India, as discussed earlier, sits as one of the most fertile pieces of land on earth.

The site is located in TamilNadu, India. It is one of the southern most states, and is very infamous for its hot summers. My site is located in the coastal region of TamilNadu with the Bay of Bengal being just 25 kilometers away. It is in a region that receives ample rainfall and has a monsoon dependent farming system.

Famous producer of coconut, rice, sugarcane, coffee and salt. The ground is covered in laterite soil and partly in clay. Both these soil types are known for for crops thriving in them.

80

DESIGN APPROACH

tamilnadu climatic conditions

high

v. low

high

moderate

low

medium

low

ground water level

humidity

F I G 54. D I A G R A M M A P S : TA M I L N A D U C L I M AT I C CO N D I T I O N S

low

high

Alluvial

medium

rainfall

laterite clay

soil type

F I G 55. D I A G R A M M A P S : TA M I L N A D U C L I M AT I C CO N D I T I O N S

DESIGN APPROACH

81

SITE LOCATION

F I G 56. D R AW I N G // LO C AT I O N O F M A S T E R P L A N A N D S I T E

The site is situated roughly 80km away from the capital of the state, Chennai. It takes about an hour and a half to get there by road during average traffic hours.

This region is currently home to endless paddy fields and coconut plantations.

There are 3 villages nearby the site and is home to the nearest hospital, school and other similar services. The water-table in the region is very good and is supported by the numerous wells that are in and around the site. Due to villages being large in population, they are divided further into areas based on population and development. The majority of land owned in the region my site is owned by 5 farmers and the rest of the area by another 35 to 40. Based on discussions and interviews with the land owners a program of 45 to 50 residential units of optional bedrooms and a community center with a market place were finalized as the major program of this thesis .

82

DESIGN APPROACH

masterplan//site plan

F I G 57. D R AW I N G // S I T E LO C AT I O N

DESIGN APPROACH

83

FIG 58. SITE PLAN AERIAL - PHOTOGRAPHY BY AUTHOR

84

DESIGN APPROACH

F I G 5 9 . E X I S T I N G PA D D Y F I E L D S O N T H E S I T E - P H O T O G R A P H B Y A U T H O R

DESIGN APPROACH

85

masterplan layout options

option 01

option 02

option 03

F I G 6 0 . M A S T E R P L AY L AYO U T O P T I O N S / / D R AW I N G B Y AU T H O R

The master-plan layout options above were designed based on planning the residential layout within the existing paddy fields and also be radially planned with respect to the community center being the focus of the master-plan. Option 1 goes to dividing the fields in a linear manner while options 2 & 3 are more radially focused.

F I G 6 1 . C O L L A G E S H O W I N G M O D E R N A N D O L D WAY S O F FA R M I N G / / D R AW I N G B Y AU T H O R

86

DESIGN APPROACH

program and requirements The program consists of a fixed set of necessary changes which include the design and development of a residential typology. Through an easy construction system which in turn doesn’t affect the environment in any negative way.

The current population of 40 families will be the part of the farming community that share their land as a common resource and practice multiple cropping as their farming type. Multi-cropping is being proposed as a combination of both subsistence farming and commercial farming. Therefore allowing the farmers to be able to produce food for themselves and also be able to sell the same commercially.

F I G 6 2 . D I A G R A M / / P R O G R A M A N A LY S I S

DESIGN APPROACH

87

master-plan masterplan

FIG 67 3. DR I AAGWRI AN M G / / MMAASSTTEERRPPL LAANN / / R E S I D E N C E L A Y O U T / / C O M M U N I T Y C E N T E R = M A R K E T P L A C E

88 88 D E DS EI GS N I GA N P AP PR PORAOC AHC H

DESIGN APPROACH

89

design intent

The residences for the 40+ families have been planned and allocated within the existing paddy fields. This helps with giving room for some organic development within the residential organization. Village communities tend to grow in a random manner and organizing the dwelling units in this manner helps in planning for a certain extent of randomness that may occur in the future. Developing a loop network around the site has made zoning the master-plan for different phases of development.

The Community Center+Market Place is the focus of the master-plan, its central location and adjacency to the existing main road is key to an increased footfall in the area from residents of neighboring cities and other villages.

The project has 3 main phases :

Phase 1 - The dwelling units Phase 2 - The Community Center Phase 3 - Developing the Multi Cropping farming system on the shared land.

Phase 4 - Farming infrastructure (may include vertical farms in the future).

90

DESIGN APPROACH

F I G 64. D I A G R A M // R E S I D E N C E D E S I G N S T R AT E G Y

DESIGN APPROACH

91

FIG 65. SECTIONS // 3BHK // 2BHK // 3BHK

92

DESIGN APPROACH

FIG 66. DIAGRAM // EXPLODED AXONOMETRIC OF 3BHK RESIDENCE

DESIGN APPROACH

93

residential units : 1 bhk

FIG 67. DRAWINGS // FLOOR PLAN 1BHK

94

DESIGN APPROACH

FIG 68. DRAWING // ISOME TRIC 1BHK

The residences are designed around 4 main rules : 1. There needs to be a courtyard that provides ventilation and light to the house.

2. Sloping roofs facing inward to the courtyards.

3. Openings in bedrooms to be treated like apertures and not just a window.

4. Individual home garden spaces to be alloted per unit DESIGN APPROACH

95

F I G 69//70. 2 B H K D E TA I L M O D E L - P H OTO G R A P H S B Y AU T H O R

96

DESIGN APPROACH

DESIGN APPROACH

97

residential units : 2 bhk

FIG 71. DRAWINGS // FLOOR PLAN 2BHK

98

DESIGN APPROACH

FIG 72. DRAWING // ISOME TRIC 2BHK

The 2 bedroom residential unit comprises of the same elements of design as the 1 bedroom unit. As can be seen from the plans, this unit is an add on to the 1 bedroom unit. This consideration comes from the ties of family in Indian households, as the family grows they don’t separate instead they stay together. To be able to accommodate future growth all the residential units have been planned to cater to easy room additions and increased garden spaces.

DESIGN APPROACH

99

100

DESIGN APPROACH

F I G 73. 2 B H K D E TA I L M O D E L - P H OTO G R A P H B Y AU T H O R

DESIGN APPROACH

101

F I G 74//75//76//77. 2 B H K D E TA I L M O D E L - P H OTO G R A P H S B Y AU T H O R

102

DESIGN APPROACH

DESIGN APPROACH

103

residential units : 3 bhk

FIG 78. DRAWINGS // FLOOR PLAN 3BHK

104

DESIGN APPROACH

FIG 79. DRAWING // ISOME TRIC 3BHK

The 3 bedroom residential unit has an add on of a stairwell beyond the 2nd bedroom. Which leads to the floor above that comprises of the 3rd bedroom and an open terrace. This unit also has an increased garden space. Garden spaces increase in size based on the number of occupants in the unit.

DESIGN APPROACH

105

marketplace+community center

The Marketplace+Community Center takes its spot as the main piece of the community development. This space is mainly designed to be an income generator for the community. It would be the main market in the region and its surrounding areas. People living in cities are known to travel to more rural areas to purchase vegetables and other natural produce because of the superior quality that they are known to have.

The community center which is a part of the market place is the main gathering area for the community. A large multipurpose hall fit with a kitchen and dining area make it easier for the community to hold events, both, as a community and individual families if need be. Since this would be the first development of its kind, dealing with both farming on a large scale through multi-cropping there will be a large interest shown by people to learn more and understand ways in which it can be implemented in different places, possibly in similar ways. 10 rooms have been provided on the second floor of the multipurpose hall. This will also be combined with training rooms and a small lounge/game area.

Lastly, the main feature of the Marketplace+Community Center is the water-body located in the center in the form of a step-well. The region is blessed with a good ground water table and in order to be able to restore it, a step-well which also behaves as a prominent public space has been designed. It also becomes the water-body around which this community has been developed.

FIG 80. DRAWING // COMMUNIT Y CENTER+MARKE TPLACE PLAN DIAGRAM

106

DESIGN APPROACH

DESIGN APPROACH

107

FIG 81. COMMUNITY CENTER MODEL - PHOTOGRAPH BY AUTHOR

108

DESIGN APPROACH

DESIGN APPROACH

109

FIG 81//82//83//84. COMMUNITY CENTER MODEL - PHOTOGRAPHS BY AUTHOR

110

DESIGN APPROACH

DESIGN APPROACH

111

marketplace+community center

FIG 85 COMMUNITY CENTER FLOOR PLAN

112

DESIGN APPROACH

DESIGN APPROACH

113

FIG 86//87. COMMUNITY CENTER MODEL - PHOTOGRAPHS BY AUTHOR

114

DESIGN APPROACH

DESIGN APPROACH

115

116

DESIGN APPROACH

FIG 68. COMMUNITY CENTER MODEL - PHOTOGRAPH BY AUTHOR

DESIGN APPROACH

117

118

DESIGN APPROACH

FIG 89. RENDER - RESIDENTIAL ZONE

DESIGN APPROACH

119

09 | summary

Conclusions

Through the design approach, developing a settlement which later evolves into becoming a community can be achieved through a means of pooling resources and sharing land to be able to cultivate crop together. Scaling up Multi-Crop farming to a community level does prove to be an advantage. Given that the produce is organic and crops can be grown throughout the year, helps the community to sustain through agriculture.

This project is drawn from vernacular elements by using local architectural elements such as courtyards, step-wells and locally sourced construction techniques.

Developing a community where the families are provided with residential options which have room to increase in size as the family grows attributes to the flexibility of spaces, this was a major concern because families grow and there will always be a requirement for additional room in such cases. Planning and orienting the residential units within the existing paddy fields gives freedom for the community to organically grown, this is a step taken to plan for random growth that small Indian village communities generally face.

Having provided a community center+market place as the center of the project brings to life a more meaningful approach to farming, as residents from neighboring cities tend to make their way to rural areas, seeking quality agriculture produce.

This in turn will be a factor that develops the community and allow it to grow, with a possible network of larger farms, vertical farms and even similar dwelling patterns for farmers to adopt in neighboring villages.

F I G 9 0 . M U LT I P U R P O S E H A L L S PA C E S - P H O T O G R A P H B Y A U T H O R

SUMMARY

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10 | bibliography

bibliography “5 Reasons Sustainable Farming Is Important.” Eat Kind (blog), January 5, 2017. http://eatkind.net/5-reasons-sustainable-farming-important/.

“12 Agrihoods Taking Farm-to-Table Living Mainstream.” Shareable.https:// www.shareable.net/blog/12-agrihoods-taking-farm-to-table-living-mainstream.

“13 Vertical Farming Innovations That Could Revolutionize Agriculture.” https:// interestingengineering.com/13-vertical-farming-innovations-that-could-revolutionize-agriculture.

Ranney, Vicky, Keith Kirley, and Michael Sands. “Building Communities With Farms,” n.d., 24.

“Community Supported Agriculture | Alternative Farming Systems Information Center| NAL | USDA.” https://www.nal.usda.gov/afsic/community-supported-agriculture.

“Farming for the Future: Organic and Agroecological Solutions to Feed the World • Friends of the Earth.” Friends of the Earth. https://foe.org/resources/ farming-for-the-future-organic-and-agroecological-solutions-to-feed-the-world/.

“Farming the Future.” Alltech, October 5, 2017. http://ag.alltech.com/en/blog/ farming-future.

F I G 9 1 . R O A D D I V I D I N G FA R M L A N D A N D G R A S S L A N D - P H OTO G R A P H B Y AU T H O R

B I B L I O G R A P H Y 101

“Trending 2050: The Future of Farming | Syngenta Thrive.” http://www.syngenta-us.com/thrive/research/future-of-farming.html.

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