Eco community centre, Kaza, Spiti valley

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KAZA ECO-COMMUNITY CENTRE Authors: Swati Negi, Lara K. Davis Date: November 14, 2014

Located in the rain shadow of the Greater Himalayas, adjacent to Tibet on the eastern border and Ladakh on the north, the valley of Spiti is one of the least populated regions in India, with a population of ~10,000 scattered over an area of ~7,500km². The mountainous desert climate and geographical complexity of this region combine into a barren landscape with virtually no uncultivated trees. Having been functionally isolated for centuries, the local culture is introverted with highly collective social patterns. The remoteness of the valley and abject scarcity of resources have been the dominant factors driving vernacular innovation towards appropriate resource management. This is best exemplified by Spiti‟s material and energy efficient building practices. Kaza, the sub-divisional headquarters of Spiti (population ~ 3000) is situated along the bank of the Spiti River at an altitude of ~3,600m above mean sea level. The village is an important trading post with a modest market drawing vendors and tourists throughout the summer. The warmth and kindness of the local people along with the virgin allure of the mountains have contributed to making Spiti an ever more popular tourist destination. By consequence, this remote region has been burdened by the problematic market forces driving development today in India. Like most Indian villages, Kaza is growing rapidly with little regulation to protect its recent past heritage as a small mountain village of 13 large families with abundant farmland. Joan Pollock, founder of the charitable organisation „Spiti Projects‟, has dedicated 21 years of her life to assist in improving the health and living conditions in Spiti (e.g. including improving access to education, clothing, medication, etc.). The organisation‟s many years of collaboration with local people – as well as sensitive knowledge of the local culture, religious beliefs and basic ideals governing lifestyle – has given it a unique insight into the needs of the present and future generations in the local community. These years of discussion with the Spiti people have culminated in the project of the Eco-community centre. This project was designed and built by the Auroville Earth Institute (AVEI), the representative for Asia of the UNESCO Chair “Earthen Construction, Constructive Cultures & Sustainable Development”. AVEI, founded by Satprem Maïni in 1989 and based in Auroville (near Pondicherry), South India, is a global leader in the development of alternative earth based construction techniques. Comprised of an architecture department, a research cell and training program, AVEI specialises in a wide range of vernacular and modern earth based construction techniques, including compressed earth block, rammed earth, poured earth, alternative foundations for buildings, etc. The Kaza Eco-community Centre aims to offer amenities for the local people to strengthen local cultural heritage, while providing access to certain essential facilities for health care and community oriented services. The main motive of the building is to hybridise vernacular technologies and modern innovation, to build upon the rich local building culture and provide modest new innovation appropriate to the context. The participation of local craftsmen and masons is critical. By valorising traditional building practice, it is possible to challenge the unsustainable new trends in construction in the area, to dissolve myths about the longevity of earth buildings and to question the appropriateness of industrial building materials like reinforced concrete for the climate of Spiti. The valley remains cut off for the better part of winter, as the passes are closed due to heavy snowfall. The limitation of mobility poses a challenge particularly for medical emergencies. Although Kaza has a government hospital, it has limited staff and infrastructure. The community centre includes an eye clinic and a dental clinic, as these facilities are currently not satisfactory in the valley. At present there is no fully functional dental facility in Spiti, which forces the locals to travel all the way to Shimla or Manali for assistance i.e. ~200km on extremely rough roads. Many locals have severe eye damage due to prolonged exposure to direct and reflected UV light in the high altitude, snow-covered climate.


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Eco community centre, Kaza, Spiti valley by swati negi - Issuu