Sharanam

12/8/2011

            Today we went out to a sustainable architecture site called Sharanam.  This was a site that initially, I wasn’t terribly excited for, because I don’t know much about architecture, but learning about the ideas and design behind the building was again, very amazing! 

            Sharanam will serve as an “inspiration training center/community center; complete with a community radio station, general store, and other community office space.  The most impressive building on the site is the great hall with a vaulted arch ceiling that will be used for performances and community celebrations. 

            Sharanam was also nominated by the United Nations as one of the most sustainable buildings in India.   Each and every detail was consciously made to support and enhance the natural surrounding environment.  Even the bricks that make the building were produced on-site with the dirt and soil that was already there.  Surprisingly, to me anyway, India easily faces drought because there are no reservoirs to properly store water.  This site is also designed to catch and store rain water to then be used within the site for all aspects.  Another fun fact – all bathroom waste will be stored in an underground compartment that when full, will be closed (another compartment will then open, and go on alternating), and be left for a year to then be used as fertilizer! 

            What was most impressive about this construction site, was that the project itself has served as a catalyst for change in the villagers.  Many of the workers were extremely poor, and even alcoholics, and were given not only the opportunity to have a job, but to set their own wages (skilled men requested to be paid around 400 rupes a day, that’s about $8 US).  The majority of these workers came into this knowing nothing, and since it’s started, have been taught the skills they need and are being able to be a part of creating something that the whole community can share and enjoy - thus being empowered.