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Speaking of earth and sustainability

Last Updated 28 April 2016, 18:39 IST

Architect Chitra Vishwanath tells Pooja Mahesh about the importance of designing earth-based structures for long-term ecological benefits

Chitra Vishwanath is a Bengaluru-based architect who has been designing earth-based structures across the country with Biome Solutions, a firm which focuses on ecology, architecture and water. “My father who was a sculptor guided me towards architecture. It was a natural progression from doing economical to
economical ecological,” reveals Chitra.

What makes it unique is that earth-based material is well suited for local conditions, is labour intensive and locally available. Additionally, it is an economical material in various uses and has low environmental impact, both during and after construction. Other advantages are that it is low on embodied energy (internal energy), ecological footprint and carbon emission. In an interaction with Deccan Herald, Chitra demystifies some of the concepts.

Excerpts:

For construction purposes, how versatile are earth-based materials?
Earth is the most versatile material available on this planet. It can be moulded into a brick, can be a continuous wall as well as be daubed and used. No other material can lend itself to varieties of this nature — except of course concrete — at a lowest possible embodied energy.

How important are sustainable structures in urban settings?
As many as 70% of the buildings in Bengaluru are residential; so it does make sense that these be sustainable. A sustainable home would use lower amount of resources to be built with and will consume lower water and energy. We have consumed irresponsibly far too long and it is time to give back. And we must begin from our homes.

Many are wary of such homes...

People need to be wary of climate change and the future they leave behind for their children. What I see is the fear of change in lifestyle and aspirations — this needs self-motivation and knowledge of the negative action of consumptive self-
absorbed lifestyle and use of common sense. Sustainable homes will provide the limited resources for more and for longer duration.

Starting with small steps...

Install rainwater harvesting and wastewater treatment systems in homes and apartments. Install composting systems, dig up concrete and plant. Feed and
water the plants with compost and treated wastewater. Reduce electrical consumption — switch to LEDs. Live by the solar cycle. These are small but
definitely doable changes.

How are traditional building materials re-invented in contemporary architectural practices?

There is a need to critically assess what we term as traditional materials and
techniques. All traditional materials and techniques are products of the ecosystem they belong to. Bricks were made from silt from flooded plains or desilted tanks and available agricultural waste was the fuel. Lifestyle and urban planning changes the way we interact with the ecosystem. As the need for bricks for construction increased, agricultural lands were eroded and trees cut for fuel, thereby impacting both agriculture and forests. This is a small and basic corollary, but hope it gives one an idea of the ecosystem and the material we build with.

What’s the way out?

The need and availability should be balanced. The need is for a roof over one’s head and we are building beyond the need and at costs which cannot be afforded by many and can only repeatedly be afforded by few. These kinds of structures put pressure on the limited resources available, making them inaccessible for the needy. The costs increase due to scarcity and due to scarcity in the closer environment, materials tend to be sourced from afar, therefore widening the net of negative externality.

How can one employ local natural resources in an optimal way?

Cities are our future and cities have to be the quarries; the materials cities generate should be our natural materials. What is best now need not be so in 10 years’ time; optimal is a shifting goal post. So, the best way is to work with the time, context and designs, which benefit many. For building a sustainable home, both architects and homeowners need to consider frugality and equity. In India, we need to respect the labour through design and wages. Contexts change and use of soil for construction adapts to these changes. Soil is versatile and can be adapted — it depends upon the scale and techniques a homeowner is willing to use and live by.

Relevance in the Indian scenario...

Earth-based constructions are low in embodied energy, carbon footprint and pollution. India needs to build a lot and we need to seriously look at the resources to build with. Making earthen construction a norm would go a long way in building a sustainable future. Earthen constructions have a limit of scale with respect to availability of the resource, which will also then define the water and energy needs. This way, not only will the building be ecological, it will also be an ecosystem.
 

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(Published 28 April 2016, 17:13 IST)

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