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HomeActivitiesPlanning & ArchitectureArchitecture
Last updated: Nov 6, 2014

Architecture

Architect's dream

The dream of building a new city for the future on a clean slate, with the purpose of promoting research and experimentation alongside integral development, has been attracting architects and students of architecture from all over the world ever since Auroville´s inception in 1968. Not having pre-defined by-laws or being bound by the conventions of human society has allowed a multitude of expressions to manifest in the course of Auroville´s development, as natural extensions of the quest for the new.

Expression of core values

The architecture expressed by the dreams and aspirations of a nation or a community stand as an expression of its core values in matter and the multiplicity of styles and typologies found in Auroville reflect the socio-economic, cultural, ideological, ecological and climatic factors that have shaped us over 3 decades. They present a visual history of our development and evolution for all to see.

Wide range of experiments

Experimentation in building done in Auroville covers various aspects of architecture, and includes building materials, building technology, eco-friendly architecture, climate responsive designs, integration with natural surroundings, cost-effective buildings, geomancy and geometry, as well as the design of spaces themselves, including experimenting with the lifestyle of the user. There has also been spillover into the design and management of building infrastructure, the building of integrated rainwater harvesting systems, domestic waste water treatment plants and the integration of renewable energy systems for energy demands.

Pioneering stage

The buildings of the first decade, which was our veritable pioneering stage, adopted the vernacular building materials of casurina, keet, palm leaf and thatch. The builders took these materials of construction to high forms of self-expression and imagination, and worked in close interaction with the local artisans. The large 'Aspiration' settlement is a lively proof of the durability of experimentation done at the time.

Creative revolution

At the same time, the push to experiment for 'community living' as a step towards the future city, gave rise to 'Auromodèle', which area still remains an architectural exposition of forms and shapes that break the mould of the conventional principle of 'four walls and a roof' habitation. These beginnings provoked a creative revolution in the self-builders of the 70's and the early 80's in experimenting with building materials, technology, design and life-styles.

Applied research

One of the results of this period was serious applied research, and the last decade has seen considerable advances in ferro-cement technology for roofs and interior fittings as well as compressed earth blocks for load bearing structures, some of which have won national design awards and significant grants-in-aid from agencies that support these innovations.

Some descriptions of houses

In order to give you some idea of Auroville's architecture, we offer descriptions of some of its houses and buildings, and will continue in future to do so. The range of expression is immense.

Though dissimilar in aspect, each of the described houses establishes a strong relationship with the environment, with nature, - each on its own terms.

Vision

It is like the Force, the central Force of Auroville, the cohesive Force of Auroville.

  • Evolution of the galaxy concept of Auroville's masterplan
  • Architecture - Words of Wisdom
  • The Galaxy concept of the city
  • Matrimandir - Soul of the City
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Architecture

Earth institute
Auroville Earth Institute (AVEI)
1   aspirationw
Aspiration Community
Sriaurobindoauditorium
Sri Aurobindo Auditorium
Control room 1
Sound Wizard
Th
Transition School: the architect's view
Sawchu1
Sri Aurobindo World Centre for Human Unity (SAWCHU)
W03   unity pavillion
Unity Pavilion: Main Hall
9s
Thatch Roof
Csr
Auroville Building Centre (AVBC)
Collective housing
Collective Housing in the Residential Zone
24bs
Ferrocement & Vermiculite
Whall of peace
Unity Pavilion: The Hall of Peace
W1   front side of future school
Future School: the architect's overview
50s
Experimental Constructions
Sg
Sacred Groves
10bs
Roofing Techniques
Visitorscentre
Auroville Visitor's Centre
Town hall night
Town Hall Complex
Raman logo org
Raman Construction
Kailashresidency
Kailash Youth Residency
W2   ilse
Certitude Residential Area: Houses of Ilse (1998), Louise Hans...
1 w  aurosonhouse
Certitude Residential Area: Auroson's House (1969-70)
Wrika 1
Certitude Residential Area: Rika's House
Wpierogloria 1
Certitude Residential Area: Piero and Gloria's House (1974)
Shyamsunder 1w
Certitude Residential Area: Shyamsunder's House
Wgymnasium2
Certitude Residential Area: Gymnasium and Andy and Gaby's hous...
2011 10 21 presentation water policy by gilles b english 1
Architects
Logo aa grande.jpg web
Accessible Auroville
Health 1
Auroville Health Centre
  • Vision

  • The Auroville Charter
  • A Dream
  • To be a True Aurovilian
  • The Galaxy Concept of the City
  • Matrimandir - Soul of the City
  • Founder: The Mother
  • Visionary: Sri Aurobindo
  • Words of Wisdom
  • Integral Yoga
  • Activities

  • Matrimandir
  • Planning & Architecture
  • Green Practices
  • Education & Research
  • Art & Culture
  • Health & Wellness
  • Social Enterprises
  • Media & Communication
  • Rural Development
  • City Services
  • Community

  • Auroville in Brief
  • Testimonials & Support
  • Organisation & Governance
  • Society
  • Economy
  • History
  • People
  • What You Can Do

  • Visit & Stay
  • Volunteer & Intern
  • Study in Auroville
  • Join Auroville
  • Workshops & Therapies
  • Donate
  • Shop
  • Contact Nearby Centre
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