On March 20th, a group of 25 students from NIT Raipur, accompanied by two faculty members and an assistant, visited Organo Antharam to gain insights into sustainable architecture and design concepts. The students arrived at Antharam, where they were warmly welcomed by the OES team.
Introduction to Sustainability
The visit began with an introductory session led by Mr. Prabhakar Rao, Associate Product Guide at Organo, who provided an overview of the Sapthapatha framework, which highlights the seven fundamental strands of sustainability: Air, Water, Food, Earth, Energy, Shelter, and People. This framework would serve as the foundation for the students' exploration of the site.
Solar Panel and Power Distribution
The group proceeded to observe the solar panels installed on-site, gaining a comprehensive understanding of how renewable energy is harnessed and distributed throughout the community to power the homes. They were also educated on the kilo-watt production variations due to changing weather conditions and the effective grid management system in place, which ensures a stable and reliable energy supply despite fluctuations in solar energy generation.
Group Activity at Rurban Hive
At Rurban Hive, Mr. Prabhakar organized the students into smaller groups, each representing one of the Sapthapatha elements. This hands-on activity helped the students delve deeper into the sustainability aspects tied to each strand.
The students also explored the various sustainable materials and innovative techniques used in the creation of Rurban Hive. They observed the mud-plastered walls, which provide natural insulation and contribute to energy efficiency. The group was introduced to the evaporative cooling system, a passive cooling technique that reduces the need for artificial air conditioning.
The students also examined the air tunnels, a key feature that facilitates natural ventilation, ensuring optimal airflow throughout the space. One of the highlights of the visit was the Temple of Nature, a space designed to connect residents. These elements together demonstrated how Rurban Hive is designed to be an eco-friendly and sustainable living space, blending modern architecture with traditional methods.
The students were then guided to the lawn area, where they had the opportunity to learn about the community’s common amenities. This space serves as a hub for residents, designed to foster interaction and promote a sense of community.
Exploring Architecture and Co-working Spaces
The tour continued with a visit to the God’s Own Office. Here, the students explored the unique architectural design, including coworking spaces, a spa, a kitchen, and water bodies integrated into the layout. These features provided a holistic view of how sustainable and community-focused spaces can be designed.
Pathways and Water Management
The students then walked along the pathways, gaining insights into the surrounding forest ecosystem and its sustainable management. They learned about the drip irrigation system, which efficiently conserves water for the plants. Additionally, they were introduced to the natural role of dried leaves, which act as mulching, helping to retain soil moisture and providing a habitat for various species, thus fostering a thriving eco-system within the community
The students then walked along the canals, gaining an understanding of the community’s water management system, which ensures optimal use of water resources across the entire development.
Insights into Cluster Homes and Sustainable Techniques
The next stop was the cluster homes. Mr. Prabhakar provided a detailed explanation of the staggered housing design, which enhances natural lighting into the homes. He also mentioned the study of wind flow analysis while designing the community. Students observed the curved roads that define the layout of the cluster and were introduced to air cooling techniques used in the Cluster Club. The use of hard-tampered glass for natural lighting also demonstrated the importance of energy-efficient building materials.
Community Farming
The students also explored collective farming at Organo, where they were introduced to the community's approach to sustainable agriculture. They toured the farmland, observing how the cluster homes are strategically positioned to face the farmland, creating a seamless connection between two clusters at a time. This design not only promotes community interaction but also encourages residents to actively participate in farming, contributing to a shared, sustainable food system. The students gained a deeper understanding of how such agricultural practices can play a key role in fostering self-sufficiency and sustainability within the community.
Sustainable Water Systems
The visit also included an in-depth look at the rainwater collection system, which efficiently gathers and stores water in a dug well, ensuring self-sufficiency for the community. Students also learned about the process of greywater recycling, where wastewater is repurposed for landscaping purposes, reducing waste and conserving water resources.
Bio Pool and Recreational Activities
The group then visited the House of Activities, where they explored the creation of a bio pool, a natural water filtration system. Additionally, the students observed various fitness and recreational amenities, such as the gym and indoor badminton court, underscoring the importance of well-rounded, sustainable living spaces.
Q&A Session and Closing Remarks
To conclude the visit, the group reconvened at the Rurban Hive for a Q&A session, where students had the opportunity to engage with the OES team and clarify their doubts. The visit ended with the students enjoying buttermilk provided by the team from Slow Down Place, adding a refreshing and cultural touch to the experience.
This immersive visit to Organo Antharam not only provided valuable insights into sustainable living practices but also offered a firsthand experience of how community spaces can be designed to promote sustainability.
From the Professor’s notebook
Dr Vivek Agnihotri
Associate Professor, NIT Raipur
It was really inspiring for our students as well as for us. It was learning for a lifetime. The visit to Organo Antharam really shed light on doable sustainable solutions for eco habitation through its out of the box implementation. It explained our students that sustainability and market can really go hand in hand when thought with examplery foresightedness.
Thank you for such an insightful tour. Looking forward to some great learnings through your projects in future.
Organo Et School empowers people to embrace eco-living mindsets, behaviors, and habits. We recognize that for any positive impact to be sustainable, it must be long-term and inter-generational.
Organo Et School is a learning initiative set up by Organo in 2017 and has been facilitating field visits and workshops for Schools and Interest Groups. Organo Et School, an experiential learning initiative by Organo since 2017, has impacted over 8000 students, 2000 adults,1250 community residents, and 500 corporate employees.
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