A LIVING LIBRARY Learning centre for sustainable learning

Abstract

As of 2020, we have the most advanced technologies, abundance of ‘things’ in terms of - money, facilities, ‘lifestyle’ products, food and so on . Yet the happiness index of the world is at an all time low. Our industrial society has manifested itself through suburbs, factories, parking lots, high rises, office blocks. Slowly the world is coming to realise the damaging impact of this phenomenon on us and the earth. 2.5 million people in India die due to hunger every year. 20% of diseases in India are due to polluted water. Air pollution causes 1.6 million deaths each year. (David Neumann, 2020) The prevailing culture of capital accumulation, climate crisis and the overuse of human labour has left the planet in a disastrous and divided state. What is needed, therefore, is a transformation that overcomes the capitalist economy based on fossil fuels and resource extraction and solves the associated socio-environmental problems. It also requires a new model of prosperity, new forms of energy and food supply, mobility and housing. There is a need to redesign the system in a way that makes everybody ( earth, people, ecosystem) win. To develop this new system, people need to unlearn, to explore, to research, to learn from our nature respecting ancestors, imbibe and adapt traditional wisdom to our lives. Hence a place dedicated to this cause, is something I aim to create through this architecture thesis. This space would be a meeting place for wildlife, for artists, environmentalists, enthusiasts, a space to gather for dreamers and thinkers. A centre for conservation, experimenting with ancient tribal ways. creation, eco design and learning to reconnect with Mother Earth, the people and animals we share the planet with. A centre where researchers, students, families, friends, absolutely anyone can come and learn the sustainable way of life. The rural life coupled with modern development, can significantly improve the quality of life of an individual living anywhere in the world.