The Humanscapes Habitat Urban Living project, developed by Auroville Design Consultant, is an ambitious endeavor aimed at creating a sustainable and integrated urban living model. Positioned as an applied research and demonstration project, it seeks to serve as a benchmark for habitat development in the face of pressing global challenges such as energy scarcity and climate change.
Objectives and Sustainability Goals
At its core, the project aims to pioneer sustainable practices in urban habitat development. Key objectives include:
- Low-Embodied Energy Building: Emphasizing the use of local building materials and skills to reduce embodied energy in construction.
- Renewable Energy Generation: Creating net energy-positive residences through the adoption of renewable energy sources.
- Resource Efficiency: Zero-discharge water systems, solid waste reduction and recycling, drought-resistant landscaping, and urban agriculture.
- Integrated Living and Workspaces: Integrating work and living spaces to minimize point-to-point travel and promote clean mobility options like e-vehicles.
Sustainable Development Pillars
The project is built upon four foundational pillars of sustainable human settlement:
- Sustainable Built Environment: Incorporating solar passive building envelopes, efficient space usage, and low embodied energy materials to reduce environmental impact.
- Integrated Environmental Planning: Zero-discharge water systems, solid waste reduction and recycling, water-efficient landscaping, and organic urban agriculture.
- Human Ecology: Embracing the Cohousing concept to foster neighbor interaction, social inclusion, and environmental stewardship.
- Knowledge Sharing and Collaboration: Establishing the ‘SustaiNet’ network to facilitate knowledge exchange among academia, professionals, and stakeholders.
Creating a Blueprint for Sustainable Urban Living
Through its holistic approach and emphasis on sustainability, the Humanscapes Habitat Urban Living project aims to redefine urban living paradigms. By integrating ecological principles, community engagement, and innovative technologies, it strives to pave the way for a more harmonious and resilient urban future.
