Saving The Hot Springs

 

PROBLEM:

The Tansa River basin is a region just north of the metropolis of Mumbai, significant geologically and ecologically. The area is well known for religious and recreational reasons. The zoning of a large area here under a Recreation and Tourism Development tag has created several problems that are damaging the areas sensitive ecology, hot springs and local communities.

SOLUTION:

An assessment of local socio-economic and ecological conditions was available and with our own survey team, we were able to come up with additional recommendations for an on-the-ground approach to solutions for the multi-faceted problems in the region.

Working on available geospatial maps and analysis, and using a landscape ecology approach, we suggested steps for continued use of riparian habitats for hospitality and utilitarian purposes, while creating the conditions for the ecology to repair itself.

We await the beginning of the pilot projects suggested, so we can prove the strength of an ecodesign approach to regional development.

Client: Kamala Raheja Vidyanidhi Institute of Architecture (KRVIA)/Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development Agency(MMRDA)
Location: Vashi, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Date: 2011
Link: www.krvia.ac.in,
www.mmrda.maharashtra.gov.in



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Mahagaon Stream works

PROBLEM:

For a 50 acre development project in rural Maharashtra, it was important to use the allotted 8 acre recreation zone for the use of new owners and for visitors to a planned eco-resort.

Seasonality of streams and abandoned farm plots with no system for trails or amenities made it difficult for development work to be done. There were not many existing trees and a planting plan would have to created.

Stream systems were in need of guidance and cleaning, and landscapes needed mending and planning.

SOLUTION:

By studying and documenting the landforms and waterflows, we were able to understand the seasonal flow of water and opportunities for ecological restoration.

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Along with the restoration of land, we planned and guided the stream systems, and deepened and created natural swimming holes where possible, for small and large groups in different sections of the landscape, as an arrangement for visitors.

A trail system was designed and developed, which would minimize the impact of foot traffic on the land.

Planting plans were drawn up using native and edibles species, and streamside plants were added to check monsoon erosion.

Concept sketches for bamboo constructions were drawn up and additional hospitality spaces marked on a map, to allow for decentralized hospitality operations for the eco-hotel.



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The Taly Farm

PROBLEM:
Our clients wanted to create an ecologically sensitive outdoor space for their farmhouse that could allows them to live and entertain others safely (several venomous snake species occur here), without damaging what existed on site. The main problems faced on the site were due to the slope of the land, issues with basic maintenance of infrastructure and gardens, and proximity of this site to forest land. Due to these factors, much of the site could not be used.

Aggressive seasonal growth of forest plants and grasses was a concern as they quickly took over the conventionally planted landscapes. The lack of water on site was also one of the larger issues to maintaining the gardens, and conversely during the monsoon, handling the mammoth amounts of water coming through the property and eroding the soil was a concern.

SOLUTION:
We used an ecological restoration approach for this site, and worked on minimizing spaces that could create human-animal conflict. We provided landscape options with the possibility of edibles and conventional species working together with the forest plants that would grow here.

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Using native species which could handle drought conditions and provide a seasonal hue and create competition for the aggressively invasive tall grasses also helped. A design was created to break the flow of water that ran through the property, and diversions made so that we could use this water on other areas of the property. We also created water holding basins to collect soil washed off from above the property.

These 'natural ponds' can be dried, silt collected, and this eroded soil from the mountain slopes (rich in organic debris) can be used on site, thus lessening the need to bring in soil from elsewhere. Besides silt collection, these ponds were created with aesthetics in mind, people using them as recreational spots to “chill out” in during the heat of the day, or as good spots for conversation and socializing outdoors in the evening, with the right lighting.



Client: Shamima and Mukul Taly
Location: Kalote, Maharashtra, India
Date: 2008



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Ecolodge Mapping and Planning

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PROBLEM:
The need for the client was to understand the possibility of using this 32 acre site in rural lands as a place to set up a hospitality operation. Additionally due to the land being totally degraded, it was necessary to plan actions and options for development toward creating a budget for development and for the creation of a full fledged forest within 3-5 years..

SOLUTION:
By studying and documenting the flora and fauna,land slopes and waterflows, we were able to understand the seasonal flow of water, and opportunities for reforestation. We spoke to local villagers and found out more about how they use their lands and what kinds of foods can be grown as well as local native edibles.

The designs we provided the client with information on water harvesting and best storage capabilities and options. Along with this, we provided site selections for hospitality based on minimizing damage to the water flows (which could be used for hospitality) and also created a design which would allow for how to use the seasonal flows and storage spaces to create perennial water for the site so as to allow for quick regeneration of forest on the land.

Client: Mr. Sanjeev Karambelkar/Manas Lifestyle
Location: Kasara, Maharastra, India
Date: 2008



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Tribal/Tourism Development

PROBLEM:
Lack of infrastructure and connectivity in this remote region is a problem for development. Added to this, local communities and NGOs in tribal development, though interested, are not able to put in place the infrastructure required to conduct tourism and bring in travellers and investment.

There is little work in the area, and with very little earning here, the men must take up seasonal work as labourers in cities. This spawns habitual alcohol use among the men who return (they pick up the habit in the city), and is creating a social fragmentation within the community, which is otherwise an alcohol-free social structure.

SOLUTION:
We studied the needs of the local community and put together a list of requirements for the NGO working in this area, including architecture and basic infrastructure required for visitors based on what they told us.

By studying and documenting local flora and fauna and understanding the capabilities of the local communities, as well as looking at local resources and industries, we were able to design products and architecture (including retrofits for existing structures) that showcased local skills and design as well as reflected the beauty of this area's natural resources.

Additionally, we spent time with the villagers and sensitised them on the effects of alcohol abuse, and also explained to them and the NGO how the local's immense knowledge of their flora and fauna and inner workings of the forest are a resource not to be taken lightly, and this should be put to use to teach and guide urban citizen toward seeing more and understanding the intricacies of living with nature, something we believe we will all need to learn soon.

Client: Watershed Organization Trust (WOTR)
Location: Purushwadi, Maharashtra, India
Date: 2007
Link: www.wotr.org


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The Rural Fungus Development Project

Toward the goal of restructuring rural development (towns, villages) in a sustainable manner.

Our clients would be governments, countries, farmer co-ops (or co-op agencies)

Approach would be quick survey, stay+map+plan+develop.

This would allow for cellular reconnection for fungi across the landscape matrix.

Borer Bling: Alternative Livelihoods - Forestry/NTFP

Problem:

Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis) has been destroying valuable Ash trees across large swaths of landscapes in North America since its introduction into this non-native habitat in 2002.

Monitoring and management strategies (like the purple traps) are being drawn up as this non-native insect chews its way through forests. What else is possible?

Solution:

Small and interesting interventions are possible when working in redesigning forestry and alternative livelihood and employment creation is always high on our list. Why would farmers want to conserve wild lands unless there is a reason to do so?

Case study?

Beetle Bling - A one of a kind (OOAK) jewellery line made from a close relative of the Emerald Ash Borer.

The genus Agrilus is among the jewel beetles, and although some may not be particularly amazing on the outside, they are still a very valuable resource when looked at closely, especially when looked at through the eyes of jewellery design.

This could be an example for control and management of populations, but more importantly can become part of a larger effort to manage forests and rural lands through alternative livelihoods which depend closely on forestry and allied non-timber forest products (NTFP).

Once the armour is removed, the drab wing case makes way for beautiful blue wings, which unfortunately are quite fragile and dont make it far.

Then emerges the strange exoskeleton suit, with reflective surfaces that 'glow' at an angle

Pop some metal in, problem solved.

 From the looks of it there may even be a ready market for OOAK products, and even better, live versions. - http://www.odditycentral.com/news/maquech-beetles-mexicos-controversial-living-breathing-jewelry.html