Creating Self Sufficient Structures

Aim: To look for a building typology that can sustain: the basic energy and water
demands of human beings and their environment.

Objectives:

1. Make the architecture of the building responsible for continuous supply of

water and electricity.
2. Expose what a building is beyond space/shelter.
3. See people focusing their time and efforts on the essentials of life rather than
the luxuries of life.
4. Regenerate the used resources for utilization.
5. Learn from the developed countries’ current energy demand and its self-
sufficiency.

Research Questions:

1. What is the contribution of current built structures for the defined problem?
2. Is it possible to integrate self-sufficiency with architecture in Indian context?
3. Can a space be created to be self-sufficient?

Introduction

Imagine 20 years in future. Does an apocalyptic planet or a world run by machines

come to mind? If we keep exploiting Earth’s resources without thinking of the
consequences, we are heading for a dystopian society.

But herein, today, we can do our bit to prevent this from happening. Self-sufficiency
of structures is a solution we can opt for to save our environment and live a
sustainable life.

Due to the system of capitalism and excessive consumption that is prevalent in most
societies today, people have largely become materialistic and have developed an
insatiable desire to accumulate material possessions. This has resulted in
degeneration of health, community and home environment.

The following study is conducted on the role of architecture in developing self-

sufficient living. This is due to the impact of consumerism on society and its
subsequent effect on the way some people live their lives. It has been noted by
personal observations that the impact of excessive consumption is far reaching and
becoming self-sufficient can be seen as possible alternate lifestyle choice. It is
hoped that this study may reveal information to encourage self-sufficiency within
urban environments on a larger scale.

By studying the role of architecture in self-sufficient living we may further understand

the benefits and disadvantages of this lifestyle within urban areas and its ability to
create sustainable living environments. This in turn may reduce the ecological
footprint of buildings as occupants would consume less.
Literature Case Studies

1. Indira Paryavaran Bhawan, Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF), New

Delhi
2. Great Kneighton: A Case Study in Sustainable Drainage
3. Study on future techniques: Competition entries by The Institute for Advanced
Architecture of Catalonia.
4. The BIQ house: Algae powered façade
5. Cascadia Centre for Sustainable Design, Seattle