`Rubble to Renewal'
An Architecture of Hope

- A Personal View.    Brinda Somaya

The construction work for the new houses began in August 2001. Today over 60 houses are complete and are now being used. Each owner has made his own modifications to his home, with our help, to fit onto his site. The costs are as below.

Approximate Costs:
(US $ 1 = approximately Rs. 50/-)

· `A' Type - 250 Sq.ft - Rs. 66,500/-
· `B' Type - 350 Sq.ft - Rs. 82,000/-
· `C' Type - 401 Sq.ft - Rs. 91,500/-
· `D' Type - 450 Sq.ft - Rs. 1,02,000/-
· School - Approximate - Rs. 34,00,000/-
· Community Center - Rs. 20,00,000/-

· Total No. of Houses being built. - 120.

After the completion of the houses the villagers on their own did not start any type of embellishment of their houses. The embellishment of homes takes place in various parts of Kutch, but somehow perhaps due to the trauma of the last year that was not happening. As Architects we wanted to bring that cheer and colour and the sense of identity back into their homes. We first thought we would motivate them with the idea of a competition, but that did not get any response. There was one Muslim family who were staying in their "Bunga" (mud hut) while their home was being built. The Bunga had patterning and this family showed keen interest in wanting to bring in colour to their home. We brought in paint and soon other villagers collected to see what this homeowner was doing to his house. Soon, a Hindu homeowner got enthused and brought in his friend who was an artist in the adjoining village. His house soon got worked on many faces and the process had begun. These two homes had worked as catalysts for the rest of the village. Slowly, but steadily other villagers began the creative process in their own ways on their homes. Doors, windows, interior walls, floors, all got articulated. The colours & designs were their own choice. Materials used included brickbat coba patterns on the floor, white & coloured mud plaster designs for the walls & cement & oil paint for door s & windows. Some created the `tulsi' platform outside and the creation of individual identity of their homes took place. Our job was now complete and the villagers could take over. We could now proceed with the construction of the school and the community centre. The villagers would take care of their homes themselves. By rebuilding their homes in their original location we preserved the identity of the homeowners and the village itself. ... back to page 01

Also read about:

Kutch: A Brief Overview

Rehabilitation and reconstruction

Bhadli Village: Rehabilitation Plans

Facilities that require repair and upgradation

Proposed Plan for the Rehabilitation of Bhadli Village

The Village in Pieces - A visual presentation

Completed Houses

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