Habitat Technology Network
A Video Based Technology Demonstration on Alternative Methodologies of Building
The Habitat Technology Network was established in 1995
by Mr. Anil Laul to make films on Alternative and Appropriate
construction materials and methods. Since its inception, twelve
films have been completed and circulated. These films address
issues ranging from planning concepts, environmental concerns,
construction techniques and their evolution, to innovative
approaches in design and detailing. These films cross link the
rationale of the past as contained in the Vastuvidya and
corelate these to the forms of management of human settlements
as propagated in the Arthshastra(an ancient text prescribing
forms of social management and governance) . Made keeping all
practioners of architecture in mind, these films have been very
positively received by institutions worldwide. These have been
used as instructional manuals by the CPWD (Central Public Works
Department) Training Centres and Building Centres all over the
country.
The mandate for documentation of materials and technology was
given to BMTPC (Building Materials and Technology Promotion
Council) and HUDCO (Housing and Urban Development Corporation), who
failed to produce the necessary material. The initial films were
based on the pioneering work in cost- effective technologies being
carried out at the Nizamuddin Building Centre, chaired by Mr. Anil
Laul. Subsequently the entrepreneurial Anangpur Building Centre was
set up in order to be independent of government restrictions. This
Centre continues to carry out constant research and development of
new technologies without on a self sustaining basis. The Habitat
Technology Network now functions under the aegis of the Anangpur
Building Centre. We feel that there is a dire need for awareness
where appropriate technology is concerned and that the best way of
comprehension is to see the process of construction - a 'hands-on
approach'. These films therefore document work and the manufacture
of products as is being implemented by the Anangpur Building Centre.
Several other individuals who have begun to subscribe to this
working methodology also are now being covered by HTN so as to
guage the problem areas and refine our working sytems as we go
along.
Cost-effective materials and technologies have wrongly been
misconstrued as low-income architecture with low quality and
poor aesthetics. The technologies developed at the Anangpur Building
Centre are aesthetically appealing and appropriate for high-income
groups as well. The technologies propagated have been amply
demonstrated through their use
in farmhouses and resorts as well as slum resettlement schemes.
In fact appropriateness of the technology developed lies in its
use by all sections of society. Thus the films would be of relevance
to people with varying interests. The films can be availed of from
the following address:
A worldwide update on interesting new projects using alternative
technology and techniques being evolved by various agencies/groups/
individuals.
Step by step documentation of selected demonstration projects to
help understand and demystify the techniques and methods of the
construction process and the use of materials and their
evaluation/application.
Conversations with decision makers, architects, designers and
actual users, who influence the building industry today.
Features on innovative new building products of interest and
relevance to builders and designers and actual users.
Shot and produced on Hi- Band U-Matic (broadcast quality) we
provide you VHS copies of the films in the PAL format. The
present price of the films, though uneconomical for us, is
Rs. 800.00 per film. The furhter discounted cost per film, for
online subscribers, is Rs.700.00 per film. For overseas buyers
these are available at $30 each (inclusive of postage). These
can also be availed of as a subscription for 12 films at an
economy price of Rs. 8000 or $300 for overseas buyers.
We encourage people to write back to us with all their queries and thoughts. We realise the importance of clarifying any doubts you might have regarding the various aspects of appropriate material and technology use. After every couple of months we gather all your feedback and try to assimilate it as the main subject of a later issue. This will ensure steady participation of the subscribers in these path-breaking efforts as also our ability to provide an answer to doubts experessed by our viewers. We welcome queries from architects with a bent of mind towards appropriate technology, so as to set up a continuous on line development process.
List Of Habitat Technology Network Films
ISSUE NO. 1 | RAM LOCHAN TILE | SWARAN SINGH BLOCK
SWARAN SINGH BLOCK | ASH: CASH OR TRASH? | THE BIG THIRST
SO FAR SO GOOD | THE PERMANENT BOND | ART-ECO-TECTURE THE HUNDERTWASSER WAY
GRAMAWAS'95 | BORN OUT OF MUD | FUNICULAR FUNDAMENTALS
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This Page was created by Rahul Razdan on Saturday, January 17, 1998
Most recent revision Saturday, March 14, 1998