ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses housing design initiatives using degrowth ecological and social principles in a subtle manner, engaging professional architects in changing building practices and processes, specifically in Bengaluru (Karnataka, South India). Bengaluru (once known as Bangalore) has seen massive growth in its population and economy over the last 25 years, resulting in politico-economic challenges associated with unsustainable urbanisation. This chapter explores the alternative of building affordably and creating resilient futures by examining various resources and techniques of construction based on the experience of a well-established architectural practice in Bengaluru. The new construction practices focus on lower embodied energy, emitting less carbon, incorporating waste as a resource and integrating respect for biodiversity. Biome Environmental Solutions designs buildings with a preference for making compressed stabilised earth blocks from earth sourced from space made for the basement. Rain water is harvested, used and recharged. The wastewater is treated on the site and used as nutrient-rich additive for landscaping and growing food. Moreover, the collaborative relationship with skilled workers on such dwellings contrasts with conditions in the mainstream commercial building sector.
