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Earthen Building Workshop


 
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A ten-day residential workshop to provide introductory hands-on training in some of the foundational skills of earthen building in the neo-traditional Kangra style of esteemed eco-architect Didi Contractor as practiced at Dharmalaya Institute. Learn to work with earth in an adobe structure, including making and laying adobe bricks, as well as other interior work

 
 

Overview


Program Type : Training workshop (residential)

Topic : Construction of Kangra-style earthen buildings

Dates : 13-19 March 2017

Language : English (with Hindi translation if requested)

Facilitator : Dharmalaya faculty and artisans, e.g. Mark Moore, Naresh Sharma, et al.

Description


Description: Residential service-learning programme at the Dharmalaya Institute providing hands-on training in earthen construction. Learn to build eco-friendly structures in the neo-traditional Kangra style of esteemed eco-architect Didi Contractor, while contemplating our relationship with nature and the values of sustainable and compassionate living. Group meditation sessions morning and evening.

This will be an intensive training programme featuring hands-on workshops during the day and theory/discussions in the evening.

After the introductions, orientation, and general overview of the programme, we will get straight to work doing various hands-on projects around the Dharmalaya campus, including work on two earthen structures that are in various stages of construction. 

The work will include adobe (mud brick) and other natural techniques, and may also include stone, bamboo and slate, and possibly other activities. We will also have theory classes and other presentations, discussions, and explorations. 

Activities


What to Expect


Activities might include the following (depending on weather and circumstances):

  • Hands-on training in Kangra-style neo-traditional earthen architecture, which may include (depending on circumstances):

    • Making proper earthen mixes using local best practices

    • Making adobe bricks

    • Adobe masonry (earthen bricklaying)

    • Earthen renders (mud plasters)

    • Wood/bamboo finishing work (sanding, varnishing, etc.)

    • Flooring (soling, slate tiling, polishing, etc.)

  • Water management (possibly drainage and gutter work, rainwater harvesting, etc.)

  • Possibly a session or two of organic gardening or tree planting (weather permitting)

  • Other activities that vary with each programme

  • Rustic forested setting with a clean and simple ashram lifestyle in which everyone contributes to the running of the place, including cooking, cleaning, washing dishes and toilets, etc.

  • The days will be completely full: You’ll wake up early, work hard till 5:00pm, and then the evenings during the intensive training week will be occupied with presentations and discussions.

  • You’ll spend the whole twelve days at the Dharmalaya Institute without leaving, in order to make the most of our short time together, and for the first six days you won’t have much personal time. So, prepare yourself mentally for being focused and squeezing the maximum learning out of every moment.

  • You will be working with your hands and body (including plenty of honest hard work!) for approximately six or seven hours per day on most days of the programme, so it is strongly recommended to be in reasonably good physical fitness when you arrive, and you should bring work clothes.

  • Architecture and design students please note: The focus is not on design, but rather on doing real-world work to gain understanding of the materials, methods, and underlying principles of vernacular eco-architecture.

Please note: This is a very short introductory workshop, and only a few elements of earthen building practice can be covered in such a short span of time. For those who are serious about learning and practicing the techniques of earthen building, we strongly recommend staying after the end of the programme to volunteer during the extended practicum period (until as late as 1st June) so that you can deepen your understanding and improve your skills by doing real-world, hands-on work alongside our local village artisans here on the Dharmalaya campus. An even more comprehensive option for those with serious interest is to take multiple workshops and consider applying for our Internship in Vernacular Eco-Architecture and/or our Earthen Masonry Training Course

Cost


The fee for the workshop is Rs 7000/-, inclusive of tuition, healthy meals, and comfortable accommodation in shared tents or dormitories (and sometimes a private room may be available at additional cost). Transportation costs are not included. For low-income participants, a limited number of work-study positions are available (please contact us for details).

Important Information


Before you pack for your trip to Dharmalaya Institute, please read the very important information on our Visitor Info page and our FAQ. If you have a specific question that is not answered there, contact us here and we’ll be happy to answer.

NOTE FOR STUDENTS SEEKING CERTIFICATES: This is not a certificate course. No certificate or letter will be provided (no exceptions).


Application, registration & payment


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6 August

Earthen Interiors 3 : Features & Finishing