Modernising indigenous architecture with Arulville

Architects in India are proving that rural areas can be transformed into trendy hotspots with a novel concept known as Smart Village. With a bit of planning and dedication, the idea is to convert villages into fully facilitated modern destinations that would encourage city dwellers to relocate for better living. 
The scheme is in response to congested cities in India such as Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai that are letting out a cry for help due to overcrowding. Remote villages could soon turn into bustling centres complete with facilities to support modern lifestyles, as the project currently basks in conceptual stage. 
Interestingly, these ventures are sprouting from the minds of people with urban and non-agricultural backgrounds who want to do more for the country than just offer temporary philanthropic gestures. 
Arulville, established by founder Anthony Raj and set in Mudaliarkuppam-ECR (about 85km south of Adayar, just beyond MARG Swarnabhoomi), is one example leading the phase. With a strong focus on architecture, the project incorporates functionality where traditional building techniques are tweaked with contemporary practices. As a result, these dwellings feature an auto-climate control and functionality, which are native to indigenous set-ups, and bring guests closer to nature while catering to their daily needs. 
A closer inspection at the layout of these establishments reveals materials such as clay, mud, reusable concrete rafters, coconut fibres, etc. used on pillars, walls and roofs to create a low-carbon, well-ventilated buildings. Adding to its environment-friendly cause, the trees in the vicinity were left untouched during construction, and excavated mud pits on site were converted to lily ponds and areas to harvest grey water. 
Arulville is composed of a large living room, which could be used as a convention room, verandas, courtyard, amphitheatre and private quarters, offering a warm blend of community space and relaxing getaway. Raj's journey with the hub further inspired him to establish the Centre for Indigenous Architecture, a consultation firm that focuses on constructing and managing heritage sites paired with technology and modern concepts of utility and décor. 
With the country now well connected via digital means, smart village concepts like Arulville could encourage modern lifestyles away from the city without disrupting job responsibilities and potentially curb increasing real estate costs in metropolitan areas. From another perspective, aside from restoring villages, it could also generate revenue, support farmers and enhance the country's agriculture sector.
- farhana@khaleejtimes.com

SERENE LIVING: Arulville offers a warm blend of community space and relaxing getaway.