ASF-UK/SEEDS Workshop 2008

: Langasu Primary School (GPJKP School)

In June 2008 Architecture Sans Frontières-UK (ASF-UK), in partnership with SEEDS India (Sustainable Environment and Ecological Development Society) and GPJKP organized a workshop called ‘Vulnerability and Risk: Rebuilding after Disaster’ in Langasu Village, Chamoli, Uttarakhand. The participants engaged in a complex 2 week programme of investigation, design, procurement, negotiation and construction of a small intermediate shelter behind the GPJKP Primary School. The shelter would serve not only as a prototype for the local community but also as an additional classroom for the school. The group also looked at designing solutions for retrofitting the existing school for earthquake resistance and to begin designs for a model school.

: The participants outside the almost complete shelter

Click on the link below to download the full workshop report:

ASF-UK/SEEDS Back to School Report

In April 2009, ASF-UK, SEEDS India and GPJKP worked together again to put forward a proposal expand and upgrade the school to be a locally relevant, safe and sustainable environment which can act as a Village Knowledge Centre within the community. If the school is retrofitted to resist the forces of earthquakes and other threats it will not only be a safer school, but can act as a Village Knowledge Centre/Emergency Refuge Shelter which can be available to the community in a future disaster.

The building will be a model of appropriate environmental technology as well as disaster resistant techniques. The technology will be easily readable in the design and construction of the building, so that it is possible to replicate by the community in their own homes.