Originally written in Kannada
October 21, 2016
Nivasa, an architectural NGO is working towards enabling cost effective, environmental friendly housing solutions for the poor. Akhila Ramesh, Architect and founder of the organisation, is determined to change the condition and appearance of houses built for below poverty line communities.
It’s everyone’s dream to live in an environment that resembles Nandagokula from Dwaparayuga where Krishna was believed to have resided. The depiction of Gokula still remains afresh in the minds of us Indians. This hypothetical scenario of Gokula can also be considered as an ideal concept. Villages that are encompassed of compact yet clean huts, lush greenery, blooming flowers, an environment where people love and trust each other and an ambience that is no less than heaven.
However, this is no longer the situation of villages today. It is a known fact that a good shelter promotes good mental health and good mental health among people promotes positive environment.
Not just in villages, it is not an easy task for the poor to afford a comfortable, dignified housing in urban areas either. Houses in the urban setting are of poor construction quality and inefficiently designed spaces. It is sad that Government provided houses are no better.
'NIVASA' for a change
Is it possible to change these circumstances? Is it possible to build cost effective, comfortable, environmentally friendly, affordable homes for the poor?
Architect Akhila Ramesh, is positive that it is possible. She is striving for better living conditions for the poor through housing and infrastructure but no, she is not a contractor. She has built ‘NIVASA’ an architectural NGO to serve the poor by providing them with humane dignified housing solutions.
Guidance
They research, ideate and design comfortable, cost effective, affordable, climate responsive houses and also provide guidance and training during construction process. Akhila Ramesh and team upon visiting the site, analysing the surroundings and locally available materials will give palette of solutions suitable for the particular location and site.
Usually in rural areas local masons play an important role in planning and building structures. It lacks innovation as it is solely based on local construction practices and local mason’s method of approach and operation and they refuse to deviate from the routine practices.
“People who can afford, assign architects from cities to design and build houses for them, but where does the poor go? Our objective is to give assistance to the poor who cannot afford to hire architects to design efficient spaces for them”- says Akhila.
Support us
"We have vision and creativity, but lack economic stability. If various government departments, non-governmental organizations, social organizations, banks, real estate developers come together with a good cause, we can bring about significant changes in the lives of the poor" says Akhila.
NIVASA’s vision for the next five years is for ‘Project GRIHA' to influence 10 thousand people, to cover 50 villages under “Re-development of Villages” and to enhance lives of 25 thousand people under “Project Suitcase”.
Local Tools
Emphasis on manufacturing bricks onsite and usage of locally available materials including wood etc. The financial condition of the owner is taken in to consideration in the design and construction process. However, there is no compromise in quality of work and design.
Dream chasers
Ms. Akhila Ramesh and Dr. Usha Vasthare are determined to provide dignified and humane living conditions for the poor.
Dr. Usha Vasthare, a neuroscientist from the United States, is now settled in Bangalore and working towards women's self-reliance and mental health awareness. Akhila Ramesh, founder and CEO of NIVASA, is an Architect with Masters in both Urban Design and Project Management from NU, Singapore. She has received MSDS Award and the prestigious CSIM Fellowship award.