10/10/2010

Mud Housing Project - SPARC

The city of Harappa had a sophisticated drainage system perhaps as early as 6,000 years before the present
Well in the citadel of Harappa
 Source of images: http://www.andaman.org/BOOK/F1-IndusCivilization/indus.htm#harappa



'History
The MHP was initiated through SPARC (local NGO) in 2010, but it has a history, which began in 1990 in a village development project (Thatta Kedona) in the district of Okara (Gogera) in southern Punjab.


The mud construction has a long tradition (Harappa) in this region and it is still used extensively in the rural areas. However it has not developed further due to the influences of the city culture. Double storeyed mud constructions are however found very seldom. This although mud housing has many positive-construction biological properties and it is much more energy efficient than constructions of baked bricks and steel concrete.

Purpose of the Project
Purpose of the MHP is to emphasize the usefulness and importance of mud construction in city development.

Usefulness
An attempt is being made in cooperation with architecture students of PU, COMSATS, BNU, NCA and a constructor (Thekedar) from Harappa-Museum to develop solutions on the basis of a traditional mud hut, which would ultimately lead to a change in urban development strategies.

Implementation
As a start, construction was started at the premises of the Peersada Cultural Complex; the mud construction serves as accomodation for the handicraft workers.

In cooperation with SPARC and the DGFK (german NGO's), support through the SES (Senior Expert Service) in Bonn and the German embassy in Islamabad was obtained.

Current Importance

The MHP has gained additional importance due to the consequences of the recent floodings in Pakistan.

Short term aims
Help is necessary. Financial means are to be used effectively, local solutions are to be found, the daily requirements (e.g. hot water, cooking, etc.) are to be considered. Possibilities of using Appropriate Technology are to be explored.

Long term aims
The MHP should be understood as the initial flame and its aim to urgently establish a facility for experimental construction, which requires availability of suitable piece of land.

For various reasons, the implementation has to done in steps. The first steps have been taken.'

No comments: