Informal Architecture and Sustainability
When I think of informal architecture, I think of architecture that is created as an adaptation to the landscape, the economy, or the culture of the society. This adaptation usually occurs when a group of people aren’t being provided with the basis of their needs by one of these three factors, so they form a community based on mutual ideas or circumstances. Places such as Slab City which is an off-grid unincorporated community in California known as “the last free place” is home to a variety of people who have created their own rules and culture because they felt a lack of connection to the government and society. These are people have adapted to a life outside of the mainstream society on land that was once a military base in the middle of the desert. They live out of RV’s and have created a community which has amenities such as a makeshift library, internet café, and food establishments. Self-sufficiency in communities such as these is vital. This community is able to survive through the use of solar panels and generators to generate electricity. Clean water is dispensed from the community church and food and income are provided by donations from tourists.
I completely agree that it is often a result of adaptation to the landscape, economy, or culture of a society. The example of Slab City is a fascinating one, as it shows how people can come together and create their own rules and culture when they feel a lack of connection to the mainstream society.
ReplyDeleteI believe that informal architecture has an important role to play in creating more inclusive and functional spaces, particularly in areas where formal architecture may not be accessible or may not meet the needs of the community.
Informal architecture and the examples you have given are all really relevant. I particularly found interest in the mention of off-grid RV living and Vanlife. Not only are these people creating transient homes that fit their specific needs, but also they are using their resources to live sustainably with solar panels, shared communal areas, growing their own food, and low-cost living alternatives. They are also saving a ton of money by living this way as everything in the world is so overpriced and quite frankly, a happier life because it is centered around their wants, likes, and needs. I once began a van build of my own in an attempt to save money and build out a van based on my own unique needs. The goal was to create a home on wheels, designed to my liking, and incorporating sustainable practices like powering everything through solar gain. Unfortunately, time was not on my side and I had to put it on hold, but is always a great way to exercise our design abilities and make a way for sustainable living.
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