Twelfth Global Studies Conference

Abstract

The concept of ecocity uses the advantages of a self-contained commune with a building unit designed to cater the needs of approximately fifteen to twenty families is presented in this research. Provisions are made in these housing areas to enable the inhabitants to produce their own energy, grow their own agricultural products for food, and recycle all the resources/waste. The building is designed in such a way that it uses non-conventional and renewal energy sources totally and does not use any form of external energy source like electrical grid network or fossil fuels, etc. The main objective is to develop design strategies suitable for self-sufficient housing units incorporating the necessary infrastructures, like equipment of energy generation, recycling, and reuse. With its present growth rate (about 150 persons/minute) the world population will be crossing 8.5 billion by the end of the year 2025. As per the projections made, 57% of this population will be urban, out of which 95% will be in developing countries. This definitely advocates the need of development of mass housing projects. But what about the tremendous impact on the field of energy usage of these future developmental projects of mass housing? A study of present processes of development with associated energy usage will help architects in designing mass housing with less energy consumption, leading ultimately to conservation of natural resources and less polluted urban environment.