Laurie Baker's rural community buildings

Hundreds of Community Buildings are being constructed every year both in urban and rural areas. Conventionalsystems are followed for the construction activities. The time has come to critically examine the total costs involvedand to explore the possibilities of adopting alternative systems for construction of community buildings so as tooptimise the resources. We, from the costford, have been trying for the past twelve years to convince theadministrators, officials and public that cost and energy effective materials and techniques need only be used forthe construction of Community Buildings. We have also demonstrated how the environment friendly materials andmethods could be used for the construction of Anganwadis, Village Offices, Agro service Centres and othercommunity Buildings. We are bringing out a book entitled “Community Buildings” written by Dr. Laurie Bakerwith the hope that this book will serve as a practical guide to all stake holders in the field. We are happy to releasethe book on the 80th birth day of our “Daddy” - Dr. Laurie Baker. - Director, Centre of Science and Technology for Rural Development (COSTFORD)