NATURAL DESIGN &
CONTEMPLATIVE ARCHITECTURE
Module 1: Foundations of Natural Design : November 25, 2024, through February 1, 2025
An immersive residential course at our Himalayan sister campus providing a rare opportunity to conduct a deep and transformative exploration of natural design, the power of space and form, the creative process, and our relationship with these. This course can be taken as a stand-alone workshop or as a design and architecture module within our ongoing Building a Better World course.
At a Glance
Location: Dharmalaya Institute, India (with the possibility to undertake future modules at Dharmalaya Institute and/or here at Earthville Institute, as well as periodic online courses)
Dates: Module 1 (Foundations) runs Nov 25, 2024 through Feb 1, 2025,,with possibility of staying longer.
Duration: Ten weeks. (Note: This is the first module in an ongoing series, so there is the possibility of continuing after the conclusion of this ten-week module.)
Program type: Hybrid immersive residential, with some elements online
Modular structure: While this program is designed to be whole and complete unto itself, it also serves as the first module in the Natural Design and Contemplative Architecture thread of our Building a Better World course.
Cost: Sliding scale (see course info page for details)
Prerequisites: None for the first module. It is possible that there may be prerequisites for later modules (such as completion of prior modules).
Building a Better World? Yes, this program qualifies as a module within the Building a Better World course and earns credit toward the completion of that course.
Course Synopsis
This foundational course introduces core ideas, materials and methods for a holistic, compassionate and contemplative approach to design and architecture. Participants will journey through a rich tapestry of interwoven theory and practice, facilitating the union of ‘head, heart and hand’. We will explore nature’s design principles and meet some of the materials and techniques of natural building, all while immersed in a rich and nourishing community built on these very principles and values. (Learn it by living it.)
The introductory workshop will lead us through the creation of a life-affirming space — from conceptual explorations to design drawings, providing a taste of each stage of the process. Hands-on learning of natural building materials and methods will be enriched by a syllabus structured to support the interdisciplinary breadth of the course, exploring nature’s geometry, design principles, a contemplative approach to the creative process, and one’s growth as a designer, as a builder, and as a caring and empowered human.
Nourished by daily meditation and yoga practice, this is a holistic and embodied course that seeks to engage the whole of us in the exploration of nature in space and form.
This course is for anyone with a deep interest in the arts and crafts of nature-inspired design and working with sacred space, whether or not you have formal training in design or architecture or other relevant prior experience.
For details, see the course information page at the website of Dharmalaya Institute, our sister school in the Himalayas.