Reflections on Mud Building Workshop at Agastya Academy

Greetings, fellow Earth enthusiasts! I'm Boopathi! And i'm excited to take you through my journey as the coordinator of the Mud Building Workshop at Agastya Academy. The workshop was hosted by Earth Building enthusiasts Aravind Manoharan and Samyuktha. This workshop aimed to nurture an understanding of natural building principles, particularly focusing on the construction of a green canteen within the eco-friendly Agastya School campus.

On the morning of December 1st, the clock struck 10, and the air at Agastya Academy was filled with the scent of fresh earth. As the workshop coordinator, I witnessed as a unique and transformative experience unfold – a day of creativity, collaboration, and unexpected companionship.

The students, organized in batches, actively participated in the hands-on workshop, forming human chains, passing soil, and following measurements with remarkable dedication. The walls constructed with Mangalore tiles and cob were not just physical structures but symbols of unity, creativity, and shared experiences.

The Earth-Friendly Foundation

Agastya Academy, nestled in a 30-acre green campus, stands as a testament to eco-friendliness. The school's commitment to sustainable living is reflected in its adoption of natural building techniques, emphasizing minimal carbon footprint, healthy living spaces, energy efficiency, and thermal comfort.

The Workshop's Purpose

The workshop wasn't just about constructing walls; it was about introducing students to eco-friendly practices that sought to introduce students to the art and science of building with mud, cob, wattle and daub, and lime. Agastya Academy's embrace of earth building techniques for constructing blocks, especially in the Grade 3 curriculum, was the driving force behind the entire event.

We aimed to showcase the benefits of mud walls – their eco-friendliness, breathability, and ability to maintain comfortable temperatures in harmony with the climate, providing a sustainable and natural alternative to conventional construction materials. The intention was not only to impart technical skills but also to instil an appreciation for sustainable living practices.

Students' Enthusiastic Participation

From the very start, the students' enthusiasm was palpable. We witnessed a heartwarming spectacle as students, teachers, and even a family with a 2 ½-year-old and a 9-year-old eagerly joined the hands-on experience. It became a collective effort where everyone, regardless of age or role, contributed to building walls using cob and Mangalore tiles.

Sunday marked the pinnacle of collaboration. Students, boarding school children, teachers, and the school's management all came together. The workshop became a harmonious blend of creativity and shared experiences. Students, undeterred by age, followed their interests passionately, working together to build walls with a spirit of genuine enthusiasm.

Reflections on Unity

From my perspective as the workshop coordinator, the Mud Building Workshop at Agastya Academy went beyond construction; it became a story of unity, creativity, and shared experiences. The hands-on collaboration not only built physical structures but also lasting bonds among participants, showcasing the magic that unfolds when a community comes together with a shared purpose.

To conclude

Mud Building Workshop at Agastya Academy stands as a testament to the power of unity, creativity, and sustainable living. The hands-on collaboration not only built structures but also lasting bonds among participants, highlighting the transformative potential of community-driven initiatives. As the walls rose, so did the spirit of Agastya Academy, echoing the magic that happens when people work together to build a greener, more harmonious future.