AUROVILLE ARCHITECTURE  (Paperback, Concept, Layout: Franz Fassbender)

As a photographic and textual chronicle of the architectural approaches taken since Auroville's founding in 1968, this book outlines the development of the city plan, with its four distinct zones, describes the first experiments in residential housing and public buildings, and addresses design issues and challenges tied to the topography and climate of the region as well as the demands created by its broad cultural and socio-economic diversity. The book highlights the creativity of Auroville's buildings, the commitment to integrate renewable energy, water management, and other infrastructure needs in its architecture, and recent designs that will serve the urban nature of the city's future. In the final section, many of the town's practising architects talk about their work, their inspiration, and their future vision.