Sevagram

A Sevagram for the 21st Century is a 77-acre master plan that seeks to translate the enduring legacy of Mahatma Gandhi into a contemporary architectural dialogue. Developed in collaboration with the Studio for Habitat Futures, the project moves beyond a mere memorial to create a living ecosystem grounded in self-reliance and simplicity. The built environment is organized into three primary anchors: a Visitor’s Centre that chronicles the journey from India’s struggle to its future evolution, a Sevashram designed for communal living, and a Centre for Rejuvenation of Rural Economy. By implementing the ‘Nai Talim’ principle of hands-on learning, the architecture becomes a pedagogical tool, fostering an environment where education and community life are inextricably linked to the land.

The design philosophy is rooted in “Ecoscaping,” where the transition between the built form and the natural landscape is intentionally blurred. Utilizing a vernacular palette of lime plaster, bamboo, and terracotta, the structures achieve a tactile warmth that honors local craftsmanship while pursuing ambitious Net Zero goals for energy, water, and waste. Central to the site is a narrative of water and biodiversity, featuring natural channels that mirror the rhythmic “Freedom Walk” winding through the park. This is not just a collection of buildings, but a sanctuary of quiet resilience, a modern-day ashram that proves Gandhian ideologies of sustainability and equity are more relevant today than ever before.