Community Practices in Architecture
- 1. LEARNING THROUGH COMMUNITY OF PRACTICES BY: Gunjan Gangey First year PEDAGOGY
- 2. INTRODUCTION Community of practices and learning refers to an informal organization's programs to promote learning and social development work with individuals and groups in their communities using a range of formal and informal methods. groups in their communities using a range of formal and informal methods. The concept was first proposed by cognitive anthropologists” Jean Lave and Etienne Wenger in 1991”. In ancient time as well, community of practices existed in which communities were formed according to caste, religion, profession, locality, age, language etc. These people shared their knowledge, experiences, briefs, rituals 2
- 3. INTRODUCTION Aim of the research To study the knowledge system and learning through community of practices . Objective To study the type of community of practices prevailing in this contemporary era. To study the structure and the elements of community of practices. To study the hierarchy of flow of knowledge at intra and inter level. To study the social, economical, physical aspect of the community of practices and its significance in the society. Scope and significance Scope of this dissertation is to understand the informal knowledge system that exists in the community of practices, and the role it plays for the socio economic development of the community as well as the society. To study the advantages and the disadvantages of community practices. To study how significant role does community practices play in eradicating the social evil and socio economic development of the people 3
- 4. INTRODUCTION Hypothesis Whether or not there is knowledge system and learning in the community of practices and if yes then what is its significance and how does it help the community. Delimitation The Social, economical aspect of the communities are studied through case study of Sidhbari in the foot hills of Himalaya in Himichal Pradesh. In this study “community practices through self-help group “people establishes a knowledge system for their betterment and socio economic improvement. The various practices are studied through which there is knowledge shearing and learning at Intra level and Inter level. Methodology Primary data are collected through the case study. The various member of the community is interviewed and questioned to understand the significance of community practices. Secondary data’s are collected through the journals published by different non-profit organizations and government agencies working in this field. 4
- 5. HISTORY OF COMMUNITY OF PRACTICES In India, the very concept of community and social organizations was deep- rooted in the religion. Community of practices were the religious rituals . The basic objective of community development in India was to awaken the rural people of their needs, instilling in them a sense of ambition for better life and making them aware of their right and power to find a solution for their problems. Different social reformers from time to time played very important role in the development of the communities as well as discouraging the wrong practices and encouraging the rightful practices. Government initiated community based development from 1952 onwards. Various 5 year plan were formed to promote the rural community development The National Extension Service (NES), Central Social Welfare Board (CSWB) were launched in the country in October 1953 for development with the self-help strategy. NABARD- National bank of agriculture and rural development was formed by the government to promote development of the rural community. 5
- 6. HISTORY OF COMMUNITY OF PRACTICES Gandhian Approach to Community Work Gandhi has not given a clear-cut definition of the community. For him the village is the basic community with it geographical limitation where a number of families come together and co-operate to build a common life. According to Gandhi the basic element of a community is mutual co-operation and common sharing. 6
- 7. ELEMENTS OF COMMUNITY OF PRACTICES Jean Lave (an anthropologist) and Etienne Wenger (an independent thinker and researcher) were credited with coining and formally describing the term CoP as: ‘Groups of people who share a concern or a passion for something they do and learn how to do it better as they interact regularly’. The definition had three crucial characteristics: Elements of community of practices. Domain- The purpose or domain of interest. Not merely a club of friends or a network of connections between people. It has an identity defined by a shared domain of interest. Community- The members, They build relationships that enable them to learn from each other. Practices- Not merely a community of interest – people who like certain kinds of movies, for instance. Members of a community of practice are practitioners. They develop a shared source of resources, experiences, stories, tools, ways of addressing recurring problems in short, a shared practice. 7
- 8. ELEMENTS OF COMMUNITY OF PRACTICES Wengers’ Theory 8
- 9. TYPES OF COMMUNITY OF PRACTICES Self-organising(self help) community Sponsored community Self-organising(self help) community It tends to be informal, and to exist as a result of a shared interest of its members in a particular theme or practice area. These communities are formed out of different Caste, Religion, Practices, profession and Gender. Turning to the development sector in India, a wide variety of groups and networks that bear some characteristics of CoPs are identified. Highlighted examples are “Adikke Pathrike”- a farmers’ group producing a journal in Karnataka. 9
- 10. TYPE OF COMMUNITY OF PRACTICES Sponsored community Sponsored communities, by contrast, are initiated, chartered and supported by the company management. Membership also shows great variations in size from large numbers in e-groups, to usually smaller face-to-face groups. In all, one of the most important features has been the leadership provided by a few individuals or organisations with the time and energy to contribute. Wengers’ Theory 10
- 11. MODELS OF COMMUNITY PRACTICES Community of practices takes place at 3 levels. Locality level Social planning level Social action level Locality level Locality development model is a method of working with in community or groups. It was used by the settlement houses. Here the important focus is about the process of community development and building. The basic belief is that communities have some common needs and interests and once the people realize this need and work together democratically, e.g. RWA. Social planning level It refers to the type of community work where a worker or agency undertakes an exercise of evaluating welfare needs and existing services. The various government agencies work at this level. The ministry of rural development is one of the example. 11
- 12. Social Action is an individual, group or community effort within the framework of the social work philosophy and practice that aims to achieve social progress, to modify social policies and to improve social legislation and health and welfare service.Philosophy ,practice and action that aims to achieve social progress, to modify social policies and to improve social legislation and health and welfare services for the community. 12 Social action level
- 13. Locality level Social Planning level Social Action level Communities of practices followed by people of certain locality to stay connected and promote community development in that area. Social planning by the government and other NGO to promote social and economic growth in the identified community The execution level of social planning level is called Social action level. No external association. Assistance and association with the state or central government and different NGO. Natural phenomenal growth and need oriented. EG. RWA This is at Intra level The social planning level and action level are the two different stages.EG. NABARD-This organization identifies the communities and provide assistance and credit to the self help group. These are at Inter level. 13
- 14. SPREAD OF KNOWLEDGE IN INTRA LEVEL AND INTER LEVEL Learning is to do something new or better than what we are previously doing it. This can be achieved by community of practices at Intra level and Inter level. When members share their experiences and their knowledge with the other members with in the community then this is called “INTRA LEVEL” learning. When there is flow of knowledge from one community of practices to other then it is called at “INTER LEVEL”. The various program organized by the government of India is at Inter level. Example -MEGHANWAS VILLAGE IN HARYANA Meghanwas village is located in Mahendragarh Tehsil of Mahendragarh district in Haryana, India. Mahendragarh is nearest town to Meghanwas village.The sandy village of Meghanwas in Haryana suffers from two problems – shortage of water and wastage of the available water. 14
- 15. CASE STUDY OF MEGHANWAS VILLAGE IN HARYANA- Meghanwas village is located in Mahendragarh Tehsil of Mahendragarh district in Haryana, India. The map of Meghanwas village Students of Class V were committed to establish a sense of responsibility in the community to save water so that there is no scarcity in future and also day-to- day needs can be met with ease. The student team met the Sarpanch and explained its concern. The latter highly appreciated the initiative and together with the Panchayat members assured to help the campaign. There are only three tube-wells in the village catering to most of the population. Though some houses have separate water supply in their houses, the wastage leads to serious dearth of this resource most of the times. 15 MEGHANWAS
- 16. SPREAD OF KNOWLEDGE IN INTER LEVEL AND INTRA LEVEL As a result of the Save Water Campaign, there is adequate water in the village today meeting the requirement of the whole village. People have become responsible and accountable. The students conduct regular follow-up sessions to further the cause. They have put up awareness posters in village common places and assigned volunteers to counsel, guide and keep a check on usage of water. The neighbouring villages of Haryana and Rajasthan followed similar kind of community of practices to cope up with similar water related problems. This practice was also called best community of practices. Hence the knowledge was spread at INTRA LEVEL and later if took the form of INTER LEVEL. 16
- 17. SPREAD OF KNOWLEDGE IN INTER LEVEL AND INTRA LEVEL Intra level Practices Knowledge gained Inter level Water scarcity in Meghan- Was in the North western region of Indian ,in HARYANA State. School and students get involved. Female made as water managers. Posters displayed near the water resources about the various ways of saving it. Students involve their parents in this initiative. Make the village community aware by taking about it in the Panchayat. Present a skit in the Panchayat about the various measures to be followed for water pollution prevention and proper water use. Rain water harvesting taught. Croup rotation taught Old wells and water sources revived. Underground Water used wisely. Water pollution control. Involve Public Raj Institutions (PRIs) and NGOs in the management of rural water supply Best practices followed by neighbouring villages. Knowledge gained Rain water harvesting taught. Croup rotation taught Old wells and water sources revived. Less dependency on underground water 17
- 18. SPREAD OF KNOWLEDGE IN INTER LEVEL AND INTRA LEVEL INICIATIVES TAKEN AT INTER LEVEL • Campaign for Health and Nutrition awareness programs. • Campaign for Hygiene and Sanitation. • Blood donation camps. • Rain water harvesting and water management campaigns. • Women empowerment. • Campaigns against drug abuse • Campaign save water • Campaign education for girl child. • Campaign against child marriage. • Campaign against social superstition. • Campaign against child labour 18
- 19. CASE STUDY The case study of Sidhbari village, District Kangra, Himachal Pradesh is done. The villagers have made SHG and have successfully promoted socio economic development of the community members as well as the village. They are being assisted by different agencies like “NABARD” and a NGO called “CORD”. The vision is to empower the marginalized and to actively participate in the process of rural development on various issues that affects their lives. Hence, Community Based practices (COP) are critical in ensuring community’s participation. Strengthening COP’s capacities on multiple aspects is a continuous evolving process in the spiral growth of community’s taking the central role as agents of change 19 Sidhbari Social Practices Livelihood Practices Health care Practices Economical Practices Community of Practices
- 20. The practices of the SHG 1.MahilaMandals (Women Groups): This program was originally termed “Gangotri” because it was the source of programmes and was meant to purify superstitions and vested interests that had crept into Indian customs. It was also meant to be the centre of all operations by allowing rural women to have a forum to voice their opinions on individual, domestic, and social issues. a) Each Mahila Mandal collects 10 to 50 rupees as monthly membership fee. This money is utilized for village welfare, which includes social efforts and village improvement and further promote micro banking. b) b) Mahila Mandal projects including a rally against the opening of an illegal wine shop as well as organizing an agricultural camp, distributing wheat seeds ‘Chaari’, ‘Baajra’ utilizing Government subsidies. c) The members raise awareness on environmental issues 20
- 21. COMMUNITY BASED LIVELIHOOD (NON-FARM & SERVICE SECTOR) • The Community Based Livelihood – Non-Farm & Service Sector seeks to enhance the inherent & vocational skills of rural members by encouraging and motivating entrepreneurship. • members, to be self-reliant through training and skill upgrading, exposure trips, backward & forward market link, and centre/field follow-ups. • The Udyamis (entrepreneurs) of Self Help group were invited to put up their stall to showcase as well as market their products at the Rajendra Prasad Medical College Art and craft The handicraft that comes out of this state are the carpets, leather works, shawls, paintings, metalware, woodwork and paintings. A tribe namely Dom is expert in manufacturing bamboo items like boxes, sofas,chairs, baskets and rack. Metal ware of the state include utensils,ritualistic vessels, idols, gold and silver jewelleries. Weaving, carving, painting, or chiselling is considered to be the part of the life of Himachalis. Himachal is well known for designing shawls especially in Kullu. The architecture, objects, shops, museums, galleries and craftsmen charm with the variety perfected
- 22. INTEGRATED FARM & ALLIED SECTOR • The Farm and Allied Sector has 9389 beneficiaries associated under its umbrella. • 60 polyhouses and 1108 vermin compost pits are being promoted with our farmers by utilizing the government grant until March 2012. • There are master trainers within CORD to teach the techniques of System of Crop Intensification. We have transferred this knowledge to over 3,000 farmers till date of which 954 were in the current reporting period. • They are working closely with the government on fish farming, horticulture, poultry and dairy. 22
- 23. HEALTH PROGRAMME OPD and health care camps are organized in village community centers to promote general check up of the villagers. • The villagers are being encouraged to immunize their children. • The greatest challenge among this population is improving their sanitation levels • Cases were referred to Dr Rajendra Prasad Medical College and Hospital and Dharamshala Zonal Hospital for further treatment and investigations including hospitalizations. • To promote Adolescent Health & Hygiene as well as HIV Health preventative measures camps were conducted in three Khas Panchayats namely Malan, Bhuned, and Chadi. Water Testing was conducted in five Panchayats under the Community Led Assessment, Awareness, and Programme as part of the Programme to measure and reduce the carbon foot prints in Himachal Pradesh. f) To promote Adolescent Health & Hygiene as well as HIV Health preventative measures camps were conducted in three Khas Panchayats namely Malan, Bhuned, and Chadi. 23
- 24. Case study Tiers of SHG Practices APPLICATION Sidhbari village District Kangra, Himachal Pradesh Mahilamandal Each Mahila Mandal collects 50 to 100 rupees as monthly membership fee. This money is utilized for village welfare. Rally against the opening of an illegal wine shop as well as organizing an agricultural camp, distributing wheat seeds ‘Chaari’, ‘Baajra’ utilizing Government subsidies. Donated money for various social causes such as marriages, illness treatment, funerals etc. Fight social evils against women and children Government schemes and subsidies utilized for the development of women and children Women taught about their rights and equality Community based livelihood Training and skill upgrading, exposure trips, art and culture backward & forward market link, and centre/field follow-ups. The Udyamis (entrepreneurs) of Self Help group were invited to put up their stall to showcase as well as market their products at the Rajendra Prasad Medical College. Empowerment and economic stability. Small scale industries developed for non agricultural community Integrated farm and allied sector 60 playhouses and 1108 vermin compost pits are being promoted with our farmers. the techniques of System of Crop Intensification. They are working closely with the government on fish farming, horticulture, poultry and dairy Latest techniques taught. Farmers introduced to the various government schemes and policy Health sector Encouraged to immunize their children. Promote Adolescent Health & Hygiene as well as HIV Health preventative measures camps were conducted. Water Testing was conducted. Various preventive measures taught to the community. Introduced to the various government schemes and policies. Promote various nutrition component of the food. 24
- 25. ANALYSIS OF DATA Different knowledge domain: Practices leads knowledge gain and improves cognitive development and skilled development leading to effective learning. Jean Lave and Etienne Wenger in 1991”the anthropologists also quoted that community of practices are the best source of cognitive learning and affective learning . Cognitive development –These are information processing, intelligence, reasoning, language development, and memory. Cognitive development is the construction of thought processes, including remembering, problem solving, decision-making and learning application. Skilled development -Skill Development means developing yourself and your skill sets to add value for the organization and for your own career development. Fostering an attitude of appreciation for lifelong learning is the key to success. Affective learning- It involves well-defined learning process through which the outcome is attitude development ,organising, valuing responding Public problem solving Civic judge/role playing Civic imagination and creativity Collective action Community/Coalition building Organizational analysis 25
- 26. SOCIAL PRACTICES Practices in Mahilamandal Model of community of practices followed Knowledge domain Knowledge gained at Intra level In 1987, the ‘MahilaMandals Programme’ was founded and later implemented in this village. This program was originally termed “Gangotri” because it was the source of all programmes and was meant to purify superstitions which blocked the women community. Locality level model in community practices developed to improve the women’s condition Cognitive learning. Reasoning ability developed Women taught about their rights and equality Each Mahila Mandal collects 50 to 100 rupees as monthly membership fee. This money is utilized for village welfare, which includes social efforts and village improvement and further promotes micro banking Social action level model developed with the help of government rural banks to promote micro banking Cognitive learning leading to money saving. Community saving which acts as a bank and can be utilized for community. Mahila Mandal projects including a rally against the opening of an illegal wine shop. Locality level model of community of practices. Affective learning-morals to fight evil This was followed in other villages. Inter level knowledge. They distributed wheat seeds ‘Chaari’, ‘Baajra’ utilizing Government subsidie Social action level with the help of government schemes used for community development MahilaMandals from different Panchayats donated Rs. 81700 for various social causes such as marriages, illness treatment, funerals Affective learning- community act Community development
- 27. ECONOMICAL PRACTICES Practices in community based livelihood Model of community of practices followed Knowledge domain Knowledge gained at Intra level The Community Based Livelihood – Non-Farm & Service Sector seeks to enhance the inherent & vocational skills of rural members by encouraging and motivating entrepreneurship. Members are trained and skill upgraded, exposure trips, backward & forward market link, and centre/field follow-ups are conducted. Entrepreneurs of Self Help group were invited to put up their stall to showcase as well as market their products at the Rajendra Prasad Medical College All the practices are based on social action level. Training in either provided by the NGO or other government agencies to upgrade their skills. Even college students participate in these kind of skill development program by teaching them computer skills or English language. Skill domain Cognitive domain as people learn leadership skills. Inter level- As these skills are provided in many villages and practices are being followed at inter level Spandan and other kind of art and craft mela is organized by the state government to promote tourism and local handicraft where the villagers sell the woolen garments and locally made stuff . Different villages participate in these kind of melas . In the starting this was limited only at locality level. People leaving near the tourist places used to sell the handicraft but the demand was high so government started promoting local handicraft and small cottage industries developed making this at social planning level Affective domain as people are doing collective work Inter level as the practices are followed in all the neighboring villages Women empowerment as these small cottage industries are run by the women. 27
- 28. LIVELIHOOD PRACTICES Practices in integrated Farming and aligned sector Model of community of practices followed Knowledge domain Knowledge gained at Intra level Agriculture highly dependent on rainfall. Severely affected when there there is high rainfall or low rainfall. This year Utrakhand and Himachal Pradesh received very less rainfall. Hence rural bank started promoting integrated farming. Community members are working closely with the government on fish farming, horticulture, poultry and dairy other than their Apple cultivation. Social action level. The rural bank promoted Integrated farming. These banks provide fund to start Poultry or horticulture. Skill development. Skill are being upgraded in the agriculture field. Latest farming technology according to that region being taught to the people Techniques taught for Crop Intensification. Polyhouses and 1108 vermin compost pits are being promoted by farmers by utilizing the government grant until March 2012. Hence there is sustainable Agricultural practices being followed. Social action level Skill domain and affective domain to promote sustainable development. People were made aware about the various government policies and those are utilized for sustainable agriculture practices. The practices are being followed in the neighboring villages 28
- 29. HEALTH CARE PRACTICES Practices in health care Model of community of practices followed Knowledge domain Knowledge gained at Intra level People in hilly areas faces basic hygiene and sanitation issues. For major health care facilities they are depended on Chandigarh PGI. OPD and health care camps are organized in village community centers to promote general check up of the villagers. To promote Adolescent Health & Hygiene as well as HIV Health preventative measures camps were conducted in three Khas Panchayats namely Malan, Bhuned, and Chadi. Water Testing was conducted in five Panchayats under the Community Led Assessment, Awareness, and Programme as part of the Programme to measure and reduce the carbon foot prints in Himachal Pradesh. Social action level . NGO play very important role in promoting awareness among the villagers. Government district healthcare canters and district hospitals provide basic medications. Affective knowledge domain. People understands the importance of hygiene and sanitation in their houses as well as their entire village. People know about their well being Various healthcare facilities provided by the government are being utilized by the community. Preventive measure are being taught to the Adolescent Community understands the importance to drinking clean water and are made aware about the various waterborne diseases. Cases are referred to Dr Rajendra Prasad Medical College and Hospital and Dharamshala Zonal Hospital for further treatment and investigations including hospitalizations Inter level knowledge transfer. Hygienic practices followed in near by places.
- 30. knowledge gained Knowledge domain Social Application COMMUNITY PRACTICES Different practices cater different knowledge domain. This leads to the socio economic development of the individual as well as the entire community. 30 LEARNING PROCESS ANALYSIS + COMMUNITY FACTORS
- 31. Strength -Networking -Problem solving -Human, intellectual and social investment -Community focus -Social cohesion -Relationship of trust -Balance of product and process Weakness -Difficulties in financial and resource infrastructure -Interference of government, NGO and policy maker -Inequality Opportunity -Knowledge transfer -Wide spread participation -Community building skills and vocational skills -Leadership -Community control over decision making -Empowerment Threat -Lack of government reorganization -Lack of communication system -Financial and resource infrastructure -Lack of volunteer participation 31 SWOT ANALYSIS Strength ,weakness would be internal factor and opportunity , threat would be external factors. Strengths- internal positive attributes of the CoP that can facilitate activities. Weaknesses- internal attributes of the CoP that may hinder achievement of its activities and goals. Opportunities- external conditions that may facilitate activities of the CoP. Threats- external conditions that may stand in the way of CoP activities
- 32. ISSUES IDENTIFIED There are certain limitations of community of practices. These drawbacks lead to the improper management and malfunctioning of the self help group. These are- Lack of platform between the community and the government agencies. Irregular attendance of the members Unable to engage or empower the women and the other unemployed members Unable to get financial assistance from the government or the NGO. Equality issue Inter related members Caste and religion politics Economical inequality Defaulters Disputes between the members. Unfair leader selection. 32
- 33. Promoting the SHG(self help group ) NGO and government agencies should takes special task of promoting, nurturing, strengthening and monitoring the SHG At different levels the Micro finance institute should be proposed to provide economical growth of the different communities at different level. Community practices should be taught right from the school level so that at the early stage people understand the value of togetherness and community responsibility. This would lead to- College going students should provide volunteer services to develop communities and promote awareness among the people. 1. Making connections (between different people experiences, ideas, people, contexts) 2. Using a range of sources and resources available by people 3. Offering a commentary on the process of learning 4 . Being able to plan, review, change strategy etc 5. Demonstrating curiosity and risk-taking. The focus should always be on inculcating the practices which covers cognitive, effective and skilled knowledge domain. Many studies reveal that the community of practices promoted by the NGO and rural banks relatively perform better. Recommendations 33
- 34. Architecture students can visit the different types of communities and can teach them various ecofriendly and energy saving practices like • Use of recycled materials • Use of local and regional materials • Passive heating and cooling techniques • Importance of indoor air quality • Renewable energy practices • Rain water harvesting • Water saving strategies • Waste reduction techniques • Importance of natural ventilation and day lighting • Color and its psychometric effect • Awareness about the modern construction techniques • Earthquake resistant techniques taught according to the earthquake zone. 34 Architecture recommendations
- 35. Architect can learn organizational skills through Community of Practices and Architecture students can visit the different types of communities and make them aware about the eco-friendly and sustainable techniques. Community of Practices to architecture Various organizational management techniques can be learned through community of practices. Creating and sustaining an internal community of architects. Organizational planning Leadership roles for architects Ongoing training Succession planning 35 Architecture Community of practices
- 36. SOCIAL BENEFITS Man has always stayed in groups and formed community. The members of the community gather together in different social occasions as well as have meeting together to share their problems and find a solution, or to celebrate their rituals in different occasions and share their experiences and knowledge. The community practices leads to the social benefit of the people as well as the entire community. Inclusion, equality of opportunity and anti-discrimination Self-determination Partnership Self-determination Self-help Leadership Development Localization Integrated Delivery of Services Maximum Use of Resources Lifelong Learning Fighting with the social evils together 36
- 37. • Social capital formation • Faith-based community development • Community-based participatoryresearch (CBPR) • Community organizing • Community economic development (CED) • Sustainable development • Sanitation and hygiene. • Health care • Women Self-help Group • Community capacity building Divided we fall, united we stand Organizing is about empowering. When people unite together, and get involved in community organization, they develop confidence. This empowerment comes when people learn skills to help themselves and others. The collective action helps in community building. The community organization recognizes the power of individual. It believes, that through the collective strength of the people, better teamwork and adoption of scientific methods, can provide comprehensive solutions to social problems. 37
- 38. ECONOMIC BENIFITS Encourage group members of the community to make a regular saving and then using the deposited amount to credit a new investment or to borrow it to other members. This leads to- •Women Self-help Group •Empowerment • Credit from rural bank • Vocational training • Sustainable development •Community-driven development(CDD) •Asset-based community development(ABCD) •Association from the rural bank Working of SHG 38
- 39. There has been an impressive socio economic gain made by community of practices through the self help groups. The linkage program provides rural population with financial services, trainings hence empowering them. As the saying- Features- Provides local identity, character and culture through a diversity of programmes and content Promotes sharing of community resources, issues concerns and events Highlights various community interest Sharing of local information, local ideas, experiences and local techniques Includes minority and marginalized community members Knowledge flows when people are connected 39 CONCLUSIONS Personal Empowerment Economic Empowerment Community Organizations Community Participations