Get a Degree in Ruralism

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In reading AKASH KAPUR's "letter from India", Agriculture Left to Die at India's Peril, one begs the question of whether urbanists, designers, planners and architects aren't missing the issue by not focusing on RURAL development and only on urban. While the drive is for greater urbanization, and yes, the needs for water, housing and waste management will be of major necessity, but shouldn't we be addressing this in the most "sustainable" of manners, and thus nipping this at the bud? And instead asking, Why are people moving into the cities, and how can we improve the RURAL experience? Thus addressing and supporting issues such as agriculture and food supplies, safe water and sanitation. Does waiting till the critical mass appear in the city makes sense? Or should we not be addressing these issues on a more dispersed scale - that of the rural?

rural desigers...ruralist!

see my earlier related blogposts

Tata for Now

Also called the "Peoples Car", this Indian car, already in production is being offered in India for $2,500. The cheep price allows a great number of Indians to afford the car, the expect the sale of the Tata in South America and Africa in the next four years.

But is the American dream of everyone owning a car really best for the "people?" No matter what the size and the price, its an increase in the number of individual cars and adding to pollution and traffic.

What is the "Peoples Car"? isn't this just another "persons car"? How can the industry rethink sales in terms of community, public or infrastructure...instead of numbers, individuality...consumerism. Is there a place for the auto industry in transportation for "the people?" and what does that look like?

Tata Motors
The Worlds Cheapest Car