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Overview
The work of the group is now to a large extent directed
by the research project started by us in August. The main aims of the
project are to deepen our understanding of the raison d'être of
the International Zone of Auroville and to find the main strategic practical
means to help it to manifest . The preparation of a plan for the development
of the Zone is in the main focus for the works of the architects.
Understanding
For our work on the International Zone in Auroville
we need to have a research in the main themes such as nations and human
unity (based on the works of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother). But this is
not enough. We decided to make a study and - to facilitate any future
work on the International Zone - to create a series of compilations showing
the deep meaning of the following themes: evolution, education, university,
unity and oneness, nature, culture. This is important because the pavilions
(sometimes called cultural pavilions) are to express the input of nations
to the evolution of humanity.
As the IZ is directly connected to the coming University
of Auroville, we also need a closer look into this development.
Some members of the group are collecting existing
material, make studies, compilations. The compilation on Culture from
Sri Aurobindo writing has been made. It was presented to the group, discuss
there and sent to the interested people. Culture is one of the main themes
of the International Zone research workshop which is planned for the beginning
of December.
Discussions
Apart from discussions in the group, which are regular,
we plan a series of IZ research workshops for seriously interested people.
The first one has the title "Nations and Culture in Evolution"
and is planned to happen on December 7th.
We strongly feel that the participation of AVI centres, virtual members
etc. in such discussions is necessary, but up to now, however, we failed
to sustain it.
Planning
The group is working on the plan of the International
Zone. Peter A., Jana and Helmut, members of the group, have agreed to
work together on the plans for the development of the Zone.
The group has formulated and given to them the preliminary brief.
Peter A. and Jana presented to the group the plan for the development
of the International Zone developed by them some time ago. This is a step
in the planning work, the plan is accepted as one of the alternatives
for the development of the Zone.
At present Helmut doesn't have the time to give a strong input in the
planning work, but he is actively participating in all discussions on
architecture and planning.
The group had a meeting with Roger Anger, where Roger spoke about his
views on what are the essentials of the International Zone.
Office
As the completion of the Unity Pavilion is delayed,
the group established its temporary office in Courage, sharing a big room
with Helmut and architects working with him. We have there one computer,
printer and some furniture. Jonny, who is a member of the IZ group is
working there as a secretary of the group.
Development of Auroville and the International Zone
A few months ago the restructure of IDC (Interim Development Council,
which was mainly concerned with building permissions) took place. We now
have instead the Auroville Planning and Development Committee (APDC) -
with the aim to put the planning and development on a new level and a
broader base. Peter A. and Ruslan Y. are representing the International
Zone group in the APDC.
How we come together
For the last few months we have weekly meetings
on Tuesday afternoon. A couple of weeks ago we shifted the venue for IntZG-meetings
from Tibetan Pavilion to the Town Hall.
In addition to that a smaller group often meets on Saturday mornings for
more detailed work. Lately this has been mainly on planning and the workshop/culture.
At present the active members of the IntZG are:
Anne, Aster, Helmut, Ingo, Jana, Jonny, Peter A., Ruslan Y., Sergei, Tekeste
and Tine.
International Zone group
contact: internationalzone@auroville.org.in
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