The Children’s Ziggurat utilizes low-tech renewable energy sources to sustain itself. The structural concrete employs the ubiquitous vernacular frame system - without the typical brick infill.

Fruits and vegetables will be planted on ground level, hanging from the walls or on the roof top – depending on their need of sun, soil depth, and protection from wild animals.

Local materials, laborers, and engineers work on the creation of Lali Gurans. Giving a economic and construction-knowledge boost to those in need of revenue, jobs, and additional skills.

Rainwater is collected on the roof, distilled and stored. The water is gathered in cisterns distributed throughout the building to serve the specific needs of users and programmed spaces, functioning primarily with gravity and only utilizes a small pump when required.

View of the courtyard. The Orphanage will create a socially-viable environment in which essentially every space can function as a classroom or place to interact and learn.

Public library on the first floor: offering the community a variety of knowledge resources, including books, lectures, information meetings, and events. The program hopes to inspire people to return to their communities and teach their neighbors and peers through the lens of their own success and experiences.

View of the living classroom on the fourth floor. In contrast to local concrete buildings, which are normally finished in stucco, the orphanage accentuates vernacular building materials through the use of exposed concrete.

Construction photo showing the library and community meeting area. (Image by Sagar Chitraka)

Floor plans explaining various components of the building.

Section perspective explaining various components of the building.