Project Log - Back to Basics - Concept Reality in a Rural Area

anra.gov.au

From the conversation that I and the tutor had, I feel that I have chosen a creative solution to the assignment, however, I feel that I have not yet resolved it a realistic way. The basic premise for the architectural possibility is to create a completely sustainable power-plant that will power Woodfordia and the the surrounding Woodford area.

The first area that I conducted my research was Rural areas and how I could improve the existing region of Woodford, the following is an excerpt extracted that was useful for summing up what is being dealt with.

"In the Netherlands 80% of the country is rural, supporting 40% of the population. The dividing line between town and country is beginning to disappear. Many rural areas may lose their specific character as a result. The government wants rural areas to provide space for nature, agriculture, forestry, and for homes and recreation.
The Netherlands is more urbanised than most countries in Europe, with a built-up area three times as dense as elsewhere. Less than 40% of the Dutch population live in rural areas. Yet 60% of the land is in the hands of farmers and growers. Agriculture may no longer be the dominant economic sector in the rural area but it will still define its character in the future.
In economic and cultural terms towns and countryside are increasingly merging. The dividing line between town and countryside is getting blurred. This could be a risk. More houses, businesses and roads may be built at the expense of quiet, space, landscape, biodiversity and the necessary space for water storage.
The government wishes to keep the countryside liveable. This means that rural areas must provide enough facilities, jobs and houses to keep the population from moving away and leaving the area with fewer schools, jobs, shops and services. The government encourages communities to join forces to combat the problem of depopulation."(reference: wikipedea)

Although this speaks mainly of European rural area, it does identify several key issues that should be addressed in the assignment. That it, how the proposed development will affect the population diversity of the area and in tern, it's affects on the greater area.

The next issue that was dealt with was the type of power plant that should be implemented in the design. This actually proved to be quite difficult.