Constructing Communities of Synergy (Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica)
Illustration of synergistic systems interacting in Pachamama Ecovillage
Constructing Communities of Synergy
Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica
I traveled to Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula, one of the world’s five designated "Blue Zones," where people have consistently been recorded to live the longest and happiest lives. My case studies for observing sustainable community building were Pachamama Ecovillage and the Matambu Reservation of the Chorotega people. Both natural and human systems were observed, including recycling methods, material sourcing, vernacular architecture, composting, food production, water collection, biosphere preservation, and reforestation efforts. Both of these case studies are grassroots communities that are sensitive to the incredible biodiversity that surrounds them and mindful of their consumption habits and waste management.
About the M.Arch Travel Awards Program
The Master of Architecture (M.Arch) program grants travel awards each spring for selected students to support work grounded in architectural design research. The awards facilitate research related to a range of diverse contexts, practices and cultures. Students are encouraged to take on research projects in areas of their choice that will be further developed through research papers, a thesis or independent study.