Welcome
This website is created by students in Nancy Cheng’s 2011-2012 Biosynergies: Bringing the Ecodistrict Vision to Life architectural design studio at the University of Oregon in Portland.
Namib Desert Beetles
My initial research into biomimicry has been focused on the desert beetles’ ability to collect water in extremely arid environments. The texture on the wings of the beetles consist of hydrophilic bumps and hydrophobic channels. The hydrophilic bumps at…
Fall Term 2011
This blog is dedicated to my thesis work as the culmination of my undergraduate work at the University of Oregon. The focuses of my studio are biomimicry and ecodistricts, which will allow me to explore the building program not only as an individual en…
Sacred Groves and Temples: Resource, Religion, and Resistance
Abstract
In the hilly region of the Western Ghats in South India, the people have preserved Sacred Groves for almost 3000 years. Their decision to preserve these patches of old growth evergreen forest is largely becaus…
Oudala Sacred Grove
Oudala Sacred Grove
Guides: Vinesh Hegde and Devu Marathe
Visited on May 23rd, 2011
1) Located North of Hulekal in Uttara Kannada
2) Size: 20 Hectares
3) Originally a Sacr…
Madhukeshwara Temple at Banavasi
Madhukeshwara Temple at Banavasi
Guide: Temple Staff
Visited on May 25th, 2011
1) The central building was built in the 2nd Century AD and dedicated to Lord Shiva
a) It houses a shri…
Research Abstract
The Madhukeshwara Temple at Banavasi: the southern capital for the spread of Hinduism in South India
In the hilly region of the Western Ghats of South India, the people have preserved Sacred Groves for almost 3000 years. Thei…
Temple Architecture in South India
A Sacred Palm in Goa
Temple Architecture in South India, has been an excellent conclusion to my readings by helping me understand at the deepest level why temples are designed and built. While it is obvious that temples …
Sacred Groves of South India: Ecology, Traditional Communities and Religious Change
Taken from within the “dark forest” behind the Rameshwar Prasanna Temple
The Sacred Groves of South India: Ecology, Traditional Communities and Religious Change has beent he most relevant and informative reading I have found myself.&…
Research on the Banagudi Sacred Grove, the Rameshwar Prasanna Temple, and the Vishnu Temple
The three sacred sites I have studied thus far stand in great contrast with eachother. The Banagudi sacred grove being the most primal form of worship space, the Rameshwar Prasanna Temple is a primal worship space that has recently be…