Funding: Graduate Research Grant- Harvard University Asia Center, The Mittal Institute at Harvard
The Good Life examines the land-based practices and local environmental knowledge in vernacular agro-pastoralist productive landscapes of the Rolwaling Valley in the Nepal Himalayas. The Rolwaling Valley, a valley with Sherpa settlements and agro-pastoral terrain, is under constant threat of the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) hazard and changing climate. This work examines the evolving livelihoods of local communities and the manner in which local people shape the landscape through their daily practices. By understanding and documenting the building wisdom, time-tested traditions, substance economy, and programmatic elements, the project envisions adaptation, resilience programming, and the future development of a performative landscape for the locals and downstream settlements—all facilitated by design and local agency that supports performance, experience, and livelihood.
(Full book report is available upon request)
