OPEN Terrain @ Aravalli

Open Terrain is a long-term initiative led by Intersection Foundation, focused on restoring the dry and damaged lands of the Aravalli Mountains near Udaipur, Rajasthan. We combine traditional knowledge with modern techniques to bring back ecological balance and strengthen local communities. Through ongoing experiments and learning, we work to turn fragile landscapes into healthy ecosystems that support both people and nature. Join us in building a more resilient ecosystem for the Aravalli region.

A New Way of Learning - Open. Collaborative. Engaging.

At Open Terrain, we offer a welcoming and supportive space for people who share their knowledge about the built and natural environment. Their contributions help inspire and shape the next generation of environmentally conscious thinkers and doers.

our collaborators & Featured speakers

"Designing with time, material, and social responsibility in mind"

- Anupama Kundoo, India
“Exploring minimalism and meaning through built environments"

- Adrian Phiffer, Canada
"Innovative exploration - digital forms rooted in place and purpose"

- Manish Gulati, India
"Crafting resilience through community-led building traditions"

Kiran Vaghela, India
"Reviving heritage through earth, craft, and collaboration"

Carmen Moreno, Spain-Morocco
“Empowering place through heritage-led community design”

- Ana Jayone Yarza Perez
"Crafting traditional spaces rooted in timber and terrain"

- Vijitha Basnayake

- Super Studio - Harvesting Water - Bamboo Construction

October 15

Venue
Ahmedabad, INDIA

Nature-Based Solutions for Resilience: This 2-day weekend workshop introduces nature-based solutions (NbS) tailored to dryland environments. Through field walks, mapping, and group exercises, participants learn how to slow erosion and boost biodiversity to support ecosystem services. Explore examples like vegetated buffers, bioswales, natural check dams developed as simple interventions that make the land more resilient for local communities.

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November 15

Venue
Udaipur, INDIA

HARVESTING WATER in Aravallis: This 5-day hands-on workshop explores how to harvest water in water-scarce regions. Learn to design and build passive collection systems, including rainwater catchments, fog-harvesters, recharge structures. We'll cover material exploration and seasonal planning, with practical sessions on constructing low-tech, community-friendly water solutions fit for the Aravallis.

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December 15

Venue
Udaipur, INDIA

Grow Your Own Food: Led by a horticulturist and food-growing expert, this 3-day workshop guides you through setting up and caring for growing food whether in a backyard, rooftop, or small field. Learn composting, seed-saving, natural pest control, crop rotation, and water-efficient gardening in the natural landscape of Aravallis. Leave with the confidence to grow your own seasonal, local food.

RSVP

WORKSHOPS

WATERLOOP - AHMEDABAD

Exploring water in urban design through mapping and design interventions around local systems.
LIVING HERITAGE - KATHMANDU

Engaging with built heritage through community-driven conservation and cultural storytelling.
EARTH CONSTRUCTION - MORROCO

Learning traditional earth building methods that respond to climate and culture, in the extereme conditions.
THE CATALAN VAULT

Mastering the art of thin-tile vaulting using low-tech, high-skill construction techniques using a a Catalan Vault.