journal d'une transition

1269

Outside Auroville: a call and invitation to all Auroville’s friends and well wishers, individuals and organisations, to help fund the upgrading of Auroville’s Visitors Reception facilities in a significant way, so that the message of Auroville and its universal import may effectively and actually reach more and more people. In order to illustrate and delineate the efforts with which this call is concerned, we present here the main elements of the proposed project of upgrading the Visitors Centre on the one hand, and the access facilities to the Matrimandir on the other hand. A third part outlines a proposal for a framework conducive to a more harmonious and effective co-development with those neighbouring villages that are directly affected by the increasing flow of visitors to Auroville. A- An additional covered space of about 400m2 to hold exhibitions, educational stands, further sales of Auroville products and a large video room which can serve up to 200 people at a time. B- Setting up of covered areas on the main roof and terraces of the building to allow for art exhibitions and cafeteria facilities. E- A “Theme Park” which will demonstrate, besides simple ecological measures and practices, various techniques for waste water treatment, alternative building approaches, new architectural concepts, alternative energy devices. This “Theme Park” is to be combined with a “Discovery Walk” which will lead one to plots where alternative agricultural methods are also demonstrated and medicinal plants are cultivated, down to an existing canyon where methods of water conservation are made explicit. F- A well appointed and contained picnic area, with welcoming shady spots and supply points of clean, filtered water. G- A remodelling of the road into Auroville, so that the Visitors Centre is marked with a more substantial character of entranceway. H- Setting up of a proper Visitors Reception and Information Office in Pondichéry. This is presented here as part of the upgrading of the Visitors Centre itself as its creation will fulfil one of the main conditions for its adequate functioning. This Office in Pondichéry will connect visitors to all facilities in Auroville such as Guest Houses and training centres, and will provide a wide range of materials on all aspects of Auroville’s research. It will also establish clear agreements with selected tour operators for the transportation of interested visitors to Auroville, so as to regulate the traffic of tourism vehicles in the Auroville area. C- An additional block for toilets facilities. D- A small, contained children playground. .Part I: Upgrading of the Visitors Centre.

.Part II: Access Facilities to the Matrimandir.

The Matrimandir is at present the major focus of public interest. This fact tends to create misleading impressions in the public awareness both of the Matrimandir itself and of Auroville as an integral proposition.

A number of factors contribute to the near exclusivity of this focus.