Generic Blueprint

for a sustainable village project

Prepared by
Myrtelle Chéry, Urb.
Karyne Raymond, Eng., mba

Presented to
POWERED BY ACTION
Andre P. Hughes
Tracey Patterson
Chinwe Onyegoro

Date: December 26, 2oo8

 Statement

Third World urbanization has often been fast, unplanned, and beyond the
control of the appropriate authorities. Farmers migrate to the cities, where
they hope to increase their income and secure a better future for their
family. The ensuing rapid urban growth - a combined result of migrations
and natural increase - creates such a pressure on the environment, the
public services, and the urban infrastructures, that the cities cannot possibly
integrate newcomers and be the driving force behind national
development. To make human settlements healthy, safe, prosperous, and
sustainable, Third World countries have to overcome major problems, such
as poverty, unemployment, pollution, and lack of decent housing.

One way to remedy the situation is to preserve rural life. However, this will
be possible only if we understand the cause and effect relationship
between rural and urban development. In other words, to reduce the rate
of rural-to-urban migration in Africa, we must be aware of what triggered it:

ƒ Unemployment status that farm workers often face;

ƒ Difficulty to obtain both land and credit;

ƒ Plumbing and electrical facilities, medical clinics, schools, and other

basic services are insufficient in rural areas;

ƒ The advent of telecommunication technologies, an easier access to

higher education, and the redefinition of women's role in society,
which have altered the consumption patterns and sociocultural
attitudes toward urban lifestyles;

ƒ Industries and services being developed in cities and metropolitan

areas;

ƒ Cities profiting more from economic globalization than rural areas;

and

ƒ Sociopolitical instability, which creates a feeling of insecurity in rural

areas.

We must always keep in mind that sustainable development will succeed

only if we manage to create strong socioeconomic ties between the
villages and their neighboring towns. The present document is a generic
blueprint – with key guidelines to a more efficient rural agglomeration –
proposed to Powered by Action whose vision is to build self-sufficient
villages in order to eliminate poverty and contribute to a safer, more
equitable and prosperous world.
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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Statement 3

1 - General features of the territory 4

2 - Potential land uses 5

3- The potential purposes of the land 7

4 - The land particularities 11

5 - Generic Templates (housing, public equipment, 12

road)

6 - References and Statistics 14

7 - The blueprint 20

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The main factors to consider when starting a Village project are:

1. GENERAL FEATURES OF THE TERRITORY

1.1. Location: The work plan shall be defined according to the location of
the territory. Decisions related to access roads and infrastructures
are based on how close the village is to the ocean, a mountain
ridge, a large city, another village, etc.

1.2. Surface area: The ideal population density for long-term rural
development is calculated in relation to the size of the territory.

1.3. Soil: Knowing the make-up of the soil help identify potential
resources, and indicate what type of commercial operation could
prosper in the region (farming, mining, etc.).

1.4. Climate: General weather conditions determine what types of crops

(coffee, rice, cotton, sugar cane…), housing, and energy supply are
better suited for the region.

1.5. Water: Access to water is absolutely necessary to accomplish any

commercial or domestic activities.

1.6. Leftover equipment from previous urban development: Many tools

and machines can be refurbished, then used again in the new
Village Project.

1.7. Historic database of the land: It may contain useful information about
the population movements, the natural resources (including those
that no longer exist), the soil submersion cycles (indicate sites
unsuitable for building), etc..

1.8. Demography: It is important to take into account the population

density and make sure that the site for the new village will answer the
needs of the residents. A well-chosen location will encourage rapid
human settlement, and facilitate sociodynamic and cultural
interaction among the locals.

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2. POTENTIAL LAND USES

Depending on the results of the above research, any of the following

potential land uses for rural environment could be advisable. (Note: If a
specific land use creates more than 30% of the region's total revenue,
we speak of "primary land use".)

2.1. Forest Use

2.1.1. If the territory has a vast forested area, all tree species shall be
listed, and the possibility of rationally exploiting this natural
resource and its by-products shall be evaluated.
2.1.2. Wherever forest exploitation is deemed appropriate, controls
shall be established to ensure long-term management for
these resources.
2.1.3. All wood residues shall be collected and used in lucrative
activities, such as producing handicraft, home utensils, etc.

2.2. Agricultural Use

2.2.1. A territory deemed arable shall be officially zoned as
"permanent protected farmland", so that demographic
expansion will never be a threat to the farmers' livelihood.
Zoning regulations shall protect all areas where vegetable and
livestock farming, fishing, beekeeping, aquaculture,
horticulture, etc., are being practiced.
2.2.2. Farming manpower and access to agricultural training shall be
considered vital to the maintenance of agricultural business.
2.2.3. A modern and well-adapted irrigation system shall be
designed and installed, and archaic watering techniques
gradually abandoned.

2.3. Commercial Use

2.3.1. In the countryside, we see mostly small-scale family farms.
Grocery stores, construction trades, tailor shops, etc., are
scarce as there is no proper education system, and the locals
are poor.
2.3.2. A business will thrive within a village if :
ƒ it supports another main local economic sector, such as
farming, tourism industry, etc. Small family businesses and
various community initiatives should be encouraged, as

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 they keep the locals employed and guarantee them a
large variety of services; and
ƒ it is supported by an educational system that trains a
literate and specialized workforce. A few non-profit
organizations are presently training some villagers, who will
soon participate actively in building a self-sufficient
community.

2.4. Recreational Use

2.4.1. Most African and Caribbean countries enjoy a perfect climate
for a flourishing tourist industry. Therefore, a village may
consider the possibility of establishing a program of activities
adapted to its landscape (coastline, plains, mountains, etc.), in
order to get revenue. Specific recreational equipment shall be
designed and provided to support this type of land use.

2.5. Industrial Use

2.5.1. Some settlements, called “mono-industrial towns”, are built to
accommodate only miners and their families. While these
towns may become very prosperous, they usually shut down as
soon as there is nothing left to extract from the earth. We can
avoid this problem simply by taking a more global approach
to development, and propose to the residents of mining towns
alternative ways of earning a living.

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3. POTENTIAL PURPOSES OF THE TERRITORY (guidelines of the
Blueprint)

In order to establish long-term socioeconomic development in the

village, the village authorities and their social development partners shall
define their global view of the village by setting up some guidelines that
are based upon the assets and constraints of the territory. Safe
infrastructures, diversified public services, and inspired urban design, are
major contributing elements to a healthy economic emancipation of a
village.

Each of the potential purposes of a territory involves a series of tasks to

be accomplished. Based on their demographic data, the village
authorities will choose the most appropriate purpose for their territory,
and determine how much financial support and human effort they are
prepared to contribute to carry out every task.

3.1 Organizing the territory according to expected population

density and socioeconomic activities
3.1.1 Compile geodesic, demographic and socioeconomic data for
the territory in order to determine the quantity, capacities and
types of infrastructures needed
3.1.2 Compile comparative data (demography, GDP, etc.) for cities
and regions adjacent to the territory, in order to establish
accurately their competition for resources
3.1.3 Classify land into six zones, identified by their use, and list their
resources, their potential use or need for protection
ƒ Agricultural zone
ƒ Commercial zone (or semi-commercial, if combined with
a residential or institutional zone)
ƒ Residential zone (divided into sub-zones according to
population density/neighborhood)
ƒ Institutional zone (schools, municipal or community
buildings, green spaces)
ƒ Industrial zone
ƒ Protected zone (vulnerable area or area with a building
constraint; political decision to preserve historical or
natural sites)

3.1.4 Develop a land settlement plan which identifies the main types
of occupancies of the territory (Scales : 1 :20000/ 1 :5000)

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 3.1.5 Develop a land settlement plan which identifies the unique
characteristics of the territory (Scales: 1 :20000/ 1 :5000)
3.1.6 Develop a land settlement plan which identifies the stages of
territorial development staggered over the next five years
(Scales: 1 :20000/ 1 :5000)

3.2 Setting up agrarian reforms to achieve optimal use of the land

3.2.1 Identify zones of arable land
3.2.2 Distribute and allocate lands according to the diversified
needs
3.2.3 Develop an irrigation system for available water (possibly
including rain water collection), access networks, and
municipal equipment adapted to the agricultural activities
3.2.4 Train and support a competent workforce
3.2.5 Build a partnership with organizations specialized in agrarian
reforms

3.3 Access to drinking water

3.3.1 Identify available water sources (rivers, ground water, existing
wells)
3.3.2 Set up adequate water treatment systems (give priority to an
ecological system with low energy requirements)
3.3.3 Set up adequate and accessible water collection systems
(wells and water pipes)
3.3.4 Optimize existing facilities within close reach
3.3.5 Develop partnerships with organizations that specialize in
irrigation and waste water treatment

3.4 Optimize the road network by planning for a strategic and

controlled rural development
3.4.1 Classifying the road network based on the following criteria :
ƒ Land usage: Residential, commercial, industrial, etc.
ƒ Road function: circulation and access
ƒ Debit : high debits (inter-regional roads); low debits
(secondary and minor roads);
ƒ Speed : the speed progression from minor road to the
secondary roads

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 ƒ Types of vehicles : Trucks, buses, cars…
ƒ Connection : will depend on the road classification

3.4.2 Categorizing the access roads by type of networks

ƒ The main road network must provide a connection
between the neighboring villages and towns. It is
recommended that they be built by circumventing the
natural barriers, if necessary, and on the shortest line
between two settlements. Their height and width
clearance, as well as load capacity, must be suitable for
heavyweight vehicle traffic.
ƒ Secondary roads can follow the natural outlines of the
terrain and connect to main roads via traffic circles, close
to commercial zones or public spaces.
ƒ Minor roads connect to residential neighborhoods and
farmland. Depending on the population density of a
quarter, the roads are classified by their clearance, such as
to protect the aspect of privacy of residential
neighborhoods.

ƒ Footpaths are set up around public spaces, meeting places,

and tourist destinations. It is desirable to connect these
footpaths to protected green space.

3.4.3 All housing developments next to road networks must respect

their outlines and clearances, as prescribed by the
development plan.

3.5 Organization of economic activities emphasizing social

action

3.5.1 Set up training structures and community infrastructures for:

ƒ Farmers’ co-ops
ƒ Development of micro-enterprises
ƒ Recycling plants for raw materials(small and medium
scale)
ƒ Organization of agricultural food markets and
handicrafts
ƒ Barter system

3.5.2 Develop infrastructures that will help establish commercial

connections with neighboring towns.
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 3.5.3 Identify workable mining sites and evaluate how the
development of infrastructure inherent to their exploitation
would affect positively the local economy

3.5.4 Develop partnerships with organizations that specialize in

training and setting up of cooperatives

3.6 Setting up essential services for the welfare of the local

community
3.6.1 Develop adequate infrastructures for:

ƒ Health services (clinics and pharmacies) proportional to the

size of population, which could complement those already
available in a neighboring region within a distance of 350 km,
to increase the service coverage

ƒ Traditional education services (Kindergarten, primary schools,

secondary schools…)

ƒ Specialized education services (small trades, technical

schools) that can fulfill the needs for local employment

ƒ Social services (dispensary, orphanage, food bank, church,

community centers and recreation…)

ƒ Public safety services (police, fire brigades, waste

management)

3.7 Localization, installations and set up services for the

recreational areas
3.7.1 Identifying the sectors of interest in order to develop the
adequate structures for a potential tourism industry
ƒ Parkland and promenades around marinas
ƒ Special transportation to reach different tourist sites (forests,
mountains, safari, beaches…)
ƒ Municipal signage
3.7.2 Support to all local initiatives that will significantly enhance the
potential tourist industry of the village: cultural projects, crafts
fair, sport tournament, etc…

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4 THE LAND PARTICULARITIES

The particularities may be related to the morphology of the land or to

the socio-political profile of the communities who are sharing the
territory. But specifically, the land particularities, if well managed, will be
determinant to the social and economic dynamic of the population
while highlighting the added-value of the quality of life in the village.

4.1 Specific regulations shall be applied on particular environment

aspects, such as:
ƒ Historic sites and monuments
ƒ Religious sites and monuments
ƒ Aesthetic references in housing design inspired by the
community cultural traditions
ƒ The wildlife and preservation of its natural environment
ƒ Control of polluting elements (related to extensive farming,
mining activities and recreational activities near lake and
river shores

4.2 Specific regulations on the potential constraints of the land shall

be applied for the following themes:
ƒ Restricted lots for public uses (Governmental)
ƒ Potential Flood plains
ƒ Potential Earthquake zones
ƒ Shoreline

4.3 Other regulations for:

ƒ Forest exploitations
ƒ Animal farms
ƒ Wells location and other irrigation systems (ex: earth basins)
ƒ Local material uses for house construction
ƒ Defining the boundaries of urban development wherever
suitable
ƒ Specific sites for mobile houses

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5 GENERIC TEMPLATES

5.1 Housing (suggestion)

Fig. 5.1.1 ELEVATION VIEW 1 floor House for family of 4

Recommendation: Rain water collected in gutters may be channeled to a water tank and
later used for showers, laundry and watering the lawn.

Fig. 5.1.2. Plan view - One floor house – surface: 950 sq.ft.

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 5.2 Access to water

100% irrigable soils can be irrigated by local

source

Water available for more than 50% of irrigable

soil

Water available for 10% to 50% of irrigable soil

Water available for less than 10% of irrigable

soil

Insufficient water for irrigation

Fig 5.2.1 Water availability in Africa

Fig. 5.2.2 typical well system for drinking water

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 5.3 Farming techniques in Darfour (Sudan) : example of
efficient irrigation systems ( by Practical-Action
technology)
In Darfour, an isolated north-western province of Sudan with very
low rainfall but a dependence on rain-fed agriculture,

Low impact earth dams

Constructed across gullies, earth dams can save thousands of litres of rain
water. Farm plots nearby are irrigated throughout the growing season. The
dams take around three months of manual labour, often by the women
who farm, to complete.

Crescent terraces

These terraces are labour-intensive to construct, but are low-cost and are
proven to work. Used for centuries, the terraces collect rainwater instead of
letting it flow downhill. Crops like naturally drought-resistant millet can
survive the who growing season. Water and nutrient-filled soil that would
otherwise wash away is instead collected between raised earth strips,
allowing plants to grow longer and healthier.
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Wadis

Wadis are earth basins that form a water-saving bowl. Rainwater flows from
the sides to the centre of each planting bed. Each basin is surrounded by a
ridge of earth about 15cm high. In flat fields the basins are two metres
square – they are smaller on sloping land. In fields with deep soil, farmers
use a hoe to build up walls around each plot.

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6 REFERENCES AND STATISTICS

6.1 Measure units reference

1 acre = 43,560 sq. ft

1m= 3.281 FT
1 m2 = 10.76 Ft2
1 m3 = 35.31 Ft3
1 mile = 1.6 km
1 sq. mile = 2.59 km2
1 hectare = 107,639 sq. ft 2.471 acre

6.2 Water use

Description Statistic Units Source

Sub-Saharan Africa 6,956.6 m3 / person/year World Resources
Institute
South Africa 1,048.2 m3 / person/year World Resources
Institute
North America 16,557.8 m3 / person/year World Resources
Institute
United States 6,815.8 m3 / person/year World Resources
Institute
Residential 30 to 80 Gal/capita/day HLURB (1)
consumption
Commercial 60 to 120 Gal/capita/day HLURB (1)
Hospitals 200 to 400 Gal/capita/day HLURB (1)
Industrial 30 to 50 Gal/capita/day HLURB (1)
Agricultural 5 m3 /
hectare/day

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6.3 School capacity

Description Statistic Unit Source

Student-Teacher Ratio 16 : 1 students/teacher Public School Review
Number of Students 30/35 Each Mass dept. of Education
per class in Elementary
School
Number of Students 25/30 Each Mass dept. of Education
per class in High
School
Elementary School Size 1,000 to M2 (Min. 6 – Max 18 classrooms)
2,000
High School Size 8,000 M2 (Min. 12 classrooms)

6.4 Health services

Description Statistic Unit Source

Doctor 1 per 1,000 population HLURB (1)
Nurse 2 per 1,000 population HLURB (1)
Emergency/Community 1 per 1,000 Within at least 35km HLURB (1)
Hospital

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 6.5 Municipality Functions

Description Statistic Unit Source

Churches: up to 400 members 0.40 Hectares HLURB (1)
Churches 1200 + members 1.60 Hectares HLURB (1)
Police Office 1 : 1,750 Office/ Population HLURB (1)
Police Officer 1 : 1,000 Officer/ Population HLURB (1)
Fire Dept. distance from 2.4 KM HLURB (1)
residents/commercial zones
Neighborhood Park 6 M2 /person HLURB (1)
District or Community Park 15 (2) M2 /person HLURB (1)
Fire Dept distance from 3.4 KM HLURB (1)
industrial / agricultural zones
Fire Truck 1 : 20,000 Truck/Population HLURB (1)
Fireman 1: 1,000 Fireman/Population HLURB (1)
Cemeteries – grave burial 1.8 to 2.2 M2 HLURB (1)
Cemeteries typical size 32 Hectares HLURB (1)

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6.6 Public equipments list (% of occupancy)

1. Municipal equipments (1%)

1.1. Administration
1.1.1. Town hall
1.1.2. Police department
1.1.3. Post office
1.1.4. Fire dept
1.2. Wastes disposal site
1.3. Power central
2. Cultural equipments (2%)
2.1. Community center
2.2. Theater – Music hall
2.3. Historical building
2.4. Public library
3. Sports equipments (1%)
3.1. Arenas
3.2. Public pool
3.3. Sport fields (soccer, basket,,,)
4. Green spaces (5%)
4.1. Parks and play grounds
4.2. Preserved zones
5. Educative equipments (2%)
5.1. Public primary schools
5.2. Public secondary schools
5.3. Technical schools
6. Social equipments (5%)
6.1. Orphanages
6.2. Hospitals (equipped for minor
surgeries)
6.3. Clinics ( with maternity centre)
6.4. Food banks
6.5. Temple / churches
6.6. Cemetery
7. Other equipments (5%)
7.1. Wells / water reservoirs
7.2. Bus / train stations and parking lots
7.3. Roads and electrical grids
7.4. Market places and unloading
areas
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6.7 Road network standards

Fig. 6.7.1 – Table of road classification and standards

7 The Blueprint (Refer to JPEG document)

PROPOSED URBAN DESIGN WITH ROAD NETWORK Generic

blueprint
Plan A