1341 / 1424
1341
a)
Respect for the overall layout: the twelve gardens as a whole are an integral
part of the general initial plan of Auroville. Each of them is inserted into a
space created by the land movements around Matrimandir. Therefore the
layout and form is already fixed in the master plan and will not be modified.
The content and theme of each garden as a symbol to be expressed should
evolve through successive experiments aiming at the perfection that Mother
had wanted.
b)
Flexibility/Mobility: the design of the gardens will evolve from an initial
prototype to progressive realisations. This will facilitate modifications without
demolition. Plants and flowers coming from the nursery in containers will be
moved or replaced according to the evolution of the concept of the garden.
The principle of ‘mobility’ demands a production of plants and flowers in
containers, which are different for each garden. It will make possible an ever
evolving decoration. The obligation to assure year-round presence of flowers
in all the gardens will require a constant renewal of the flowers. The
necessity of a regular production will demand good planning from the
Nursery.
c)
Collective or impersonal realisation: the realisation of the gardens should
have an ‘impersonal’ character. This will imply from the designers the
acceptation to participate in a collective work with a small team chosen by
them. Each garden is a work in progress and becomes the creation of a
team. Nobody will claim the ownership of a concept.
… Specifications to be followed by the participants:
- Each one of the twelve gardens is to express a state of consciousness as given by
Mother. It will include the flowers designated by her.
- The gardens have to be placed in the spaces and with the forms described in the
Master Plan. Overall landscape and contour levels cannot be modified. They have
been planned as a whole.
- The water and electricity connections will not been modified without a serious
justification.
- The height of the trees and the bushes will have to respect the allotted openings
allowing interesting perspectives.
- The unity among the gardens will be looked for through the choice of materials,
the harmonious selection of colours, etc.
- The works involved in the realization of the gardens will have to be done keeping I
mind the respect for the cleanliness and the security of the area. The delivery of the
materials will be arranged at the most convenient hours.
- The deadlines of the execution of the works and the estimated cost will have to be
respected… “
Note: There is, as regards the conditions laid in this proposal, a double irony; on
the one hand, we had, as a team, insisted that Paolo, in his study, must respect the
existing contours, as designed by Roger A and executed over the years, and Paolo
had painstakingly integrated them into his detailed studies of each of the twelve
inner gardens as in his overall study of the entire Peace area. And on the other
hand, as soon as we had been expelled from the work, Roger A and his group
promptly set about destroying all the executed contours and remodelling the entire
oval area as per a new design of his…!