Redefining the Role of Architects in the Rural Development

It is a general observation that the architects always limit their services to the wealthy and powerful people from urban areas. But the truth is that, it is the poor from the villages who need his services. The rural tribes in India have various shortcomings associated with their shelters. Architects need to step forward to help them tackle various shelter related issues that will ultimately lead to a healthy environment and living. There may be variations in the role of the architects depending upon particular situations. His main duty is to try to preserve, improve and create the required quality of built environment for the users towards the creation of sustainable world. The major objective of the paper is to study the role of architect and explore the various dimensions that can be added to his existing role with reference to rural context. The author aims of preparing a policy framework for architects roles and responsibilities in rural development. The author conducted group discussions and surveys to gather the relevant data to explore the opinions on the role of architects. The respondents were the faculty and students of architecture at University of Bahrain. The data was analyzed following the qualitative methods of research to formulate the concluding principles. Finally the author has suggested recommendations to facilitate the role of architects to tailor the rural situations. It can be concluded that, the architects have the ability to understand the consequences of the design process and hence can advise and educate local people in any additions and improvements to their built environment. The local people can share their knowledge, but their knowledge is limited and based on the circumstantial experiences which are not always enough. Therefore, the knowledge and expertise of architects can assist the community in their decisions and initiatives.