The private living area in the village

The washing area in an Indian village

Christopher Alexander   Diagram D

Each family/social group has its own compound where the family cattle also live.  In each walled compound 5-10 families live with privacy, especially important for women.  The wall has a water carrying system which feeds tanks for groups of houses.  There is scope for cottage industries, to be located near the entrance of the compound with easy access to the industrial and communal area.  At this end of the compound is a shaded area with water, used for washing and socialising and as a quiet and relaxing space.  The cattle sheds (see A) are at the other end of the compound and open out into the communal cattle and dairy area.