AVEI is registered under the Foundation of Auroville, which is an organisation of the Government of India.
History:
The Auroville Earth Institute (AVEI), founded by HUDCO, Government of India in 1989, is a non-profit organisation specialising in the research, development, promotion and transfer of earth-based building technologies. Previously known as the Auroville Building Centre/Earth Unit, the former building centre progressively evolved and took the name of the Auroville Earth Institute in 2004. Gl
obal leadership:
Over the last 26 years, the Auroville Earth Institute has become one of the world’s top centres for excellence in earthen architecture, a leader in the research, development, promotion and transfer of earth-based building technologies. AVEI has worked in 36 countries to promote and disseminate knowledge in earth architecture, and has garnered 13 awards for its work (two international awards and eleven national awards). Main activities:
The activities of the institute include research and development of earthen technologies, training and education, publication and dissemination, and the following services offered within India and abroad: consultancy (with priority given to NGO’s, governmental and international organisations), architectural design and construction, heritage conservation, production of materials, and quality control testing. Global alliances:
The Auroville Earth Institute is the Representative and Resource Centre for Asia of the UNESCO Chair “Earthen Architecture, Constructive Cultures and Sustainable Development”. This Chair aims to accelerate the dissemination of scientific and technical know-how on earthen architecture amongst the higher education institutions, in the following three domains: environment and heritage, human settlements, and economy and production. The Auroville Earth Institute is part of a world network with CRATerre (The International Centre for Earth Construction, France), ABC Terra (Brazil) and a number of other Indian and worldwide NGO’s. A training convention has been established with the School of Architecture of Grenoble, France, for offering long-term training courses to their students. The Auroville Earth Institute is also member of Basin South Asia (Basin SA), Regional Knowledge Platform, which is committed to “developing knowledge systems and promoting collaborative action to enable access by the poor in South Asia to sustainable habitat and livelihoods”.
04/04/2026
A collection of moments from the CSEB Intensive in March, reflecting commitment, hands-on learning, and shared experience.
It has been a truly rewarding experience engaging with such a motivated and dedicated group of participants.
We extend our best wishes for your continued success in all your future endeavors.
18/03/2026
AVD Intensive at Vistara — Studio exercise on stability studies of arches, vaults, and domes by Radhika.
Learning how geometry, form, and forces come together to create stable structures
24/02/2026
Happy moments with the German students during the training course.
13/02/2026
Young minds discovering sustainable architecture at Elementerre with Lycée Français students 🌱🏗️ A day of curiosity, clay, and creativity.
06/02/2026
Hands-on learning with NASA students at Auroville Earth Institute 🌍, focused on AVD masonry—arches, vaults, and domes.
10/01/2026
A productive training session with students from the American University of Paris 🇫🇷✨
07/01/2026
Happy New Year! As we step into 2026, we are excited to share our July–December Newsletter (Issue 56), highlighting the events and developments we’ve been involved in over the past six months.
Thank you for your continued support and for being an essential part of our journey.
06/01/2026
We’re excited to share our 2026 On-Campus Course Schedule 🎉
From theory to hands-on practice, our courses are designed for professionals, students, and earth building enthusiasts.
29/12/2025
A half-day training session with The American University of Paris — introducing earthen architecture through hands-on experience and shared learning.
29/12/2025
A look at the December training course — where theory meets hands-on practice, and each day deepens the understanding of earth as a building material.
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17/10/2025
A wonderful half-day spent building arches and sharing our passion for earth architecture with the students of Avani Institute of Design. 🌿
Always a joy to inspire and be inspired! ✨