Work at 45℃ | E01 Can Built Environments be hazardous? In focus - Workspace for puffed rice makers
Channel: SELCO Foundation
Date: 2022-07-20

The Work at 45℃ series will capture how poor communities face reduced quality of life and livelihoods due to poorly built systems for construction and ad hoc spatial designs.

In this episode: The puffed rice entrepreneurs in Kollikere, Dharwad explain how poorly built workspaces have an effect on the economy, working conditions as well as on the more general quality of life. 

The cluster consists of 80 workspaces involved in the processes of making puffed rice. Due to poor construction, there is a lack of proper lighting and ventilation within the space. The smoke generated due to the processes doesn’t escape the space efficiently. This also causes a heat trap within the space, creating really uncomfortable working conditions.

Working hours are between 3am and 11am. 
This is for two major reasons: first, the number of roasters and milling machines have to be shared by individuals at a ratio of 1 machine for 20 individuals. 
Second, the extreme heat during afternoon hours would create more uncomfortable working conditions.

There is a minimum of 5℃ increase in internal temperature compared to outdoor temperature due to the nature of construction of the spaces i.e. in tin or cement roof sheets. Individuals involved in the puffed rice making process cannot continue in the profession for long, leaving them with the need to find another employment opportunity or unemployed.

Increasingly, communities need architectural solutions that address both climate change and inequality together.

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