Gandhigram Rural Institute along with Bhoomika Trust and Indians for Collective Action (ICA) organized a contest for the best design for hazard resistant housing. Prof. Anand S. Arya (National Seismic Advisor, Government of India) chaired the event. There were 33 participants, and 2 first prizewinners were announced. The winners were the Auroville Earth Institute and the Orissa Development Technocrats Forum.

The panelists were of the opinion that when housing is designed, it should be such that it lasts for at least fifty years. Emphasis must be on workmanship and quality control. Homework must be done before establishing guidelines of the project. A project must contain a unique mix of art, science, safety and aesthetics. There must be a close interaction between the community and the project execution team. Special attention must be given to make a house a home and therefore social requirements must also be taken into account at the planning stage.