Sustainable Visions

Sustainable Visions: An Architect's Critique of Modern Mauritius
By Rambassun (Sandeep) Sewpal

In this compelling and timely collection, acclaimed Mauritian architect Rambassun Sewpal offers a bold, critical examination of an island nation at a crossroads. Through a series of incisive essays and interviews, Sewpal dissects the pressing challenges facing Mauritius—from speculative urbanisation and the housing affordability crisis to the privatisation of public utilities and the urgent need for climate-resilient design.

With the sharp eye of a practitioner and the heart of an advocate, Sewpal questions top-down projects like Metro Express and Heritage City, arguing for development that prioritises people, sustainability, and social equity over profit and political expediency. He defends the essential role of the architect in creating livable spaces, laments the erosion of cultural heritage, and proposes concrete solutions for flood management, decent housing, and vibrant public realms.

From the contested privatisation of water to the risks of building speculative "smart cities," from the failures in urban planning to the neglect of fire safety and building regulations, this volume is both a manifesto for sustainable architecture and a call to action for inclusive, people-centred planning. Blending personal narrative with professional expertise, Sustainable Visions is more than a critique—it is a passionate plea for a more beautiful, equitable, and resilient Mauritius.

Essential reading for policymakers, architects, urbanists, and every citizen invested in shaping a future where development does not come at the cost of community, environment, or identity.