South Asia is an amazing region not well known in the USA. This lack of knowledge -- which is historical and reinforced by South Asia’s refusal to take part in the Cold War and the lack of US involvement in the region (except in Pakistan)-- still remains true even after the US entanglement in Afghanistan. Many characteristics of this largely "unexplored territory" stand out, making it one of the most appropriate locations for the type of center proposed here. Firstly, over one fifth of the world’s population (22%)¹ live in this region. Yet, secondly, it is one of the most diverse regions of the world. With a vast array of religions, languages, and political parties, it is a region that embodies a high degree of diversity and democracy. Thirdly, South Asia not only exemplifies the European influence over it, but also the full potential and the reality of some European visions. It is there where the most monumental complex of British history, the Viceroy’s Palace in New Delhi, rivaling in grandeur and even the Palace of Versailles, was built. It is there where Le Corbusier himself was able to materialize his European modernist dream. In regard to its achievement, Chandigarh is in par with the Eiffel Tower and the Sydney Opera House. It is also there where the most sophisticated, computer-aided design of the Baha’i Temple of New Delhi was materialized. Fourthly, many goals that the American society is striving to achieve such as sustainability and many traits that most contemporary societies are losing, for example, self-sufficiency, community, and integrated land-uses and activities, are operating well in South Asia, albeit within a continuously Westernizing environment. The historic city of Jaipur with its co-existing palaces, fortifications, sun dials, modern businesses, and a hierarchy of roads which are also used by automobiles, people, cows, and goats is exemplary. How development without resources as well as communal and low-energy reproduction of environments --including solid-waste disposal-- takes place in this region cannot be overlooked. Finally, it is a part of Asia which has undergone radical change (development) in the past three decades and may point to many aspects of the future world society and space and prove to be a great laboratory for the study of unknowable scenarios unless one experiences them firsthand.

South Asia is so remarkably different from the United States that, the field study participants, when in the region, are very much outside their "comfort zones." They are thus compelled to think about the world outside of America and they certainly develop a strong consciousness of the world. Moreover, this setting facilitates the understanding of Asia and other parts of the world without being prejudiced or stereotyped. Moreover, by reflection, the participants could develop a critical understanding of their own cultures and environments. This has been the case with both CapAsia field studies; the experience is life-changing.

¹ According to the CIA World Factbook (2002), 1,352,930,918 out of a world population of 6,157,400,560 live in South Asia. (2001 July estimates)