Affordable Housing for the Urban Poor in Ghatlodiya, Ahmedabad | Urban Housing as a Product of Types, Density, and Systems

Site Context

Gujarat State’s industrial and financial hub is Ahmedabad. It is the fifth-largest city and seventh-largest metropolitan area in India, with a population of over 5.5 million in the city and 6.3 million in the extended metropolitan area. In addition to natural growth, the population increased from 3.52 million in 2001 to 5.58 million in 2011, with the jurisdiction expanding from 190 square kilometres to 466 square kilometres between 2001 and 2011. The slum population has also witnessed tremendous growth in Ahmedabad. The number of people living in slums in the city increased from 439,843 in 2001 to approximately 800,000 in 2011, making up 14.3 percent of the total population, according to data from the Census of India.

The site is in the Ghatlodiya area in the northwest of the city. This is a residential and commercial area of Ahmedabad City. It is a good neighbourhood offering convenient access to other areas of the city. It has perfect access to buses, trains, and other public transportation. A hospital, bank, school, and ATM are all nearby.

The primary areas of Ghatlodia include Chanakyapuri, Sayona City, Ghatlodia Village, KK Nagar, Prabhat Chowk, and so on. There is a significant Patel population in Ghatlodia as well. The majority of Patel families reside in KK Nagar, also called Patidar Chowk, while Rabari families are located in Chanakyapuri, closer to Ghatlodia Village.

Design Process

The design process of the studio started by exploring ideas that could generate the housing form with respect to climate and socio-cultural aspects. These ideas were represented in the form of a table – ‘Matrix of Ideas’ – at two different scales for a housing project: unit and cluster.

Cluster iterations: To determine an appropriate cluster formation, several ideas from the matrix were selected and combined. Numerous factors were taken into account to form a variety of ideas, including socio-cultural appropriateness, solar analysis, wind direction, and economic limitations. The goal was to create a range of clusters that could be further developed to provide an appropriate design response.

Deriving Clusters: The ideas taken from the Design Matrix include incremental spaces, terracing, semi-open and open spaces for each unit, a hierarchy of open spaces, a central courtyard, and pockets for recreational activities. By combining all of these ideas, a form for the cluster was determined, and terraces overlooking a central courtyard were built on several levels. Using this as the basic concept for the design, numerous iterations were made to the plan and 3D models to arrive at multiple clusters with different unit types that cater to different user needs.

Creating types & Variation: The concept was expanded upon to include a staggering section with a courtyard formed between four units and a terrace created at each level. The same principle was applied in various explorations to produce variety in scale, proportions, spatial quality, and types. This principle was then used to derive different cluster types based on the needs of the people on the site.

Combining Clusters: After achieving variety in forms, scales, and types within clusters, these elements were combined to determine an appropriate site strategy. A hierarchy of open spaces was intended to be created by combining different clusters to produce a sequence of open and semi-open spaces that expand and contract. Different possibilities for combining clusters in the x and y axes were explored before creating an appropriate site plan. This process produced a system for combining these different cluster types through the generation of various rules.

Final Outcome

Masterplan: The design of the masterplan features internal pedestrian roads connecting each cluster, ensuring safe and convenient access for residents. Vehicular access is restricted to the periphery, where sufficient parking for two-wheelers, three-wheelers and four-wheelers is provided. Commercial shops are strategically placed along the periphery, catering to daily needs without disrupting the residential areas. At the heart of the masterplan lies a common plot and a temple, serving as a central community space that fosters social interaction.

Cluster Variations: The project comprises four distinct clusters, each offering unique living spaces. Cluster A features four types of 1BHK units per floor, organized around a central courtyard. These units, ranging from 45 sqm to 55 sqm, are spread across G+3 floors and connected by visually open passages. Upper floors boast private terraces. Cluster B consists of 2BHK units, also centered around a courtyard. The units vary from 65 sqm to 85 sqm, with a private courtyard on the ground floor, balconies on upper floors, and terraces at various levels to promote interaction. The G+3 structure includes common staircases on the exterior and offers four unit types. 

Cluster C is composed exclusively of 2BHK units, ranging from 95 sqm to 100 sqm, arranged around a central courtyard across G+2 floors with three different unit types. Lastly, Cluster D combines six different types of 2BHK and 3BHK units within a G+5 building, ranging from 65 sqm to 100 sqm.

In addition to developing a comprehensive plan for the selected Ghatlodia site, the project also develops a system in the form of a comprehensive guide for different scales that may be used as guidelines for other affordable housing sites in Ahmedabad. The project also goes on to demonstrate this guide for two other selected sites in Ahmedabad.

System for Building Elements: The design of the clusters incorporates various building elements to enhance functionality and comfort. Staircases are cast in situ concrete, with two types used across clusters. Doors and windows are wooden framed and customized for each cluster, shading devices are concrete structures used selectively for specific window types and terraces, particularly those facing south or west. 

Wind cooling devices include jali walls made from concrete supports and breezer blocks to cool airflow, along with concrete planter boxes acting as passive cooling systems. Socio-cultural elements like niches finished with rough Kota stone are incorporated as social spaces, especially for ground-floor and terrace-access units. Plinth conditions provide sitting and storage spaces using concrete finished with rough Kota stone. Additional design considerations include water tanks, terraces, balconies, courts, and other structural and infill elements to ensure a cohesive and functional environment.

System for Urban structure: The design allows combining similar clusters along the X and Y axes, with specific rules for each type. Cluster AA can combine in the X axis by sharing first-floor bedroom walls and removing a column, while in the Y axis, ground-floor bedrooms share a wall with a common staircase landing. Cluster BB combinations require a 1.5-meter buffer for X axis combinations and a 4.5-meter space for Y axis combinations. Cluster CC needs a 3.5-meter buffer for X axis combinations, while Y axis combinations should have a 6-meter buffer. Cluster DD can combine in both directions with a 4.5-meter buffer for X axis and 6.5 meters for Y axis.

System for Urban street: The commercial edge allows for shops on either side of all clusters, with a 2.5-meter margin for parking and no bedroom windows where shops are added. Plinths should be 800 mm wide and 450 mm high. For staggered edges, the central axis can be adjusted with sufficient buffer space, and parking entrances should be 6 meters wide. Uneven edges may require tilting clusters to match the road, using leftover spaces for community institutions. Cluster D should be placed around common plots with a 6-meter margin, which can also serve as parking. Clear separation between vehicular and pedestrian paths is essential.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the project addresses the complex housing challenges faced by the urban poor through innovative and context-sensitive approaches to urban planning and affordable housing design. By rethinking traditional models and focusing on more inclusive, sustainable design, the project serves as a housing model that supports the diverse needs of lower-income communities.

[This Academic Project has been published with text submitted by the student]