Shelter Dynamics: Expand, Extend, Self-Sustain And Grow | Architecture Thesis on Urban Shelter

Site Context

The intervention site is located in Grant Road, Mumbai. For site selection, several possibilities were listed based on the needs of the user group within the city. It was essential to examine plots that may be influenced by one or more of the following criteria to establish a connection with the diverse influences of the city.

During the planning stage, the government can further shortlist sites with specific features like those mentioned above to ensure the creation of productive spaces for incoming individuals. Therefore, within the city, users are trained and made self-sustainable through their course of stay in the shelter. They contribute to the city by offering recreational services, subsidized markets, worker communities and many more.

Design Process

A thorough study was conducted during the design process to analyse various users, their activities, and the nature of stay in the city. In order to improve and further iterate to create their own homes in the city, interviews were conducted and various types of spaces they occupy were studied. A total of 106 different communities were studied to examine their patterns, needs, and wants.

Understanding the various relationships they formed while in the city and observing their work nature also played a significant part in the research and design process. Therefore, the research and design process seek to capture various aspects that are specific to each community.

Final Outcome

The Program Intent: The initiative seeks to challenge conventional stereotypes while providing shelter for marginalised communities. With a focus on the nomadic community, the shelter offers essential amenities and services to all low-income groups. In addition to providing areas for people to sell goods commercially, it also supports a strong infrastructure that enables locals to produce, learn, and sell.

This strategy makes it possible for the city to provide services and maintain a sustainable budget. In order to provide residents with the opportunity to actively manage the shelter, it takes on a composite form that includes markets, learning areas, and temporal systems. Everyone involved gains from this inclusive atmosphere and mutually beneficial relationship with the city.

The Design Intent: In order to accommodate nomadic communities that visit the city on a seasonal basis, the design attempts to create a flexible space for emergencies and special needs. It can be expanded to accommodate housing, camps, and rescue shelters in addition to serving as a workspace, display area, and night shelter.

Internal conversions, like folding partitions, maximize space utilization, comfort, and user preferences. Through plug-in programmes run by NGOs, participants can use their existing skills and pick up new ones in this building. These initiatives support the shelter’s broad concept by providing crash courses, subsidised benefits, and facilitated buying-selling relationships within the building.

Conclusion: The project challenges stereotypical notions about the hybridity and duality of shelters and explores an architectural solution that proposes a housing programme that integrates the social and commercial infrastructures of the city.

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