Revamping Dharavi.

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Revamping Dharavi. Understanding the Issues with the Urban Renewal Strategy of Dharavi and Giving possible Solutions.

Rahul Deepak Kumar Jain 19082625 Email: 19082625@stu.mmu.ac.uk



Revamping Dharavi. Understanding the Issues with the Urban Renewal Strategy of Dharavi and Giving possible Solutions. August 2020 Thesis Project by Rahul Deepak Kumar Jain MA Architecture and Urbanism (2019-2020) Manchester School of Architecture



Acknowledgement Firstly, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to my course advisor Eamonn Canniffe Principal Lecturer of the MA Architecture and Urbanism Course at Manchester School of Architecture for his continued support and metorship. I am grateful to Julie Fitzpatrick for her constant support and constructive critiques, helping me with the completion of this project. I am also thankful to the course’s highly experienced teaching team for all the thoughtful guidance. FInally, the people who stood by me through this entire year by being such wonderful friends, the class of MA A+U 2019-2020. This journey wouldn't have been the same without you all, I'm taking so much on personel and professional level from each one of you. It has been an incredible year of new learning and experiences. - Rahul Deepak Kumar Jain.



“A slum is not an chaotic collection of structures, it is a dynamic collection of individuals who has figured out how to survive in the most adverse of circumstances”[1]

1. Sharma, K. Rediscovering Dharavi : stories from Asia’s largest slum. New Delhi: Penguin Books, 2000. P xxxiv.


CONTENTS 1. Introduction.

17

2. Context.

23

2.1. Why Dharavi?

25

2.2. Evolution of Dharavi.

28

2.3. Existing conditions.

30

2.4. Issues with DRP(Dharavi Redevelopement Plan).

34

3. Site Study and Analysis.

37

3.1. Physical Attributes.

39

3.2. Open Spaces.

43

3.3. Street Life.

44

4. Precedents.

49

4.1. Yerwada Slum Redevelopment.

51

4.2. Aranya Housing.

55


5. Proposal.

61

5.1. Strategy.

63

5.2. Proposed Master Plan.

66

5.3. Proposed Road Network and Public/Open Space.

71

5.4. Housing Typology Proposal.

80

5.5. Dynamic Open Spaces.

94

6. Conclusion.

101

7. Bibliography

105


Revamping Dharavi.

List of Illustrations:

Page No.

Fig 1.1: Property Value in Mumbai. Source: Magicbricks.

17.

Fig 2.1: Location of Dharavi in Mumbai Showing Centrality of Dharavi in Mumbai. Source: Author.

22.

Fig 2.2: Chronology of urban fabric of Dharavi Since 1800s. Source: Author.

24.

Fig 2.3: Bombay’s Expansion; source: Correa, Ch., The New Landscape., 1989(Recreated by Author).

25.

Fig 2.3: Issues with Dharavi. Source: UDRI.

26.

Fig 2.4: Land Use Plan of Dharavi. Source: Author.

27.

Fig 2.5: Urban Fabric of Dharavi. Source: Author

28.

Fig 2.6: Network Map of Dharavi. Source: Author.

29.

Fig 2.7: Dharavi Redevelopment Project Scheme. Source: Dharavi.org.

31.

Fig 3.1: Location of Site in Dharavi. Source: Author.

34.

Fig 3.2: Land Use Plan of Site. Source: Author.

36.

Fig 3.3: Urban Fabric of Site. Source: Author.

37.

Fig 3.4: Urban Blocks of Site. Source: Author

38.

Fig 3.5: Views of Open Spaces Illustrating Various Activities in Courtyards. Source: UDRI.

39.

Fig 3.6: Street sections Illustrating Street Activities in Lanes, Streets and Main Streets. Source: Author.

40.

Fig 3.7: Street Views Illustrating Street Activities in Lanes and Streets. Source: UDRI.

41.

Fig 3.8: Hierarchy of Spaces from Public to Private (From Main Road to House). Source: Author.

42

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List of Illustrations.

List of Illustrations:

Page No.

Fig 4.1: (Above)Plan showing Pacca and Kaccha Houses. (Below) Propose plan maintaining the permanent structures. Source:http://prasannadesaiarchitects.com/insitu-slumrehabilitaion-projectyerwada-pune.html.

48.

Fig 4.2: Yerwada Slum Redevelopement Housing Typologies for People To Choose based on One's Requirement. Source: Archdaily.

48.

Fig 4.3: Yerwada Slum Redevelopement Community Participation. Source: Archdaily.

49.

Fig 4.4: VIsuals of Yerwada Slum Redevelopement. Source: Archdaily.

49.

Fig 4.5: House Form Variation. Source: Vastu Shilpa Foundation.

52.

Fig 4.6: Perspective of a street as a miniature, by B.V. Doshi. Source: Vastu Shilpa Foundation.

52.

Fig 4.7: (Top Left) Aranya Low Cost Housing and a variety of semi-public and public spaces, (Bottom Left) A street from Aranya Housing with different typologies of houses, (Right) Aranya Low Cost Housing and the relation between streets and entrances. Source: Vastu Shilpa Foundation.

53.

Fig 4.8: Comic Explaing Ideology of B.V. Doshi behind Aranya Housing Project. Source: https://www. instagram.com/p/B63ANYzjKKP/ (Leewardists).

54.

Fig 5.1: Strategy for the proposal. Source: Author.

59.

Fig 5.2: Providing choices to suite one's requirement. Source: Author.

60.

Fig 5.3: Street Widened to enhance street level activities. Source: Author.

60.

Fig 5.4: Creating an Intricate Urban Fabric taking Inspiration from the Present Dharavi. Source: Author.

61.

Fig 5.5: Intricate Networks of streets connected to multifunctional open/public space. Source: Author.

61.

Fig 5.6: Proposed Master Plan of Site. Source: Author.

63. [ 11 ]


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Fig 5.7: Proposed Urban Fabric of Site. Source: Author.

64.

Fig 5.8: Proposed Urban Blocks of Site. Source: Author.

65.

Fig 5.9: Street Sections from Various Street Typologies. Source: Author.

66.

Fig 5.10: Proposed Road Networks of Site. Source: Author.

67.

Fig 5.11: Long Street Section Along the Site. Source: Author.

66.

Fig 5.12: Hierarchy of Spaces from Public to Private (From Main Road to House). Source: Author.

68.

Fig 5.13: View of Existing Street. Source: UDRI.

70.

Fig 5.14: View of Proposed Street. Source: Author.

71.

Fig 5.15: Illustration of Street with Relation to People and the Housing. Source: Author.

72.

Fig 5.16: Illustration of Master Plan View with its Salient Features. Source: Author.

74.

Fig 5.17: Usual Routine of a Slum Dweller. Source: Author.

76.

Fig 5.18: Different use of Space in Proposed Typical Unit with Time.. Source: Author.

77.

Fig 5.19: Evolution of the housing blocks (An Incremental Growth). Source: Author.

79.

Fig 5.20: Different Configururation of Housing Blocks Based on Plot Size and User Requirement. Source: Author.

79.

Fig 5.21: Functions in Type 1. Source: Author.

80.

Fig 5.22: Elevation of Type 1. (Residence) Area: 26.5sq.m. without balcony. Source: Author.

80.

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List of Illustrations.

List of Illustrations:

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Fig 5.23: Elevation of Type 1. (Residence) Area: 26.5sq.m. with balcony. Source: Author.

80.

Fig 5.24: Plan of Type 1. Source: Author.

81

Fig 5.25: Functions in Type 2. Source: Author

82.

Fig 5.26: Elevation of Type 2. (Residence/Workshop) Area: 26.5sq.m. Source: Author.

82.

Fig 5.27: Plan of Type 2. Source: Author.

82.

Fig 5.28: Elevation of Type 3. (Commercial/Residence) Area: 26.5sq.m. Source: Author.

83.

Fig 5.29: Functions in Type 2. Source: Author.

83.

Fig 5.30: Plan of Type 3. Source: Author.

83.

Fig 5.31: Plan of Type 4. Source: Author.

84.

Fig 5.32: Elevation of Type 4. (Residence) Area: 26.5sq.m. Source Author.

84.

Fig 5.33: Keyplan and Zoomed in Plan for Section. Source Author.

85.

Fig 5.34: Section A-A', Showing various activities in House Block and Terrace. Source Author.

85.

Fig 5.35: Section B-B', Showing Services from Road to Service Shaft in House Block. Source Author.

85.

Fig 5.36: Incremental Growth of the Housing Block. Source Author.

86.

Fig 5.37: Construction Stages and Material Pallete. Source Author.

88.

Fig 5.38: Illustration of Different Scenarios for the same Open Space. Source Author.

91.

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Fig 5.39: Vision of Open Space as a Space for People to Interact and meet other People from the Community. Source Author.

92.

Fig 5.40: Vision of Open Space as an Open Banquet for Large Public Gatherings during Festivals or Occasions. Source Author.

93.

Fig 5.41: Vision of Open Space as a Space for Children to Play and a Place for Leisure, Relaxation, Fitness and Sports. Source Author..

94.

Fig 5.42: Vision of Open Space as a Makeshift Vegetable Market or any Market During or Before Festivals. Source Author.

95.

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List of Illustrations.

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Revamping Dharavi.

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Introduction

1. Introduction.

[ 17 ]


Revamping Dharavi.

[ 18 ]


Introduction

1. Introduction. Slums are usually a gateway to the cities for the rural population which migrate to urban areas in search of jobs hoping for a better lifestyle and find shelter in these informal settlements. The UN-Habitat report on Slums from 2004, highlights four basic type of urban population expansion which significantly contribute towards the growth of informal settlements. 1. Rural - Urban Migration. 2. Natural Growth. 3. Combination of Natural and Migration Growth. 4. Population displacement due to armed conflict, internal strife or violence During the census of 2011 it was seen that more than 30% of the total urban population lives in slum in India(Table 1).[2] Based on the census of 2011 Mumbai has the highest number of slum population and is also sometimes refered to as "slumbai". As India's Financial capitol and most populous city with total population of almost 12.44 million 42% of the total population lives in slum. Mumbai also host Dharavi which is often known as ‘Asia’s largest Slum’. Dharavi is spread across 239 hectares with population of over 1 million people. It has an explosive mix of different communities that live in impossibly crowded surroundings. Dharavi although being a slum provides jobs to almost 80% of its inhabitants. The landuse of Dharavi is a mix of Housing, commercial and industrial spaces.

2. Slums in India: A Statistical Compendium, Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation, India, 2015. P.6. [ 19 ]


Revamping Dharavi.

Dharavi has not just emerged suddenly, its been here since even before when Mumbai was called Bombay. It was ignored by many until 1970s but suddenly started getting attention due to its location. Before 1947 Dharavi was on the northen most part of the Colonial Bombay but when city started expanding towards north due to restrictions in south and west, Dharavi became the part of centre of city increasing its land value, inturn getting attentions from government and developers. Due to this location advantage today Dharavi is also known as a "Goldmine Location" as seen in Figure 1.1. There are several attempts made by many to redevlop or uplift slums or designing for lower income groups with common intention of creating a better life for the dwellers but most of them fails due to ignorance of architectural, social and cultural character of the location. While there are some successful cases where the dwellers have accepted the upgraded proposal, many projects are rejected by the dwellers leading to its failure. Similarly in case of Dharavi there are various interventions made by government and local bodies in the past few decades to upgrade the conditions of slums, but all attempts have their own reasons of failure. Designing housing for a place like Dharavi requires special attention. Rather than solving the tangible problems one must understand the untangible community structure of Dharavi. The social structures like community and neighborhood play an important role in the liveliness of slums like Dharavi which the designers usually ignore focusing on the physical problems. Thus the understanding of the social structure may help finding solution for the problems in the redevelopement

[ 20 ]

The thesis project based in Mumbai will tend to understand the issues with the urban renewal project in case of Dharavi and research on the social structure of the site. The research intends to study the community aspects of Dharavi and understand what we as designers are missing. The research also tend to study the physical aspects and finding issues. The Intent of the project is to provide possible solutions to the issues faced by the slum dwellers and redevelop the present area taking inspiration from the existing.


Introduction

Table 1: Slum and Non-Slum Population in Major Million Plus Cities in India-2011. Source: Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India, 2011.

Fig 1.1: Property Value in Mumbai. Source: Magicbricks.

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Revamping Dharavi.

[ 22 ]


Context

2. Context. 2.1. Why Dharavi? 2.2. Evolution of Dharavi. 2.3. Existing Conditions. 2.4. Issues with DRP.

[ 23 ]


Revamping Dharavi.

[ 24 ]


Context

2.1. Why Dharavi? The metropolis of Mumbai is often called Slumbai or Slumbay with probably the largest number of slumdwellers in the world (over six milion).[10] Mumbai being the financial capital of India attracts many skilled miggrants for job and slums become the first stop for stay due to high property value. Their are many slums in Mumbai but the most famous one being Dharavi, which also is labelled as Asia's largest slum. Since its inception Dharavi has attracted many immigrants as it housed many industries and commercial activity providing the miggrants with job oppurtunity. "Dharavi was recently in the centre of a storm – with clouds of different development plans hovering overhead. Global capital investment companies, local real estate developers and the State Government have all been viewing Dharavi as a privileged gateway to Mumbai’s transformation."[11] What really makes Dharavi so interesting is the location in the heart of financial capitol of the country, Mumbai. Dharavi due to its prime location has gained many attention from both government and private developers. The Heart Shaped spread of settlement is located centrally between Mumbai's two main suburban railway lines, Western and Central Railway. This are the two main lifelines of Mumbai transporting thousands of people from one end of metropolis to another.[12] This also became the important factors for the increase in land value at Dharavi. 10. DAY, R. R[e] interpreting, imagining, developing Dharavi. Mumbai, Society for the Promotion of Area Resource Centres. 2010. P 6. 11. ibid 12. Sharma, K. Rediscovering Dharavi : stories from Asia’s largest slum. New Delhi: Penguin Books, 2000. P xvi. [ 25 ]


Revamping Dharavi.

Fig 2.1: Location of Dharavi in Mumbai Showing Centrality of Dharavi in Mumbai. Source: Author. [ 26 ]


Context

[ 27 ]


Revamping Dharavi.

2.2. Evolution of Dharavi? Dharavi which now is known to be Asia’s largest informal area with almost 1 million inhabitants, which is in a globalizing Mumbai was once considered as a village in the city. Prior to the colonial era, it was a fishing village known as Koliwada when Mumbai was undergoing various transformations. Until the end of the 19th century, Mumbai (then known as Bombay) was classified into two main parts, the colonial part being at the southern edge and the native part at the north of the colonial part. Dharavi Occupied the Northernmost edge of the native part, close to the sea and therefore its identity as a fishing village. 1877 marked as the arrival of a new community in Dharavi, potters from Saurashtra in Bombay who, through years, relocated to Dharavi and they settled in the potter’s community also known as “Kumbharwada” which still resides in the

area. In 1887 the first tannery arrived in Dharavi with which arrived Muslim tanners from Tamil Nadu. For the first time since its emergence, new social groups and professions inhabited Dharavi expanding its economic status in new commercial activities. This was the time when Dharavi started taking the current form.[1] Dharavi evolved drastically in the next few decades, both in terms of population and site area. Immigrants started establishing communities and setting up community spaces such as temples and schools. The number of immigrants steadily increased over the years where the original settlers were joined by new immigrants from different parts. To accommodate the large inflows of people, the city started reshaping its centre and expanding towards the north as seen in Figure 2.3. Dharavi once located on the northern edge of the city became part of the city centre.

Fig 2.2: Chronology of urban fabric of Dharavi Since 1800s. Source: Author. 12. Kolokotroni, M., Beyond the Stereotype; Dharavi. Sustainable Human(e) Settlements Conference proceedings, 2012. P 2. [ 28 ]


Context

Fig 2.3: Bombay’s Expansion; source: Correa, Ch., The New Landscape., 1989(Recreated by Author).

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Revamping Dharavi.

2.3. Existing Condition. Dharavi is a 239 hectares of informal settlement with variegated nature of Landuse. Dharavi has an enormous spread almost of a size of a small township. What is even more intimidating than its size is the density of population, an estimated of 18,000 persons per acre. In this densely packed area you find twenty seven temples, eleven mosques and six churches.[19] Most of the structures are declared as hut by the Govenment, due to its construction quality and structurally unsound nature. Most of the Commercial space and major Industries are lined along the main roads and main streets where as the housing are in the inner clusters. Major industries of Dharavi are located in the western most part where as smaller industries are scattered in other parts of the settlement hiding in between housing or sometimes on upper floors of housing. The common characteristic feature between all neighbourhoods are houses connected to vast labyrinth of narrow streets, public toilets shared my the neighbourhood, lack of basic infrastructure such as toilets, lack of light and ventilation as the houses are built close to one other without setbacks and more people living in a small space. The settlements converge and part in mysterious ways, where one nagar ends and another begin only the residents can tell you.

Lacking basic Infrastructure.

Poor Construction Quality.

Narrow Lanes.

Poor living Standards.

Fig 2.3: Issues with Dharavi. Source: UDRI.

19. Sharma, K. Rediscovering Dharavi : stories from Asia’s largest slum. New Delhi: Penguin Books, 2000. P xxvii. [ 30 ]


Context

Fig 2.4: Land Use Plan of Dharavi. Source: Author.

The land use of Dharavi consist of variety of functions varying from Housing, commercial to industrial as seen in Figure. Showing people living in Dharavi but also working here. [ 31 ]


Revamping Dharavi.

Fig 2.5: Urban Fabric of Dharavi. Source: Author.

The Urban Fabric of Dharavi showcases distinctive characters of different neighborhoods. The differentiation between two neighborhoods or nagar is seen in some places due to its distinct planning. [ 32 ]


Context

Fig 2.6: Network Map of Dharavi. Source: Author.

One can enter into Dharavi through several different routes. It is linked by two link roads that connect East and West Mumbai - Sion and Mahim. Other than major roads dividing the nagars, houses are connected by vast labyrinth of narrow streets [ 33 ]


Revamping Dharavi.

2.4. Issues in DRP. Efforts to redevelop Dharavi started when the government’s attitude towards slum population changed and marked the beginning of the Maharashtra Slum Areas Improvement, Clearance and Redevelopment Act of 1971. There were various attempts to redevelop Dharavi since then and all had their own reasons for failure. In 2004 the Government of Maharashtra proposed Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP), where it was planned to carry out redevelopment of Dharavi as an integrated township project, in which developers would rehouse Dharavi’s residents in 300 square feet apartments built in high rise tower blocks, thus freeing up space for their own development projects. It was decided to develop the area by dividing the land into various sectors and appointing the developers for the development. While the tower blocks resolve the issue of hygiene and sanitation that previously plagued the slum, it has encountered major resistance from its residents as the project is more beneficial to the developers than the slum dwellers. The DRP is divided into sector, once the sectors are allotted to private developers it is up to the developer on how to redevelop in order to generate profit for itself, therefore ignoring the primary actors of the project the slum dwellers. A large portion of the dwellers argue that the DRP has not considered the current livelihood and socio-economic networks.

[ 34 ]


Context

Fig 2.7: Dharavi Redevelopment Project Scheme. Source: Dharavi.org.

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Revamping Dharavi.

[ 36 ]


Site Study and Analysis.

3. Site Study and Analysis. 3.1. Physical Attributes. 3.2. Open Spaces. 3.3. Street Life.

[ 37 ]


Revamping Dharavi.

Fig 3.1: Location of Site in Dharavi. Source: Author. [ 38 ]


Site Study and Analysis.

3.1. Physical Attributes. The site has variegated nature of Landuse. The land use of site consist of variety of functions varying from Housing, commercial to industrial as seen in Figure.3.2, Showing people living but also working here. Almost all of these structures are declared as hut by the Govenment, due to its construction quality and structurally unsound nature. Most of the Commercial space and major Industries are lined along the main roads and main streets where as the housing are in the inner clusters. Small scale industries are scattered in the settlement hiding in between housing or sometimes on upper floors of housing. The Developement by government and High rises are seen along the Main Roads specifically 60feet road. The Urban Fabric the site showcases unplanned structures in informal manner with a distinct character of mazes of streets leading to open/public space as seen in Figure 3.3. The main streets usually larger than lanes divide the site into informal urban blocks. The streets leading to the houses are usually very narrow sometimes as wide as 0.6 meters making the houses dark and creating lack of ventilation. The urban fabric also showcases layers of open spaces with varrying sizes. people play, work, even do their daily drudgery like washinng clothes as social affairs done with neighbors.

[ 39 ]


Revamping Dharavi.

The land use of site is dominated by residences in the inner area whereas on periphery near the main roads is commercial units. Most of this structures are listed as huts by the government due to its poor structure.

Fig 3.2: Land Use Plan of Site. Source: Author. [ 40 ]


Site Study and Analysis.

The Urban Fabric of site demonstrates unplanned structures in informal manner with mazes of streets leading to open/public space.

Fig 3.3: Urban Fabric of Site. Source: Author. [ 41 ]


Revamping Dharavi.

The site is a colection of streets creating a maze like pattern which usually ends in a open/ public space. The main streets usually larger than lanes divide the site into informal urban blocks.

Fig 3.4: Urban Blocks of Site. Source: Author. [ 42 ]


Site Study and Analysis.

3.2. Open Spaces.

Open Spaces are very important part of various layers of Dharavi as people play, work, even do their daily drudgery like washinng clothes as social affairs done with neighbors.

Fig 3.5: Views of Open Spaces Illustrating Various Activities in Courtyards. Source: UDRI. [ 43 ]


Revamping Dharavi.

3.3. Street Life. The Site is filled with labyrinth of streets connecting the houses. Streets is where all the social action and all the activities take place. The streets acts as a spine to the informal settlement. The streets acts as an semi private extension of the house as seen in figure 3.6 showing the relation of the streets with the building and human scale, were some streets are so narrow that only one person can walk through at a time.

Lanes:

Streets:

Main Street:

The Lanes are usually smaller than 1.5m wide Going as low as 0.6m in some areas with Buildings on both sides usually two to three storey high. 1.5m wide streets although have some street level activity the smaller lanes only acts as access to houses.

Usually lined with entrances to buildings on both sides. The entrance is usually seperated by a plinth which acts as a semi public space to sit, interact with neighbors and engage social life. The plinth sometimes also contains stairs leading to upper floors. These streets are usually 2m-3m wide allowing very little street activity.

The only streets which usually has vehicular access. The building along this streets are usually two to three storey structure with the ground floor typically beinng a commercial space like neighborhood grocery store, tea shop or a tailor and the upper floor being residential space. The structures still have the plinths which acts as a pedestrian and social space. The street width is more than 3m and this street are usually access streets to other streets and lanes.

Fig 3.6: Street sections Illustrating Street Activities in Lanes, Streets and Main Streets. Source: Author. [ 44 ]


Site Study and Analysis.

Fig 3.7: Street Views Illustrating Street Activities in Lanes and Streets. Source: UDRI.

[ 45 ]


Revamping Dharavi.

Public

Semi Public

Main Roads

Open Spaces / Communal Spaces

Fig 3.8: Hierarchy of Spaces from Public to Private (From Main Road to House). Source: Author.

[ 46 ]


Site Study and Analysis.

Semi Private

Private

Streets and Lanes

Houses

[ 47 ]


Revamping Dharavi.

[ 48 ]


Precedents

4. Precedents. 4.1. Yerwada Slum Redevelopement. 4.2. Aranya Housing.

[ 49 ]


Revamping Dharavi.

[ 50 ]


Precedents

4.1. Yerwada Slum Redevelopement, Pune, India. The project started in 2009 with the long-term goal of the Pune Municipal Corporation is to achieve a “Sustainable slum less city” with an Incremental Housing Strategy that could be implemented anywhere. A sustained process of housing improvement is only possible with the beneficiary community’s contribution, participation and consent. The main design features by Architects Filipe Balestra and Sara Göransson from Stockholm, First being the most significant where the project uses the existing organic patterns of the neighbourhood that have been evolved during time and the existing social networks are respected. With this feature the neighbours remain neighbours. Second, the team proposed Three prototypes of single family house for the upgradation, where each family had the liberty to choose one of the three design based on their personal needs. The user had the liberty to add an extra floor in future as the structure although proposed as two storey had the structural stability to support three storeys. The project featured successful collaboration between different stakeholders with involvement of Government, Professionals, NGO, Beneficiaries and Local Representatives throughout the project. Which helped in bringing the community together and also involving them in the design process and training them to understand what they really want, being the end users.

[ 51 ]


Revamping Dharavi. The project uses the existing organic patterns of the neighbourhood that have been evolved during time and retaining the social networks. The team identified the structurally sound units and retained them, whereas houses with lack of basic infrastructure were redesigned.

House A: a 2 story house structured as a 3 story house, allowing the owner to extend the house vertically without structural risks in the future., House B: a 2 story house on pilots, allowing for the owner to either leave the space open for parking or to increment it as a shop or an extra bedroom., House C: a 3 story house with a void in the middle. This void can be used like a veranda, living or working space, and the family can close it in order to create a new bedroom in the future.

Fig 4.1: (Above)Plan showing Pacca and Kaccha Houses. (Below) Propose plan maintaining the permanent structures. Source:http://prasannadesaiarchitects.com/insitu-slumrehabilitaion-project-yerwada-pune.html

Fig 4.2: Yerwada Slum Redevelopement Housing Typologies for People To Choose based on One's Requirement. Source: Archdaily.

[ 52 ]


Precedents Collaboration between different stakeholders with involvement of Government, Professionals, NGO, Beneficiaries and Local Representatives throughout the project. Which helped in bringing the community together and also involving them in the design process and training them to understand what they really want, being the end users.

Visuals of retained structurally sound units and new redesigned unit in the existing social network of the community.

Fig 4.3: Yerwada Slum Redevelopement Community Participation. Source: Archdaily.

Fig 4.4: VIsuals of Yerwada Slum Redevelopement. Source: Archdaily.

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Revamping Dharavi.

[ 54 ]


Precedents

4.2. Aranya Housing, Indore, India. The project was initiated in 1983 by Indore development Authority (IDA) for 6,500 families primarily from Economically weaker section (EWS) of society or lower income group (LIG). Designed by VastuShilpa Foundation and was lead by B V. Doshi. with an idea that a sence of continuity of fundamental values of society is the essence of good habitat. The ideological basis for planning Aranya has been Vitality, Imageability, Equity, Efficiency, Flexibility and feasibility. The settlement is designed as collection of six selfsustained neighbourhoods, which incorporates all neighbourhood facilities such as schools, medical center, shops, etc. to sustain community. The commercial, community and recreational amenities are located in the center of the settlements while the local shops and other facilities are dispersed in the neighbourhood at walking distance. The project is based on a strategy of site and service process where the basic infrastructure is provided to the user and the residents can upgrade their houses with time. Its an incremental process which upgrades over time and also invites involvement of users in building their houses and neighbourhood. In case of Aranya Housing the process was applied such that each family was given a small parcel of land comprising of toilet and kitchen with varying services based on the users ability to pay for services. With this the community becomes empowered and responsible for making housing decision based on once ability.

[ 55 ]


Revamping Dharavi. The Family builds their house as per their requirement and ability to pay for services hence creating variation in house forms for each family.

Due to various house forms creating different elevation for each house form the street has a diversity in street facade.

Fig 4.5: House Form Variation. Source: Vastu Shilpa Foundation.

Fig 4.6: Perspective of a street as a miniature, by B.V. Doshi. Source: Vastu Shilpa Foundation.

[ 56 ]


Precedents

Fig 4.7: (Top Left) Aranya Low Cost Housing and a variety of semi-public and public spaces, (Bottom Left) A street from Aranya Housing with different typologies of houses, (Right) Aranya Low Cost Housing and the relation between streets and entrances. Source: Vastu Shilpa Foundation.

[ 57 ]


Revamping Dharavi.

Fig 4.8: Comic Explaing Ideology of B.V. Doshi behind Aranya Housing Project. Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/B63ANYzjKKP/ (Leeward

[ 58 ]


Precedents

dists).

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Revamping Dharavi.

[ 60 ]


Proposal.

5. Proposal 5.1. Strategy. 5.2. Proposed Master Plan. 5.3. Proposed Road Network 5.4. Housing Typology Proposal. 5.5. Dynamic Open Spaces.

[ 61 ]


Revamping Dharavi.

[ 62 ]


Proposal.

5.1. Strategy. It is evident from all the studies and analysis that Dharavi has multicolored landscape of land use and structures where people not only live here but also work. The approaches made by the government to redevelope Dharavi with the ideology of one size fits all approach is not acceptable due to its ignorance of peoples needs and involving the end user in the design process. Due to Dharavi's variegated nature a single uniform strategy cannot be applied to the whole area. Some strategies which can be applied to uplift the present conditions of Dharavi based on the finding and Precedent studies are as follows:

Fig 5.1: Strategy for the proposal. Source: Author. [ 63 ]


Revamping Dharavi.

A. Community led Design Solutions.

B. Enhansing Street Life.

Dharavi Shows that needs of each neighborhood is different due to its variety of industries. Solution for one neighbourhood cannot be suitable for some other neighborhood as the requirement of each neighborhood is different, for example a solution to Accomodating small industries of New Transit Camp can be providing a Loft space as part of the residence with higher floors but the same solution is not feasible for Kumbhars for Kumbharwada as their trade requires space on ground level for their potter's wheel and Kiln. Hence, treating Dharavi as one uniform slum and imposing a uniform solution will just not work, rather flexibility and Community participation in design process ensuring finding solutions to the problems.

Street life is one of the most important part of everyday activity of people of Dharavi. It is not only used as a connection between two points but its is also used as a facilitator for social affairs. The existing street can be widened to create a better street life allowing light to come on streets.

Fig 5.2: Providing choices to suite one's requirement. Source: Author.

Fig 5.3: Street Widened to enhance street level activities. Source: Author.

[ 64 ]


Proposal.

C. Inspiration from Existing. Dharavi has evoveled since ages creating a self sustaining self regenarating community. The people have created space in ways only few Architects can do. They are survival artists who have created spaces from trial and error which works for them. So taking an inspiration from the existing Dharavi will only help the designer to enhance the desin and add life to the Redeveloped Project. We as Designers think only about spaces and structures but not lives of people creating a dreamy project without life, whereas places like Dharavi flourishes attracting people with its spirits. Producing an intricate urban fabric just like the existing Dharavi will enhance street life and forming small pockets of communal space. This strategy will help creating a Design and spaces which adapts to peoples of Dharavi and its Cultures. Fig 5.4: Creating an Intricate Urban Fabric taking Inspiration from the Present Dharavi. Source: Author.

Fig 5.5: Intricate Networks of streets connected to multifunctional open/public space. Source: Author. [ 65 ]


Revamping Dharavi.

5.2. Proposed Master Plan. The Proposed master plan retains the existing organic patterns of the neighbourhood that have been evolved during time and the existing social networks are respected. With this feature the neighbours remain neighbours. The landuse from the existing site is also maintained where the inner area is residence while the outer periphery near the main roads are commercial units. The open spaces are retained from the existing site. The effort has been made to retain the overall fabric of the site in terms of existing street patterns and existing footprints of semi public and public spaces..

[ 66 ]


Proposal.

Fig 5.6: Proposed Master Plan of Site. Source: Author. [ 67 ]


Revamping Dharavi.

The urban fabric showcases organized structures forming street pattern leading to open spaces.

Fig 5.7: Proposed Urban Fabric of Site. Source: Author. [ 68 ]


Proposal.

The urban blocks are kept as it is with minor adjustment to street width to maintain the identity of the site.

Fig 5.8: Proposed Urban Blocks of Site. Source: Author. [ 69 ]


Revamping Dharavi.

2m Wide Street which connects to Houses.

1m Wide Lanes For Light and Ventilation and For Pedestrian Access.

4m Wide Road Dividing the Neighbourhood into urban blocks and connecting to Main Roads. Fig 5.9: Street Sections from Various Street Typologies. Source: Author.

Fig 5.11: Long Street Section Along the Site. Source: Author. [ 70 ]

Fig 5.10: Proposed Ro


Proposal.

5.3. Proposed Road Network. The Proposed master plan showcases standerdised road hierarchy with main roads being access roads which are 4m wide, streets being 2m wide connecting to houses and lanes being lesser than 1m wide with main function to provide light and ventilation hence improving the quality of life. As the housing units are built by the user based on the requirement in various staes the street facade shows diversity with varrying levels of terraces as seen in the long section in Figure 5.11. The section also shows connection of various streets and open spaces to the 4m wide road as the section is taken along the 4m wide road. The street sections in Figure 5.9 shows how the street life is improved compared to the existing condition while taking the inspiration from the existing street activities. The Figure 5.13 & 5.14 shows a comparison between an existing street and a visual of proposal, where the proposal has an improved street level activity.

oad Networks of Site. Source: Author.

[ 71 ]


Revamping Dharavi.

Public

Semi Public

Main Roads

Open Spaces / Communal Spaces

Fig 5.12: Hierarchy of Spaces from Public to Private (From Main Road to House). Source: Author.

[ 72 ]


Proposal.

Semi Private

Private

Streets and Lanes

Houses

[ 73 ]


Revamping Dharavi.

Fig 5.13: View of Existing Street. Source: UDRI. [ 74 ]


Proposal.

Fig 5.14: View of Proposed Street. Source: Author. [ 75 ]


Revamping Dharavi.

The Street has a major role in social affairs of people in dharavi and the blocks compliment the same feature. 2. The plinth level acts as a thresho 1. The Street has various activities from hawker selling fruits and people walking house(private). It acts as a semi public g after a long day to interact with their n

Fig 5.15: Illustration of Street with Relation to People and the Housing. Source: Author. [ 76 ]


old between the street (public) and gathering space where people gather neighbors.

Proposal.

3. The balcony and terraces creating diversity in street facade, and providing direct contact with the street life.

[ 77 ]


Revamping Dharavi.

Hierarchy of Road Network and Retained Open spaces & Public Structures.

Mixed use units on main roads with Commercial on ground level and residence on upper levels. Fig 5.16: Illustration of Master Plan View with its Salient Features. Source: Author. [ 78 ]


Proposal.

Terraces being used as part of everyday activity, even as public space. [ 79 ]


Revamping Dharavi.

5.4. Housing Typology. In Dharavi the houses are small and each space has multifunctions. The typology designed is inspired by the existing way of using spaces where the key to making full potential of a space is flexibility, every room is a work room, living room, dining room and a bedroom. The various configurations in Figure 5.18 shows the use of proposed typology at different times of day by a family of 5(typically each family has 5 members). During day the house is usually busy during lunch and dinner, whle in evening the threshold space outside the house acts as interactive space for neighbors. At night the space acts as bedroom with use of movable mattresses. Lofts are helpful to maximize space and increase storage, which is placed above toilet.

Fig 5.17: Usual Routine of a Slum Dweller. Source: Author. [ 80 ]


Proposal.

Typical Unit.

Configuration During Lunch / Dinner Time.

Configuration During Evenings.

Configuration at Night.

Fig 5.18: Different use of Space in Proposed Typical Unit with Time.. Source: Author. [ 81 ]


Revamping Dharavi.

5.4.1. An Incremental Strategy The Housing framework is based on a strategy that allows for a incremental growth, where the dweller builds his/her unit based on his requirements and his income. Each unit can be built upto a maximum of 26.5sqm. Each housing block grows as the user builds and is divided into 3 major stages(as seen in Fig 5.19): First the RCC frame work with the service shaft and staircase is provided by the housing body where as the unit is built by the user hence involving the user in the design process. Second, where the user starts building his own unit based on his own reqiurement. The user has the freedom to build upto the maximum potential that is 26.5sqm or can build just one portion and keep the remaining for future expansion as seen in Figure 5.18. The user also has the freedom to select the typology based on the requirement of the user. The three typology has the possibility to expand vertically where as one typology expands horizontally. Third, the users finally builds the leftover portion acheiving the maximum potential. On obtaining the maximum potential each block has a flat terraces which can be used as a gathering space by the people of that block. Due to the freedom of selecting the typology of houses and building them as per one's requirement the blocks have various configuration and creates diverse street facade as seen in Figure 5.20.

[ 82 ]


Proposal. RCC Framework And Vertical circulation for each housing block built by the authurities. With service core behind staircase

User according to income an requirement builds his unit with potential of extension with time.

At the maximum potential each block has a falt room on top making terrace as a gathering space for that block allowing variuos activities.

Fig 5.19: Evolution of the housing blocks (An Incremental Growth). Source: Author.

Fig 5.20: Different Configururation of Housing Blocks Based on Plot Size and User Requirement. Source: Author.

[ 83 ]


Revamping Dharavi.

5.4.2. Typology (Type 1). The first typology has two variations to the same type. The yellow block in Figure 5.22 is the one varient where the user desires to include balcony in the interior where as the blue i.e Figure 5.23 shows the varient with balcony. Figure 5.24 shows Living Room. the plans of both the varients of type 1 during the Bed room. day and night as the space has different function Storage. based on the time of the day.

Living Room. Dinning. Kitchen. Bed room. Toilet.

Fig 5.21: Functions in Type 1. Source: Author. [ 84 ]

Fig 5.22: Elevation of Type 1. (Residence) Area: 26.5sq.m. without balcony. Source: Author.

Fig 5.23: Elevation of Type 1. (Residence) Area: 26.5sq.m. with balcony. Source: Author.


Proposal.

Fig 5.24: Plan of Type 1. Source: Author. [ 85 ]


Revamping Dharavi.

5.4.3. Typology (Type 2). Workshop. Storage.

The second typology is of residence with a workshop or small industry where the first level of the typology is occupied by the workshop.

Living Room. Dinning. Kitchen. Bed room. Toilet.

Fig 5.25: Functions in Type 2. Source: Author.

Fig 5.27: Plan of Type 2. Source: Author. [ 86 ]

Fig 5.26: Elevation of Type 2. (Residence/Workshop) Area: 26.5sq.m. Source: Author.


Proposal.

5.4.4. Typology (Type 3).

Living Room. Dinning. Kitchen. Bed room.

The third typology is of residence with a commercial unit where the first level of the typology is a residence and the ground level is a commercial unit. This typology is given on the main roads.

Shop. Storage. Toilet.

Fig 5.28: Elevation of Type 3. (Commercial/Residence) Area: 26.5sq.m. Source: Author.

Fig 5.29: Functions in Type 2. Source: Author.

Fig 5.30: Plan of Type 3. Source: Author. [ 87 ]


Revamping Dharavi.

5.4.5. Typology (Type 4). The fourth typology is of residence which has the possibility to expand horizontally during incremental stages.

Fig 5.31: Plan of Type 4. Source: Author.

Fig 5.32: Elevation of Type 4. (Residence) Area: 26.5sq.m. Source Author [ 88 ]


B

A

B'

A '

Proposal.

Fig 5.33: Keyplan and Zoomed in Plan for Section. Source Author

Fig 5.34: Section A-A', Showing various activities in House Block and Terrace. Source Author

Fig 5.35: Section B-B', Showing Services from Road to Service Shaft in House Block. Source Author. [ 89 ]


Revamping Dharavi.

Stage 1 : Structural Framework and Services Provided by Housing Authority.

Fig 5.36: Incremental Growth of the Housing Block. Source Author

[ 90 ]

Stage 2 : Relocation of Us


ser into the Housing Blocks.

Proposal.

Stage 3 : User Building the House to Maximum Potential.

[ 91 ]


Revamping Dharavi.

Stage 1 : RCC Frame.

Fig 5.37: Construction Stages and Material Pallete. Source Author

[ 92 ]

Stage 2 : Flyash Bricks.


Proposal.

Stage 3 : Wooden Doors and Aluminium Windows.

Stage 4 : Steel Staircase.

[ 93 ]


Revamping Dharavi.

5.5. Dynamic Open Spaces. Similar to housing typologies the open and public spaces in proposed redevelopement are envisioned as modular spaces where the space adapts to the function with different need of the people as shown in FIgue 5.36. where the space is not just a place to gather but transforms into a makeshift vegetable market during sundays or a large banquet space with portable tents for public gathering during festivals or functions. Figure 5.36 shows illustration of the same space with four different fuctions 1. A space for people to interact and meet other people from the community. 2. An open banquet for large public gatherings during festivals or occasions. 3. A space for children to play and a place for leisure, relaxation, fitness and sports. 4. A makeshift vegetable market or any market during or before festivals. The illustrations show how the above uses can take place in a single space with flexible use and temperory structure. The illustration also shows a common element (Chabutra) which traditionaly is used as a refuge for birds where people in morning feed birds and during other time use it as a meeting spot as its base is provided with shade from the structure above.

[ 94 ]


Proposal.

1. A space for people to interact.

2. A space for large public gatherings during festivals.

3. A space for children to play and a place for leisure & sports.

4. A space for makeshift vegetable market or any market.

Fig 5.38: Illustration of Different Scenarios for the same Open Space. Source Author

[ 95 ]


Revamping Dharavi.

Fig 5.39: Vision of Open Space as a Space for People to Interact and meet other People from the Community. Source Author

[ 96 ]


Proposal.

Fig 5.40: Vision of Open Space as an Open Banquet for Large Public Gatherings during Festivals or Occasions. Source Author

[ 97 ]


Revamping Dharavi.

Fig 5.41: Vision of Open Space as a Space for Children to Play and a Place for Leisure, Relaxation, Fitness and Sports. Source Author.

[ 98 ]


Proposal.

Fig 5.42: Vision of Open Space as a Makeshift Vegetable Market or any Market During or Before Festivals. Source Author

[ 99 ]


Revamping Dharavi.

[ 100 ]


Conclusion.

6. Conclusion.

[ 101 ]


Revamping Dharavi.

[ 102 ]


Conclusion.

6. Conclusion. On analyzing a Global problem in a local context, this thesis project provides a possible solution by providing an alternative way at how we look at slum redevelopement. Many fail in solving this global issue by using standard principle of one size fits all approach which solves the physical issues of the slums but tends to ignore the architectural, social and cultural character of the location. The same problem of ignorance is seen in most of the urban renewal projects of India and the World. The research involved a critical analysis of the site with respect to its existing condition with respect to both social and physical aspects. And even looking at attempts of redevelopment and reason for their failures. Dharavi teaches us how families and community networks can be the foundations from which a built environment emerges. The Strategies are obtained based on this idea to provide solutions to the Physical tangible issues while considering the social and communtiy structure of Dharavi. Due to Dharavi's variegated nature a single uniform strategy cannot be applied to the whole area. The strategies are very basic but can be used to improve the current conditions while retaining the social structure of slum. This will help tackle the current issues with slum more easily. Furthermore, the strategy is not only meant for Dharavi but it can be evolved and applied globaly to uplift slums, creating more socialy active communities around the world.

[ 103 ]


Revamping Dharavi.

[ 104 ]


Bibliography.

7. Bibliography. 1. Bansal, R., Gandhi, D. and Gandhi, D., Poor Little Rich Slum. Chennai: Westland, 2012. 2. DAY, R. R[e] interpreting, imagining, developing Dharavi. Mumbai, Society for the Promotion of Area Resource Centres. 2010. 3. Kolokotroni, M., Beyond the Stereotype; Dharavi. Sustainable Human(e) Settlements Conference proceedings, 2012. 4. Sharma, K. Rediscovering Dharavi : stories from Asia’s largest slum. New Delhi: Penguin Books, 2000. 5. Slums in India: A Statistical Compendium, Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation, India, 2015. 6. UN-HABITAT state of world cities 2006/7. unhabitat.org. 7. UN-HABITAT Challenges of Slums - 2004. unhabitat.org. 8. World Urbanization Prospects, UN - Habitat, New York, 2014.

9. http://prasannadesaiarchitects.com/insitu-slum-rehabilitaion-project-pune.html 10. http://prasannadesaiarchitects.blogspot.com/2011/08/1-insitu-slum-rehabilitation-project_10.html 11. https://www.dezeen.com/2009/05/05/incremental-housing-strategy-by-filipe-balestra-and-sara-goransson/ 12. https://www.archdaily.com/21465/incremental-housing-strategy-in-india-filipe-balestra-sara-goransson 13..http://www.architecturepressrelease.com/in-situ-slum-rehabilitation-project-for-urban-poor-under-bsup-jnnurscheme-yerwada-pune-by-prasanna-desai-architects/

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Revamping Dharavi.

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Revamping Dharavi.

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Rahul Deepak Kumar Jain MA Architecture and Urbanism Manchester School of Architecture University of Manchester Manchester Metropolitan University 2019 - 2020


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