METHODS

The researchers had noticed while performing mapping activities that the residents were particularly interested in the researchers’ maps of Roshanpura. Thus, for the codesign workshop, the researchers decided to print a large map to hang on the side of a small shop in the main street next to the public space where the codesign workshop was held. The researchers pointed out to residents where they were on the map as well as where the major landmarks and gathering points were. The researchers hoped to also use the map as a way for residents to point out where an information board could be placed or to find their homes on the map. However, the residents were more interested in looking at the map and learning about how the researchers made it. The researchers then left the map on the wall as a gist for the community. The map added to the codesign workshop by enhancing the reciprocity of the activity: the community gave the researchers information and the researchers gave them a map of their community, providing them with a sense of legitimacy. If given more time, the researchers would have used the map to also teach the residents more about how to make and read maps.

Conclusion

The process of methods creation, implementation, and reflection was an important part of the learning experience. As the researchers are also students, the process required them to diverge and converge, starting broad, narrowing in, and then stepping back to see things in relation to a bigger picture again. Often the researchers deployed methods with a specific question in mind, but the activity resulted in additional questions on topics they did not think of before. However, the important part of the process was the experience of trial and error and being open to on-site modification, for, ultimately, it should be the community who drives the methods.

4.1.17 Puppeteers Show during co-design workshop

FINDINGS

In employing the above methods to create a livelihoods framework, several recurring themes presented themselves. During the investigation, these topics manifested site-wide by residents of all walks of life. These findings are not necessarily problems or weaknesses within the residents’ LF, but rather they create a holistic view of the community’s interrelated strengths and weaknesses. From these findings, the researchers formed their proposals. The findings fall into four themes: location, community dynamics, political situation, and employment.

Location

Upon analysis of the LF, the researchers realized the majority of the resident’s assets in all five capitals depended on Roshanpura’s location and, in particular, their proximity to the New Market. For instance, in their physical capital, Roshanpura’s connectivity comes from their location at the axes of major transportation systems. In social capital, Roshanpura’s location next to the governor’s house and government housing provides them with political influences. In financial capital, their location next to the New Maret provides monetary employment opportunities. In terms of human capital, the New Market provides several schools and health services, and in natural capital Roshanpura’s location on a slope provides natural drainage and flood control. With that being said, the location is Roshanpura’s biggest strength and greatest weakness. Since the area is highly desired as a commercial center, the area of the New Market will inevitably undergo development and expansion, impacting the lives of the residents in Roshanpura either through their redevelopment, relocation, or alteration of employment opportunities. Additionally, the Smart Cities Project, both the proximity of the ABD plan, the Bhopal Metro Rail Project, and their plans for making the New Maret more pedestrian friendly, will impact their LF. In general, any event that serves to force the residents to move or to alter the area will threaten the residents’ assets.

“I like living here. I lived here for 30 years and my neighbors are all my cousins”. A resident in the lower part

“We like the location here. It is near the New Market, Chok Bazaar and other parts of the city” A group of women sitting outside in late afternoon

“I cultivated this garden for medicinal purposes ...., I’ve been living here for more than 45 years” Retired Policeman living in the upper part

4.2.1 Interview with women 4.2.2 Former Police Officer in Roshanpura with his niece

Community Dynamics

Throughout the fieldwork, residents described their community as harmonious and cohesive. The sense of community was one of the assets the residents professed to like the most about the area. While the researchers did observe the reported community harmony, contrary to what residents claimed, the researchers found a lack of community cohesion. Through observation, mapping activities with residents, and transect walks, the researchers discovered the community is fragmented into clusters. These clusters take the form of family networks, neighborhoods organized around a central open space, or single streets. Individuals within these clusters do not interact with those outside their neighborhood, preventing the flow of information within the community. As such, the current system for community communication depends on the informal councilor, who, when there is news to share with the community, goes around the area for an hour sharing the news with as many people as he sees. Due to the size and density of the area, this method is not efficient or effective.

To exacerbate the lack of information flows, the community also lacks a common or public space. Houses are crammed together, and sections connected by narrow alleyways. Residents take up the walkways in front of their homes as work space, and children have to play in the main streets of Roshanpura or walk a few blocks away along a busy main road to reach the closest park. Residents of Roshanpura celebrate all major life events in the community, including Hindu and Muslim holidays and festivals, engagements and marriages, births and deaths. As such, there is a need for a shared public space for the community to use for recreation, celebration, and exchanging news. Additionally, the community functions under a shared self-help ethos, whereby residents take care of themselves and do not wait for the government or anyone else to come help. This primarily manifests itself in the form of infrastructure improvements, with residents covering drains and renovating houses by themselves or with the help of neighbors and family members. However, it also manifests in their human and financial capitals through SHGs, family businesses, and family members and neighbors taking care of each other when someone fall ill or becomes injured.

“We meet every day and gossip. We know everyone around and we take care of each other”. A group of women socializing in front of their houses

“My father didn’t like the look of the open drains, so he covered them”.

Our Translator

“- Look i cleaned the space all by myself,… - Why ? - It’s in front of my house and I don’t like to watch garbage in front of my door when I go out ... If i don’t do it who will.” Our Translator’s Cousin who lives in front of the biggest open space in the Area

4.2.3 Before and After of an open space in the Northern Area