Acknowledgements

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my guide, Prof. Dr. Jaya Kumar for her continuous support, invaluable input and patience throughout the research process.

Besides my guide, I would like to thank my co-ordinator, Arpita Dayal, for her encouragement, guidance and insightful comments.

I am also grateful to Prof. Dr. Rachna Khare in the Dept. of Architecture at the School of Planning and Architecture, Bhopal, as well as Dr. Vinita Bhargava, Professor in the Dept. of Human Development and Childhood Studies (HDSC) at Lady Irwin College, Delhi University. I am extremely thankful and indebted to them for sharing their expertise, and for the sincere and valuable guidance extended to me.

I would also like to thank Ar. Benny Kuriakose and his studio for giving me the opportunity to get an in depth look into one of their design projects, which helped further my studies significantly.

I thank my family for their unceasing encouragement, support and attention. I am also grateful to my friends for supporting me throughout this venture and giving feedback.