Integrative Street Extensions: New Social Hubs

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2011, Dharavi, Mumbai (India), MSc Building and Urban Design in Development

Dharavi, the largest slum in India produces 80% of Mumbai’s economic turnover. There are thriving leather tanning, pottery, recycling, and service industries within the settlement. It is on a piece of land of high retail value. The irony here is that the inhabitants are socially excluded and disassociated from communities of wider Mumbai.

The proposal, located on the peripheral borders of the settlement, aims to link the dynamic streets of Dharavi out into wider Mumbai. The creation of new social hubs of interaction will showcase the diverse livelihoods and services that the inhabitants of Dharavi have to offer. Through incremental development of community nodes at either end, the streets will facilitate the crossover of communities otherwise devoid of social interaction. While the streets are constructed, the nodes will create a sense of celebration and stimulate mutual interest. The aim is to create a catalyst for a seamless integration with the rest of the city thus allowing for a sense of acknowledgment and appreciation of Dharavi’s contribution and existence within Mumbai.

This was part of an individual proposal that rounded off a team based research and wider urban proposal.

You can view the original post from the 2011 buddesign blog.