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INTRODUCTION TO HOUSING - Spring 2022

WEEK-6
16th January, 2022

Stuti Parikh
(20BAR070)

Title of the Topic: Tetris Townships of India

Reading:

1. Neighborhood spaces in residential environments: Lessons for contemporary Indian

context, Ritu Gulati.

Understanding:

In accordance to the given reading, the colossal diversity combined along with lack of parity
observed in the way of living, there is yet a severe housing scarcity in India till date.
Housing programs frequently fail because the structures do not meet the people's societal
demands along with the absence of the necessary connect. The notion of housing is self-
defeating. Several organizations, both on private and non-profitable scale, oblivious to how
people desire to live, focus on creating housing rather than equipping individuals with the
knowledge that they need to do it themselves. I stand by this notion after the compelling
quote by Sir Winston Churchill; “We shape our buildings, thereafter they build us.”

According to me, the extract initially gives a generic view of housing on a neighboring as
well as on a contextual level. Furthermore it follows the applicability of itself in India with
instances of well determined housing projects by prominent architects. From the Ghats of
Varanasi to the Puras of Ahmedabad, an architectural aficionado will never fail to
understand the variety in mannerism of communal living.

After critically analyzing and attempting at understanding the impression, a noticeable

reiteration of the word ‘conducive’ has been observed. In my opinion, the author tries to
exaggerate towards the possibility of finding a fix to the architectural fixture and expiates
with optimism. Whether it’s wastage of ample space or unavailability for the same, whether
the factor of cordiality is neglected or compared to a hostile environment; the ambiguous
solution comes with the manifesting problem .

A modern instance for this is the Auroville Housing, as regarded as the epitome of Unity in
Diversity. Only a few houses and apartments have been erected in the recent several
decades. Many citizens started the construction process after being brought together by a
severe housing crisis and a desire to keep the city thriving. As a resulted solution, The
Realization project, which started as a campaign, was now a substitute as a response to the
housing requirement.

Hence, the article justifies for the concurrence of situations we see in India today regarding
housing, however the solution or the way out is a smart design with integrity.

Second Year B. Arch. | Institute of Architecture and Planning | Nirma University, Ahmedabad
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INTRODUCTION TO HOUSING - Spring 2022

Common ground in all 3-

parity and ease, system
for networking and
circulation

Asian Games- staggering

Belapur- high density GSFC- Sentimental value

housing and way of living- simpler
Case studies- Belapur,
modules
GSFC and Asian Games-
reflection of Indian way
of livelihood

Problems arising from

current housing
Urbanization/applicability – need for situation– loss of
housing augments orientation and locality
Tetris Townships of India

Convention towards
togetherness Use of space- wastage of
negative voids- improper
planning
In Indian context- forthright
front and cordiality observed.
Neighbourhood on Interaction is essential
contextual level In India- housing lacks
visual serenity

Intrinsically open areas

that include customary Safety concerns-
spaces Physical aspects chiefly
psychological, physical- rely on the climatic
substantial comfort console of closed and
open spaces, along with
convenience