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EQUITABLE HOUSING FOR NEW INDUSTRIAL TOWNS IN INDIA AT

DHOLERA, GUJRAT: Re-defining the housing typology
Ar. Gandi Yaduvamsi Ramu | Dr. D. Y. Patil College of Architecture, Navi Mumbai

Abstract
In this era of rapid urbanization and increasing population, the need for housing has become more
pressing than ever before. The establishment of industries at an unprecedented pace has led to a surge
in migration as people seek employment opportunities. Consequently, diverse populations are
congregating in specific locations, resulting in an influx of residents. While modern construction and
material technology have enabled the rapid development of apartments, this surge in construction is
often driven by capital interests rather than the needs of the incoming population. Global investors inject
substantial capital into these projects, expecting high returns. Unfortunately, this approach has resulted
in significant inequities as prime spaces in cities are occupied by capital-driven projects, further
marginalizing the population and exacerbating existing disparities.
Addressing these inequities is imperative, and housing plays a pivotal role in shaping living conditions
and social stratification. Research has shown that affordable, well-designed housing contributes to
healthier and happier lives for residents, while inadequate housing and rent burdens have adverse
effects. This issue extends beyond architectural boundaries and requires multidimensional approaches
and systemic changes. Architectural intervention can play a crucial role in initiating this process.
The objective of this thesis is to apply an equitable strategy through design intervention in the housing
system, with a focus on new industrial townships in India. Dholera, at its nascent stage, has been chosen
as a case study to demonstrate and establish a working model of equitable housing.
Intent
Equitable housing is an essential element for a more democratic and inclusive city. Unfortunately, in
many countries, the term "housing" still carries a negative connotation. It is often associated with
projects aimed at maximizing the number of units using cheap materials, disregarding the quality of life
for residents. These projects are often driven by financial considerations rather than serving the city and
its inhabitants. However, there are notable examples where architects have demonstrated their political
views through exceptional projects with innovative solutions that enhance the urban experience.
A recurring pattern in governmental and non-governmental programs is the focus on deficiencies and
problems, which has inadvertently harmed millions of people, particularly those from impoverished
communities. This approach categorizes individuals by their weaknesses, rather than recognizing their
gifts and capacities. Furthermore, financial resources intended to support those in need often end up in
the hands of service providers rather than the intended beneficiaries. As a result, grassroots-level
engagement and active citizenship are diminished, overshadowed by technocracy and expertise. Entire
neighbourhoods and communities labelled as deficient internalize this perception, believing that change
can only be achieved through external intervention.
Unfortunately, it has created four harms, unintended as they may be in particular,
- The first of which is that it actually takes people who we are trying to help, and it defines them not by
their gifts and capacities, and what they can bring to the solution, but by their deficiencies and their
problems.
- The second unintended consequence of this top-down obsession with what’s wrong, is that money
which is intended to go towards those that need the help, doesn't. It actually goes to those who are paid
to provide the services to those who need help.
- The third unintended consequence is that active citizenship, the power to take action and to respond
at the grassroots level, retreats in the face of ever-increasing technocracy, professionalism and expertise.
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- The fourth, entire neighbourhoods, entire communities that have been defined as deficient, start to
internalize that map, and believe that the only way that anything is going to change for them, is when
some outside expert, with the right program and the right money, comes in to rescue them.
The problem does not lie with the residents themselves, but with the flawed approach we have adopted.
It is crucial to shift our focus and identify the realities faced by residents and communities in order to
provide appropriate solutions. This involves recognizing factors such as the skills of local residents, the
power of social networks, the resources of institutions, the physical and economic resources of local
areas, and the shared experiences of individuals.
In an equitable community, the focus is on enabling people to live and age well in their homes, ensuring
that their experiences are not marred by mediocrity and regret. Traditional models that group
economically weaker sections with similar populations in programs designed for them alone are
insufficient to address inequity. Instead, the aim should be to bridge the gap between underprivileged
individuals and the broader community.
Looking ahead, the challenges we face are substantial. By 2030, out of the five billion people living in
cities worldwide, two billion will be living below the poverty line. This underscores the urgency to
address the equation of rapidly building sustainable cities while providing adequate housing with
limited resources. Failing to do so will result in the proliferation of slums and informal settlements.
Urbanization and population growth are placing immense pressure on the availability and quality of
basic shelter for a significant portion of the urban population. While the public sector has undertaken
mass housing construction initiatives, limitations in funding and resources often compromise the quality
of these projects. Consequently, a large segment of the population is forced to reside in unsanitary and
inadequate dwellings. In India, where poverty, unemployment, hunger, and housing inadequacy persist,
it is crucial to integrate shelter-related issues with overall development, considering the impacts on the
most vulnerable.
Sustainability demands the integration of social, economic, environmental, political, and technological
aspects. By redefining housing typologies and promoting equitable strategies, we can strive for a future
where every individual has access to dignified and inclusive housing. This endeavour requires collective
efforts, innovative thinking, and a commitment to creating vibrant and equitable communities.