:: the project is part of a collective workshop at the vastu shilpa organization, founded by indian architect balkrishna doshi. stretching over two months the workshop included students from delft, achen, madrid, and india.
:: yogeshwar nagar cooperative is an investigatory exploration of potential interventions to yogeshwar nagar, an informal settlement in ahmedabad, india. it aims to empower the inhabitants while improving the current condition by reworking the existing building fabric.
:: the images above are merely a representation of the outcome of extensive discussion with the inhabitants of yogeshwar nagar, along with lectures and discussions with many of indian leading intellectuals on the subject of informal settlements.
in collaboration with: cristina domec, deborah fernandes. athea dirks and mayte hellenthal
:: yogeshwar nagar cooperative is an investigatory exploration of potential interventions to yogeshwar nagar, an informal settlement in ahmedabad, india. it aims to empower the inhabitants while improving the current condition by reworking the existing building fabric.
:: the images above are merely a representation of the outcome of extensive discussion with the inhabitants of yogeshwar nagar, along with lectures and discussions with many of indian leading intellectuals on the subject of informal settlements.
in collaboration with: cristina domec, deborah fernandes. athea dirks and mayte hellenthal
The site selected for this studio is representative of 80% of slum pockets in the city in terms of living conditions and ownership issues. The site inhabits around 1,000 families on an area of 9.26 acres, leading to a density of 540 persons per acre.
Most of the residents are self-employed, with a large share working as labourers or in informal sectors. The houses here are a mix of permanent and temporary shelters. Even though the typical household belongs to the low income group, they are very much a part of a progressive society where aspirations are high.
Most of the residents are self-employed, with a large share working as labourers or in informal sectors. The houses here are a mix of permanent and temporary shelters. Even though the typical household belongs to the low income group, they are very much a part of a progressive society where aspirations are high.
How the settlement developed:
The informal settlement, Yogeshwar Nagar is located at Vasana, in what used to be the 'green belt zone' of Ahmedabad city.
On the declaration of the area as 'green belt' in the 1970's, the original owner of the land, illegally sold small parcels to immagrants at low prices. This was done in 3 phases, through seperate agents, which explains why 3 different plot sizes and development patterns emerged.
The first set of plots to be sold constituted the north-east quarter of the site. The second set constituted the south-east quarter, which has smaller plots. The third part was the western part of the site, which has the largest size of plots and an organic development pattern, as against the linear streets of the eastern parts.
The buyers of these plots within the green belt could not be recognised by the government as legal owners, and for years were not provided with basic amenities such as water supply, drainage and electricity.
Only in late 2012, through the efforts of SAATH NGO and their 'slum networking project', did the settlement begin to receive electricity, water supply and drainage facilities.
The main Vasana Road runs along the northern edge of the site and the APMC market (circular building) opposite the site is a busy landmark. A new metro station has been proposed by the government just across the site, next to the APMC market.
The road junction at the site is expected to grow in importance in the coming years, with increased connectivity and development in the area; and land value of Yogeshwar Nagar is projected to increase.
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