PARTICIPATORY DESIGN FOR SLUMS
Design Strategy and User Experience for Slum users in Mumbai
Process
​
The project kick-started with a thorough analysis of the suburb and how the development has taken over till now to find an opportunity space for a design strategy. This was followed by identifying the user groups, conducting research, developing participatory methods, analyzing the data, defining the user needs, and finally creating a design strategy.
​
​
​
​
PRIMARY RESEARCH STRATEGY AND CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT
OVERVIEW
​
This project was to explore and develop various methods and tools for the local area planning for an area in the city of Mumbai. It was expected to follow a participated approach for the investigation, mapping and documentation. Plan was supposed to be made according to the requirements of the local communities and hence various stakeholders, their claims, conflicts and aspirations were supposed to be mapped.
​
​
​
​
​
Project Timeline
16 Weeks (Aug 2016-Dec 2016)
My key role
User research, Analysis and Synthesis, Framework Strategy
Project Information: This project was to explore and develop various methods and tools for the local area planning for an area in the city of Mumbai. It was expected to follow a participated approach for the investigation, mapping and documentation. The strategy was supposed to be made according to the requirements of the local communities and hence various stakeholders, their claims, conflicts and aspirations were supposed to be mapped.
7 LAP sites were selected as a part of the participatory process in the Western and Southern Suburbs of Mumbai region which includes Malvani Malad, Oshiwara district, Golibar Khar east, Mulund Thane, Chirabazar, D.N nagar, Sakinaka Airport road. This portfolio contains the work done for the Gaothan ‘Malvani’ in the Western Suburb of Malad, Mumbai and the process was carried out according to the mentioned tools and development.
Site Information: Malvani gaothan is located in Malad west, Mumbai. The Malvani gaothan is settled in past from 19th century which is occupied by different communities like bhandaris, koli's east Indian’s , who are today recognized as original native inhabitants of Mumbai.
Location: The area acquired by malvani gaothan is around 308 acres which comprises of communities i.e. Koliwada, Kharodi , Rathodi and Chikuwadi which has main access by marve road leading towards marve beach and madh island which are major tourists spots in the context of Mumbai.
​
Context: The areas around malvani used to be mangroves, salt pans and agricultural lands belonging to local east Indians of kharodi and koli community. Now these areas have been populated recently due to the new development and the encroachments taking place.
Community Research: The koli community has a village feature of self-standing houses and small patios. The feel of koilwada is unique and it has a scope for conservation. The community is exploring all types of ideas of development and also new development is taking place which is affecting the feel of gaothan.
Culture: Malvani gaothan is famous for its food, culture and festivals. It has a huge gathering for ganpati festival.
