Enclave in the city: preservation of the in between spaces that make the B.D.D. Chawls of Mumbai

Abstract

The population of Mumbai has tripled over the last 50 years or so, with no apparent end to be seen. What might be even more striking is that in the same period, the percentage of people living in informal settlements (chawls, slums, etc.) has risen to 40-50% of the total population. Although these dwellers comprise half of the population, their homes cover only 6% of the area. According to the Census of India, the conditions in which most of these people live are alarmingly unhygienic and unfit for habitation. If this is even remotely true, change is paramount.

However, the lack of space and dense housing schemes have formed the identity of these informal settlements. A Chawl Culture, is established by the interaction, habitation and cultural practices that are seen within the in-between spaces rather than the housing dwellings themselves. The space between corridors, the courtyards between chawls and the alleys between the slums define the way of life and quality of space and, thus, the architecture itself. This has given rise to multiple pockets or enclaves within the city.

The city of Mumbai is one of the best examples to discuss the growing rate of urbanization. The governing bodies of Mumbai respond to the immediate and prevalent density requirement by shifting the demographic of the densely packed informal settlements to high-rise apartment buildings. This approach, however quick and efficient, needs more consideration for the identity of these spaces. It creates a disjointed and exclusive urban fabric, ultimately losing these cultural enclaves, as seen in numerous developments across the city.

“In the time of massive developments, there is no consideration of the in-betweens.” (Smithson 2002)

The research aims to bridge the gap between the need for urban - conservation and the preservation of the in-between spaces, to ensure the remaining enclaves within the city are not lost while simultaneously trying to improve the quality of life for the people livin

The population of Mumbai has tripled over the last 50 years or so, with no apparent end to be seen. What might be even more striking is that in the same period, the percentage of people living in informal settlements (chawls, slums, etc.) has risen to 40-50% of the total population. Although these dwellers comprise half of the population, their homes cover only 6% of the area. According to the Census of India, the conditions in which most of these people live are alarmingly unhygienic and unfit for habitation. If this is even remotely true, change is paramount. However, the lack of space and dense housing schemes have formed the identity of these informal settlements. A Chawl Culture, is established by the interaction, habitation and cultural practices that are seen within the in-between spaces rather than the housing dwellings themselves. The space between corridors, the courtyards between chawls and the alleys between the slums define the way of life and quality of space and, thus, the architecture itself. This has given rise to multiple pockets or enclaves within the city. The city of Mumbai is one of the best examples to discuss the growing rate of urbanization. The governing bodies of Mumbai respond to the immediate and prevalent density requirement by shifting the demographic of the densely packed informal settlements to high-rise apartment buildings. This approach, however quick and efficient, needs more consideration for the identity of these spaces. It creates a disjointed and exclusive urban fabric, ultimately losing these cultural enclaves, as seen in numerous developments across the city. “In the time of massive developments, there is no consideration of the in-betweens.” (Smithson 2002) The research aims to bridge the gap between the need for urban - conservation and the preservation of the in-between spaces, to ensure the remaining enclaves within the city are not lost while simultaneously trying to improve the quality of life for the people livin there.