De-commodifying People: A Transgressive Approach to Social Housing in Mumbai

The concept of housing, both in design and implementation, appears stagnant in modern urban environments. Housing complexes and buildings lack uniqueness and contextual appropriateness. The notion of social housing has become muddled, with private developers prioritizing profit over the fundamental idea of housing as a basic human right. Current housing development processes often exhibit standardization and neglect a human-centric approach.

Frequently, housing patterns follow a copy-paste model, disregarding socio-cultural factors, local context, climate, and resident needs. Cities like Mumbai, which are continually developing, face challenges due to a "Number War," where social and affordable housing become entangled with profit-driven motives, resulting in subpar living conditions and the proliferation of slums. The role of architects has diminished, constrained by regulations, and focused on meeting numerical objectives rather than contributing meaningfully to urban development.

A transformative approach is urgently needed, encouraging architects to transcend established norms and adopt innovative practices. This study aims to identify the limitations faced by architects in housing, understand the current housing landscape, and explore the historical evolution of housing in Mumbai. It also seeks to examine the state of social housing in the city, identifying inadequacies for residents and the overall urban environment. Ultimately, the study aims to develop a design framework that empowers architects to challenge the status quo.

The thesis proposes reimagining social housing in Mumbai as a vital urban element that integrates seamlessly with the city's character and adds value to its context. The central goal is to create a prototype framework for slum redevelopment in Mumbai, considering transportation, infrastructure, and sustainability. This prototype will assess the economic viability of such initiatives in fostering sustainable and inclusive urban growth. The study emphasizes that architects can be influential advocates capable of instigating social change, not just creators of form and aesthetics.