Author: Vaishnavi Desai
Site Location: Uppada, Andhra Pradesh
Institute: IES’s College of Architecture
Advisor: Prof. Vinit Mirkar

description

India’s coastal regions, home to millions, are increasingly threatened by climate change,
including sea-level rise, erosion, and natural disasters. This situation endangers the
livelihoods and homes of coastal communities, often forcing voluntary migration or
government-mandated relocations, resulting in “climate refugees.”

A critical task is identifying at-risk settlements, as existing policies primarily address suddenonset disasters but neglect slow-onset crises like coastal erosion. Current responses, which
focus on temporary relocations and coastal protection, fail to offer sustainable solutions.

This project specifically examines the coastal fishing village of Uppada in Andhra Pradesh,
which is severely affected by erosion. It addresses the needs of climate refugees displaced by
coastal erosion, highlighting the shortcomings of previous government-mandated
rehabilitation colonies, which often result in a loss of identity and belonging due to
standardized designs that overlook the unique needs, traditions, and lifestyles of coastal
communities.

The proposed approach emphasizes retaining Uppada’s organic settlement patterns and
using local materials to foster familiarity and a strong sense of place, helping residents
maintain their cultural ties despite displacement. A participatory, community-driven process
will equip residents with construction skills, empowering them to actively rebuild their
homes while supporting their livelihoods. A modular, incremental design strategy will allow
for flexibility to accommodate the evolving needs of families and their occupations,
prioritizing durable, permanent structures (pakka houses) that ensure stability and security,
and ensuring that rehabilitation efforts result in lasting solutions rather than temporary
shelters.

drawings

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