Author: Fleur Dsouza
Site Location: Ranwar, Mumbai
Institute: USM’s Kamla Raheja Vidyanidhi Institute for Architecture and Env. Studies
Advisor: Shantanu Khandkar

description

East Indian gaothans, historically significant settlements on Mumbai Island, originally numbered 170, but Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) records show that only 70-80 remain due to urbanization. These gaothans, while nostalgic for outsiders, present challenges for senior residents due to strict heritage regulations. These regulations often push residents to sell their homes and relocate to modern flats. Key questions arise: What should be preserved? – to maintain the gaothans’ essence and community spirit, What can be revised? – to ease heritage regulation burdens, and Why are these changes necessary? – to improve livability for seniors.

To address these issues, I conducted a comprehensive analysis of gaothan challenges, leading to a brief of potential solutions. The analysis considered scenarios such as parking difficulties, the need for more living space, and the use of vacant houses. The gaothans were divided into zones for specific strategies, and alternative architectural solutions were designed to address these issues comprehensively.

A form-based code template was created to support future development. This template proposes architectural modifications to enhance residents’ livability while preserving the gaothans’ unique character. It serves as a guideline for future changes, balancing modern needs with cultural heritage preservation. The goal is to address practical issues like parking and space utilization and revise heritage regulations, creating a more livable environment for residents.

This approach aims to retain the gaothans’ community spirit and historical essence while adapting them to contemporary needs, ensuring these unique communities can thrive despite urbanization pressures.

drawings

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