Author: Fathima P.V
Site Location: Willingdon Island, Kochi, Kerala
Institute: MES College of Architecture
Advisor: Ar. Vijaya Nhaloor

Description

‘Rooted in Reality, Responsive by Future’ is a design philosophy that begins by acknowledging the truths of an existing place, its people, building patterns, and lifestyle while shaping interventions that can adapt to future needs. It is about respecting the identity of a community while equipping it for resilience and growth.
In this rapidly urbanizing society, the chance of eviction for underprivileged settlement like Vathuruthy colony is high, often in the name of ‘development.’ This thesis challenges that approach, proposing an inclusive alternative for the Tamil migrant community on Willingdon Island. Established in the 1960s to support naval base construction, the colony has grown organically, developing strong social ties but also facing congestion, poor infrastructure, and flood vulnerability.
Through a land pooling strategy, the design reorganizes the fabric into cluster-based layouts that retain familiar spaces while introducing improved housing, shared public areas, and climate- resilient infrastructure. The approach ensures equitable access to resources, prevents displacement, and strengthens community identity, transforming Vathuruthy in a way that evolves from its past while preparing it for the future.

Drawings

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