Author: Azad Golakiya
Site Location: Rajkot, Gujarat
Institute: Indubhai Parekh School of Architecture (IPSA)
Advisor: Ar. Ronak Gangadev
Description
This thesis addresses the urgent need for dignified temporary shelters for construction workers in India, with a focus on Rajkot’s semi-arid climate. Migrant laborers, who form the backbone of the construction industry, often live in unsafe, overcrowded, and unhygienic conditions—spaces as small as 2–3 sqm per person, far below the NBC’s recommended 7–10 sqm. Their shelters typically lack privacy, sanitation, ventilation, and safety, forcing families to live in compromised conditions while they build permanent
homes for others.
The project proposes a modular, portable, and climate-responsive shelter system that is cost-effective, easy to assemble and dismantle, and adaptable to varying site conditions. Using locally available, lightweight, and recyclable materials, the design emphasizes sustainability while ensuring comfort. Passive strategies such as natural ventilation, shading, and insulated roofing respond to harsh climatic conditions, while thoughtful zoning provides spaces for sleeping, cooking, sanitation, and community interaction.
Shelters can be placed in linear, clustered, or courtyard formations, allowing flexibility across diverse construction sites. The system reduces waste through reusable components and promotes safety by minimizing reliance on heavy machinery during installation. More than housing, this project aspires to restore dignity, health, and equity to migrant workers, creating a replicable model for labor housing across
India.
Drawings
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