In the dense, overlooked patches of East Delhi lie the slums of Patparganj—lively, layered, yet structurally fragile. Our latest college studio project tackles one of the most critical architectural challenges of our time: designing humane, sustainable, and low-cost housing solutions that are not just buildings, but frameworks of hope.
Context: A City Within a City
Patparganj, though surrounded by developed urban fabric, harbors marginalized communities living in cramped, unsafe, and often illegal conditions. These slums lack basic services, sanitation, and safe construction practices. Yet, they are bursting with cultural identity, informal economies, and a strong sense of community.
We chose this site to engage with real constraints—tight budgets, high density, unstructured settlements, and the pressing need for sustainable, replicable housing models.
The Design Philosophy: Low Cost ≠ Low Value
Our design approach was guided by a simple belief: affordability must never come at the cost of dignity.
