Faizan Khatri's Workshop

Slow Wanderings

Faculty Co-ordinator : Dipti Bhaindarkar

Mitalee Harode

A walk through Matharpacady reveals one of the city’s few surviving examples of early Portuguese domestic architecture. The narrow lanes are lined with compact houses built in close proximity. These lanes feature low rise bungalows with pitched mangalore tile roofs and thick masonry. Each facade features intricate details – from the patterned stucco and wrought iron balconies to the carefully proportioned window openings that balance privacy and ventilation. At the heart of the settlement lies a shared open space that once served as a ground for collective activities, reinforcing the social fabric of the hamlet. Today, only a handful of these structures remain untouched by redevelopment, offering a glimpse into the layered architectural and cultural history of Mumbai’s older neighbourhoods.

Located in the quiet neighborhood of Matharcapady in Mazgaon, FKD Workshop integrates with its urban surroundings while functioning as an active architecture studio inside. Alongside architectural practice, the workshop also operates an animal rescue NGO that houses 18 cats, many of whom are injured or visually impaired.The studio layout and furniture arrangement are designed with the cats in mind. No furniture is moved to help blind cats navigate the space safely. The studio has a workspace, a meeting space and a model making space above, tucked away from the cats.

During the students’ visit, Faizan Khatri, the principal architect, discussed his design process through his sketchbook, explaining how his ideas develop and sharing insights into ongoing projects. The visit offered a clear view of how architectural practice at FKD Workshop is shaped by both design thinking and everyday care for the animals that share the space.