Charkop,
Mumbai, Maharashtra

The studio focussed on the site and services scheme in Charkop, Mumbai to speculate on transformations required to the houses based on contemporary shifts in socioeconomic situations. The site and services scheme was initiated in Charkop, Mumbai in 1984 by the erstwhile Bombay Metropolitan Development Authority (BMRDA - now MMRDA) in conjunction with the World Bank. Through the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA), groups of people were invited to make applications for housing. Clusters of 35 houses were to come together to form a society and apply together. BMRDA provided people with plots of land of 25, 30 and 40 Sq M. along with a plinth and lines laid for solid waste and water supply. The roads were also made by the Government. The rest of the development was to be undertaken by individual members, who were provided soft loans for the purpose. Each house had a front verandah and a back open space that was to be maintained. Over time people started extending their houses and filling these spaces. Many of the houses also were units of work, particularly in the 90s after liberalization when industries shut down and work became more atomised and entrepreneurial. The houses in Charkop have been transforming since, to accommodate new demographic shifts.