Reviving Slums In Sanjaynagar By Prioritizing Social Aspect of CDA Design

Located in Ahmednagar, India, there is a community with dynamism, diversity, and social strength who live in slum conditions deprived of infrastructure services and utility. CDA (Community Design Agency) is a social design and architecture studio in collaboration with Ahmednagar Municipal Corporation (AMC) in the construction of a slum area project in Sanjaynagar into a building with a  liveable environment. In this development, CDA prioritizes aspects of social interaction, health, security, and can enable residents to develop.

corridor area used for social interaction

The Community Design Agency (CDA) created 8 buildings to accommodate 298 families, each of which has courtyards of varying sizes. Equipped with adequate facilities such as clean and dirty water channels, road access, street lighting, a play area for children, a community center area, a yard to support health, and a rooftop garden where there are edible plants. Each unit has open space as air circulation and sunlight enter the room. The courtyards and corridors are used for social interaction between residents.

a large yard area in front of a residential building

social interactions that occur in the stair landings and unit corridors

Not only focusing on building design, but this project also emphasizes the quality of construction by paying attention to soil conditions and weather conditions. The wall of the building uses masonry supported by a system of vernacular boards and beam plates.  Other material elements such as bamboo which is applied for shadowing and pergola look unique by utilizing natural materials that can still be used. These elements need to receive regular maintenance to remain fit for use. When exposed to sunlight, the bamboo elements used produce shadows with high artistic value. 

CDA works closely with residents to design the environment and long-term building maintenance, this is a form of CDA’s commitment to embracing the community in Sanjaynagar.

secondary skin of bamboo material produces interesting shadows

dominated by white brick material and secondary skin of bamboo

typical floor plan for each unit

site plan reviving slums in sanjaynagar