To enhance community life through participatory initiatives, VESCOA took up the project of transforming neglected urban voids into vibrant shared spaces.
Urban spaces are valuable assets that significantly improve the quality of life in cities. However, some areas, like the small ‘maidan’ in Chembur, go unnoticed due to misuse and neglect. VES College of Architecture (VESCOA) undertook a project to transform such neglected space into a shared area for the 600 residents of an informal community in Chembur. This selected space for the project was hidden behind a tall concrete wall and had become a hub for unregulated activities, making it unsuitable for community use.
The faculty and students, led by Prof. Devi Praseeda and Prof. Ruchi Kapoor, collaborated with the residents from the project’s inception, recognizing the importance of community ownership. The BMC also got involved, ensuring regular cleaning, garbage disposal, and other necessary improvements.
Through a participatory approach, the residents actively contributed to the redesign, resulting in a vibrant front yard for social interactions. The space now serves as a children’s play area, a gathering spot for women, and a place for outdoor celebrations. The Vivekanand Education Society Trust provided essential support and funding for the project.
Dr. Prof. Anand Achari emphasizes the need to address neglected urban spaces, involving the community throughout the design and execution phases. Participatory initiatives, along with awareness campaigns, can overcome apathy and lead to faster completion. Such projects have a significant impact on enhancing the quality of life in urban areas.
The transformation of the parking lot into a vibrant square demonstrates how creative interventions can make a positive difference in urban development. Residents now enjoy their newly revitalized ‘Aangan,’ creating a bright and cheerful atmosphere for everyone.
Overall, this project showcases the power of community involvement and creative thinking in reimagining urban voids and turning them into welcoming and functional spaces that improve the lives of residents.
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