The Urban Shanty.
Today, on my market study of timber for upcoming project, met with this hardworking man who migrated to the city for work and lives in a nearby slum. Talking to him regarding his living conditions and the area, I decided to bring this subject to little limelight today. since this side of the society is a part of our city and ultimately this problem resides worldwide.
To begin with, let's know what slums are-
Habitations which are illegally constructed on government/ private lands lacking basic amenities for a healthy livelihood.
This subject isn't new to anyone here. I have been to a slum during one of my college case studies and witnessed people living is small piece of land with temporary roofs and not so clean environment.
Urban planning includes so much more than just civilised structures, roads and amenities. These kind of dwellings are never preplanned. They just resides on huge empty lands.
The reasons behind them are-
Migration due to preference on labour market than agriculture. The people living there belongs to economically weaker sections and there are several resons leading them to migrate from villages or small town to huge cities.
- The major one is Bigger opportunities in the city
- Lack of prospects in village
- The unreliable agricultural scenario
- The exceptional personal reasons.
All such things results in overcrowded slums which leads to unhygienic living conditions with lack of proper sewerage, congested planning to gain more out of lesser land, unreliable temporary roof and walls, No proper source of clean water. On social level the increase in uneducated children, terrorism, poverty etc.
As architects and people in building business should be very much aware of such dwellings, what are their causes, how are they living.
Stating the actual figures is not my motive, but a little sneak peak to at how larger scale are these dwellings coming upto.
Let me tell the actual scenario in very layman language, The migration takes place due to several reasons which I have stated above. People from rural areas are mostly uneducated and they end up getting low income job which forces them to build a shelter near to their office and those shelters multiplies in fraction of time and takes a permanent shape, politics is crocked and most of us are aware of it, be it any country. This all is the reason of slow economic growth.
Let's see the solutions
There's always are some solutions to the problems. There are solution to this on many levels.
Rehabilitation and re-construction
We all know most of these workers are our beloved construction site labours, There are many arguments as to how can one manage where their labours live? Temporary shelters at site is one thing but most of the labour cannot reside there at night isn't it?
I went on a huge construction site of a convention center by L&T and Hafeez Contractor. They had land allotted (which came under set back of the site) just for the temp. shelters of the labours who are working there.
Another aspect is a reconstruction by the government on the same land with better amenities. which is proposed EWS housing but not executed yet in some place
Either demolishing entirely or providing the basic amenities such as proper drainage system, water supply etc would help a lot. Also economically viable healthcare facilities and education to all might eradicate the poverty.
If we look towards the root of the problem, reducing the migration from the rural areas will proven to reduce slums in urban areas. encouraging small scale industries, providing better opportunities in those areas might help to reduce migration.
At individual levels, we can educate them for the govt. scheme of particular nations for the education and healthcare system which these people can use. Also participate in NGO's for help against crime and stuff.
As an Architect considering these problems for urban planning is a necessity. By the way EWS housing are really popular, I have been a part of them earlier during my internship and learnt a lot regarding planning during that project.
The first image belongs to me and rest of them are sourced beneath them.
https://twitter.com/sahiba99453890/status/1373685383519596546
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STOPUrban planning in our country is a big mess in my opinion. Earlier towns have grown haphazard, there were small roads, population density in certain areas. Your guidance could be really valuable.
Hey @coffeelovers thankyou for appreciating. Indeed as the city expanded, the illegal construction became permanent part of it, Hope government look towards them though as they are vote banks as well.
Slums are indeed one of the major headaches in today’s modern urban areas and cities. This is typically one of the easiest ways for homeless people to find a place to stay illegally. It’s such a pity to see individuals suffering from these poor and unhygienic conditions.
What were the best architecture and design lessons you’ve learned during your college internship - when you were involved in the planning of spaces and houses for the rehabilitation of slum dwellers @sahiba-rana?
Yes, they are easiest ways for homeless people to stay. Since my internship ended few months ago, I learnt a lot. From technical drawings to site study also during construction phase we use to visit site and do changes which were required and I learnt a major lesson that an architect have to keep changing plan till the construction ends as there are several changes done during construction as well.
Thankyou for reading and showing interest @storiesoferne:) Hope you have a productive week.
Yes, that happens. We thought that issues stop at the drawing stage. But more problems arise during the construction process. Anyway, architects are already used to that and have found solutions around them. Keep posting interesting content and all the best!
You nailed it! Your post reminded me of a research project I conducted in school regarding solutions to effectively create housing for homeless families and how architecture could help with it. One of the challenges goes beyond architecture, however. During my interview with housing authority officials, the location of the housing is usually an issue and its proximity to employment. They noticed a trend where they provide a house to a family and this family will eventually sublet the unit and would again end up creating a temporary shelter in slums. It became a cycle and the result of my research became pessimistic.
You're right, architecture can help by working with authorities to address these issues while creating an urban masterplan and of course providing the basic amenities to ensure residential buildings are sound and habitable.
Thank you @discoveringarni for appreciating.
Yes, these things happen. I remember my seniors during project used to say that these people won't live here anyways they will ultimately sublet other people and will again construct a temp. shelter. This is a huge problem which is hindering the development. You are absolutely right , its's actually a vicious cycle- never ending.
The budget, masterplan and strict policies and execution without corruption could help remove slums problem as there are many social problems which resides there along with people.
Thanks again, have a productive week:)
Every human has rights to get the basic amenities, whichbare essential for the day to day activities, but the slum even lack those.
Exactly! The conditions are not healthy for any living being to thrive.
Thank you for your kind words.
Have a great week:)
urban planning in my country is not the best but they are kinda doing something over it
but illegal building is still an issue
It is a huge issue everywhere. hope the authorities may take some good action!
Thank you for the comment @bubbledev
I have also met many laborers who live in such slums, in poor and unhygienic conditions. Government should take steps like you have mentioned reconstruction and rehabilations. But many don't pay attention even when I have done urban case study when I was in my 4th year, I came to know some want rehabilitation but maximum doesn't want because of the cost. Dhaka city has a lot of slums but doesn't know when Government will pay attention...
I know, it's not just the government to blame for but the people over there too. some of them do not want to leave and if out the the blue govt. starts rehabilitation these guys sell or rent the apartment and start living in another slum.
Hope situations get good someday.
Thank you for your valuable comment.
Exactly, I have heard about this issue as well...
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