Via our friends from Airoots (saludos!) we get this excellent post on a housing project in Belapur, New Mumbai, done 20 years ago by architect-activist-urbanist Charles Correa.
"It is really worth a visit. Don’t go to see Charles Correa’s architectural skills or you will be disappointed. Go instead to see what a genius urban designer can do when he thinks beyond design."
"Before we saw the project we had almost lost faith in urban design altogether, thinking that it was irremediably oppressive, determining in advance how people are to go about their lives, enclosing them into a limiting format. (Instead, it) allowed people to modify their houses freely, whether with a paintbrush or a mortar. Something that is NEVER allowed in the type of mass housing devastating the urban and psychological landscape of cities around the world."
These are important ideas about urban design: urban design should -and does not- have in mind the uses the people make of the public urban spaces. It´s like if a percentage of the design should be kept untouched, (undesigned?), in a grey zone, so people can adapt it to their own daily uses.
Something we need desperately here in Barcelona. Seems like we have to go to the so-called "3rd world cities" to find real public reappropiation and modification of public space...
The full post -with all the pictures- is available at http://airoots.org/?p=379. Check it out!
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An Artist Village stands in Mumbabylon
Charles Correa is one of the most interesting of Indian architects. He has been building extensively in India and abroad, but more than his design it is his thought process that is impressive.
He was a strong advocate for the development of New Bombay (Navi Mumbai) as a twin city to Mumbai, that would decongest the city (or at least absorb some of the inflow of immigrants pouring in from rural areas to the financial capital of India). He actually acted as Chief Architect for the planning of the new city. Of course we want to ask: “What happened Charles? We know you didn’t want New Bombay to become the brutal urban environment that is today.” We’ll really need to look into why, even with such a sensible Chief Architect, the city got so ugly. An educated guess is: big money and unscrupulous/corrupted public officials messed up what was originally a good plan.
We know Charles Correa cannot be held responsible because in one part of the new city, he showed what he was really up to. This is the ‘Artist Village’, a 55 hectare mixed-income housing project in Belapur, New Bombay. The Artist Village transported us to a Goan atmosphere.
The village has a high concentration of artists. The first residents had to be artists of some sort to move in. Naturally things have changed a lot since it was built, about 20 years ago.
It is really worth a visit. Don’t go to see Charles Correa’s architectural skills or you will be disappointed. Go instead to see what a genius urban designer can do when he thinks beyond design. It is very fashionable amongst architects to despise each others’ works. Charles Correa’s ‘Artist Village’ in New Bombay has not been spared by criticism and mocking by fellow architects.
True, not much remains of the houses he designed. Most of the houses have been remodeled or destroyed and rebuilt. Some inhabitants said they were impractical (”What was the architect thinking when he put toilets outside the house?”). Some clusters of houses became “model” mini-gated-communities while others became mini-slums.
But this is precisely the genius of the project. It was produced with the idea that the residents were going to alter it in many ways, making it truly their own.
One resident we talked to complained that no provisions were made for the common spaces in the center of each cluster of houses. No one was in charge of maintaining them. These spaces do not fall under any jurisdiction; not private nor public.
He was blaming the architect for this omission. This resident had to take it in his own hands and talked to his neighbors and they worked out a solution. They each contribute to a common fund that is used for maintenance. There is even extra money left to pay a retired army officer to spend his days sitting on a chair in front of the gate they built to prevent strangers from entering the cluster (we got through though!)
In other clusters we saw residents wiping out the ground in front of their house. This was part of the plan. The architect even foresaw the dispute between neighbors which is part of the pluralistic and messy process of creating a community.
What really struck us as we walked through the Artist Village, was how organic it really looked. It was designed, yes - but it managed to be a natural city. Before we saw the project we had almost lost faith in urban design altogether, thinking that it was irremediably oppressive, determining in advance how people are to go about their lives, enclosing them into a limiting format.
The first reason why the Artist Village looks organic is that it allowed people to modify their houses freely, whether with a paintbrush or a mortar. Something that is NEVER allowed in the type of mass housing devastating the urban and psychological landscape of cities around the world.
The second reason, we have to say, is Correa’s deep understanding of the nature of cities. His cluster modules are very simple, yet they are related to each other in a complex way.
This housing project offers the quality of life of a village with the sophistication of a city. Each cluster permits the emergence of a hyperlocal community feeling, while integrating each house to the whole settlement at different levels. The hierarchy itself is very organic, as the diagrams below show (from Charles Correa 1989, The New Landscape).
It is great to see that the best is possible. There is a middle-way between Dharavi and Brasilia and Charles Correa is pointing to it. Thank you Uncle Charlie. A deep bow from the airoots team.
For healthy living – by replicating his success in getting the Cleanest City Award for Navi Mumbai to Thane and Mira-Bhayander as well.
Ben Cliff
Posted by: Reservations call center | August 12, 2010 at 05:16 PM
Blogs are so informative where we get lots of information on any topic. Nice job keep it up!!
Posted by: Dissertation Abstract | October 23, 2009 at 02:20 PM
major project of Children's Park worth Rs 52 crore and other civic work worth Rs 20 crore are approved
In the General Body Meeting also major project of Children's Park worth Rs 52 crore and other civic work worth Rs 20 crore are approved. Besides, renting of shops of Shirvane's Shopping Complex proposal was initially not approved by any corporator, rather 13 corporators opposed it. "Ideally, once the proposal is opposed by maximum corporators, it should be disapproved by the House and should come back for discussion only after three months. But, ruling party took up the proposal in the same meeting and sanctioned it.
Standing Committee Chairman Sandeep Naik denied all the allegations and said, "All corporators are unanimously approving all civic tender proposals, because corporation election will be held next year, and all of them will be answerable to the public.
http://www.blogcatalog.com/blogs/sandeep-naik-inauguarate-road-at-mukesh-gaikwad-ward.html
http:/www.sandeepnaik.com
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandeep_Naik
Posted by: ferrwa | July 31, 2009 at 02:15 PM
With likely demolition, row house residents of Vashi meet NMMC Standing Committee Chairman Sandeep Naik
Thane Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik addressing the residents stated that the civic body was following orders from the High Court. He advised the residents to approach the court for a stay order. He further expressed hope that with the raining season, demolition would be delayed by NMMC and hence, giving time to the residents to sought a solution to the problem.
Local corporator Vittal More said that he represents the residents and as a corporator of the area he will take immediate action by forming a committee and approaching the best lawyer to handle the case. Also present for the meeting was MP Sanjeev Naik, NMMC Standing Committee Chairman Sandeep Naik.
http://www.blogcatalog.com/blogs/sandeep-naik-inauguarate-road-at-mukesh-gaikwad-ward.html
http:/www.sandeepnaik.com
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandeep_Naik
Posted by: yeera | July 30, 2009 at 12:18 PM
Where is NMMC investing public taxes – take a look at all the work approved at the weekly NMMC standing committee
When you pay your taxes to NMMC, it is spent for your amenities, facilities and making quality of life better in your neighborhood. NMMC Standing Committee and General Body meetings are specifically for those of you who want to know how you’re hard earned taxes are being spent. Deliberations and the work that will be carried out in the city after this week’s Standing Committee meet.
Another significant proposal to be taken up during the meeting were the audit reports of departmental work for the years 1997 – 98, 2001 – 02, 2003 – 04 and 2004 – 05 that were earlier sent to the Commissioner for compliance. Standing Committee Chairman Sandeep Naik gave details of this proposal.
http://www.blogcatalog.com/blogs/sandeep-naik-inauguarate-road-at-mukesh-gaikwad-ward.html
http:/www.sandeepnaik.com
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandeep_Naik
Posted by: geeta | July 27, 2009 at 09:45 AM
NMMC general body meet
In the NMMC’ general body meeting, the proposal to re-start the felicitation ceremony of the student’s excelling in the SSC board examination was accepted by the Mayor and Deputy Mayor at chair. The proposal was backed up by most of the coprorators who were inspired to continue the system, after considering the outstanding performance of Nerul based Supriya Shankar Yadav who scored 90.14% in the SSC examinations, even after studying in the NMMC school based at Nerul, with mere minimal NMMC students, who did not get noticed by any leader or media, and their excellence needs to be acclaimed. Prominent amongst the others was Sudhakar Sonawane who bought about the attention of the General Body towards the serious issue, which would not only appreciate the student’s hanrdwork, but will also inspire them and others to perform well in academics. Corporators J D Sutar and Namdeo Bhagat also backed the proposal. The old system initiated by men Mayor Sanjeev Naik was discontinued since the last four years due to some reasons, will be soon reinitiated by the NMMC, as told by the Deputy Mayor Shashikant Birajdaar.
http://navimumbai-sanjeevjinaik.blogspot.com
http://www.sanjeevgnaik.com/index.html
Posted by: rema | July 08, 2009 at 02:12 PM
MP Dr.Sanjeev Naik visits to Thane
It has been a rather sorry state of affairs of the Thane bus service. In his recent visit to Thane, MP Dr. Sanjeev Naik stated that the best of bus services must be provided to the citizens. He was speaking during the launch of the bus service from CST to Hiranandani in Thane. With the increasing population and limited bus service, there was a demand for this.
The bus will leave from Hiranandani at 8 in the morning and will reach CST at 5.20, depending on the needs of the commuters, the frequencies of the buses would be increased.
http://navimumbai-sanjeevjinaik.blogspot.com
http://www.sanjeevgnaik.com/index.html
Posted by: uma | July 03, 2009 at 01:06 PM
Is Ganesh Naik going to stake claim for Airoli and Belapur assembly seats for NCP? A curtain-raiser report
The Chief Minister also dodged the question of whether the Congress would stake claim for Belapur constituency. The Chief Minister’s response hints that the Congress will not stake claim on either Airoli or Belapur. Does this mean that independent rebels could play spoilers for the secular front? No, says Vishwarath Nayar.
Ganesh Naik’s secular image, popularity among locals and his public work being a cabinet Minister in Navi Mumbai is unmatched. And the high commands know for a fact that if the 2 seats in Navi Mumbai have to be retained by the Congress-NCP front, then the candidature of Ganesh Naik from Airoli and Sandeep Naik from Belapur appears to be foregone conclusion – the only viable option..
http://navimumbai-sanjeevjinaik.blogspot.com
http://www.sanjeevgnaik.com/index.html
Posted by: erw | June 29, 2009 at 02:35 PM
Vashi railway station to get better facilities –MP Dr. Sanjeev Naik visits the station
After visiting Thane and Mulund railway station, MP Dr. Sanjeev Naik visited Vashi railway station get to know the problems of the commuter’s hands on.
Vashi railway station is known for its state of the art infrastructure and design. It can also be termed as the busiest railway station of Navi Mumbai. Built in the year 1998, the station is also known as the International Infotech Park built on international standards. However, today it reels under many problems. To get to know the commuters’ issues, MP Dr. Sanjeev Naik visited the railway station in the early hours of the morning. He was accompanied by the station Head master and CIDCO officials. Inspecting the area, he also visited the platform and trains where he spoke with the commuters. Speaking to the media, he informed about the various issues.
MP Dr. Sanjeev Naik also says that the railways should allocate special compartments for students during peak hours. While MP Dr. Sanjeev Naik has been visiting railway stations across his constituency and making many promises, how much will the young MP fulfill these promises is something that only time will tell.
http://navimumbai-sanjeevjinaik.blogspot.com
http://www.sanjeevgnaik.com/index.html
Posted by: reya | June 29, 2009 at 02:28 PM
Balasaheb thorat raises issues of farmers on shortage of crops
A meet was held at Thane by the Minister for Agriculture, Balasaheb Thorat on farmers issues on crops where a many ministers were present.
For the farmers, the Rishuka named seed at Jalgaon had become a cause of concern as there was a huge difference in its supply and demand. The reason why protests was held by the farmers, informed Minister for Agriculture Balasaheb Thorat. Further explaining the situation, he informed that as there was shortage of seeds internationally, it had affected the supply in India too. Trying to bring the situation under control, the state implemented buffer stocking. On the 31st of May, a meet would be held for farmers to give them information related to their issues. Present during the meet with Balasaheb Thorat was Thane Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik, MP Dr. Sanjeev Naik, TMC Commissioner Nandkumar Jantre and Thane Collector Abasaheb Jarhad.
http://ganeshnaik-navimumbai.blogspot.com/
http://www.ganeshnaik.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ganesh_Naik
Posted by: iera | June 27, 2009 at 12:04 PM
Ganesh Naik felicitates school at Turbhe
The newly developed municipal school at Turbhe stores “Dr. Babsaheb Ambedkar School no. 20” was recently inaugurated at the hands of Thane Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik.
With an expenditure of Rs. 91 lakhs, NMMC has built this advanced one floored school building at Turbhe stores. The school includes 19 classes out of which 17 are for classrooms, one for staff room and one for a computer lab. The municipal school Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar School No. 20 at Turbhe was inaugurated at the hands of Thane Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik. Present along with the minister was NMMC Education Committee Chairman Ravi Iyer, former education committee chairman Ram Vichare, corporator Ravindra Ethape amongst others. Ganesh Naik inaugurated the school by lighting the high mast light installed in the compound. Thane Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik expressed happiness and stated that they would try to introduce classes till X in this school.
http://ganeshnaik-navimumbai.blogspot.com/
http://www.ganeshnaik.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ganesh_Naik
Posted by: meeu | June 25, 2009 at 02:21 PM
NMMC standing committee chairman Sandeep Naik sets another precedent by calling joint NMMC –MSEDC meeting for coordination over public work
He’s known for setting right examples and he set another one. NMMC Standing Committee Chairman Sandeep Naik invited MSEDC officers to NMMC to initiate coordination between both the government offices and set the right spirit in execution of public work.
This NMMC-MSEDC meeting is one of the most needed initiatives in Navi Mumbai. Corporators present during the meeting appreciated the Chairman Sandeep Naik’s initiative. Beyond any doubt Chairman Sandeep Naik has set another precedent that will help MSEDC work in tune with NMMC. The spirits between the government offices have been set right and the first step towards coordination for public work has begun – now its time to see the action.
http://www.blogcatalog.com/blogs/sandeep-naik-inauguarate-road-at-mukesh-gaikwad-ward.html
http:/www.sandeepnaik.com
Posted by: seeja | June 24, 2009 at 01:55 PM
Note concerned of the election code of conduct and vital issues pending for discussions , members waste monthly general body meeting on felicitating city’s first MP
Navi Mumbai’s first Mayor Dr. Sanjeev Naik is also Navi Mumbai’s first MP; hence it was apparent that this feat called for a felicitation proposal to honor MP Dr. Sanjeev Naik in NMMC. And the general body did – this week. Corporators from all parties praised MP Dr. Sanjeev Naik to the T for becoming the first MP from Navi Mumbai. Beyond any doubt MP Dr. Sanjeev Naik’s victory in the Thane constituency called for this recognition of his work, achievement and win but the hours that the members chose to spend over a felicitation proposal keeping aside all public work proposal on the agenda came as a major disappointment. The general body meetings are held once in a month and this was the first general body meeting of NMMC after Lok Sabha elections.
http://navimumbai-sanjeevjinaik.blogspot.com
http://www.sanjeevgnaik.com/index.html
Posted by: leema | June 23, 2009 at 12:12 PM
APMC merchants felicitate MP Dr. Sanjeev Naik
A felicitation ceremony was organized at the hands of the Grain, Rice and Oil Seeds Merchants Association at the APMC grain Market at Vashi. The guest of honor was the newly elected MPs Sanjay Dina Patil and Sanjeev Naik.
A ceremony of honor was organized at the Velji Lakamshi Napu – GROMA Hall at Vashi, by GROMA – the Grains, Rice and Oilseeds Merchants Association in order to felicitate MP Sanjay Dina Patil and MP Dr. Sanjeev Naik on account of their triumph in the recent Lok Sabha elections.
http://navimumbai-sanjeevjinaik.blogspot.com
http://www.sanjeevgnaik.com/index.html
Posted by: leema | June 23, 2009 at 11:55 AM
NMMC commissioner’s office flout sanction of civic work upto Rs.10 lakhs without permission of general body
Standing Committee Chairman Sandeep Naik instructed the Municipal Commissioner Vijay Nahata to present the report of civic work agreements done for works costing above Rs. 50000 and less than Rs. 10 lakhs within 15 days as required under the Municipal Act.
Last week Standing Committee Chairman Sandeep Naik instructed the Municipal Commissioner Vijay Nahata to present the report of civic work agreements done for works costing above Rs 50000 and less than rupees Rs. 10 lakhs within 15 days as required under the Municipal Act. Sandeep Naik is the first chairman of the committee to call for this submission within 15 days of execution of the agreement. The Municipal Commissioner has powers to approve works above Rs. 50000 and below Rs. 10 lakhs without administrative approval of the general body subject to the Commissioner presenting the report of agreements entered into for such works to the Standing Committee within 15 days.
http://www.blogcatalog.com/blogs/sandeep-naik-inauguarate-road-at-mukesh-gaikwad-ward.html
http:/www.sandeepnaik.com
Posted by: kiran | June 22, 2009 at 11:23 AM
Standing committee sanctions Rs. 50 Crores for making power lines underground
The NMMC Standing Committee has sanctioned Rs. 51 Crores to make power line in villages in Navi Mumbai underground. The proposal does not include Digha village, Mahape village and Adhavli-Bhutavli.
Yet another proposal pending for years is likely to see the light of the day after this week’s Standing Committee meet. The members, after deliberations approved the tender bid of Rs. 51 Crores to make power cables underground.
http://www.blogcatalog.com/blogs/sandeep-naik-inauguarate-road-at-mukesh-gaikwad-ward.html
http:/www.sandeepnaik.com
Posted by: kiran | June 22, 2009 at 10:57 AM
Justice to the poor at last! NMMC standing committee chairman Sandeep Naik get 10% reservation policy for the poor approved
Better late than never – that’s what NMMC Standing Committee Chairman Sandeep Naik seems to have practiced in the case of getting the 10% reservation policy for the poor activated in the NMMC – Hiranandani Super Specialty tie up. Fulfilling the promise that NMMC of getting super specialty medical services for the poor available free of cost at the NMMC Hospital, Standing Committee Chairman brought the proposal for the reservation policy and got it approved at a special general body meet.
http://www.blogcatalog.com/blogs/sandeep-naik-inauguarate-road-at-mukesh-gaikwad-ward.html
http:/www.sandeepnaik.com
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandeep_Naik
Posted by: reena | June 16, 2009 at 01:01 PM
Thane Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik had initiated the drive to provide Additional FSI Decision to be Taken Before Winter Session
Standing up for these families and to provide them with legal houses, Thane Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik had demanded to provide additional FSI to slum and gaonthan areas. For this purpose, a survey was even conducted in Bonkande village, a report of which was sent to the Chief Minister. This had come as a ray of hope for these families with the Minister stating that the final decision of this would come prior to the state winter session.
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http://www.ganeshnaik.com/”>http://www.ganeshnaik.com/">http://www.ganeshnaik.com/">http://www.ganeshnaik.com/”>http://www.ganeshnaik.com/
Posted by: ........... | May 21, 2009 at 11:56 AM
Sanjeev Naik -“five mantras”
On April 23, Sanjeev Naik “unveiled” his “five mantras” for the constituency’s rapid development which is:
1) Solving water crisis – by bringing the excess water from Morbe Dam to Thane in future to fulfill water requirement.
2) Healthy living – by replicating his success in getting the Cleanest City Award for Navi Mumbai to Thane and Mira-Bhayander as well.
3) Solving traffic problems – by starting sea transport and mono rail in the constituency which will not save time but also reduce the traffic on raod and help to develop reliable and low cost transportation in the region.
4) Pollution Control – by installing sewerage treatment plants in the constituency and plant more trees to protect the environment.
5) Rehabilitation of slums – through SRA similar to Mumbai’s Dharavi slum redevelopment and making the dream come true of the slum dwellers to own a house in a building.
http://navimumbai-sanjeevjinaik.blogspot.comhttp://www.sanjeevgnaik.com/index.html
Posted by: ............. | May 07, 2009 at 02:19 PM
Dr.Sanjeev Naik, who became mayor of Navi Mumbai , has proved his ability to work for the welfare of the masses.
While there has been a drastic geographical change in the erstwhile PARLIAMENTARY CONSTITUENCY due to delimitation, the width of one of the new and resultant constituencies has not changes much. That means a candidate for a single constituency, such as Thane-Belapur, will have to represent an area right from Navi Mumbai to Thane,Bhayander and Uttan, as one of the major developing areas.
The interests of the people in this constituency are as varied as are the locations. Navi Mumbai has outgrown the initial expectations of the Government and CIDCO and has become a real city in readiness for the crown in the 21st Century.
There should be a contact office and the smallest of the small complaints should reach the elected representative. He should understand the aspirations of the common people in his constituency and should have viable solutions to their genuine problems.
This is Irrespective of the fact that he happens to be the son of the Maharashtra Minister and NCP heavyweight Mr. Ganesh Naik.
http://navimumbai-sanjeevjinaik.blogspot.comhttp://www.sanjeevgnaik.com/index.html
Posted by: ............. | May 07, 2009 at 02:18 PM
Mayor Sanjeev naik conducting Green hope Brings hope to Navi Mumbai by Plantin one Lakh Trees
In such a scenario if the minds that will work on development projects of tomorrow are taught the significance of green heads and preserving greenery, it would definitely contribute to developing minds that give as much importance to environment as to making communities. Bearing this in mind, Green Hope organization....
http://www.nmtv.tv/shownews.php?id=2861
http://navimumbai-naiksanjeev.blogspot.com
http://navimumbai-naiksanjeev.blogspot.com/2008/12/green-hope-brings-hope-to-navi-mumbai.html
Posted by: vaibhav | January 08, 2009 at 06:56 AM
Mp candidate Sanjeev Naik Stress Dvelopment Projects for Regions if elected for Thane by polls
Sanjeev Naik while addressin his first press conference at Vashi to the media about he project and agenda of the NCP congress-RPI-Lal Nishan front candidate in the Thane Lok sabha by poll to be held on may 22.…more
http://navimumbai-naiksanjeev.blogspot.com/2008/12/mp-candidate-sanjeev-naik-stress.html
http://navimumbai-naiksanjeev.blogspot.com/
Posted by: jayant hudar | December 26, 2008 at 01:17 PM