Airoots Archive

The essay challenges the modern notion of the future, rooted in a linear timeline, and advocates for a present-focused approach in architecture and urban design. Linear time obscures the complex and dynamic nature of the present, where recognition of ongoing processes is crucial. The essay proposes a practice that engages with present realities, rather than projecting idealized futures, exemplified by fictional but pragmatic "dream tool-houses" in Dharavi.

The article explores the interconnection between textile design and architecture, particularly in Europe, and discusses the challenges of integrating India's rich artisanal traditions, especially textiles, into contemporary architectural practices. It emphasizes the importance of valuing the collective construction and aesthetics of homegrown settlements and suggests reimagining the urban fabric as a metaphor for understanding and appreciating these spaces.

The article discusses global anxieties about population growth and the housing crisis, arguing that the fear of slums and the inability to provide affordable housing stem from faulty policies and a lack of imagination rather than the actual capacity to house people. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the factors contributing to the urban crisis, such as land arrangements and speculation, in order to address the issue effectively.

The article discusses global anxieties about population growth and the housing crisis, arguing that the fear of slums and the inability to provide affordable housing stem from faulty policies and a lack of imagination rather than the actual capacity to house people. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the factors contributing to the urban crisis, such as land arrangements and speculation, in order to address the issue effectively.

The article explores Shivaji Nagar, a neighborhood in Mumbai, where residents face a hostile civic environment, leading to the perpetuation of slums. Originally planned as a resettlement colony, the area now struggles due to prejudice, corruption, and lack of political vision. Despite challenges, residents display resilience and resourcefulness, engaging in various home-based businesses. The construction sector thrives, but antiquated regulations and corruption hinder progress. The author calls for official recognition, infrastructure development, and innovative policies to uplift marginalized neighborhoods like Shivaji Nagar.