PLAY SPACE FOR HEALTHY KIDS
Location: Dharavi, Mumbai, Maharastra, India
Type: Recreational & Public
Climate: Warm & Humid
Site Area: 140 sq.m. ~ 1,507 sq.ft.
Author: Urbz
Client: BMC
Services: Architecture Design
Set within the high-density fabric of Dharavi’s Social Nagar, Play Space for Healthy Kids transforms the roof of an existing municipal toilet block into an open, breezy community haven. Designed to counter severe spatial constraints and respiratory health risks like tuberculosis, the intervention introduces a light, well-ventilated pavilion where children can safely play, learn, and breathe fresh air. By pairing active play areas with shaded ground-level gathering spaces for mothers and the elderly, this low-cost, robust retrofit turns essential civic infrastructure into a healthy, empowering public realm.
Social Nagar has all the density and bustle one generally finds in Dharavi. Residents live in close proximity to each other, across narrow lanes which mainly support pedestrian and two-wheeler traffic.
As in other such settlements, basic amenities like private latrines are not allowed by the civic authorities. As a result, the entire enclave depends on public toilets. Due to adverse living conditions in and around the area there is prevalent risk of the propagation of Tuberculosis, especially amongst children.
This will be done by the construction of a semi-open, airy structure over the existing toilet block. It will be accompanied by a semi enclosed space for the elderly to sit, pause and converse at the ground level.
The space will be for children to play, interact, relax and learn. It will be a safe and healthy space where they can access the open air and move their bodies. It will also help empower the women of the community; and could eventually create a self sustaining economic activity to help maintain the space. The space will be designed to be cost-effective, low-maintenance, heathy, safe and robust. It will address the needs of the community and protect the children and their guardians from the heat.
Disclaimer: PM Studio worked with Urbz, Mumbai, Maharashtra, for the design of this project.
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