ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I have taken efforts in this research paper However, it would not have been possible without the kind support and help of many individuals and organizations I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all of them.
I am highly indebted to Prof. Renuka Awatramani for their guidance and constant supervision as well as for providing necessary information regarding the paper & also for their support in completing the paper. I would like to express my gratitude towards other faculties of USAP for their kind co-operation and encouragement throughout.
My thanks and appreciations also go to my colleague in developing the project and the people who have willingly helped me out with their abilities
I would like to express my special gratitude and thanks to my parents for their concern and appreciation
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1 - Street cross-section showing street different zones of the street
Figure 2 - Street plan showing street design elements
Figure 3 - Street elements and their presence in arterial, collector, and local streets elements
Figure 4 - In the shantytowns, cultivation, and small stock rearing is generally confined to rough, stony, Steep hillsides Note the drain dug to lead away wastewater from homes higher up the slope
Figure 5 - Power is available to many homes in Flanker (see utility pole at right) The standpipe (left foreground) dispenses water only between 3 a m and 5 a m
Figure 6 - Different Small homes documented by Social Design Collaborative
Figure 7 - Respondents’ suggestions concerning the most needed improvements in JTAR
UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE AND PLANNING
Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University Sector 16C, Dwarka, New Delhi- 110078
Dissertation 2022-23
EFFECT OF SHANTIES ON STREETS
ABSTRACT
Shanties, commonly known as informal settlements or slums, are a persistent and complex phenomenon in urban environments across the globe These makeshift dwellings, often constructed by economically disadvantaged individuals or marginalized communities, have a profound impact on the streets they inhabit As such, understanding the effects of shanties on urban streets is crucial for addressing the social, economic, and environmental challenges they pose
This research paper delve i t th i t i t l ti hi b t h ti d t eets, shedding light on the multifaceted consequ socio-economic implications, and their infl seeks to contribute to a deeper understanding of and if they can be 5,
KEYWORDS
Street, Shanty, Intermittent employment, Streetscape, Spatial organisation, Street elements, Effect
Aim - To Study how the architecture of Shanties affects an urban setting and its inclusiveness in urban streetscape
Objectives -
● To study shanties, street typology and already existing street elements
● To understand how shanties use the street
● To study the effect of shanties on streets and vice versa
Architectural Methodology
1 Literature Review
Conduct a comprehensive review of existing literature on shanties, informal settlements, and their architectural characteristics Streets and street design standards also should be reviewed This will provide a foundation of knowledge and help identify gaps in the current understanding of the architectural aspects related to shanties on urban streets
2 Site Documentation and Mapping
Conduct on-site visits to shanty settlements to document the architectural typologies, spatial organization, and construction techniques employed in the informal dwellings This can involve measuring and mapping the physical dimensions, identifying material choices, and recording the architectural features present in the shanties. Architectural features will be presented through Plans, sections, and elevations.
3. Visual Documentation
Capture photographs, videos, and other visual documentation of the shanties and their relationship to the surrounding urban fabric. This visual data can provide valuable insights into the architectural characteristics, streetscape integration, and overall urban context of the shanties
4 Data Collection from Residents
Engage with shanty residents through interviews and surveys, to understand their perceptions of the architectural aspects of their dwellings and the effects on the surrounding streets This qualitative data can provide valuable insights into the residents' lived experiences and aspirations. Street sections and activity mapping will also be done to get the quantitative data
5 Comparative Analysis
Compare the architectural characteristics and spatial organization of shanties across different settlements or locations. This comparative analysis can highlight similarities, differences, and patterns, providing a broader understanding of the architectural dynamics of shanties on urban streets
Research Question
1 How do the key design characteristics, construction materials and spatial organization of shanties on urban streets impact the overall urban fabric and streetscape aesthetics?
2 How do the social interactions, privacy, and community dynamics within the settlements impact the spatial configurations and spatial boundaries of shanties on urban streets?
3 What are the effects of shanties on the functionality and aesthetics of urban streets, including pedestrian mobility, public space utilization, and the overall livability of the surrounding areas?
4 What role can innovative architectural and urban design solutions play in addressing the challenges posed by shanties on urban streets, such as improving living conditions, promoting sustainable construction practices, and integrating shanty communities into the larger urban context?
Hypotheses
Enhancing the architectural aesthetics and streetscape integration of shanties on urban streets will positively impact the perception and acceptance of these settlements, reducing social stigma and fostering a sense of belonging among residents
Scope
Public Space Scope
The research paper can explore how shanties affect public spaces and urban streets, including aspects such as pedestrian mobility, street aesthetics, social interactions, and the overall livability and functionality of the surrounding areas
Architectural Scope
The research paper can delve into the architectural considerations related to shanties on urban streets, including design characteristics, construction materials, spatial organization, safety, and the potential for inclusion of shanties on streets
Limitations
1. Lack of Documentation
The site I have choosen for shanties lacks formal documentation, making it challenging to obtain accurate information about their architectural characteristics, construction techniques, and spatial organization This limitation may restrict the depth of analysis in understanding the architectural aspects of shanties on urban streets.
2. Limited Access to Sites
Accessing shanty settlements and obtaining permission to conduct on-site observations and measurements may be challenging due to various factors such as security concerns, legal restrictions, or lack of cooperation from residents. This limitation may hinder the collection of firsthand architectural data.
3. Variability of Architectural Typologies
Shanties on urban streets can exhibit a wide range of architectural typologies and construction methods, influenced by cultural practices, available resources, and individual initiatives The variability of architectural designs may make it difficult to establish comprehensive patterns or categorizations, limiting the generalizability of findings
4 Lack of Comparative Data
Comparative data on architectural interventions, upgrades, or transformations in shanties on urban streets are limited This limitation makes it challenging to assess the effectiveness and impact of different architectural approaches or strategies in improving living conditions and spatial qualities.
5. Ethical Considerations and Community Engagement
Conducting architectural research in shanty settlements require ethical considerations, including respecting the privacy, dignity, and consent of the residents. Establishing trust and meaningful engagement with the community may take time, limiting the depth of involvement and collaboration in the architectural research process.
Background Research
Researching the effects of shanties on streets for an architectural research paper is an interesting topic that touches upon urban informality, socio-economic dynamics, and the impact of informal settlements on the built environment. Here's some background information that can help inform your research:
1. Definition of Shanties: Shanties, also known as slums, informal settlements, or squatter settlements, are typically characterized by makeshift dwellings constructed with temporary materials such as corrugated
metal, wood, and plastic They often lack basic infrastructure and services such as proper sanitation, clean water, and adequate access to healthcare and education.
2. Informal Housing and Urbanization: Shanties are a manifestation of urban informality, which refers to the development of settlements and activities that occur outside the formal regulatory frameworks of urban planning and land use. Rapid urbanization, rural-urban migration, poverty, and lack of affordable housing options contribute to the growth of informal settlements in many cities around the world.
3 Spatial Distribution: Shanties are typically found in peripheral areas of cities, occupying vacant or underutilized land They often emerge in response to the lack of affordable housing and limited access to formal housing markets
4 Social and Economic Factors: Shanties are home to marginalized and economically disadvantaged populations, including low-income earners, informal workers, and migrants They often lack access to regular employment opportunities, education, and social services, leading to cycles of poverty and inequality
5. Impact on Street and Urban Fabric: Shanties can have several effects on the streets and the broader urban fabric:
a. Informal Street Networks: Shanties often develop their informal street networks, which may not align with the formal urban planning grid. These networks are characterized by narrow, irregularly shaped lanes and alleys, making it challenging for emergency services, waste management, and infrastructure development
b Infrastructure Challenges: Shanties typically lack basic infrastructure, such as paved roads, proper drainage systems, and access to utilities like water and electricity The absence of infrastructure can negatively impact the quality of the streets and the living conditions of residents
c Visual Aesthetics: Shanties can create visual dissonance and contrast with the surrounding built environment, especially in areas with stark socio-economic disparities The makeshift and often precarious nature of shanty dwellings can result in an aesthetically chaotic urban landscape
d Social and Cultural Dynamics: Shanty streets are vibrant spaces that reflect the daily activities, social interactions, and economic livelihoods of residents. They can foster a strong sense of community, informal economies, and unique cultural practices.
6. Challenges and Opportunities: Addressing the challenges associated with shanties requires a comprehensive approach that combines social, economic, and spatial interventions. Efforts to upgrade and integrate informal settlements into the formal urban fabric, through strategies such as providing secure land tenure, access to services, and infrastructure improvements, can contribute to improving the overall street environment and the well-being of residents
2. LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Definition of Shanty
Shan·ty (noun) - Shanties (plural)
A shanty is a rough dwelling, a word that derives from Scottish Gaelic roots meaning "old" and "house " A community made up of shanties, built from foraged materials like wood, metal, and cardboard, and inhabited by people experiencing homelessness and poverty, is a shantytown (Shantytown - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms, n.d.)
Also, Shanties are defined as small crudely built dwellings or shelters usually of wood. (Shanty Definition & Meaning, 2023)
Derived from the word Shanty is ShantyTown, which in the context of India, is also known as ‘Bastis’. For poorer immigrants, residence in the urban colonies was not an option. Some could afford to move into slum flats, often sharing space with earlier immigrants from their native villages. Others, however, had no recourse but to find shelter in bastis (shantytowns), clusters of anywhere from a few too many hundreds of makeshift dwellings, which are commonly found along the edges of railroad yards and parks, outside the walls of factories, along the banks of rivers, and wherever else the urban authorities might tolerate their presence Finally, there are the street dwellers, mainly single men in search of temporary employment, who lack even the meager shelter that the bastis afford (India - Caste System, Varnas, Scheduled Tribes, and Hill Stations, n d )
According to the book, ‘Slums of Hope?: Shanty Towns of the Third World’, Shanty towns are defined as a settlement composed of recent migrants (thus excluding second-generation migrants in long-established communities) who are poor (thus excluding the highly skilled workers, clerks and professionals, usually well educated). These poor migrants live in houses largely constructed by themselves, whether all are owner-occupiers or some live as tenants of richer members. Thus I exclude the inner-city tenements, the compounds built by employers for their own workers, and the housing estates built by large construction companies and state agencies. As so defined, the shanty towns of the third world vary widely; yet in excluding other types of settlement we may focus upon those which do have. much in common. (Slums of Hope?: Shanty Towns of the Third World, 2023)
Besides this, the research paper on Shanty Towns of Jamaica defines the term "shantytown" as one of many used to identify taxonomically a widely distributed type of urban settlement; others are uncontrolled settlement and squatter settlement The "bustee" of urban India differs in its demographic structure and therefore, despite a superficial similarity in appearance, must be considered a different type Despite the varieties in nomenclature and, as will appear later, at the expense of some oversimplification, a shantytown is considered here to be any peri-urban collection of dwellings erected without an official subdivision plan on land (Eyre, L. A. (1972). The Shantytowns of Montego Bay, Jamaica. Geographical Review, 62(3), 394–413. https://doi.org/10.2307/213290)
Other sources have defined Shanty Towns as an area, usually on the edge of a big city, where poor people live in bad conditions, often in buildings that they have made themselves. The research paper sees the Shanty Towns as a successful solution for the problem of providing cheap housing with fairly secure tenure for a segment of the population that as yet lacks a stable economic role in a developing society. (Eyre, 2023)
Shanties and shanty towns are related terms that refer to informal settlements characterized by substandard housing and inadequate living conditions The summarised idea of shanties and shantytowns is mentioned below-
Shanties:
- Shanties are temporary or makeshift dwellings that are often constructed by individuals or families using low-quality materials such as tin, wood, or plastic sheets.
- They are typically found in urban or peri-urban areas and are commonly associated with poverty, rapid urbanization, and a lack of affordable housing options.
- Shanties are often characterized by their haphazard and unplanned construction, with little adherence to building codes or regulations.
- Residents of shanties may lack access to basic amenities such as clean water, sanitation facilities, and electricity
- Shanties can be found in both developing and developed countries, although the specific characteristics and terminology may vary across regions
Shanty Towns:
- Shanty towns, also known as slums or informal settlements, are larger and more established versions of shanties They consist of clusters or neighborhoods of substandard housing units
- Shanty towns are often characterized by high population densities, overcrowding, and a lack of proper infrastructure and services.
- The term "shanty town" is often used to describe the informal settlements that have developed over time, with a more permanent and settled population compared to individual shanties.
- Shanty towns can have a range of socio-economic challenges, including limited access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities.
- Efforts to improve living conditions in shanty towns often involve urban development initiatives, infrastructure upgrades, and social programs aimed at enhancing the well-being and integration of residents
2 1 1 Parallel Terms
Informal Settlements: Informal settlements are generally used as a broader term to refer to unplanned and unauthorized residential areas that lack formal land tenure and basic services. They encompass a range of housing types and can include shanties as a specific subset.
Slums: Slums are densely populated areas characterized by substandard housing, inadequate access to basic services, and poor living conditions Slums are often the result of rapid urbanization, population growth, and poverty, and they are typically found in urban areas
Shanties: Shanties specifically refer to temporary, often makeshift dwellings that are constructed from low-quality or recycled materials Shanties are typically associated with informal settlements but can also exist as standalone structures
2 2 Urban streets
An urban street is a roadway that exists within a city or urban area, designed to accommodate various modes of transportation, including vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. Urban streets serve as the primary transportation network within a city, providing connectivity between different neighborhoods, commercial areas, and other points of interest.
It is seen that urban streets fulfill various other activities other than transportation purposes. In the urban context, streets act as a playground for children, shelters for the homeless, commercial places for street vendors, and a place for street cafes. Streets add open spaces around houses for cross ventilation and
natural light They turn into recreational areas for kids (Socially Inclusive Urban Streets in India – IJERT, 2022)
Streets rank amongst the most valuable assets in any city. They not only ensure residents’ mobility, allowing them to travel from one place to another, but also are a place for people to meet, interact, do business, and have fun. Streets make a city liveable. They foster social and economic bonds, bringing people together. Decisions about how to allocate and design street space have a tremendous impact on quality of life. (Better Streets, Better Cities - A Guide to Street Design in Urban India, n.d.)
2.3 Street Typology
There are various typologies (mentioned below) that a street is divided into, on the basis of road width, zoning, street elements, etc
2.3.1 National Highways
The recommended minimum right of way (ROW) is 90 meters, wherever possible. However, within the city, it shall not be less than 60 meters. National highways only have an inter-city role; when they pass through urban areas they become urban arterials.
2.3.2 Arterial Roads
Arterial roads are main roads with or without access control. They form the main frame that provides long-distance mobility between various parts of the city. Arterial streets are basically of two types:
● Primary Roads: Vehicular routes carrying heavy volumes of traffic generally The recommended ROW in existing urban areas is 60-80 m and a minimum of 80 m in the proposed urban extensions
● Secondary Roads: Vehicular routes carrying heavy volumes of traffic and BRT routes are part of this type of road The recommended ROW in existing urban areas is 45 - 60 m and a minimum of 60 m in proposed urban extensions
2 3 3 Sub-Arterial (collector)
Sub-arterial roads provide local connections between neighborhoods and connect them to arterial roads They include
● Primary Collector that Connects major arterial roads and inter-residential district collectors The recommended ROW in an existing urban area is 30-40 m and a minimum of 45 m in the proposed urban extensions.
● Secondary Collector Collects traffic from local streets within a residential district. The recommended ROW in existing urban areas is 18 - 24 m and a minimum of 30 m in proposed urban extensions.
2.3.4. Local Streets
Suggested ROW is 12 - 20 m in existing and proposed urban areas. These roads should be made pedestrian and bicycle friendly by using modern traffic calming designs to keep speed within limits and be conducive to walking and non-motorized movement
2 3 5 Pedestrian & NMV Streets
Pedestrian-only streets, 6 m and less, as per MPD 2021, are streets where pedestrian and non-motorized transport are dominant These streets are particularly appropriate in intensely commercialized areas (STREET DESIGN GUIDELINES, n d )
A network of public streets enabling walking and cycling should be available within a distance not exceeding 150m. An arterial street network should be available at about 1000m, a collector street network at about 250m, and a local street at about 125m. The street network should be designed such that it encourages walking and cycling for short distances and public transport should be available within a 500m distance. (guide, n.d.)
2.4 Street Elements
Street elements are the various components and features that make up the physical infrastructure and design of a street These elements contribute to the functionality, safety, aesthetics, and overall user experience of a street. Here are some common street elements:
2 4 1 Street elements
All people should be able to move safely, smoothly, and conveniently.
● Footpath - clear walkway
● Cycle Track - NMT Lane
● Bus stops
● BRT lanes
● Shoulders
● Parking
2 4 2 Safety elements
Make streets safe, clean, attractive, and comfortable for people to walk and drive
● Pedestrian Crossings
● Traffic calming measures
● Central Medians
● Railings
● Bollards
● Speed breakers
● Street lights
● Street furniture
● Traffic Signals
● Signage, markings
2 4 3 Multi-Utility zone
Streets to reduce the impact on the natural and built environment To have green streets in the city
● Plantation
● Utility and services
● Stormwatermanagement
● Garbage containers
● Public toilet
● Figure 1 - Street cross-section showing street different zones of the street (Wallwork, n.d.)
Figure 2 - Street plan showing street design elements (Better Streets, Better Cities - A Guide to Street Design in Urban India, n.d.)
Figure 3 - Street elements and their presence in arterial, collector, and local streets elements (guide, n d )
2.5.1 Flow of population (Urbanisation)
The widespread population growth has caused the migration of many of the rural dwellers in the Caribbean to the urban centers The factors are numerous for people to leave the rural areas including poverty, unemployment, and the belief that better jobs and services will be available in the urban areas (Purry, n d )
According to (Eyre, 2023, 397)
There are five flows of population.
(1) Migrants from rural areas city proper form a large flow Most are single, poor, and often looking for their first jobs. They lack funds and so gravitate to the crowded inner-city slums
(2) A second flow, from these city slums to the shantytowns. consists largely of people who desire to escape from many aspects of life in the inner city (crowding, high rents, crime) and wish to find alternative accommodation This flow consists of a large measure of persons in the stage of family formation who have acquired petty capital while living in the city but who have either no permanent employment or Iow-paying jobs
(3) A flow from the inner city to the middle- and upper-income ring.
It represents the familiar suburbanization process of the modern sector Also included is a relatively minor flow to government low-income housing. The ring is rapidly expanding outward, usually avoiding the wedges in which the shantytowns are located but sometimes exerting pressure on them.
(4) A small flow of upwardly mobile migrants from the shantytowns to the middle ring consists of families who have acquired the permanent and assured income required by mortgage companies.
(5) Finally, there is a flow from rural areas directly to the shantytowns However, contrary to information that appears in references to shantytowns both in the geographical literature and in the popular press, this is not the main source of recruitment for the shantytowns nor even an important one The flow is restricted almost exclusively to younger relatives of persons who already reside there.
2.6 Diagnostic features of the shantytown
When assessing shanties, several parameters can be considered to evaluate various aspects of these informal settlements Under the research paper (Eyre, 2023) the diagnostic features of the shantytown are classified under seven broad aspects of their total geography: spatial organization, developmental stages, demographic structure, economic activity, the role of savings and investment, the problem of public amenities, and population control
2 6 1 Spatial organization
Under this
● Land terrain is studied If it is sloppy or muddy etc Along with it, land texture could also be studied.
● Distribution of homes- formal, informal, radial, etc A feature that enables shantytowns to be identified clearly from the air. This characteristic reflects the relatively casual manner in which settlement has proceeded and the absence of any coordination in occupancy
● Construction material - things ready to hand—shipping crates, scrap metal, old packing cases, and junked car bodies, as well as ordinary building materials, are popular The materials used are heavily personalized since this is a result of personal initiative.
2.6.2
Development stage
L Alan Eyre identified that a shantytown passes through four stages in its secular development, and this development can be halted at any stage or even destroyed completely by government action The four stages are -
1 The initial occupancy stages
2 The transitional stages
3 The stage of attaining secure tenure
4. The stage of absorption
2.6.3 Demographic structure
Under this section, the author identifies the demographic pattern of shanty towns, jamaica, by surveying various factors like
1 The number of people in the family
2. Age group
3 Gender
4. Occupation - (A central location is more convenient for job seeking since a peri-urban location incurs travel expenses Moreover, many rural migrants may have no choice, since the main shantytown homes are constructed by and for families.)
5 Type of occupation
2.6.4 Directions of economic activity
The gainful effort and the time of shantytown dwellers are charact- -eristically channeled in three directions.
1 Intermittent employment - Construction
2. Subsistence agriculture (fig 4)
3 Petty Commerce
Figure 4 - In the shantytowns, cultivation, and small stock rearing is generally confined to rough, stony, Steep hillsides. Note the drain dug to lead away wastewater from homes higher up the slope. (Eyre, 2023, 15)
2 6 5 Inadequacy of Public Amenities
In this the author talks about the situation and status of availability of basic public amenities that shanty towns of Jamaica. The amenities are mentioned below -
● Electricity
● Water
● Transportation
● Education
● Drain
● Police Protection
5 - Pow e standpipe (left fore 3, 15)
According to a UN report, these five deprivations affect the lives of persons living in shantytowns or informal settlements
● Access to improved water - this has somewhat improved as well as sanitation, however, more still needs to be done
● Access to improved sanitation facilities-there has been some improvement as stated in number one
● Sufficient living area - not overcrowded, slums are usually dense settlements. Privacy is a luxury with the close proximity and makeshift windows and doors in shanty homes. And, considering a typical slum room is 9 square meters or 30 square feet.
● Structural quality/durability of dwellings, the quality of the structures made with corrugated boards and iron sheet shacks are not permanent construction for a home.
● Security of tenure - the UN reports this deprivation is the most critical aspect for slum households. It is estimated that 924 million people in urban areas did not have the security of tenure, and this number has grown since 2014 (Purry, n d )
Above mentioned features can be used as parameters for assessing and evaluating the Shanties
2.6.6 Social-psychological features of homes
The research paper (A Cross-Cultural Analysis of Homes, 1982) has analyzed and proposed a conceptual framework for analyzing the social-psychological features of homes. These features can also be used as parameters to analyze Shaunty since Shaunty is also a home
The author of this research paper has talked about dialectic dimensions of homes on the basis of l individuality/society dialectic : (1) identity/communality, and (2) openness/closedness
These two dimensions are further illustrated by discussing three general areas of homes in different cultures:
● sitings and exteriors
● entranceways and thresholds
● interior layouts and use
In each of the three areas identity and communality are identified For eg in interior layouts, the bedrooms and rooms represent identity, the individuality while the common spaces like dining rooms, and kitchens represent communality. Openness/closedness is the parameter cant be defined for Shanty since the area
Figure
is too small for it
But the entrance, gateways, interior layouts, and exteriors are the parameters to be used for further study from this. Their identity/communality can be judged in respect of the shanty.
2 6 7 Interior Layouts of Shanty
The research paper curated by (Small Homes, 2023) is also referred to understand the tightly compact spaces of the shanty In this research paper, the social design collaborative illustrated arrangement of storage and items inside small homes. Along with it, they documented elements (like partition) inside these homes They gathered this data after documenting 6 such homes
Figure 6 - Different Small homes documented by Social Design Collaborative (Small Homes, 2023)
2.8 Size of Shanty
This first habitation was simply a one-room hut with a flat, sloping roof (Fig. 6). While there appear to have been no standard dimensions, reports indicate that the early shanties were quite small. One settler noted that his shanty was fourteen feet by twelve feet (Need, 58) Another observer noted that the average shanty in one township near Peterborough was sixteen feet by twelve feet and the 1851 manuscript census for Upper Canada records a shanty in the town of Perth as being twenty-four feet by twelve feet. (coffee B, 1984)
2.9 Factors Determining the Usability of Streets
The character of the street varies according to the purpose and function of the location, physical form and appearance, and socioeconomic and cultural characteristics of the user as well as the inhabitant. This may affect the needs and perceptions of the users that might be different from other street users in other countries (Norhafizah Abdul Rahman et al., 2023)
This research paper surveys people from Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman (JTAR), Kuala Lumpur, about the streets and according to results, there are four main factors that make people used the streets which are: attractions on the street, activities, commute distance (proximity) and congestion
2 9 1 Attractions on street
Desirability of street depends upon the attractiveness of street Attraction or desirability is related to the qualities engaged with by the eyes, aesthetic values and entertainment quality
2.9.2 Activities on the street
The functional factors were the main factors that influence the use of the street. An understanding of the activities that occur in the street is important to generate new ideas and also for proposing new development.
2 9 3 Proximity (commute distance)
Shorter the distance, the more often they used the street 10 min of walking distance (800m) is appropriate for reaching locations such as shops, offices, etc
2 9 4 Congestion
Congestion both type - pedestrian and vehicular, tend to reduce the usability of the street It makes the street uncomfortable and unsafe to use, resulting in stress among the users Pedestrian congestion is also caused by the slow speed of walking people
Figure 7 - Respondents’ suggestions concerning the most needed improvements in JTAR (Norhafizah Abdul Rahman et al., 2023)
2.9.5 Familiarity and length of engagement
This shows that familiarity and frequent engagement with the street make the street friendlier to users by developing a greater sense of belonging and strong emotional feelings about the place.
These factors can be considered for designing a livable, attractive, and user-friendly street.
3 METHODOLOGY
Based on identified parameters the Shanties and Streets on which shanties exist, will be documented/surveyed/interviewed. The parameters identified are edited based on the chosen sites and the Indian context There are some additions and a change of language which explain about site better
There are 3 sites chosen for data collection All of them exist in Palam, Delhi, India Each site has a cluster of 10-20 shanties alongside the road in an almost linear pattern All of them have been there for 30-40 years. Every shanty is a makeshift dwelling built with a variety of temporary construction materials. The spatial organization, development stages, socio-psychological features, and public amenities are documented in the form of measure drawings for approximately 24-25 shanties from each site. While the data for demographic structures and intermittent employment are obtained through interviews and observations. Later on, the survey was conducted amongst people living in shanties and people on the street, to understand their effect on each other
The street was documented at all three sites, and their street typology and present street elements were identified
To understand the usage of the street, activity mapping is done. Out of all of the below-listed activities, those which happen on the streets are observed Based on these data, Shanty's inclusiveness in urban Streetscape could be worked upon, making sure the livability and usability of the street are maintained or enhanced
4 RESULT AND FINDINGS
Data collection, and documentation of structures are done at three levels
Cluster level - overall clusters of all three sites are studied to identify
● Patterns of distribution of homes
● Public amenities
● Street typology
● Street elements
● Land texture
Unit level - to understand the spatial arrangement and structure of shanty
● Construction material
● Development stage
● Interior layouts
Street activities - to understand the usage of street in respect of shanty
● Activities on street throughout a day
4.1 Cluster Level
● The pattern for all clusters was linear That is all of the clusters were arranged in a linear pattern alongside the road, on the footpath.
● All clusters used the MCD washroom for the toilet The electricity reached them through authority, and the main drainage line was used as a drain.
● The street typology for all the secondary collector streets, but over time due to encroachment of shanties, it got converted into the local street.
● All the shanties in these 3 clusters were made on pedestrians pathways by encroaching them
4.1.1 Live Case Study Site 1
● Number of shanties - 9
● Family members in each shanty - 4-8
● Total people living here - 50 approx
4 1 2 Live Case Study Site 2
● Number of shanties - 16
● Family members in each shanty - 4-8
● Total people living here - 80 approx
4.1.3 Live Case Study Site 3
● Number of shanties - X
● Family members in each shanty - 4-8
At this site number of shanties existing is comparatively more They exist on entire stretches of road and alongside a local road.
4.2 Unit Level
Unit level data collection is categorized into 4 levels on the basis of development stages-
4.4 Demographics
To understand the shanty more, and its effect on the street and vice versa. The survey was done to gain the demographic structure The number of people, Age groups, Number of Families, Types of employment, Activities on the street, and development stages. All are presented below in a graphical presentation.
Approximately 25 houses were surveyed
The age group of kids - 5-15 and the age group of adults - 25-40 peaked
The majority of people were involved in selling metal or pots People living here generate employment through various means, some of these include -
● selling mud or iron artifacts
● Rickshaw pulling
● Others (like construction laborers) Their artistic work i e the mud pots and iron tools doesn't have a major influence on their living spaces. Considering their involvement with the respective artifact is also very less. Their task is just ‘to sell’ the artifact The particular article is built in factories etc and is imported at these shanties for selling
The various development stages are documented in unit type also. Based on which unit classification was done
5 ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION
On average there were families of 5-6 people living in one house
Survey was conducted among the resident of shanties and users of streets occupied by shanty People mentioned the effects (good and bad) of each other.
5.1 The user's perspective on shanties:
5.2 Resident's perspective on streets:
Based on the user's perspective, people have a significant issue with walkability: the lack of proper walking space This major problem is the result of other problems like vehicular accidents and safety and security risks. People also don't feel secure walking alongside shanties because of theft
The residents of shanties also don't feel safe, since they are vulnerable to vehicles 24/7
Some of the shanties (as shown in the live case study) share an immediate edge with vehicular roads, making to prone to vehicular accidents And because of vehicles the pollution is another major concern for the residents there.
Based on observation resident’s daily activity is also mapped
Activity mapping of residents
Timings On the Street
9am - 12am
12am - 3pm
3pm - 6pm
6pm - 9pm
Cooking, Working, Bathing, Washing of utensils and clothes, Selling of Artifacts
Selling of Artifacts, Washing Utensils
Inside the Shanty
Sleeping
Sleeping, Laying
Selling of Artifacts, Gathering, Playing Sitting
Gathering, Eating, Sleeping, Cooking
Sleeping
Resident’s activities with respect to the street is observed The majority of activities are done on the street, and the inside structure is majorly used for security and storage
5 CONCLUSION
Through the study, it becomes evident that shanties play a crucial role in shaping the physical, social, and cultural dynamics of the street interface The research findings emphasize that shanties often exhibit temporary and makeshift construction, using low-quality materials that contribute to their distinct visual appearance These structures can create a stark contrast with the surrounding formal buildings and influence the overall aesthetic quality of the street The presence of shanties can introduce a sense of informality and diversity to the urban fabric, reflecting the socio-economic challenges faced by marginalized communities. These structure exist and have sustained for 40 years almost (as an encroachment), because of their need in the urban environment. Which is good enough sign for them to be considered and included in urban street. Moreover, the paper reveals that shanties can affect the functionality and use of the street. They may impact pedestrian movement, obstruct views, and hinder accessibility due to their irregular placement and lack of adherence to urban planning standards. But if catered to these issues, Shanties can be included in the streetscape more functionally They often serve as spaces for informal economic activities, fostering entrepreneurship and social interactions within the community
There is a need to emphasize the importance of inclusive and sustainable urban development approaches that recognize and address the needs of shanty communities within the broader urban context These can be included to make the streets more livable along with other parameters
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