THE ARCHITECT’S AGENCY

from The Mumbai Coastal Road: the Architect's Agency in engaging with a large-scale development project

Manish Dikshit Aum Architects

While Aristotle, Jacobs and Koolhaas set precedence for the architect to engage with and design for society, Kaminer rejects the “‘oneway’ determinism” to add that architecture also shapes the society.33 He designates power, even if restricted, in the hands of the professional. Robert Gutman (1988) grants the means to influence to the public drawing on the neighbourhood-led campaigns opposing additions to the Whitney and Guggenheim museums in New York, he cites public opinion as playing a compelling part in decisions about the city.34 Malcolm McEwan (1974) encourages the architect to take his client (the public) into confidence to join forces especially when resisting an idea that does not sit well. He distributes responsibility across the board to the individual and organisation alike.35

Agency lies with the resident, student, professional, institution, community, or collective agency lies with anyone who wishes to affect change. What varies is the manner and form of that agency. The architect leverages power through engagement with the society, collecting in numbers, demonstrating technical knowledge systems as well as professing empathy, with fellow appellants as well as the authorities. The key to harnessing this power is not how it is accumulated, but how it is employed. In Mumbai, the MAC resistance is distinguished from others for its explicative and result-oriented format and the way in which it has adopted a conversation-driven process over confrontation. Vital cogs in the machinery are the individuals who drive the campaign, and it would be remiss to acknowledge them as illustrious professionals. Whether they are motivated as citizens or architects is inconsequential in this matter, for what is more substantive than the why, is the fact that they are. They are irritants to the system, and even if the authorities have acted only to placate their movement, in this instance, the cumulative of architects has managed to demonstrate greater agency than most others.

33 “The point of departure of ‘The Efficacy of Architecture’ is a rejection of ‘one-way’ determinism or causality. Architecture, architectural designs, and buildings are not only expressions of society, politics, technology or economics, outcomes moulded by external forces. They necessarily partake in shaping society as well, even if in a limited sense. And consequently, even if restricted, the architect has some degree of agency.” Kaminer, Tahl. The Efficacy of Architecture: Political Contestation and Agency. (London, New York: Routledge, 2017). 10.

34 “Public opinion now plays a part in decisions about the landmarking of districts, and the preservation of historic buildings. In major metropolitan cities, the views of citizens now encompass relatively recondite aspects of design, as is revealed by recent disputes about the aesthetic acceptability of proposed additions to the Whitney and Guggenheim museums in New York City. Local opponents to the proposals for both museums have drawn upon the rhetoric of the neighbourhood ideal and call themselves ‘Neighbours of the Whitney’ or ‘Guggenheim Neighbours.’” Gutman, Robert. Architectural Practice: A Critical View. (Princeton, N.J., USA: Princeton Architectural Press, 1988). 90.

35 “…architects have to kick far more strongly against the pricks, to say ‘no’ when their consciences say ‘no’, and to take their problems to the public to refuse, in short, to carry the cans for their clients, but to enlist the help of their clients and (whenever this is possible) the users of their buildings or of the community. Are the teachers and parents not essentials allies in the efforts to get better schools? Are the tenants and community organisations not essential allies in the efforts to get better houses? Are the students and university staffs not essential allies in the efforts to secure good housing for students? And are these problems not all interlinked?” MacEwan, Malcolm. Crisis in Architecture. (London, UK: RIBA Publications Limited, 1974). 46.

Having said that, a number of concerns remain unaddressed. First and foremost why architects and urban designers are not invited at the onset of such projects to give their valuable input? It is remarkable to observe how their blatant omission in the conceptualisation and subsequent execution of the project is met by a widespread retort instead. This is even more surprising, given the number of professionals for whom critical practice is a critical part of their practice. Unfortunately, instead of collaborating with the administration on large-scale public projects such as these, they resort to smaller opportunities that may be relevant but do not come even close to having the impact that an MCR could. It would be interesting to see how groups like the MAC if involved in sizeable public undertakings, could mobilise its members to offer effective solutions. As a collective of many voices and diverse expertise of professionals across the city, the MAC would be the ideal service provider as a one-stop-shop for its client, the Mumbai authorities. Transforming unpaid critical practice to commercial practice could potentially evolve a competitive environment that breaks the monopoly accorded to the few preeminent architects who are repeatedly solicited for such projects.

On the other hand, questions remain unanswered about the professional architect whether his critical practice is restricted by proximal issues, funding or even interests. Nagar points out that architects are “trained” to care about their environments and work to “make the city a better place to live in.”36 However, do they care enough to extend themselves beyond commercial practice without real incentive?

There is a growing sense of scepticism and dismay in India, which interestingly, stems from the lack of accessible agency, that has kept many professionals at bay from critical work. Moreover, short-lived memories often tide over long struggles evident in the BandraWorli Sea Link. Deemed as phase 1 of the MCR, there was much uproar against its construction in 2009. However, all that has been forgotten and instead, the structure today is considered an engineering wonder, which has become as symbolic of the city of Mumbai as the historic Gateway of India.37

36 Nilabh Nagar (Senior Associate, Architect Hafeez Contractor), in a telephonic discussion with the author. (London, UK, 2023).

37 The Gateway of India was built by the British to welcome King George V and Queen Mary to India in 1911. Overlooking the Arabian Sea, the monument stands as a representation of Mumbai's maritime history, trade and commerce, and cosmopolitan character. It has been the site of important historical moments ranging from protests and celebrations to concerts and cultural events. A popular tourist destination, the arched gateway has been the symbol of the city of Mumbai since its inception.

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Appendix

Appendix A – letter from Mumbai architects to the Chief Minister, Maharashtra

Appendix 2 – letter from Mumbai Architects Collective to Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation

March 2, 2022

The Chief Minister

Maharashtra state,

The Municipal Commissioner, Mumbai

The Environment & Tourism Minister Maharashtra

Sub: THE COASTAL ROAD, MUMBAI

Dear Sirs,

We are a group of Mumbai Architecture Practices, Urban planners, Designers, and Principals or Colleges of Architecture- who wish to interface with you regarding the ongoing Coastal road project. It is rare to see public projects being deliveredin expedited timelines despite multiple challenges at the present site, and with unanimous political support.

We appreciate the effort made by the municipal corporation in this project, along with the fact that it will create open spaces for recreation to be kept openin perpetuity. Mumbai will have open spaces nearthe sea with tremendous value for recreation, leading to a better quality of life for all citizens. Forourselves, as citizens and design professionals we see potential in providing our collective expertise to add greater value to MCGMs efforts towards this ambitious project. All over the world, open spaces are proven to contribute to increased tourist footfalls, thereby boosting the local economy.

The Coastal Road project seeks to create large patches of open green space, a rarity in Mumbai. About 90 hectares will be reclaimed for the project of which 70 hectares will be landscaped to provide cycle tracks, promenades, amphitheatres, children’s play areas and other recreational space. This reclamation has now been increased to about 111 hectares.

We broke the project down into its salient features as per your published data:

PROJECT AREA:

1.Width 200m (by the sea)

2.Length 6.7km

PROGRAM BREAKDOWN:

1.Road - 8 lane expressway

2.Open spaces

USERS:

1.Road - 130,000 vehicles

2.Open spaces - 21,000,000 citizens

We appreciate the scale of the project, and the immense change it will bring to the landscape of Mumbai; and propose a slight realignment of the Coastal Road which we think would greatly improve the revenue and tourist potential of this world-class waterfront.

Considering the level of reclamation, while keeping the road in its entirety – we think it wise to move as many of the open spaces to the seaside as possible– this would enable a world class waterfront open to all citizens retaining the much necessary vista on to the open uncluttered horizon the addition of continuous bicycle paths along the length of the reclamation, would allow one to cycle along the entire length of the city, thereby reducing the load on the road, as well and public transport on the north-south corridors on the west side.

The open public space will be better protected from future proposals for built-up development on the sea-side edge of the coastal road than on the city-side edge. Thus safeguarding public interest

Consequently, the road would now be in a potentially better location – viz, closer to the urban areas. The merging with the coastal resilience zone would also ensure all citizens get more space to use.

We understand that the project is well underway, and that reclamation is almost complete. What we are proposing is as per our professional opinion feasible currently – albeit at a slight cost due to design changes. More so, we believe the changes to be worth it in the long run as the infrastructure is here to stay with us.

This is why we have chosen to jointly write this letter as we strongly believe in the future.

We also wish to address essential issues like Global warming, Climate Change, the potential side effects of reclamation and the protection of the coastline by introducing Coastal and Tidal resilience into the open waterfront areas.

This is a project in itself and should be taken on immediately to protect this great city and its future.

We think this is a wonderful opportunity to bring large, usable open spaces to this beautiful city of ours.

Warm regards,