The following is my hand-drawn rendition of the informal settlement of Dharavi, the largest Asian slum located in the city of Mumbai. The organic and almost chaotic representaion of the shacks in the background stands for the buzzing and lively atmosphere of the place that somehow disguises the misery and poverty plaguing it. The research project comprised of studies of community life and also the architectural vernacular of the place, which stems from the direct needs of the people to shelter, privatize and entertain themselves, simultaneously being part of a larger tragedy-stricken community. Despite being looked down upon, this place has a lot of architecture and urban planning-related lessons that can be drawn by students and professionals alike.

 

This drawing was also chosen by the University of Miami Libraries to be curated, thus representing the underrepresented in a more positive light than it is mostly seen with.