Date of Submission
Spring 5-12-2026
Degree Type
Dissertation/Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Architecture
Department
Architecture
Committee Chair/First Advisor
Robin Puttock
Abstract
India’s rapid urbanization has resulted in fragmented urban fabrics, where women and children remain in vulnerable positions. They face systemic barriers in education, health, and social belonging due to under resourced environments. Despite the nation’s commitments to gender equality and the right to education, slum environments continue to lack adequate infrastructure that supports learning and collective well being. Architecture has the potential to combat these challenges by creating spaces that promote social inclusivity.
While architects and planners have recognized the increasing need for inclusive spaces, most projects do not explore how a built form itself can create empowerment within marginalized populations. This thesis investigates how multifunctional community centers can be designed to advance empowerment for women and children in Jaipur’s Kacchi Basti slum. Through a qualitative research approach, this study integrates precedent analysis, site investigation, and design exploration to examine how architecture can strengthen belongingness and community life. Precedents such as slum redevelopments and community hubs across India and other similar global contexts provide design strategies rooted in being sensitive to the community and local environment.
The Kacchi Basti serves as a case study to test how programmatically adaptable spaces can create opportunities for women and children in India. The expected outcome is a design framework for a multifunctional community center that demonstrates how architecture can support empowerment through autonomy, safety, and shared learning. By linking spatial design to social transformation, this research aims to position community architecture to support marginalized populations and advance educational opportunity within India’s informal settlements.
Included in
South and Southeast Asian Languages and Societies Commons, Urban, Community and Regional Planning Commons