Aranya Low Cost Housing

Indore, India

Aranya Low Cost Housing showing the layout of the community

Photo © John Paniker

“They are not houses but homes where a happy community lives. That is what nally matters.”

Photo © VSF

Aranya Low Cost Housing and the relation between streets and entrances

Photo © VSF

Aranya Low Cost Housing and a variety of semi-public and public spaces

Photo © VSF

Model

Photo © VSF

Perspective of a street as a miniature, by B.V. Doshi

Drawing © VSF

Sketch showing staircases and terraces as living spaces

Drawing © VSF

Façade studies for volumes and colors

Drawing © VSF

Architects: VSC Vāstu Shilpā Consultants

Location: Indore, India
Year: 1989
Architect: Vāstu Shilpā Foundation, Balkrishna Doshi

Aranya Low Cost Housing accommodates over 80,000 individuals through a system of houses, courtyards and a labyrinth of internal pathways. The community is comprised of over 6,500 residences, amongst six sectors – each of which features a range of housing options, from modest one-room units to spacious houses, to accommodate a range of incomes.