Posted on February 17th, 2025 by Anoushka Puri

The International Shelter Foundation, in partnership with Shelter Associates, is excited to launch a student design competition in collaboration with architecture colleges across India. Shelter Associates has generously shared their data about the site, enabling participants to work with accurate and detailed information. This initiative challenges young architects to envision innovative, community-driven solutions that enhance the quality of life for the residents of Kamgar Chawl.

Kamgar Chawl is home to 26 households and around 161 residents, most of whom work as construction laborers and private job employees. The site covers 824 square meters and falls within a residential zone under the city’s Development Plan. However, the existing settlement struggles with poor sanitation, limited toilet facilities without direct water supply, and inefficient waste management systems. Housing conditions are substandard, with semi-pucca structures that suffer from excessive heat, poor ventilation, and frequent deterioration. Socio-economic constraints prevent residents from making essential upgrades. This competition aims to create safe, sustainable, and dignified housing by improving sanitation, drainage, and waste management, developing durable and climate-responsive housing, enhancing road and transport networks, and incorporating community spaces. Designs should be affordable, resilient, and engage the residents in the planning process.

The competition is open to students from architecture and urban planning colleges across India. Teams can have up to four members and be guided by a faculty mentor if available. This competition offers students a chance to make a real-world impact by shaping the future of slum redevelopment. Participants will gain exposure to urban planning through the lens of non-profit work. Winning entries will be showcased on ISF platforms and presented to municipal authorities for potential implementation. One of the most significant impacts this competition can achieve is the submission of winning designs to the Urban Ministry for further consideration and potential application to the site.

Monetary prizes of up to ₹1,00,000 will be awarded to the winners in recognition of their innovative and impactful designs. Additionally, winning entries will be showcased at key urban planning and architectural forums, further amplifying the reach and influence of their ideas. The date for registration and the competition timeline will be announced soon. Participants will be required to submit digital drawings, reports, and conceptual diagrams for road, water, waste, and sewage networks as part of their entries. Further details will be released shortly. We look forward to seeing innovative, inclusive, and sustainable ideas from the next generation of architects. Join us in reshaping Kamgar Chawl and creating better living conditions for all.