India's journey toward being the world's most populated country has been paralleled by a tremendous strain on available land and amenities in metropolitan cities. This has given rise to haphazard urban sprawls, decreased quality of living, increased real estate costs, and a need for heedful urban redevelopment. Today, urban interventions must address key environmental, economic, and social challenges, including climate change and access to affordable housing. The priority is, therefore, to develop a sustainable-redevelopment model and promote it evenly for inclusive city development all over India. Taking a step in this direction, the Central Government of India has undertaken the redevelopment of seven GPRA colonies in Delhi under the General Pool Residential Accommodation (GPRA) scheme. Inaugurated by Sri Narendra Modi, the honourable Prime Minister of India, the Mohammadpur GPRA redevelopment project is an attempt to provide new well-planned affordable homes as a part of the futuristic vision for Delhi’s urban fabric.
Located in the Mohammadpur area of South Delhi, the compounded housing society with 708 (380 Type-II and 328 Type-III) flats with engaging amenities and ample green spaces is a complete haven for local communities who have lived here for generations. Located centrally within the city, the site is well-connected with transit facilities and public spaces, making necessary amenities easily accessible and reducing unnecessary transportation costs for resident families.
The design is developed with the intent to provide the residents with ample access to private and common green spaces in consideration of the health benefits and well-being of being surrounded by nature with the increase in time spent indoors. The idea is to centralise the common green spaces, spreading the eight towers around this central core to achieve maximum natural light and wind ventilation for all units. The masterplan, spread across 8.9 acres, is developed in a linear form with a central green spine enclosed by the eight G+11 residential towers with individual green spaces between them. Designed to be open and spacious, the central common park comprises activity and play areas for children, gazebos, seating areas, and a peripheral walkway/jogging track to accentuate and promote a healthier lifestyle. In addition, the housing complex encourages community involvement and commerce with the G+4 Commercial and Community centre for the residents, in the northeast corner of the site, along with a small temple complex towards the southeast. The commercial centre’s proximity to the residences is a huge economic advantage for the homeowners.
Conceptualised to spread out like wings from the central green spine, each tower has open green spaces. The 708 units/flats are distributed to roughly six flats per floor with private micro-green spaces. Both the Type-II and Type-III flats comprise a living room with a dining area and balcony, a kitchen with a utility area, two bedrooms and one attached, and one common bathroom catering to the daily lifestyle of the residents.
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