Balkrishna Doshi designed the Aranya Low-cost Housing project in Indore, India between 1983-1986. The project was spread over 100 hectares of land and provided housing for 65,000 inhabitants, with a population density of 6,500 people. Most residents, around 65%, came from very low-income families. Doshi's design focused on providing high-density housing at 10 people per 350 square meter lot to address the housing needs of low-income residents. The design process began with careful study of the local context and population to provide targeted solutions that emphasized the human dimension and self-help housing.

1. HOUSING
Case study
Submitted by- pawan ( B.Arch 3rd year)

2. Balkrishna Doshi, Aranya Low-cost Housing, Indore, 1983-86
Spread over nearly 100 hectares of land has a high population density : 6500 places for a final total of
65,000 inhabitants ; population made up a good 65 % from very low income families ( EWS ) . The latter
are at levels that raise for us unthinkable the settlement density , 10 people for each lot of 35mq , in any
case nothing in comparison of the Indians slum mainly for them that Doshi designs Aranya . The initial
idea takes shape through a precise sequence that starts from a careful study of the context where Indore
is perpetually in the background ; picture of a problem that must be solved . The study of the density ,
land - use and even the population have allowed Doshi to provide clear and targeted responses in which
the "human dimension " takes paramount importance ; therefore not only a physically functional design
but also socially qualified : the watchword is " SELF - HELP " .

3. YEAR : 1984 - 1986
CLIENT: Jaipur Development Authority
LOCATION ' : Indore
CLIMATE : Tropical dry heat with average temperature 25 / 27.5 ° C
DOMINANT WINDS : north -west AREA OF
EXPECTED NUMBER OF POPULATION : 26,000 in the outside area - 74000 in the interior -
Total 100 000
SOCIAL CATEGORIES PROVIDED : 5 INDEX
Buildable ' : 1,5 floor, area BUILT : Group housing : 50 % - Plotted development: 50 %

9. Sketches by B.V.Doshi on
aranya floor plans