case study on historical steel bridge in ahmednagar maharashtra india

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• Indianetzone - Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, India
• Official Site of Ahmendagar, India

Ahmadnagar , city, west-central Maharashtra state, western India . It lies in the Balaghat Range along the Sina River, 130 miles (210 km) east of Mumbai (Bombay).

The city was known as Bhinar in early Yadava times. It was conquered by Malik Aḥmad Niẓām Shah , founder of the Niẓām Shāhī dynasty , in 1490. The city was later taken by the Mughals , the Marathas , and the British. Chief among its historical sites are Aḥmad Niẓām Shah’s fort, in which Jawaharlal Nehru was imprisoned by the British in the 1940s, and the Mughal palace and gardens.

Ahmadnagar is connected by road and rail to Mumbai, Pune , and Solapur . The city is a commercial centre whose major industries are cotton and leather processing. It has colleges affiliated with the University of Pune. Agriculture is the mainstay of the surrounding area. Rainfall is extremely unreliable, however, and food scarcity is a perennial concern. Millet, wheat, and cotton are the locality’s chief dry crops, and sugarcane ranks as the most important irrigated crop. Industries include sugar processing and cotton ginning and pressing. Pop. (2001) 307,615; (2011) 350,859.

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Discovering Ahmednagar: A Guide to the City’s History, Culture, and Must-See Attractions

Ahmednagar is a city located in the western state of Maharashtra, India. With its vibrant cultural heritage, distinct history, and rich natural beauty, Ahmednagar offers something for everyone looking to explore its many attractions.

A walk through the bustling streets reveals centuries-old monuments and temples dotted along the landscape, while a visit to one of the city’s many museums offers insights into the area’s rich cultural heritage. From traditional dance performances to beautiful gardens, there is something for everyone to explore in this enchanting city. Join us as we journey through Ahmednagar and discover all it has to offer!

Table of Content

• 1 Brief overview of Ahmednagar
• 2 Importance of exploring the city’s history and culture
• 3 History of Ahmednagar
• 4 Culture and Festivals
• 5 Top Tourist Attractions
• 6 Accommodation and Local Transport

Brief overview of Ahmednagar

Ahmednagar is a city located in the western state of Maharashtra, India. Its history dates back centuries and its culture is vibrant, with traditional dance performances, stunning temples, and gorgeous gardens. The city offers plenty of attractions to explore, including historical monuments, museums full of cultural artifacts, and beautiful natural scenery. No matter what interests you have or what kind of experience you’re looking for, Ahmednagar has something that will leave a lasting impression.

Importance of exploring the city’s history and culture

Exploring Ahmednagar’s history and culture is essential in understanding its past and present. By taking the time to visit the city’s historical monuments, museums, and gardens, you are able to get a better grasp on its vibrant culture, learn about the people who have shaped it over centuries, and discover the unique stories that make up its identity. Additionally, by visiting Ahmednagar’s historic sites and attractions you can gain an appreciation for how this area has evolved over time. In essence, exploring Ahmednagar’s history and culture allows one to gain a deeper understanding of the city as well as its importance within India and beyond.

History of Ahmednagar

A. founding of ahmednagar.

Ahmednagar was founded in 1494 AD by Ahmad Nizam Shah, who established the Nizam Shahi dynasty. He decreed the city to be the capital of his kingdom and built a protective stone wall around it. His successors continued to expand and strengthen its defenses over the years.

B. The rule of the Nizams and the Mughals

In 1595 AD, Ahmednagar was invaded by Mughal emperor Akbar and fell under their rule for over a century. During this time, many Islamic monuments were built in the area, including mosques, tombs, and other structures. In 1759 AD, Ahmednagar came under control of the Maratha Empire when they defeated the Mughals in battle.

C. The Maratha Empire

The Marathas developed Ahmednagar as an important commercial center during their rule between 1759-1803 AD. They made significant improvements to its infrastructure and defenses, while also promoting agriculture in the region which helped improve living conditions for locals.

D. The British Raj

The British East India Company annexed Ahmednagar in 1803 AD during their conquest of the Maratha Empire and held control until Indian independence in 1947. During their rule they worked to modernize parts of Ahmednagar’s infrastructure and implemented new laws which provide residents with better access to education and healthcare services than before.

E. Independence and beyond

After Indian independence from Britain, Ahmednagar become part of Maharashtra state in 1960 AD where it remains today as a vibrant city with rich history and culture that continues to attract visitors from across India and around the world to explore its many attractions.

Culture and Festivals

A. ahmednagar’s cultural diversity.

Ahmednagar is known for its diverse population and culture. It has been home to people from various ethnic and religious backgrounds over the centuries, including Marathas, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and Sikhs. This variety of cultures has enriched the area with vibrant customs, traditions, beliefs and practices that still hold strong today.

B. Major Festivals Celebrated in Ahmednagar

The city celebrates a number of important festivals each year that reflect its multiculturalism and history. Popular events include Ganesh Chaturthi – a celebration of the Hindu god Ganesha; Eid-ul-Fitr – which marks the end of Ramadan for Muslims; Diwali – one of the most important Hindu festivals; Holi – a Hindu festival of colors; Janmashtami – marking the birth of Lord Krishna; and Ram Navmi – celebrating the birth of Rama in a grand style.

C. Local Cuisine

Ahmednagar’s culinary scene reflects its cultural diversity with dishes from multiple regions found throughout the city. Influences from Maratha, Maharashtra and Gujarat cuisines can be seen here, along with street food such as vada pavs (a type of bun) and bhel (a savory snack). Popular dishes like biryani (rice cooked with spices), thali (a platter consisting of several dishes), pav bhaji (bread served with vegetables cooked in tomato gravy) are also enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.

Top Tourist Attractions

A. ahmednagar fort.

Ahmednagar Fort is one of the main attractions in the city. Built by Ahmad Nizam Shah I in 1494 AD, it served as a major stronghold for the Nizam Shahi dynasty and was used to ward off invaders from British and Mughal forces. The fort is open for visitors and boasts an amazing collection of weapons, artifacts and historical monuments, making it a popular destination for tourists in Ahmednagar.

B. Salabat Khan’s Tomb

Mughal general Salabat Khan built his own tomb in 1659 AD near Ahmednagar fort which took almost two centuries to complete. This marble mausoleum with its distinctive arches stands tall and proud today, a testament to the enduring legacy of the Mughals who once ruled over the city.

C. Anand Dham

Anand Dham is one of the most acclaimed destinations for spiritual pilgrims visiting Ahmednagar. Devotees come here to seek blessings from Lord Anandeshwar, whose temple/monument stands tall in this tranquil space surrounded by lush green trees and shrubs. Visiting hours are limited so check before planning a visit here.

D. Shri Siddheshwar Temple

Shri Sidheshwar Temple is located near Ahmednagar Fort and is believed to be over 800 years old – having been constructed during Maratha rule between 1759-1803 AD. It houses an ancient Shiva Lingam and attracts many devotees during festivals such as Mahashivaratri when it comes alive with cultural activities like melas (fairs) and musical performances by local artists.

E. Tank Museum

The Tank Museum at Toppkhana Square showcases armored vehicles from around India that have served in wars or participated in expeditions since World War II up to recent times. It also houses miniaturized replicas of tanks used during combat operations worldwide – offering visitors an insightful glimpse into their history and construction behind them all on display here at this unique museum.

Accommodation and Local Transport

A. best places to stay in ahmednagar.

Ahmednagar has a range of accommodation options for visitors, ranging from hotels and guesthouses to homestays and camping sites. Popular places to stay include Hotel Heritage Inn (near the fort), Anandamaya Resorts (in the heart of the city) and Sahyadri Nagar (for budget travelers). All these places have basic amenities and are well connected with local transportation.

B. Local Transportation Options

Ahmednagar boasts of excellent transport facilities that make it easy for visitors to explore the area. The city is well connected by a network of roads, making car rentals, taxis and auto rickshaws popular choices of transportation here. Public buses are also available, although they do not serve all areas within the city limits. Another convenient option is the Ahmednagar Railway Station which connects the city with other cities in Maharashtra as well as some parts of India.

Conclusion: Ahmednagar is a fascinating destination with something to offer everyone. Its rich heritage, cultural attractions, and range of accommodations make it a great place to visit for any traveler looking for an immersive experience. From the iconic Ahmednagar Fort to Anand Dham and Shri Siddheshwar Temple, there are plenty of historical sites and spiritual retreats to explore. The Tank Museum and local transportation options are also great additions that make the city even more enjoyable to visit. For anyone looking for a unique experience in India, Ahmednagar is the perfect place to go.

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How a city was born of a royal hare and hounds hunt

Legend has it that sometime in the 1490s, the first sultan of the Nizam Shahi dynasty of the Deccan went out on a hunt. It was all going as per plan until he witnessed an extraordinary sight. His hounds were giving chase to a hare–as hounds tend to–when suddenly something changed. At one spot, the hare turned and began to hunt the hounds instead! It was, the sultan declared in amazement, a reversal of nature’s laws; there was something divine in the soil if it could turn even the weak and docile into beings of valour. Promptly he decided to establish his new capital here. And while the prince and his retinue are long gone, the fortress he built still stands. Named with characteristic modesty after the sultan himself, the place is still, interestingly enough, home to the brave. Long after the age of kings, the seat of the Nizam Shahs passed into the hands of modern-day warriors; today, Ahmednagar Fort is held by the Indian Army. 

Ahmed Nizam Shah of Ahmednagar

As tales go, the story of the hare and hounds is a colourful one, even if not original. It appears in the founding myths of several cities: Ahmedabad, Ikkeri, Hampi, even Malacca. In real terms, the site held meaning in a more directly political sense, mimicking how Bidar became capital to the older Bahmani Sultanate. Ahmed, the first Nizam Shah, was originally a Bahmani governor. However, he was a man of ambition, and struck out on his own, seceding with a swathe of territory in what is now Maharashtra. The Bahmanis—already in decline—ordered troops to rain fire on the rebel. But as is often the case, the underdog prevailed; Ahmed was the hare that turned on the royal hounds sent to devour him. It is believed that he built a garden at the spot of his victory, signalling also the genesis of an autonomous royal line. Shortly after, a fort was established, and in time, the town of Ahmednagar took form near it. For the next 150 years, the Nizam Shahs would rule from here, making history as independent princes and political successors of the shattered Bahmani sultanate.

Remnants of a fort in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra

Today, Ahmednagar is a shadow of its past self, and visiting it can be dispiriting. In its heyday, this town was compared to Baghdad and Cairo in ambition; now, it serves largely as a connecting node for hinterland sugar factories in the district. Another, more modern, claim to fame is a connection with Jawaharlal Nehru, who was imprisoned in the fort during the Quit India Movement of the 1940s. But little speaks of a city that was once a magnet for global talent—the Persian Shah’s physician, an Ottoman engineer, a Jewish doctor, and even a Portuguese artilleryman, memorably called Firangi Khan, all of whom served the Nizam Shahs. Lack of regard for its monuments, most of which are in disrepair, aggravates the feeling. About half a dozen buildings in Ahmednagar are protected sites but as scholar Pushkar Sohoni reported in a study, most have been subjected to reuse of an egregious variety. One palace, Lakkad Mahal, was turned into a warehouse. Another for long served as the district court. The Badgir—windcatcher—became a garbage dump. And this is the fate of those monuments that survived—many were flattened to make way for structures of glass and concrete. 

Faria Bagh palace in Ahmednagar. Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Despite this air of gloom, it is difficult to ignore Ahmednagar’s place in the history of Maharashtra and the Deccan. The Nizam Shahs were sons of the soil—the first sultan, Ahmed, was born to a converted Brahmin—and patronised both Sanskrit scholars from around India as well as Marathi culture and local talent. Bhakti saints like Eknath thrived in the sultanate’s intellectual climate; in fact, Eknath’s guru was a Nizam Shahi commander. The sultans were participants in a wider Persianate world, attracting the best of goods and people from foreign lands. Indeed, they themselves “went out” in a manner of speaking: while the first Nizam Shah’s tomb, the Bagh Rauza, exists to this day, none of his heirs are buried in Ahmednagar. As Shias, they couriered their embalmed bodies to the holy city of Karbala in present-day Iraq—an interesting resting place for an Indo-Islamic dynasty of Hindu provenance. The royal line reflected the multicultural influences of its court and its factions. There were sultans whose mothers were African and Persian, and, of course, there was also Maratha blood in their veins.  

Tomb of Ahmed Nizam Shah. Photo: Wikimedia Commons

The Maratha connection comes across significantly in Ahmednagar’s architectural legacy. Among its surviving monuments is the tomb of a Sufi called Shah Sharif. The building is said to have been constructed by a man named Maloji Bhonsle—a Nizam Shahi general, whose other claim to fame is that he was grandfather to Chhatrapati Shivaji. In a mark of the syncretic practices that permeated the Deccan’s culture, Shah Sharif was the man Maloji went to, when he could not have children. The saint’s blessings evidently worked, and two sons were born; in gratitude, Maloji named them Shahaji and Sharifji, commemorating his Muslim spiritual master. This story appears in Shivaji’s own courtly production, the  Sivabharata , reflecting plural identities and cultural intermingling between Hindus and Muslims, as well as political continuity between the Marathas and the sultanate. Indeed, Shivaji pays tribute to several Ahmednagar heroes in the  Sivabharata , though some later Nizam Shahs—Ahmed’s unworthy heirs—are castigated for letting down their state and ruining themselves. Where the Nizam Shahs rose during the decline of the Bahmanis, the Marathas would emerge as rulers in the twilight years of the Ahmednagar sultanate. 

Husain Nizam Shah I on the throne in a folio from manuscript Ta'rif-i Husain Shahi , Ahmadnagar, ca. 1565-69, Bharat Itihas Sanshodhak Mandal, Pune. Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Ahmednagar’s fall had many causes, though. By the end of the 1500s, the court was split into factions, with sultans taking sides and falling victim to plots. Between 1588 and 1595, there were five Nizam Shahs and very few of them died natural deaths. As the royal house became akin to a plaything for subordinate chiefs with competing ambitions, the Mughals launched an invasion of the Deccan. Resistance was attempted, but Ahmednagar was a house divided and like its monuments today, broken and scattered. By 1600, the city was snatched by the northerners, and the Nizam Shahi durbar forced to work through strong regents operating from elsewhere, its kings reduced to puppets. In the 1630s, Shivaji’s father, Shahaji, made a final, herculean effort to resurrect the state’s independence, but without success. The last of the Nizam Shahs, already living far from the seat of his ancestors, was exiled into Mughal territory. When he died, his line died with him. Ahmednagar lost its vitality. If it once competed with the great cities of the world, it was now a shell. Its palaces, once surrounded by gardens where foreign emissaries were received, were on the way to becoming spaces for urban detritus. 

Even so, if you visit the city with an open mind and a clear eye, you will see traces of greatness in its forlorn ruins. Of all the post-Bahmani states of the Deccan, this one had the shortest career. And yet it has left its imprint on history. The buildings are in a poor state, but they still evoke images of warriors, thinkers, priests, merchants, masons, and military slaves, of different faiths and complexions. Once these palaces and mansions saw princes and noblemen cavort with their begums; today teenagers, eager to hold hands, hidden from their parents’ frowning gaze, occupy corners in the tombs and mausoleums of those very figures. There are inscriptions speaking of the men who established these buildings centuries ago; carved more recently into some of those walls are professions of love by Adityas for Priyas, and Chirags for Namitas. It is a strange fate for the city where the hare hunted hounds, where the land radiated bravery up and into those who lived there. But then again, all towns have romantic tales tempered by the harsh experience of reality. Every place with a past has seen better, and perhaps lives in hope of redemption and, someday, restoration.

Sanjaynagar Slum Redevelopment Project

Ahmednagar, maharashtra, india, working with residents to regenerate their neighbourhood.

The housing deficit in urban India is estimated to be about 25 million. The Govt. of India with its ambitious Housing for All scheme aims to address this gap by 2022. Sanjaynagar, a slum in Ahmednagar city, is home to 298 families. Working alongside the community under the Housing for All scheme, we developed a redevelopment plan, to include development, design and construction, of eight G+2 buildings. The plan addresses the need for formal housing for these families, while also providing safe and adequate community spaces, preserving the strong social fabric and bonding of the community.

The Sanjaynagar slum in Ahmednagar city is home to 22 different communities, making the social make up fairly unique for a neighbourhood of its kind. Spread over 2 acres, these communities have been living together since the first dwellers arrived here in the 1980s. Many of these communities belong to the Other Backward Communities (OBC) group and about 45% belong to the more disenfranchised categories.

Read below to learn more about the history of the neighbourhood and our work with them:

Our Approach

• Social Process
• Participatory Design + Implementation
• Financial Mechanisms

The Leprosy affected people and their families were the first to be relocated to Sanjaynagar under a government scheme. The next large group to be relocated were families evicted from the Wadia Park area, a large gathering arena for the city. Over a period of two to three decades other families also moved here.

Similar to most slums, Sanjaynagar was set up on the fringes of the city. When the first group of people moved here, the swampy land was filled with weeds. It took a lot of creativity and resiliency on the part of the residents to convert this “unlivable” land into their home.

Consensus building

Over a period of 4 months, numerous gatherings were held with the residents of Sanjaynagar to facilitate consensus building among them. Sharing case studies of other community led redevelopment projects, and a visit to one such project in Bhuj, Gujarat were instrumental in helping the community understand how such a project could be realized.

Formation of the Slum Committee

The residents of Sanjaynagar have elected 9 representatives to form a Slum Committee. The committee regularly liaises between the project implementing agencies and the residents of Sanjaynagar, proving to be key links in decision making processes.

Community Representatives

Community Representatives, or CRs, are a team of youth leaders chosen from the community who work with the design, social and construction teams on numerous day to day tasks related to the project. Each of them are from one of the 8 buildings to be built in Sanjaynagar and engage with their respective housing societies on numerous administrative tasks.

Social Cohesion

While most housing projects of this kind tend to allot homes through a lottery, we worked with the residents to help them organize themselves into groups for each of the 8 buildings and help preserve the existing social fabric of the neighbourhood. Over several meetings, community members decided who would live where, and also elected office bearers to form cooperative housing societies of each of the 8 buildings. These office bearers work with the project team to manage project finances and monitor the process of construction. The societies will take on the maintenance and upkeep of the neighbourhood in the future.

COVID-19 related challenges and response

As the country went under lockdown in late March 2020 and witnessed massive losses to livelihoods, India confronted its most serious historical challenge: hunger. In the midst of this catastrophe, the group of young Community Representatives at Sanjaynagar set out to work on food distribution in their neighbourhood. They were quick to learn what was working and what wasn’t, and revised their strategies with each new challenge that came up.

Watch this video to learn more about their experience.

Designing homes with individual families

Families have the option of adding custom features to their housing units, based on their needs. Larger joint families that qualify for more than one unit also have the option of living next to each other and connecting homes by removing walls or building internal staircases. This will keep families together and build healthier intergenerational relationships.

Social Infrastructure

In addition to customizable housing units, the neighbourhood is also being developed with ample social infrastructure to support the outdoor lifestyle of the community as well as to retain and further strengthen their existing social bonds. Widened corridors, shared terraces and thoughtfully designed courtyards are some of these features.

Participation of Housing Cooperatives in the construction and maintenance of their building

Construction of Phase 1 of the project, the first building of 33 homes, was completed in February 2022. The Swapnapurti Cooperative Housing Society formed by the residents of these 33 homes actively participated in managing construction funds and monitoring construction quality, and continue to do so in the operation and maintenance of their new building. Similar participatory mechanisms will be set up for construction of the remaining 7 buildings in Phase 2.

Financial model for the project

The Sanjaynagar project has diverse sources of funding, with a part of it from the Govt. of India’s Housing for All scheme, the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. The slum is located on land belonging to the Ahmednagar Municipal Corporation. Home owners are also contributing towards the cost of construction of their homes. The Curry Stone Foundation is supporting the cost of all technical and design services, and part of the cost of construction of each home. The gap in the cost of the project will be raised through philanthropic and CSR organizations.

Loan product for home owners’ contribution

As most banks and formal institutions of credit refused to lend to the residents of Sanjaynagar, we have designed an innovative peer to peer lent home loan product in partnership with Rang De, a social Non Banking Financial Company (NBFC). This low interest, unsecured loan allows the borrower to customise the sum borrowed, the tenure and the frequency of repayment as per their capacity. A strong financial literacy program and support for the community are part of the model to ensure timely repayments, the building of reliable credit scores and histories for the borrowers.

The impacts of the Sanjaynagar project go beyond just addressing the need for safe and formal housing; the climate friendly construction as experienced in cooler temperatures and adequate ventilation in the new houses, the leadership skills displayed by the young Community Representatives, the strong sense of ownership shown by the residents at every stage of the project, and the financial inclusion model that has given people outside the ambit of formal banking access to credit and support their dream to own a home. To study how improvements in living conditions can have an overall impact on the quality of life of the residents, a baseline health survey of the children of the community has been conducted. This will be followed by another survey of children of the same age group after 5 years.

• Baseline Health Study
• Essay in Impact Review 2020 Report

The Sanjaynagar Redevelopment project is also a learning experience for a young organization like ours. The team has encountered numerous unanticipated roadblocks and in responding to these, our thinking and processes have been repeatedly challenged and continue to evolve. From delays in construction due to incessant rains, to challenges faced by the community during the pandemic lockdown, completing the first building has been difficult for all our stakeholders across the board. The stories from our team on the ground will give you more real time insights into the evolution of this community-led redevelopment project.

• Short film on the community’s COVID-19 experience and response

• Ma Sanjay Nagar, Shop No 1 Near Katoban, Khandoba Rd, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra 414001

Project Details

Year: 2018 Status: Ongoing Location: Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, India Size: 2.09 acres

Services: Design Research, Community Engagement, Participatory Design and Mapping, Public Space Design, Project Management, Financial Inclusion Mechanisms

Partners: Project Lead, Architectural Design & Project Management Partner Community Design Agency, Mumbai

Social Partner Snehalaya, Ahmednagar

PMAY Support Government of India Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA), Govt of Maharashtra Ahmednagar Municipal Corporation

Funding Partners Curry Stone Foundation

Housing Finance Rang De, Bangalore

Concept Design Hunnarshala Foundation, Bhuj

Landscape Consultant Integrated Design, Bangalore

Plumbing Consultant Phoenix Consultants, Pune

Electrical Consultant Vidyutsallagar Pvt. Ltd , Pune

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Sanjaynagar Slum Redevelopment Project / Community Design Agency

• Curated by Hana Abdel
• Architects: Community Design Agency
• Area Area of this architecture project Area:  1431 m²
• Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2022
• Photographs Photographs: Rajesh Vora
• Electrical Consultants : Vidyutsallagar Pvt. Ltd.
• Landscape Architecture : Integrated Design
• Architectural Design & Project Management Partner:  Community Design Agency
• Social Partner:  Snehalaya
• Funding Partner:  Curry Stone Foundation
• Housing Finance:  Rang De
• Pmay Support:  Ahmednagar Municipal Corporation
• Plumbing Consultants:  Phoenix Consultants
• Concept Design:  Hunnarshala Foundation
• City:  Ahmednagar
• Country:  India

Text description provided by the architects. The Sanjaynagar Slum Redevelopment Project is an in-situ initiative in Ahmednagar , Maharashtra, implemented by Community Design Agency (CDA), a Mumbai-based social design and architecture studio. CDA is working in partnership with Ahmednagar Municipal Corporation (AMC) and local non-profit Snehalaya on the project.

A slum of 298 families confined to 2 acres, Sanjaynagar is a vibrant, diverse, and strong-knit community currently living in slum conditions without basic infrastructure and utility services. The project broke ground in November 2018, and the construction of the first building, comprising 33 homes, was completed in March 2022. Construction of the second phase of the project, comprising 265 homes, is expected to begin later this year. The project is a public/private partnership that is partly funded by the Indian government through its Housing for All (PMAY- Urban) program. AMC and the US-based Curry Stone Foundation also contributed funds, along with the residents themselves. Additional funding for the project is being raised through philanthropic donations. 

Current thinking on low-income housing tends to prioritize the number of units, resulting in impersonal high-rise structures that degrade rather than support the communities they seek to serve. CDA believes that addressing housing inequality is more than building individual units. It is about building communities; creating a balance of safe, healthy private and communal spaces that enhance inherent social bonds and enable human flourishing.

Through a highly replicable participatory planning and design process, the residents of Sanjaynagar have contributed to design decisions at all scales, from the neighborhood level to the customizations in their individual homes. The 298 dwelling units are organized into 8 G+2 buildings. To enhance the social infrastructure of the slum, the buildings are organized around eight courtyards of varying sizes. When completed, Sanjaynagar will be a fully functional neighborhood with all essential amenities including water, drainage, roads, street lighting, childcare and community centers, courtyards for healthy recreation, and edible rooftop gardens. At the end of the project, it will no longer be a slum.

In addition to design, the project has also focused on the quality of construction, keeping in mind the local soil (black cotton) and weather conditions. The building has load-bearing, reinforced masonry walls, with a vernacular plank and joist slab system. Elements such as bamboo screens and pergolas have been added as shading devices throughout the building. The wide corridors have been designed to have common spaces for social interactions, as well as for natural lighting and adequate ventilation throughout.

CDA is now working with the residents of the first completed building to develop a long-term plan for regular maintenance and upkeep. It is committed to handholding the community through this transition into formal housing and equipping them with the information and tools needed to operate effectively as a cooperative housing society. The redevelopment of Sanjaynagar illustrates the transformational power of participatory design and the impact that the built environment has on health and well-being, as well as the social cohesion and resilience of communities on the margins.

Project gallery

Project location

Address: ahmednagar, maharashtra, india.

• Sustainability

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Sanjaynagar 贫民窟重建项目 / Community Design Agency

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