Co-Living With Seasonal Migrants: Sustainable Transformation Of Low Income Housing, Chanpara

Origin: People from kurigram and Greater rangpur region face a serious seasonal famine called “Monga”. Until 2011, people used to migrate to the urban city to cope with Monga unemployment. But still people migrate on those lean season for better income. As a day labourer, worker can earn up to 1000 taka per day in Dhaka which becomes half in native village. So, seasonal migration is a necessary step for better income, and it should be promoted by government and NGOs.

Destination: In chanpara, people live with seasonal migrants. They provide a rental system. The area is really close to Dhaka and in the middle of industrial zone of narayngaanj. These are the reasons for seasonal migrants to live there and the rent is cheaper than urban Dhaka. But the living condition of existing community is really miserable because they do not have proper utility services moreover, the area has extreme drug problem.

Proposal: Government has proposed to build high-rise there. But building high-rise is not the ultimate solution because eventually it will exclude and break the whole economy system of the chanpara community. So, rebuilding the homesteads in a sustainable way with the benefit of seasonal renting system can be the solution.

Target: The Drug and illegal activities of chanpara has become so alarming that govt had to take the decision of building high-rise. But it can be shown that without taking this inhuman decision the problem can be solved even with accommodating some people who are living under the open sky for the lack of proper system.

Design Consideration:  The existing plot size and lifestyle have to be same with better living condition. The problems of existing Chanpara inhabitants with extreme criminal activity of the area has to be removed.

Design Approach: After conducting an extensive field survey, three households with varying sizes and utility-sharing systems were selected. The design of these homes is based on the needs of the community, with basic modules created within a common grid size. This modular approach allows for flexibility, enabling residents to build according to their specific plot sizes and needs.

Utility: Chanpara has only one legal line which is electricity line. And from GIS map it is shown that there is enough electricity service. But the other like- there is no proper drainage system and water line. So, I have proposed a drain life with proper connection.

Water line is a very interesting factor of Chanpara. Like- not every family can afford water tank and pump to provide underground water. So, they take the water line in rent by pulling the pipe overhead. So, for this issue I have proposed an underground system and kept the probation of renting water line as this is also an income generation for them.

Seasonal Rental Unit: The seasonal renting moule is accommodated with proper security and utility service.

Structure: All structural elements are designed with the residents’ convenience in mind. The goal is to avoid introducing anything unfamiliar or alien to the residents, as this could hinder their ability to adapt. The design prioritizes efficient construction systems that are both familiar and practical for the community

Cluster Development: The modular units, designed to meet the residents’ needs, can be replicated according to the plot sizes. By repeating these modules, the open spaces within the clusters will be better monitored, reducing the likelihood of unobserved areas that could contribute to criminal activities.