Aranya Low Cost Housing_Balkrishna doshi_©Vastushilpa FoundationĪranya Low-Cost Housing situated in Indore was commissioned by Indore Development Authority and co-funded by World Bank and India’s Housing and Urban Development Corporation (HUDCO), for Economically weaker sections of society addressing the shortage of houses and shelter at that time. This project was remarkably unique in terms of its approach, design philosophy, and the way it played a role in the life of users.
Doshi designed Life Insurance Corporation, Ahmedabad in 1973 and Aranya Low-Cost Housing, Indore in 1989, which was one of his best-known projects. During 1970 and onward, the emerging need to house large numbers of people gave rise to various housing projects. With the coexistence of functionality and poetic element, his idea behind architecture remains self-evident and expressive of its intent. Strong recognition of relationships between humans and the environment, the association of our lives and culture, sensitive approach towards society, its traditions, ways, and a conscious response towards the ecosystem are some key factors that made Doshi’s architecture instrumental in crafting the environment for people.
That is what finally matters, ” says B.V Doshi, the shaping hand behind Aranya. “They are not houses but homes where a happy community lives.
