The Evolving Corridor

Lavanya Navale

Site Observation 

In the small Mhada apartments, residents are creatively reclaiming the formerly corridors and turning them into an extension of their homes.  The walls are covered in storage containers and improvised furnishings. This emphasizes how a corridor can serve as a multipurpose sanctuary, developing from a place of transit to an area that promotes interaction and breathing space. The existence of gates in the corridors certainly offer security, but they also represent an  interesting social construct.  These gates establish specific sections within what appears to be a public environment, acting as an actual representation of ownership.

The social attraction and shade provided by the surrounding trees look like they dominate the defined stage space, which is meant for events and gatherings. It was interesting to observe that the “shakha space” exhibits a dynamic hierarchy, changing from a designated private shakha into a busy weekly bazaar, illustrating how flexible these areas can become.

Design Strategy

“Semi-open places under trees blur the lines between inside and outside”: This creates a sense of connection with nature, making the corridor feel more inviting and less like a sterile passage. It also provides shade and a natural gathering point for residents. 

Comfortable seating scattered throughout the corridor , this encourages people to linger, chat, or simply relax, fostering a sense of community and casual interaction. 

“The organic flow breaks from rigid linearity, encouraging exploration and a sense of discovery”:  Instead of a straight, predictable path, the corridor takes on an unexpected, flowing design. This creates a sense of intrigue, making people want to explore the different “micro-destinations” within the corridor.


Design Process:

Design Drawings: