D.I.Y. Shelter | Guide for Self-built Squatters

Shraddha Khandelwal

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Many migrant construction workers have been living in the seemingly temporary shelters of squatter settlements for the past 15–20 years.Why do such long-term residents continue to live in makeshift homes? Why are these settlements located along canals or on wastelands? Why are shelters built in this particular way, using specific materials? These questions sparked further inquiry into the nature of squatter settlements and ultimately led to the development of the D.I.Y. Shelter Manual. The design intends to empower migrant construction workers by enabling easier construction of shelters and enhancing living conditions within self-built squatter settlements. This is achieved through a building manual pamphlet that offers step-by-step guidelines to facilitate easier shelter construction. The manual is intended to support individuals both in building a shelter from scratch and in upgrading or expanding an existing one.

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Squatter Settlements - Seemingly temporary shelters with longest duration of stays.

Identifying the challenges faced by migrant construction workers in squatter settlements.

How to ease the shelter building process in self-built squatter settlements while providing a better living condition?

Site for engaging with the end-users - Sewage Basti, Gyaspur (Ahmedabad)

Engaging with the end-users through participatory tools - Understanding about their shelter building process.

D.I.Y. Shelter Manual - Suggestions on land selection and basic shelter building.

D.I.Y. Shelter Manual - Suggestions about choosing the material for structural elements and related building techniques.

D.I.Y. Shelter Manual - Wall iterations possible for various needs and preferences of users.

D.I.Y. Shelter Manual - Techniques and materials options for flooring and roofing.

Closing the loop - Sharing the ideas with end-users and stakeholders.