The Living Lab Gamtal: A Student-Centric Urban Ecosystem

Danish Sikkander Pt

UD4006

Reimagines Ahmedabad’s inner-city Gamtals as vibrant, decentralized student housing clusters. Set within the culturally rich neighborhoods of Kocharab and Paldi, the project proposes a replicable framework that leverages adaptive reuse, community integration and shared infrastructure. Anchored by institutional partnerships and guided by sensitive policy interventions, the proposal envisions a hybrid model of living and learning that revitalizes underutilized land without erasing its identity. Through strategic retrofitting, local collaborations and phased public realm improvements, the Gamtal transforms into a walkable, inclusive and future-forward urban laboratory for students and residents alike.

View Additional Work

Report Content

Reframing the Gamtal : Positioning Gamtals as urban labs for decentralized student living.

Vision & Objectives : A shared ecosystem through adaptive reuse and community integration.

Institutional Housing : Retrofitting homes into student clusters via rental partnerships.

Street Spine Strategy : Activating key streets for student movement and daily life.

Open Spaces as Triggers : Multi-use public spaces driving social and spatial change.

Cluster Commons : Shared amenities enabling micro-communities and reduced costs.

Framework Plan : A phased, adaptable model for student-community integration.

Policy & Benefits : Supportive policies enabling stakeholders and financial viability.

Gamtal streets reimagined as active, inclusive social corridors.