The House As A Work In Movement, The Living Heritage Of LIC Housing By B.V. Doshi In India

Abstract

This paper investigates the modernist example of Indian LIC housing by architect B.V. Doshi, which developed in the early seventies as an experiment in incrementalism. The pragmatic project was developed as amorphous dwellings that catered to the aspirations, challenges, and growth of the resident family, a topic that has recently reemerged. The combination of three different types of dwellings (focusing on individuals as well as family life) illustrates the diversity of the current community, which was strengthened by this architectural approach—a continuous dialogue necessary for accommodating numerous alterations to the original design. Multiple interpretations of the identical spaces through users’ perspectives make it a work in movement. This paper addresses what we can learn from those interventions for future housing projects. What architectural tools kept this housing ensemble alive without losing its modernist aspiration? The first part of the paper gives a historical and geographical contextualisation of the site and the architect. Next, the alterations that took place over time are mapped (in detail) and supported via drawings. Later, more possible adaptations are explored graphically via (fictional) social scenarios. In conclusion, the idea of the house as a concentric metabolic system of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division is introduced, in which the role of the architect versus the importance of vernacular adaptations is stressed. The methodology is based on a literature review, interviews, questionnaires, archival research, and research by design.