(continued)

Such small units make elevators too expensive—unless we provide an access corridor. But this is something we wished to avoid, since it would destroy privacy as well as cross-ventilation in the units. Instead, the units were arranged in clusters of four, so that each one of them becomes a corner unit, ensuring cross-ventilation.

Three stairs can reach 16 units per floor in each sequence. Two such sequences, facing each other, can be connected to two elevators. Thus if one elevator fails, the other is available. This pattern also allows the use of large-capacity freight elevators, which are relatively inexpensive and highly efficient.

The elevator stops only at two levels (level 3.5 and 7.5). At each of these are located community activities—which serve also to connect all six sets of staircases. This grouping allows for slim blocks, cross-ventilation, and high densities.

The buildings are eight stories high. Since the elevators stop only at ground, at 3.5, and at 7.5, the waiting time at each stop is considerably reduced. Only three stops mean greatly reduced costs—of installation and during operation. In fact, two elevators (carrying 28 passengers each) could service a building of 244 apartments.

The Welfare Halls are used by children to do their homework when they come home from school, and in the evenings for watching TV. They can be used by women's cooperatives to generate part-time jobs for house wives—making pickles, sewing, etc. They also have access to the outside terraces—which are safe, supervised places for children.

In the hot humid climate of Bombay, cross-ventilation is essential—and is integrated into the design at various stages. To begin with, every unit is a corner unit, allowing for cross-ventilation. Furthermore, the staircases, placed between blocks, ensure the flow of air.

Then again, the front door has two shutters. During the day, the wooden one will be left open, and the metal grill closed for security.

The community halls at level four and at the top floor not only provide amenities to the families, but also connect all six staircases to the two elevators in case of mechanical breakdown.

Charles Correa studied architecture in the United States and has practiced in Bombay since 1958. He has been awarded Gold Medals from the Royal Institute of British Architects and the Indian Institute of Architects as well as the Praemium Imperiale from Japan and the Aga Khan Award for Architecture. In 1985, Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi appointed Correa Chairman of the National Commission on Urbanisation.

Housing and Urbanisation is available at Amazon.com.

Only three elevator stops mean greatly reduced costs; still, two elevators can serve 244 apartments. Image: Charles Correa A typical floor, with 32 apartments. Image: Charles Correa Cross-ventilation is ensured because every unit is a corner unit and because of the staircases placed between blocks. Image: Charles Correa Shared spaces can be used by women's cooperatives to generate part-time jobs. From there, the women can supervise children at play on the outside terraces. Image: Charles Correa Each apartment's front door has two shutters. During the day, the wooden one can be left open, and the metal grill closed for security. Image: Charles Correa The communal welfare halls provide living space outside a family's small apartment. Image: Charles Correa Site planning. Image: Charles Correa Housing and Urbanisation by Charles Correa was recently published by Thames and Hudson. Photo: Krishnadas   Click on thumbnail images to view full-size pictures.