Unfolding Narratives

expansion of their businesses. Further, this malice has reflected in
the consumer sector who restrains to purchase the goods.
The proposed commercial outlets are envisioned to provide
organised high street shopping experience. Keeping in mind the
feasibility of businesses, the project is planned to house
commercial spaces in G+2 structures. This increases the
customer engagement and in turn increases the economic stature
of the shopkeepers. Talks are in process to extend the idea of
increasing the footfall in the 2nd floor plate of the commercial
spaces via connecting skywalks between the clusters.
Nevertheless, the placement of the outlets fosters consumer
interaction with the shopkeepers.
residential transit with ample parking facility
ASPIRATIONS AND ANTICIPATIONS
The redevelopment program is set to provide a minimum of 350
sq. ft carpet area to the residents, systematic parking facilities,
round the clock security, and overall development of the human
growth.
"Our lives have changed after shifting to the transit apartments.
We have got bigger space to live in. There is ample natural light
and ventilation. The place has been maintained very well. We
have electricity and water round the clock. We used to have
trouble doing our prayers during monsoon. Now that we have got
our prayer room on the ground floor, we seemed blessed as we
can do our prayers without a hitch," expresses Khatija
Kalimuddin, a resident of Bhendi Bazaar who currently resides in
Anjeerwadi transit.
residential transit: open space for outdoor activities
commercial transit: exterior view
It is quite challenging to change one's lifestyle that's been adapted
for generations. "The residential and commercial transit units are
like training camps. We aim to uplift not only the lifestyle of the
people but also their mindset. For instance, in the residential
transits, people have already got used to living in a 15 storey
building. They are adapted to systematic parking facilities,
elevators, segregation of garbage, and majorly to live in selfcontained
apartments," says Mandviwala.
The relocation of the existing commercial tenants, spread across
16.5 acres of land, is designed in a high street shopping format.
This strategic planning of their positioning has certainly given
them new hopes to expand their business. Hatim Mithaiwala, a
businessmen & owner of Farsan shop recalls his childhood days
when his father used to run the place. He says, "There were many
visitors to our shop. They used to park their vehicles right in front
of our shop and enjoy the delicacies we prepared. In the evening
one could notice a large number of visitors, travelling from far
away, flocking in to enjoy an evening walk eating sweets and
savories. But now it's disappointing to see only vehicles passing
by. And a constant honking has left us nearly deaf." With the ongoing
project of rejuvenating the entire Bhendi Bazaar, he
anticipates to witness the past reflecting back in current time. He
hopes to further increase his business and serve customer with
many more sweets and savories.
The redevelopment project certainly has a lot to give it back to its
people. The vision to uplift the status of its people may seem an
additional baggage. But to SBUT, it's a strength that drives them
to do much better and excel.
commercial transit: interior view
May this ray of hope be a beacon to the future projects and
programs.
18 Architecture Update March 2016