SHARE is a non-profit organization that empowers women and provides them with the tools they need to become leaders in their workplaces, homes, and communities, creating long-lasting change and breaking the cycle of poverty. The women in the program work in cooperatives as artisans, making clothing and accessories for MarketPlace: Handwork of India, a Chicago-based non-profit.

The organization is primarily based in Santacruz, Mumbai, with hopes of expanding into areas where women have fewer resources and access. Thus, SHARE Nallasopara (an area north of Mumbai) was established with the goal of empowering women to become leaders and challenge long-standing customs that may hold them back, facilitating their economic, social, and personal empowerment. The programs are created, managed, and overseen by the women themselves. The Design and Community Centre in Nallasopara was designed to focus on running social programs for women and children, housing offices, a design department, and sewing training, as well as traditional fabric printing techniques to preserve local traditions.

The design was conceptualized with a few key factors in mind:

Low Budget Construction

The design was envisioned as a low-budget, easy-to-maintain structure. The site had an existing plinth and foundation, which were effectively integrated into the design. The walls feature a mix of exposed and imprinted concrete. The facade incorporates woven textures created by the community using their traditional techniques. The cast concrete was intentionally left unfinished to reduce construction and labor costs. The result is a design that seamlessly transitions from a strong structure to light, airy facades that promote ventilation and well-lit spaces.

Familiarity of Function and Space

The wrap-around verandahs, where the women could work, interact, and step in and out, became integral to the facade and the building itself. The verandahs provided a sense of familiarity, allowing the women to enjoy working outdoors. This was reinforced by the vision of an open plan and the presence of a large column on the ground floor, which created a welcoming entrance for the locals. Functions such as the kids’ library and women’s and children’s center added to the sense of familiarity and safety for the women and the community.

Community Empowerment through Architecture

Sliding doors leading into the verandahs were designed to feature mesh with woven jute or upcycled leftover fabrics from their manufacturing unit. These doors were crafted by the women artisans of the community, further integrating the community into the design of the building. On the outer portion of the facade, shading the verandahs, movable screens made of various materials such as chick mats, bamboo screens, or greenery were proposed. These not only served as shading devices but also added warmth to the otherwise bare concrete shell. The building aims to create a large community space for the women and the neighborhood to engage with.

The organisation of the Design and Community Centre emphasises on transparency and integration of the garden on the street level. On the top two floors the rooms are organised in a pinwheel formation around a central staircase atrium.

Spatial Mind Map

Floor Plans

Ground Floor Plan

First Floor Plan

Second Floor Plan

Roof Plan

As you enter the site, a gentle series of low steps guides you to the women and children’s center. Large pocket sliding panels open the ground floor to the surrounding garden, while the spacious cantilevered floors above provides shelter from the monsoon rains and summer sun, creating a welcoming and flexible space.

A spacious central atrium visually connects the children’s library, training center, and product development areas, fostering a sense of openness and interaction.

The expansive 3-meter-wide verandahs exemplify the building’s passive design strategies, offering shade and shelter to the interiors while encouraging natural ventilation that removes the need for air conditioning, even during the humid monsoon and intense summer heat. The drawings also illustrate three potential methods to enhance verandah usability throughout these demanding weather conditions.

Material Palette

Sketches of flexible use of the generous verandah’s surrounding the interior spaces

The Canteen on the ground floor opens up to a lush tropical garden