Before its transformation, this site was inhabited by a low-income migrant population working as street peddlers. These hawkers are still there occupying over 200 stalls provided for them free of charge by the urban development programme. Other built units include 79 smaller shops catering to high and medium income groups; 141 shop houses arranged in arcades, as well as infrastructural and recreational facilities. Pedestrian precincts are landscaped and automobiles are restricted to the periphery of the site. The entire complex is unified by the use of traditional roof forms. This social, economic and design accomplishment has been achieved through private and community involvement, without financial or technical assistance from the government or foreign donors. The jury notes that "the whole process has been a democratic one, culminating in the establishment of a management board representing through a co-operative, the interests of the peddlers, the shop keepers, the local government and the consultants."
Recipient of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture, 1989.
(Source: AKTC)
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