Social inclusiveness through design

Abstract

The transgender community in India is largely marginalized due to the heavy stigma and negative stereotypes within Indian society. In a recent landmark judgment, some basic rights were granted to the community under the Transgender Rights Protection Act 2019, including the Right to Residence. Architecture now has an opportunity to meaningfully intervene to uplift the community by translating its universal as well as specific needs, primarily those of safety, security, privacy, and the need for ‘own’ space. The thesis proposes to understand the architectural and spatial requirements of the community in a bid to improve living conditions and initiate their integration into mainstream society. The aim is to attempt a self-sustainable socio-economic model of living for the trans community. The project is a part of a Central Government Scheme as defined below.