Project

on
Low-cost, modular housing solution for urban slums
Submitted as a part of course curriculum for

Bachelor of Technology
in
Computer Science

Under the Guidance of Submitted by

Dr. Gaurav Dubey Anshul Singh Rana(202401100100053)
Professor Anubhav Mittal(202401100100056)
Anshuman Rai(202401100100055)
Anshuman Chand Kaushik(202401100100054)

Department of Computer Science

Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University
KIET Group of Institutions, Ghaziabad
2024-2025
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page No.

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 01
1.1 Overview

CHAPTER 2: OBJECTIVES AND METHODOLOGY 02

2.1 Objectives
2.2 Methodology

CHAPTER 3: ACTIVTIES DONE AND TECHNOLOGIES 04

USED
3.1 Empathy Mapping
3.2 Brainstorming and Idea Generation
3.3 Metaphor Techniques

CHAPTER 4: PROTOTYPE DEVELOPMENT AND TESTING 05

4.1 Prototype Overview

4.2 Testing and Feedback

CHAPTER 5: STORYTELLING AND PRESENTATION 06

5.1 Narrative Development
5.2 Presentation Highlights

CHAPTER 6: CONCLUSION AND FUTURE SCOPE

6.1 Conclusion
6.2 Future Scope
 Acknowledgements

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who has supported

and guided me throughout the completion of this project. First and
foremost, I would like to thank Dr. Gaurav Dubey Professor, my project
supervisor, for their invaluable guidance, support, and encouragement
during the course of this project. Their expertise and constructive feedback
have been pivotal in shaping this project.I am also deeply thankful to
Computer Science Department at KIET Group Of Institution for providing
the resources and facilities necessary to carry out this project. The support
from the faculty and staff has been instrumental in ensuring the smooth
progression of the work.

I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to my friends and colleagues

for their constant motivation and assistance, especially Athrava Katiyar.
Their help in brainstorming ideas, troubleshooting problems, and offering
moral support has been invaluable.

Finally, I would like to express my deep appreciation to my family for their

unwavering love, patience, and encouragement. Their support has been a
constant source of strength throughout this journey.
Thank you all once again for your contribution to the success of this
project.
 Certificate
This is to certify that the project report titled "Low-cost, modular housing
solution for urban slums" submitted by Anshul Singh Rana in partial
fulfilment of the requirements for the subject design thinking of
Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science Department at KIET
Group of Institution is an original work carried out me.

I hereby declare that this project report is my own work and has
not been copied or plagiarized from any other source. All the
ideas, research, and data presented in this report have been
developed and analysed with due diligence. Proper citations and
references have been provided for all the external sources used.
I further confirm that this report has not been submitted for any
other academic examination or degree at this or any other
institution.

Date: 14th December,2024

Place: KIET GROUP OF INSTITUTION, GHAZIABAD

Signature of the Student: __________________
Name of the Student: ANSHUL SINGH RANA
Roll Number: 202401100100053

Signature of the Student: __________________

Name of the Student: Anubhav Mittal
Roll Number: 202401100100056

Signature of the Student: __________________

Name of the Student: Anshuman Rai
Roll Number: 202401100100055

Signature of the Student: __________________

Name of the Student: Anshuman Chand Kaushik
Roll Number: 202401100100054
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 01
1.1 Overview

Urban slums face significant challenges related to overcrowding, lack of basic

amenities, and poor living conditions. These areas often house vulnerable
populations who have limited access to sanitation, clean water, and stable
structures. As urbanization continues to rise, the need for innovative housing
solutions becomes more critical.

The concept of low-cost, modular housing offers a practical solution to address

these pressing issues. Modular housing involves creating pre-designed, scalable
units that can be easily assembled and adapted based on specific needs. This
approach not only reduces construction time and costs but also allows for
flexibility in design to suit various terrains and family sizes. By focusing on
sustainability and resource efficiency, modular housing provides an opportunity to
improve the quality of life for slum residents while maintaining affordability.

This report delves into the design and development of such a solution,
emphasizing the use of design thinking tools to understand the needs of urban
slum dwellers. Through empathy mapping, brainstorming, and metaphor
techniques, the project aims to create a housing prototype that is cost-effective,
functional, and scalable. The ultimate goal is to empower slum communities by
providing them with safer, cleaner, and more comfortable living spaces, fostering
dignity and hope for a better future.
CHAPTER 2: OBJECTIVES AND METHODOLOGY 02

2.1 Objectives
The primary objectives of this project are as follows:

• To develop a low-cost housing solution specifically tailored for urban slum

areas, addressing the challenges of overcrowding and poor living conditions.
• To create a modular design that ensures scalability and adaptability, allowing
housing units to evolve with the changing needs of families and
communities.
• To incorporate sustainability into the design by utilizing locally available and
eco-friendly materials, thereby reducing the environmental impact.
• To leverage design thinking tools such as empathy mapping, brainstorming,
and metaphor techniques to develop innovative and practical solutions.
• To build a prototype that demonstrates the feasibility of the design and
serves as a model for potential real-world implementation.

This multi-faceted approach ensures that the project not only meets immediate
housing needs but also contributes to long-term community development and
environmental sustainability.
 03
2.2 Methodology

1. Empathy Mapping: Conduct interviews and surveys to understand the

challenges and needs of slum residents. Focus on their daily struggles,
aspirations, and environmental constraints.

2. Brainstorming: Collaborate in teams to generate creative ideas for

addressing identified challenges. Prioritize ideas based on feasibility and
impact.

3. Metaphor Techniques: Use metaphors to conceptualize innovative designs.

For example, compare modular housing to "building blocks" that can be
assembled in various configurations.

4. Prototype Development: Build a scale model of the proposed housing

solution using locally available materials. Test the prototype for
functionality, scalability, and cost-efficiency.

5. Storytelling: Develop a narrative to present the solution, highlighting the

journey from problem identification to the proposed design.

This structured approach ensures that the housing solution is practical, impactful,
and aligned with the needs of urban slum dwellers.
CHAPTER 3: DESIGN THINKING TOOLS AND IMPLEMENTATION 04

3.1 Empathy Mapping

Understanding the lives of slum dwellers is critical to designing an effective
housing solution. Empathy mapping involves identifying their emotions,
challenges, and daily routines. Surveys and interviews revealed that residents
struggle with insufficient space, lack of privacy, poor sanitation, and unstable
structures. They aspire to have safer, cleaner, and more comfortable living spaces
that still remain affordable.

3.2 Brainstorming and Idea Generation

Brainstorming sessions led to creative solutions focused on modularity and cost-
efficiency. Ideas included prefabricated panels, stackable housing units, and
multipurpose furniture to optimize space. Emphasis was placed on materials that
are locally available and sustainable, such as bamboo, recycled plastics, and
concrete blocks.

3.3 Metaphor Techniques

Using metaphors like "building blocks" and "treehouses," the team conceptualized
housing units that are flexible, expandable, and can be adapted to various terrains.
These metaphors guided the design of a modular housing system where units can
be added or removed based on family size and needs.
CHAPTER 4: PROTOTYPE DEVELOPMENT AND TESTING 05

4.1 Prototype Overview

A scale model of the modular housing solution was developed using recycled
cardboard and locally available materials. The prototype features stackable units
with shared walls to optimize space and reduce construction costs. Each unit
includes basic amenities such as a kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area, designed
to meet the essential needs of a family. Additional features such as shared
community spaces, solar panels for energy, and water recycling systems were
incorporated to enhance functionality and sustainability.

4.2 Testing and Feedback

The prototype was tested for durability, ease of assembly, and cost-efficiency.
Feedback from peers and mentors highlighted the strengths of the design, such
as its scalability and adaptability, while also suggesting improvements in
ventilation and natural lighting. Additionally, mock scenarios were created to test
the practicality of modular additions and reconfigurations, demonstrating the
system’s flexibility in meeting diverse needs. Suggestions for further optimization
included better insulation for weather resistance and more efficient methods for
water storage and usage.

4.3 Cost Analysis

An estimated budget analysis was performed to ensure affordability. The modular
design significantly reduces costs by using recycled and locally available materials.
Bulk manufacturing of prefabricated components was identified as a key factor in
minimizing production expenses, making it feasible for large-scale implementation.
CHAPTER 5: STORYTELLING AND PRESENTATION 06

5.1 Narrative Development

To effectively communicate the project, a storytelling approach was used. The
narrative begins with the struggles faced by urban slum dwellers and transitions
into the proposed solution, showcasing the journey of empathy, ideation, and
prototyping. Visual aids, including posters and 3D models, were prepared to
enhance the presentation. The storytelling also included real-life anecdotes
gathered during the empathy mapping phase, creating a compelling emotional
connection with the audience.

5.2 Presentation Highlights

The presentation emphasized the innovative aspects of the design, including its
modularity, affordability, and sustainability. A live demonstration of the prototype
was conducted to illustrate its features and assembly process. Audience feedback
was overwhelmingly positive, appreciating the use of design thinking tools to
address a critical social issue. Suggestions from the audience included partnering
with local NGOs for pilot testing and integrating renewable energy solutions on a
larger scale to further reduce long-term costs.

5.3 Engagement Strategies

To maintain audience engagement, interactive elements such as Q&A sessions
and videos depicting the prototype’s assembly and functionality were included.
The team also highlighted the potential social and economic impacts of
implementing this housing solution, making the presentation not only informative
but also inspiring.
CHAPTER 6: CONCLUSION AND FUTURE SCOPE 07

6.1 Conclusion
The low-cost, modular housing solution developed through this project addresses
key challenges faced by urban slum dwellers. By leveraging design thinking tools,
the team created a practical, scalable, and sustainable prototype that has the
potential to significantly improve living conditions. The project demonstrates how
innovation, empathy, and collaboration can contribute to solving pressing social
issues. The housing system's modularity, coupled with its affordability and
adaptability, makes it a promising solution for urban slums across the country.

6.2 Future Scope

Future work will focus on refining the design based on real-world testing and
feedback from slum communities. Collaborations with NGOs, government bodies,
and private organizations will be explored to scale up the project and implement it
in urban slums across the country. Additional advancements could include the
incorporation of smart technology, such as IoT-enabled systems for energy
monitoring and resource management. Furthermore, establishing a financial model
to make housing units more accessible to low-income families, possibly through
microfinancing or government subsidies, will be prioritized. Expanding the scope to
address rural housing needs and disaster-relief shelters is also a key consideration
for the future.