Background

For several families living in informal settlements across Mumbai, the basic necessity of staying cool during the summer, is a privilege, and one becoming increasingly difficult to avail of. Homes are often built using materials that absorb and retain heat, while limited ventilation, crowded living conditions, and restricted access to cooling infrastructure can make indoor spaces incredibly uncomfortable and, at times, even unsafe to reside in. As both urbanization and  temperatures continue to rise, these challenges are being felt most strongly by those with the fewest resources to adapt.

According to the World Bank, approximately 50 to 55% of Mumbai's population lives in informal settlements, many of which face heightened exposure to extreme heat due to housing conditions and limited access to climate-resilient infrastructure. At the same time, a 2024 report by the India Meteorological Department noted that Mumbai experienced a record 50 days of heatwave conditions during the year, highlighting the growing impact of rising temperatures.

Addressing an issue as complex and inevitably growing such as heat stress, requires more than short-term relief. It also requires practical, affordable solutions that improve the spaces people live in every day. In its humble efforts, Aangan has been conceptualised with just this in mind. By exploring sustainable construction practices and increasing general awareness of climate-responsive housing solutions, this initiative hopes to better understand how homes can be made more comfortable, strong, and suited to a warming urban environment.