EKAM : Implementation and Participation Strategies

Unlike current transit settlements, Project EKAM (Oneness) aims to become a harmonious, self-sustaining community where everyone’s voice matters and collective, cohesive co-living occurs among different groups, while being situated in the heart of Ahmedabad. EKAM is an acronym, where E stands for ‘Ek Saath’ (Together), in which all the various components of our transit settlement - Frugal City-Making Elements, Transit Housing Kits, Emergency Public Architecture and Mobile Infrastructure - come together to support the lives of residents. K stands for ‘Kaayam’ (Sustainable), where environmental as well as ecological sustainability occurs, and self-sustainability occurs by creating linkages between asset creation and asset management. A stands for ‘Aavaaz’ (Voice), showing that every resident’s voice and opinion matters, and this is done using inclusive community planning. M stands for ‘Mera, Humara, Apna’ (Mine, Our, Ours), and this emphasises the need for cohesive living and the feeling of being more than just a ‘transition space’. ‘EKAM’ symbolises co-living in our vision, drawing inspiration from present conditions.