Mumbai Artist Retreat
DAK ? The other side of Art ? an artist retreat in Mumbai  – Many coastal areas around the world are facing an immense dilemma. How do you deal with densification and increase in population in these areas considering the reality of rising sea levels" Coastal areas are however some of the most desirable places to live and work. In fact they are often attractive from a perspective of livelihood or because of its advantageous environmental conditions. It is therefore important to consider when construction activity does have to take place, it builds in resilience to an uncertain future. Moreover, it should employ building methods and use materials that have a minimal impact on their fragile ecosystems.
The site of the Mumbai Artist Retreat on the other side of the Mumbai Bay is typical in that respect. Since it is relatively difficult to get to, it still has a rural, agricultural character. More so in contrast to the rest of Mumbai it still has somewhat of a shoreline to speak of. Here, the Mumbai Artist Retreat intends to become a place where artists can work in a spacious, natural environment. A place that is away from the heavy physical and psychological demands of the global metropole. However with the skyline of Mumbai across the bay, it still feels connected with the city. Photography by © Randhir Singh
Site Planning – The site is a low lying coconut palm plantation located near a beach. Because of a decreasing ground water tabl...