The Nucleus- A Centre for Rejuvenation and Empowerment: STUDIO BIOSIS + ECOSCULP

Dharavi in Mumbai serves as a vibrant network hub, rooted in a rich ecosystem of diverse professions and household enterprises. It is home to a wide array of religious and ethnic communities, creating a highly diverse settlement fabric. Historically, the site was once a mangrove swamp island, later transformed into a residential zone during early industrialisation in the British colonial period. This strong contextual background inspires a design concept drawn from the resilience of mangroves—plants that adapt to high wind speeds and rising water levels by floating and evolving into distinctive forms.

Similarly, the architectural form emerges as a response to climatic challenges such as cyclones and strong winds. The structure adopts curvilinear forms that echo the movement of kinetic vortexes, creating a dynamic yet stable design. At its core lies a central nucleus—an expressive form that grows organically from the foundational built environment, much like a mangrove sprouting from its roots. Mangroves symbolise both the natural habitat and the built environment, forming a unique biome that bridges nature and human settlement. This nucleus becomes a lively, inclusive space designed to bring together people from diverse backgrounds. It caters to their economic, social, and recreational needs through a variety of activities, fostering collective growth and holistic transformation within the community.

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