In-between urbanism: The physical, functional, socio-cultural, and identity-forming role of the otla in informal settlements in Ahmedabad

Abstract

Public/private interfaces play a key role in neighbourhood liveliness, economic exchange, safety, identity, and social life. In informal settlements, interfaces play additional roles in the incremental upgrading process and how open space is appropriated and contested. While typologies of public/private interfaces in informal settlements have been generalised, how informal interfaces change in response to cultural and place context are less understood. A detailed analysis of four communities in two informal settlements in Ahmedabad (India) – Ramapir No Tekro and Gandhi Vas – finds an interface typology unique to Ahmedabad: the otla. Data collection methods included participant observation, shared open space use observation, settlement and neighbourhood mapping, architectural documentation, creative activities with young people, and semi-structured interviews. Examining the physical dimension, practical function, socio-cultural role, and role in forming identity of otlas reveals that this relatively modest space effectively alleviates small dwelling size, contributes to individual dwelling and community identity, and provides an opportunity for residents to build social ties. Understanding the significance of otlas reveals the heterogeneity of informal settlements and can support interventions that better harness the potential of self-organised environments.