CONTEXT > Within the intricate urban fabric, the streets of many cities house families and communities that utilize the interstitial spaces between private and public realms. This threshold, undefined yet integral, is occupied by the informal sector. This dynamic is particularly pronounced in rapidly developing Asian countries, where the influx of rural migrants seeking economic opportunities exacerbates the problem.

FRICTIONS > The predicament of the informal sector, a longstanding debate since the industrial era and rural exodus, remains unresolved. The situation has only grown more critical in today's global landscape. With urban agglomerations struggling to respond to the surge in informal populations, the issue raises ethical, economic, and aesthetic questions.

LINE OF ACTION > Turning our gaze to the specifics of Indian cities, the informal sector has a deep-rooted existence, accepted as a social reality. The street vending ecosystem, a vital facet of this sector, holds potential for transformation. By bolstering this system, we can uplift communities, invigorate economies, and enrich the urban milieu.

STARTING POINT > Imagine this as a logical sequence of action and reaction. Street vending isn't an isolated issue; it permeates every facet of the urban fabric, from bustling tourist markets to the local Chai Wala near the campus. Everyone interacts with these vendors, and everyone feels the impact of their disorganized, unsanitary, and aesthetically lacking spaces. The hygienic conditions are deplorable, contributing to a dystopian cityscape.

RESPONSE > As architects and urbanists, we can't confine our solutions to one segment of the population. If the informal sector's impact is far-reaching, the solution must be equally comprehensive.

QUERIES > The question is, why has society tolerated these conditions? Why have fundamental principles of architecture not been upheld? How can urban designers collaborate with municipalities to effect change? How do we reshape public perception to value a well-organized city? Reflecting on industries like vehicles, phones, and laptops, can we apply a similar model to the informal sector? How can we create a catalog of urban furniture that's both functional and sustainable?

PROCEDURE > This course is an immersive journey into these complexities. It invites students to become active participants in the process of solution-building. The endeavor not only aims to find solutions but also fosters critical thinking about urban dynamics, social responsibility, and design's potential to shape our cities' futures. The course schedule is structured as follows:

- Define prototypes based on analysis, available budget, and desired functionality.

- Create modular portable kits that can be assembled with simple tools in various configurations.

- Employ an "addition" principle, transforming private spaces into public clusters.

- Promote multifunctionality, ensuring units accommodate various activities.

- Prioritize weather resistance, providing comfort for diverse human activities.

- Consider affordability, economy, and sustainability in material choices.

- Incorporate technology for self-sufficiency, renewable power sources, and fluid management.

WEEKLY LECTURES > Throughout the course, students were enriched by the wisdom of renowned experts who illuminated various facets of urban dynamics. Distinguished voices like Luis Rojo, a visionary urban planner; Anna Heringer, an architectural advocate for sustainable design; Jan Liesegang, a pioneering social urbanist; Rupali Gupte, an urban researcher focusing on social equity; and Rohan Chavan, an innovative architect, shared their insights through weekly lectures. These luminaries not only broadened horizons but also inspired students to view the informal sector through nuanced lenses.

FINAL JURY DISCUSSION > As the course reached its crescendo, a visionary jury discussion unfolded, evaluating the students' proposals with remarkable acumen. Shubhra Raje, an architect and urban conservationist; Luis Basabe, a distinguished urbanist; Melissa Smith, an expert in sustainable urban development; Kevin Mark Low, an architectural thought leader; and Rocio Conesa, a trailblazing urban researcher, formed the discerning panel. Their collective expertise added a profound layer of critique and guidance to the students' solutions, shaping the discourse and potential impact of the course. This transformative encounter solidified the bridge between academia and practice, reinforcing the students' commitment to fostering positive urban change.