Diagram.

Research Project Name

Rethinking Living Conditions of Indian Migrant Construction Workers

What We Did

In India, hundreds of thousands of migrant construction workers live in informal, temporary settlements on job sites — homes in name only. Despite being the workforce behind the country’s rapid urban growth, these workers often face unsafe, unsanitary, and inadequate living conditions. The COVID-19 pandemic laid bare this reality as scores of migrant construction workers were forced to walk hundreds of miles home after being abruptly displaced. This research sets out to understand the lived experiences of migrant construction workers in Bangalore and identify interventions that improve their quality of life through better housing and community support. Drawing on survey data, field visits, interviews with stakeholders, and analysis of existing labor policies, the study seeks to answer a core question: How can architects, developers, and policymakers reimagine worker accommodations to support dignity, health, and resilience? The findings highlight the fact that issues of housing are inseparable from broader questions of equity, labor rights, and social infrastructure. Ultimately, this research proposes actionable strategies — including planning support, design optioneering, policy alignment, and community engagement — to reshape the standard of living for migrant workers and ensure their inclusion in the future of our cities.

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Team

Naseera Razak, Prajwal Hanumantharaya, Rania Sen, Ritesh Rohra, Pranav Radhakrishnan, Chandra Prakash K, Thomas George

Year Completed

2025