Finding effective shelter solutions for migrant workers requires more than a simple techno-economic approach. A major challenge lies in accurately understanding and incorporating the needs of users into the design process. The diverse backgrounds of migrant workers mean that shelters must strike a balance between universal features and those tailored to the distinct social and cultural contexts of different communities. Additionally, the choice of building materials is critical—they must be affordable, easy to source, fabricate, assemble, disassemble, and transport.

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This market segment has been chronically underserved, resulting in limited precedents to guide the design of suitable shelters. With funding from COSOLVE Collective, the SahKaryam Foundation and Aajeevika Bureau are collaborating to develop multiple prototypes to evaluate the durability and effectiveness of these design criteria in various challenging work environments. Continuous monitoring and feedback from users will be crucial for refining the prototypes before scaling up production.

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Our approach is to first motivate the employers who have the land for shelter implementation, and the resources, as well as responsibility for well-being of their workers.  

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“Shelters” also include structures and services related to sanitation, energy, and water.  Sah Karyam Foundation (SKF) has partnered with Atul Foundation in South Gujarat to design and construct four toilets at a brick-kiln site.  We have motivated a kiln-owner to provide bricks and labor for the toilets.  SKF has provided the toilet design of double pit toilets with a septic tank and right design for preventing ground water contamination.  Atul Foundation (AF) has graciously provided the liaison with the brick-kiln owner, the brick workers’  community engagement, civil engineering and the funds.  The construction is near completion.  In the next phase, SKF and AF will partner with community engagement to maintain the hygiene and observe fair use.  We will also promote this model at many other kilns in the area.