Abstract Summary
Mumbai, a city renowned for its vibrant work-live neighbourhoods introduces a unique housing typology—the cohabitation of humans and cattle within dense tabela neighbourhoods. Tabelas or cattle sheds, traditionally found in rural areas, have adapted to urban landscapes transforming into conventional warehouse-like structures. This shift, influenced by outdated housing manuals has resulted in deplorable living conditions for both human workers and non-human cattle despite the critical role of dairy farming in providing fresh milk to the city's inhabitants. Historically, Mumbai housed numerous inner-city sheds but the surge in housing demands during the 1950s led to their relocation to the outskirts. With a current population exceeding 21 million (World Population Review, 2023), the city's housing paradigm predominantly centers on human living neglecting the essential cohabitation of non-human species. Drawing inspiration from the Brambell Report of 1965 which advocated for animals' five freedoms (McCulloch, 2012), this project proposes an innovative approach—integrating non-human species into various urban housing forms. The study focuses on a densely populated tabela neighbourhood in Mumbai, home to 1200 buffaloes and 120 caretakers. By advancing the argument for animal welfare and acknowledging their physical health and emotional experiences, the project seeks to transcend the conventional notion of mere survival to one of thriving (Mellor, 2016). Embracing practical measures that extend beyond basic needs such as water, food, shelter and disease reduction, the objective is to create a cohabitation living model that fosters the optimal well-being of both humans and animals. In essence, this project challenges the established housing norms and advocates for a paradigm shift in urban planning—an inclusive model that accommodates the unique needs of non-human species. By reimagining this neighbourhood as a thriving ecosystem where the welfare of animals is prioritised alongside human living conditions, the project aims to set a precedent for future urban developments that harmonise the coexistence of diverse species within the intricately networked fabric of city life. How does one diverge from the conventional concept of a ‘shell’ that has persisted over time?
