Eesha is an architect/designer based in Mumbai, drawn to the places where architecture, design, and everyday life gently overlap. As the newest (and youngest) member of the urbz team, she’s learning by unlearning, doing a little bit of everything, from illustrating/designing/making things, mapping to fieldwork, filmmaking and quiet observations. Through her work in Dharavi and beyond, she intends to explores how people shape their spaces, and how those spaces, in turn, shape them.
Articles
Grit, wit and play - Story of a young leather artisan in Dharavi
On a rainy afternoon, we visited Irfan’s workshop, somehow quieter than the surroundings. We assisted and watched him while he worked, and he narrated his story to us.
Dazzling in White: How a 4th-generation Dharavikar from Tamil Nadu rose to prominence
From his humble beginnings and early struggles to becoming a respected contractor and political voice, Arunlal’s journey reflects the strength, grit, and deep-rooted commitment to his neighbourhood. Known for his signature white attire and heartfelt leadership, he stands as a symbol of hope and perseverance in challenging times for Dharavi.
Reclaiming Streetwear - how a brand from Dharavi is celebrating the neighbourhood
Dharavi's young fashion entrepreneur, Rohan Mane, shares his challenging yet exciting journey of building a streetwear brand. Dharavi became the perfect ecosystem for his creative experimentation, offering everything from design and stitching to manufacturing, branding, and shipping, all in one place.
Pottering around in a Potter’s Colony - Six decades of a life lived in Kumbharwada
An afternoon rendezvous with Vasu Mama, as he narrates about his long-lived and rich life in Dharavi, his current routine post retirement, his values, ideas and opinions about Dharavi and its future.
Best of both worlds, the inescapable dual belonging of Mumbai's artisans
Pramod Vishwakarma, a carpenter working with the urbz team, talks to us about his connection to the dual places or worlds he belongs to and his indecisiveness over what 'home' truly means to him.
Works
1000 Voices
1000 Voices is a project that aims to document and understand Dharavi, Mumbai, through the perspective of people who, through their presence and activities, reproduce this fascinating homegrown neighbourhood day after day.
