Shelter Associates
Shelter,
based in Pune, has been working on urban planning to improve the quality of
life for the poor. They use data and technology to bring transparency and
accountability into designing and providing infrastructure and housing to slum
dwellers and enabling them to pursue their right to dignity. A pioneer and
global leader in GIS mapping (Geographical Information Systems) within poor
communities, Shelter offers information on existing infrastructure and
socio-economic conditions on urban slums, allowing efficient allocation of
viable resources. The organizations is currently advocating a 'one home one
toilet' vision to cities by providing individual household toilets, waste
management facilities, and behavior change workshops for communities.
Participant Profile: Pratima Joshi (Executive Director)
Pratima has worked in the area of sustainable low cost housing and sanitation for the urban poor for nearly 25 years. She is widely recognized as a leading planner and designer of slum infrastructure. She holds a master’s degree in Building Design for Developing Countries from the Bartlett School of Architecture and Planning, London. Identified in October 2005 by the BBC as one of the "leading slum architects of India”, she is an Aga Khan scholar, Ashoka fellow, and the recipient of several awards. She has spoken at several international seminars and workshops including the 24th World Congress of Architects in Tokyo. Pratima has participated in policy discussions and advised government programs including the Rajiv Awas Yojna (RAY). She has participated in several talks and discussions to present this work extensively across the world at universities, to government and other social sector organizations.
