READING ROOM AT SHEIKH SARAI
2015, Sheikh Sarai, Delhi, with 'The Community Library Project' by Mridula Koshy
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The project for a reading room at Sheikh Sarai emerged from an idea within The Community Library Project, an initiative by literary activist and author Mridula Koshy that works with marginalized neighborhoods and communities. As a volunteer at the library—which primarily serves children from underprivileged backgrounds—I participated in discussions about the lack of spaces within the community for adults to socialize, engage in discussions, or even read newspapers.

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Using spatial reorganization and minimal furniture, we designed a gathering and reading space for adults in the community on a shoestring budget. The communal space was inspired by the concept of adda (a colloquial Hindi term for a gathering spot). Observing that adults in the area typically congregated at corner tea shops and other informal venues characterized by ephemeral materials and austere textures, I incorporated some of these elements into the design. For instance, we included the timeless mudda—a coir stool—within the space.

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Like other library projects, the refurbishing relied on reusing and repairing broken and discarded furniture from the site. As a result, we managed to transform the space with a budget of under $300, which was raised internally. Today, the reading room is widely used by adults in the area, providing a welcoming space where they can read newspapers, discuss their daily schedules, and connect with one another.