Banjara Market

Elevating the Iconic Street Market of Gurgaon Through Sustainable Design and Community-Focused Spaces.


User Experience, Social Design, Information Systems, Urban Design
Research, Environmental, Strategy, Way-Finding

A young girl sets up her stall outside her home, ready to welcome customers




WHAT I DID: I addressed the Banjara community’s displacement by advocating for sustainable, community-centered spaces that preserve their rich culture.

WHAT WAS ACHIEVED: Proposal for a new Spatial Plan and Way-finding system for the market.

METHODS I USED: User Research, Illustration, Dialogue and Wayfinding



SO, WHAT’S THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE ‘BANJARA MARKET’?

The Banjara Market plays a crucial role in Gurgaon’s tourism, known for its vibrant display of colorful ceramics, home decor and furniture. The busy market, with rows of makeshift stalls, attracts bargain hunters from across the country.

The Banjaras, are a nomadic trading caste from Rajasthan. They have a strong identity but face displacement and livelihood uncertainty due to new residential construction on market land. Despite their hard work, they struggle to envision a secure future for themselves and future generations while working in inadequate conditions.

observations from The site:

Dual-Spaces: These stalls function as both homes and shops, with sellers displaying their goods in front of their slums each morning.

Cluttered Environment: The market's disorganized layout creates challenges for both sellers and consumers, making navigation difficult.

Lack of Sanitation and Privacy: Families live and work in cramped conditions, lacking proper sanitation and privacy, making it difficult to maintain a healthy and dignified living environment.






A map of the land Banjara Market operates from



Objectives, Location and Problems identified during the site study

USER persona study and interview notes:


Journal notes:

Ideation for improving the space

NEW SPATIAL PLAN & WAY-FINDING SYSTEM PROPOSAL

upgraded living conditions:

Transform slums into sustainable, sturdy homes that double as both houses and shops. Each unit will include a small toilet and storage to improve sanitation and prevent overcrowding, while separating work and personal spaces.

Floorplan for the proposed new homes and shop space


market division:

Divide the market into four sub-markets for better organization and identity.

  1. Dhaatu Bazar (Metal Market)
  2. Mitti Bazar (Clay/ Ceramics Market)
  3. Kanch Bazar (Glass Market)
  4. Lakdi Bazar (Wood Market)


Personalised branded signage for every shop conveying the – Shop Number, Owner Details, Shop Name and Sub-Market (available in the primary languages) 


user pathways and signage:

Create an improved user pathway with a new signage system, featuring color-coded sections based on the sub-markets. This will enhance the market's identity and user experience.

Way-finding and navigation signages for the market in different languages. 




business branding:

Introduce standardized branding and signage outside each shop/house, displaying the owner's name, contact information, shop number and bazar type. The signs will be 3x8 ft, made of flex boards, and use the Laila Typeface at varying sizes.


Applied branding and home name plates for the shop owners and residents



Vidushi Arya © 2020
Photography credits Indu Sharma and Vidushi Arya