It is a hubbub of giggles and laughter as we pass through the almost nondescript gates of the Ashray Committed Community Development Trust (CCDT) Shelter Home. Situated in the heritage structure of the Old Petit Bungalow, the shelter home has been a safe space for vulnerable and orphaned children, including those afflicted by HIV. But this is no stereotypical shelter home.

“Why should these children have to do with less than mine or yours?” asks architect Apoorva Shroff. During her growing-up years, Shroff’s parents would often bring her to the same shelter home to celebrate her birthday. The new space designed by Shroff, is a return gift for those precious moments. “I did not want to go down the convenient route of donating money as charity. I reached out to them, and asked if there was something I could contribute to, personally. That’s when this idea came about,” she reveals.

The children contributed to the design by putting their imprints on the hopscotch mats