Our Vision for Livable Public Spaces in Mumbai
We believe our city deserves better public realms. From reclaiming neglected dumping grounds like The Steps in Bandra to proposing green pedestrian plazas in Kala Ghoda, we work to make Mumbai more accessible, breathable, and human-centric.
This video shows the journey of The Steps in Bandra, from a 30-year-old dumping ground to a vibrant, accessible public amphitheater. It captures the heart of our mission: turning neglected urban spaces into thriving places for the community.
A classical dancer performs for an engaged audience at the Festival at The Steps. This image embodies our success in activating public spaces through art and culture, creating a platform where the community can gather and connect.
This is our bold vision for Kala Ghoda: a new 3.3-acre, pedestrian-only urban square. This graphic illustrates our proposal to reclaim streets from parking and create a vibrant, green public space in the heart of Old Bombay.
An artist's rendering shows our proposed vision for Mumbai's Coastal Road. We are advocating for a much wider, more accessible public promenade, creating a world-class waterfront for citizens to walk, cycle, and enjoy the sea.
Our interactive light installation, 'The Family Tree,' at The Steps in Bandra. This project shows how we use public art to create landmarks that are not just beautiful but also bring people together for shared experiences.
Children and their pets enjoying a relaxed afternoon at The Steps. This candid moment reflects our people-first design philosophy, where we create inclusive and safe urban environments for everyone in the family.
A Times of India article covering the progress of our Kala Ghoda revitalization initiative. This press feature highlights the real-world traction of our urban planning proposals and our successful collaboration with municipal authorities to create a greener, pedestrian-friendly space.
A portrait of us, Alan and Anca Abraham, featured in Surfaces Reporter magazine. We believe in designing for lifestyles, and the best part of our work is meeting unique people and bringing their passions into the spaces we create.
About Featured
Our work in urban design goes beyond aesthetics; it is about reclaiming the city for its people. Take The Steps in Bandra, for instance. We didn't just design an amphitheater; we turned a 30-year-old dumping ground into a community hub by focusing on universal accessibility—adding ramps, ensuring safety, and integrating lighting that invites people to gather safely even after sunset. We are currently applying this same rigorous, community-led methodology to our proposals for Kala Ghoda and the Coastal Road waterfront.
When we approach an urban space, we do not start with a blank slate; we start with the community. Our process is rooted in tactical urbanism—making quick-win, low-impact interventions to test ideas before committing to heavy construction. Whether it is a parking lot waiting to become a plaza or a neglected staircase, we analyze footfall patterns, neighborhood demographics, and existing environmental constraints to ensure the space serves the people who use it daily.
Our projects like The Steps in Bandra exemplify our philosophy of turning spaces into places. By prioritizing universal design—sloped ramps, anti-skid materials, and clear sightlines—we ensure that everyone, from children on skates to seniors, feels welcome.
Looking ahead, we are actively advocating for larger-scale shifts. Our proposal for Kala Ghoda envisions a 3.3-acre pedestrian-only square, shifting parking underground to reclaim the street level for art and social interaction. Similarly, our involvement with the Coastal Road project focuses on pushing for a wider, accessible waterfront promenade rather than just another road. We believe that with small, thoughtful modifications to the existing plans, we can transform these areas into world-class public realms.
If you have an underutilized site, a campus, or a civic area that needs a rethink, let’s talk. We do not just design buildings; we build the connections between them.
Abraham John Architects
We are Alan and Anca, partners at Abraham John Architects. We have spent years navigating Mumbai's urban fabric, and we are driven by the belief that design should fix city living, not ignore it. We are here to help you reimagine your community space.
Explore our other urban design and architectural work.
See how we approach different project scales and styles.
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