SPECULATIVE DESIGN WORKSHOPS. Building Bridges for Flooding Cities

Abstract The impact of climate change on cities is multifold and critical; one of them is flooding. The aim and objective of this article is to speculate how the needs of flooded cities are addressed using the method of speculative design. This technique involves various actors, disciplines, local, and international participation in brainstorming and generating scenarios, discussion, and reflection. It is practiced through workshops, competitions, and exhibitions. This article showcases the speculative design practice of the non-governmental organization (NGO), Thinking Hand, and Ketham’s Atelier Architects; which takes a bottom-up and collective approach in Hyderabad, in India. Their work attempts to bring different concerned groups into a conversation about climate change and flooding, some of which are not often included in urban decision-making processes. Owing to their greater responsibilities and participation, involving all stakeholders is significant in order to rethink policies for climate responsive architecture and urbanism.