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Architecture

21-01-2026

Photographer : Neesarfotografy- Mr. Tarun Hirapara and Vreidarch studio – Ar. Shivam Vasava

Text provided by Architect

SHE Block—breastfeeding centres for “Mothers on the Move”—is a path-breaking CSR initiative by Aangan Collaborative LLP for the Surat Municipal Corporation, envisioned to create inclusive, respectful, and easily accessible urban spaces for women.

Designed as naturally lit breastfeeding courts, SHE Block offers mothers a safe, calm, and comfortable setting to nurse their infants while they traverse the city. The form is deliberately soft and curvilinear, replacing the rigidity of conventional public amenities with a warm, inviting architectural expression. Four such blocks have been built across Surat—each situated in high women-footfall zones and each responding sensitively to its local context, while retaining a unified identity as part of the larger initiative. Placed strategically at transit nodes, bustling markets, and community hubs, these centres remain accessible to women from varied backgrounds and daily routines.

Material expression plays a key role in giving each block its personality. Subtle variations in brick tones—from earthy terracotta to mellow ochre—celebrate local craftsmanship and lend every structure a distinct presence, even as they collectively form a recognisable civic typology. Inside, empathy shapes every decision: ergonomic seating for nursing mothers, charging points for breast pumps, spaces scaled for privacy without disconnecting them from the environment, and a small play area where toddlers can stay engaged. Integrated child-friendly toilets and diaper-changing stations ensure comfort and hygiene for families on the move.

Surat,Gujarat,India

Architects	:	Aangan Collaborative LLP
Area	:	800 sq. ft.
Year of Completion	:	2024
Website	:	https://instagram.com/aangan_architects?utm_medium=copy_link

Exterior view of She Block Breastfeeding Centers for Mothers on the Move by Aangan Collaborative LLP

As one of the first public infrastructures of its kind, SHE Block responds to a deeply overlooked urban need—acknowledging the physical, emotional, and logistical realities faced by women in public spaces. By embedding gender-sensitive thinking into civic infrastructure, it reframes how cities can care for caregivers.

Importantly, the architecture does not mimic the appearance of a public toilet or healthcare kiosk. Instead, it stands as a civic refuge—asserting that breastfeeding is not a hushed, hidden act but a natural right deserving dignity and space. It challenges the stigma surrounding breastfeeding in public by providing a dedicated, respectful, and beautifully crafted environment that validates care work as a shared social responsibility.

Exterior view of She Block Breastfeeding Centers for Mothers on the Move by Aangan Collaborative LLP

Ramp of She Block Breastfeeding Centers for Mothers on the Move by Aangan Collaborative LLP

Foyer of She Block Breastfeeding Centers for Mothers on the Move by Aangan Collaborative LLP

Breastfeeding Court of She Block Breastfeeding Centers for Mothers on the Move by Aangan Collaborative LLP

At its core, SHE Block champions urban equity. Truly inclusive cities cannot emerge without addressing gender gaps in access to public amenities. Maternal needs—especially breastfeeding—rarely find representation in master plans, mobility frameworks, or urban policy. This project not only brings them into the urban discourse but elevates them through thoughtful design, material warmth, and sensory comfort.

SHE Block also poses an important question: Why should public amenities be austere, ordinary, or intimidating? Why should aesthetic quality be limited to museums and commercial developments while mothers are left to manage in improvised corners? Through its intimate scale, dignified presence, and practical efficiency, SHE Block proves that public infrastructure can be both functional and uplifting.

Breastfeeding Court of She Block Breastfeeding Centers for Mothers on the Move by Aangan Collaborative LLP

Breastfeeding Court & Toddlers Court of She Block Breastfeeding Centers for Mothers on the Move by Aangan Collaborative LLP

With four blocks positioned at pivotal points across Surat, the initiative ensures that accessibility remains as central as design excellence. In doing so, it sets a new benchmark for civic infrastructure—placing care at the heart of urban development, and reaffirming that inclusive public spaces must serve all bodies, all needs, and all lived experiences.