This thesis project deals with the theme of urban growth in developing countries, more specifically in Bhubaneswar, India. Bhubaneswar is a medium-sized city, compared to Indian standards, and it has experienced a massive influx during the last decades. Therefore the city is facing more challenges regarding housing, lack of sanitation facilities and insufficient rainwater management. The aim of this thesis is to address the challenges above in an investigation of urban settlement strategies in order to improve everyday life situations for women and children in the city. This results in the development of two design solutions; an implementation of toilet facilities and public spaces in a developing slum area and a proposal for an affordable housing area in central Bhubaneswar. The two projects are tied together in a new housing strategy that incorporates low-income housing in the center of the city and at the same time focuses on improving the living standards in the emerging slum areas.