It’s Time for Urban Design
Harshad Bhatia emphasizes the importance of urban design in enhancing habitats by considering the interdependence between whole and parts over time and that there is no standardized definition of urban design.
Harshad Bhatia emphasizes the importance of urban design in enhancing habitats by considering the interdependence between whole and parts over time and that there is no standardized definition of urban design.
The rapid increase in the population of urban poor and their dwellings in the organically grown neighborhoods, poses a significant challenge to the development of Indian cities and towns. The traditional approach to their rehabilitation involves ‘demolition’ of the existing slum and ‘reconstruction’ elsewhere. Considering this approach, the article seeks to raise the following questions: Do the residents inhabit the newly constructed cost-effective buildings which are devoid of any sense of home, their social network or employment opportunities? And does this ‘upgradation’ really stop the establishment of new slums in the future?
Udaipur’s Architectural Renaissance: A Conservation Architect’s Chronicle of Heritage Amidst Climate’s Embraces
From colonial echoes to climate confrontations, the essay witnesses a city’s tale etched in bricks and resilience. Amid neglected heritage, the battle cries for sustainable rebirth. Udaipur’s past isn’t just conserved—it’s a roadmap to a defiant, luminous future, where history meets the tempest of climate change head-on! This essay by Anubhuti Jain was amongst the shortlisted essays.
The essay titled, ‘The case of Phalke Smarak : Nashik’s untapped potential with existing urban public space’ – discusses how a promising urban scale public space project for Nashik city in the late 90s has slowly turned desolate, despite all the possibilities and potential the architectural design, site and overall context offers. It further tries to highlight the gap between the public and failed public spaces based on this case, and points towards public engagement for successful urban design, renewal and development. This essay by Asmita Raghuvanshy is amongst the shortlisted essays.
This essay delves into how municipal corporations envision creating Western cities (instead of responding to the Indian context) and end up creating cities that only appear to work, instead of actually being more socially inclusive, dynamic and publicly active. The Smart Cities Mission then caters only to the rich and this becomes evident in not just the visuals they use, but also the manner in which they describe their vision of a World Class Infrastructure. This essay by Avani Mittal is amongst the shortlisted essays.
The essay titled ‘Beyond the Skyline: Public Utilities and Their Influence on the City’ discusses the most fundamental requirement for the floating population, i.e., adequate public utilities. The persisting utilities are in a desolate condition with inefficient services and infrastructure. Progressing towards a livable Jaipur city, which is inclusive, safe and secure and prioritizes the holistic well-being of its inhabitants; an investment in utilities for the public is imperative. This essay by Simran Gandhi is among the special mentions.
“From Peths to Pinnacles: Pune’s Architectural Evolution Towards Tomorrow, drawing inspirations from Yesterday, introspecting Today” is a journey through the architectural story of Pune, a city that’s not just a historical gem but a dynamic fusion of tradition and modernity. The essay emphasizes the importance of sustainable and self-sufficient urban planning, green spaces, and community engagement. It explores the concept of creating self-sufficient urban centers within Pune to achieve a more sustainable and inclusive future, aligning with the ’15-minute city’ concept. This essay by Urvashi Vaijwade is among the special mentions.
The essay, Hyderabad’s Flooded Dreams: Climate Change and Resilience, talks about the impact of climate change on Hyderabad, focusing on urban flooding and resilience. It narrates a flood incident in a neighbourhood, highlighting how the city’s rapid urbanization and poor drainage infrastructure exacerbate the problem. The essay by Kulsum Nafisa was awarded the best of top three prizes.
The academic research carried out at Royal College of Art, London, by Ashish Dalal, investigates the question of space and shelter for migrants in the Franco-Italian border town of Ventimiglia in the context of its recent border politics.
The essay, City Surfaces Tell Time and Stories, talks about the precinct of Kolsa Bunder on the Eastern waterfront of Mumbai and argues against authoritative planning proposals that have been suggested in the past. The dwellers of the port exist in a state of precarity and the proposals prove this statement further.
It suggests ethnographic research as a manner of conducting architectural study in order to plan for a neighbourhood.
The essay by Tanuja Vartak was awarded the best of top three prizes.
Hussain Indorewala in conversation with Urban Planner Shirish Patel, on making of the city, transformation and politics of development.
Vandana Padmanabhan summarizes how permanent housing can create positive impact on poverty around the world, particularly in informal settlements and temporary housing.
With a growing recognition of the importance of biodiversity, Mehardeep throws light on fostering avian well-being and avian urbanism.
Studio Motley’s Competition entry for the Council of Architecture’s Centre of Excellence, Bengaluru envisioned the Centre as a place which is important and relevant not just to architects, but to the entire community. Through their design they instigate and encourage a culture of openness, multiplicity and adaptability and find ways for the profession to connect to the city and its inhabitants.
Designed by Rajeev Kathpalia, Partner at Vastu Shilpa Consultants, the proposed design echoes the vision of Nalanda University as the campus of the future, at the forefront of global education and the hub of intellectual excellence. The master plan adopts sustainable practices at every phase of the project and to achieve social and economic integration with the local community.
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