UR2031

Faculty: Kruti v Shah | Harsh Chauhan

TA: Simran Khatter

Street vending emerges as an inherent outcome of urbanization, contributing significantly to the practical and socio-cultural essence of a city. Typically characterized by open-air environments, diverse offerings, independent vendors, adaptable setups, and functioning as communal meeting spots, street markets boast a history spanning thousands of years. The Street Vendors definition identifies a street vendor as an individual involved in selling goods, essentials, or food items, or offering services to the public in various public spaces, employing flexible structures or moving from location to location. Street vending serves as a valuable addition to a city's multi-layered urban tapestry. Beyond offering access to affordable products and services and creating job opportunities for individuals excluded from formal employment, these markets contribute urban-scale advantages. However, challenges persist due to the dependence on specific spaces for setting up stalls, leading to an informal setting. It is evident that street vendors play a crucial role in shaping the character of a city and should be incorporated into city planning and design. Urban designers must explore solutions that harmonize formal urban development with the dynamic nature of informal street vending, ensuring inclusive city planning initiatives.