TA: Shivani SinghUrban Transformation Studio Unit 3
The studio will focus on the design aspects of urban transformations within the existing urban areas. The underlying context is that Indian cities are growing rapidly in terms of population and therefore expanding physically. Many urban areas within these cities are dealing with unstainable levels of stress on infrastructure, resources and public services and are becoming increasingly unliveable. As an attempt to address these concerns, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoUHA) has initiated various schemes that enable planning for developing infrastructure in the brownfield areas through mechanisms such as Local Area Plans (LAP).
For the purpose of the studio, Urban villages in India are explored as a type. While their role in the cities as havens for new entrants is often glorified, the indifference to include them meaningfully in the planning process is conveniently ignored. In contrast to the proactive approaches around the world towards upliftment of the quality of life & redefining the roles of urban villages, Indian cities have either relocated or cordoned them.
Against the background, the studio examines the position of urban villages in cities today and their possible future roles.
