WHAT IS CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT OF CITIES?

Indian architecture is shifting from mere aesthetics to a purposeful design approach that supports resilience, social equity, and better living standards for its growing urban population. Moderator Kunal Mevcha, Principal Architect, Vibrant Designs, stated, “Innovation, inclusion, and sustainability aren’t just buzzwords; they’re the core principles guiding how we envision the cities of tomorrow. As urban life evolves with rising skylines, smarter technologies, and changing expectations, everyone involved, from policymakers to architects to builders, is working toward one common goal: building better cities that improve the way we live.”

Yatin Pandya, Founder, FOOTPRINTS E.A.R.T.H, expressed, “With smart planning, public-private partnerships, and efficient land use, we can accommodate more people, create open spaces, and still meet commercial goals. The pandemic also taught us the value of flexible, efficient spaces – lessons that should shape the way we design cities going forward.”

Sharing the government’s approach, Harpal Dave, Additional Chief Town Planner, Town Planning and Valuation Department, Govt of Gujarat said, “The government’s primary role in urban planning is to prepare the Development Plan, a long-term vision for city growth, along with Development Control Regulations that guide what can be built where, balancing development with conservation, as seen in ecologically sensitive areas like Thol Lake near Ahmedabad. Creating inclusive and sustainable cities means ensuring all segments of society have access to housing, mobility, work, and cultural spaces, which requires more than just planning documents. It calls for coordinated efforts from urban planners, architects, engineers, and effective governance, supported by tools like Gujarat’s Town Planning Schemes for micro-level planning and on-ground execution.”

CONVERGENCE OF TECHNOLOGY & DESIGN

Elaborating on how architecture design can address both technology and sustainability with traditional values, Prashant Parmar, Founder & Principal, Shayona Consultant, articulated, “A core principle we follow is seamlessly blending innovation with tradition—embracing advanced technologies while staying true to cultural and architectural values. For example, in the Surat Akshardham campus project, we deployed over 300 CNC machines to complete 75–80% of the stone carving, significantly reducing timelines and costs without sacrificing craftsmanship. This approach allows artisans to focus on intricate detailing, showing how technology and tradition can complement each other in creating culturally rooted and sustainable spaces.”

Explaining the role of digital tools and technology in optimizing urban planning and execution, Shoaib Shaikh, Sales Head - Nemetschek Architecture & Design Business, Nemetschek India Private Limited | Nemetschek Group said, “Technology is playing a pivotal role in enabling smarter, faster, and more efficient urban planning and construction. From comprehensive master plans to on-site execution, innovations like CNC machines are being used to accelerate even traditional stonework, reflecting how heritage and modern methods can go hand in hand. We enable this transformation through open BIM and digital tools that streamline collaboration between governments, architects, and builders. These solutions support everything from early-stage design and visualization to advanced smart city technologies like digital twins, now being adopted in cities like Ayodhya and Mumbai.”

Rohit Chakraborty, Vice President – Sales, Walplast Products Pvt. Ltd added, “When it comes to construction of buildings in a city, the process is broadly divided into three key areas: building materials, execution (involving contractors and builders), and legal compliance, which covers approvals and acquisitions. From a building materials perspective, innovation plays a crucial role in driving sustainability, and I’m proud to say that in India, this innovation is advancing rapidly, especially in developing low-carbon alternatives like gypsum-based plasters to replace traditional sand-cement mixes. Our industry is also creating high-efficiency, water-saving solutions such as curing-free plasters and advanced application methods using spray machines, all of which reduce time, labor, and environmental impact while offering cost-effective results.”

BUILDING CITIES NURTURING COMMUNITIES

There is a potential for creative development in Indian cities with respect to strategic interventions, stakeholder roles, governance frameworks, and replicable and scalable models of redevelopment of cities dilapidated areas.

Yatin Pandya said, “India’s urban landscape is shaped by parallel systems, where formal cities coexist with informal settlements that often bridge critical gaps in affordability and access. Instead of treating these settlements as burdens, we should view them as potential resources for inclusive development. In Mumbai, for example, 50% of the population lives on just 8-10% of the land, proving that the issue lies not in land occupation but in a lack of basic services. Upgrading these areas in-situ, rather than displacing communities, preserves the social fabric and improves quality of life more sustainably.”

Harpal Dave concurred, “The idea of limiting room sizes is worth considering, much like how car models are priced higher for add-ons like boot space despite having the same core functionality. In the same way, housing needs could be calibrated, where basic, functional space is priced affordably, while luxury in terms of excessive square footage could attract higher development charges to encourage more mid segment housing. Gujarat has taken progressive steps toward sustainability by offering free additional FSI for green-rated buildings and reserving land for urban forests through its TP schemes. While Ahmedabad works toward net-zero targets, smaller towns are also focusing on river rejuvenation and preserving natural ecosystems through micro-level planning. However, much more remains to be done through collective action.”

Prashant Parmar shared an example, “We work in two main areas: residential projects and large-scale Hindu cultural community centers. One of our current projects is a 25-acre cultural complex in Sydney, Australia, with a built-up area of 500,000 square feet. To maintain traditional aesthetics while reducing cost and time, we use precast RCC panels and CNC-carved stone cladding instead of conventional stone construction. Whether it’s monumental cultural complexes or private residences, we see it as our responsibility to guide clients toward sustainable choices, using local materials, natural energy systems, and green features like courtyards and vertical gardens, balancing tradition with long-term environmental impact.”

Shoaib Shaikh stated, “AI is set to transform not just urban development but the entire lifecycle of how we design, build, manage, and operate buildings. With many cities now aiming for net-zero targets, digital twin technology is becoming a key enabler, though it remains underutilized due to stakeholders often working in isolation. For example, while some use advanced tech in design or construction, others like facility managers still lag, leading to high maintenance costs and energy inefficiencies. A case in point is the widespread use of glass façades in Indian cities, which may look globally appealing but aren’t climate-appropriate—yet with smarter tech integration from design to operation, we can balance aesthetics, sustainability, and performance more effectively.”

Rohit Chakraborty added, “Alternative construction is less about replacing traditional methods and more about an evolving shift in the way we build. Over the past 15 years, innovations like AAC blocks have significantly reduced carbon emissions by replacing conventional red bricks, especially in Gujarat and Maharashtra, where such trends often take root before spreading across India. This shift continues with the rise of modular structures, precast systems, and advanced materials that improve durability and sustainability, supported by chemical innovations that enhance water resistance and bonding. Similarly, ready-mix plaster has moved from river sand-based mixes to manufactured sand, reducing environmental impact. Besides, the tile industry has transitioned from basic formats to large format tiles with upgraded adhesives, contributing to a more sustainable and innovative construction ecosystem.”

Kunal Mevcha shared his thought that future architects and planners must be trained in climate-appropriate design, efficient space use, and sustainable material choices. Simple strategies, such as reusing construction waste and encouraging low-tech innovations, can significantly reduce environmental impact. Water conservation is another urgent need, calling for stricter rainwater harvesting policies and a revival of traditional water bodies like Gujarat’s many historic lakes. Ultimately, sustainability in urban development requires integrated thinking, practical policy, and collective action across all sectors.”