Pertaining to the subject of designing for Bharat that includes not just metro cities but tier 2 and 3 cities and towns as well, Dr. Vatsal Patel, Founder - Setu Infrastructure, Past President - Gujarat Institute of Civil Engineers and Architects questioned if design and planning professional alone had the capability of a holistic development. “Given that much of the planning policies come under the purview of the city authorities, it is only imperative to ask if the right initiative should flow from the top of the pyramid and making it a collective responsibility. A local example of successful teamwork is the Sabarmati Riverfront Project, where the administrator, politicians, and people of Ahmedabad worked together to complete the project over seven to ten years, resulting in a public space enjoyed by many.”
Agreeing with Dr. Vatsal Patel, Paresh Sharma, Senior Fellow, World Resource Institute India, said, “I've worked not just in Ahmedabad, but throughout the country, partnering with states like Telangana, Mizoram, and Odisha. For instance, Surat transformed after the 1994 plague under strong leadership. Similarly, post-earthquake rehabilitation in Kutch has made a difference. Government initiatives like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan also brings change. What truly matters is determination, leadership, and supportive policies and frameworks; these elements make a lasting impact across India.”
Commenting on the efficacy of rejuvenating cultural customs through favourable governmental assistance, Parul Zaveri, Principal Architect, Abhikram, stated, “I cannot stress enough on the importance of constantly advocating for causes we believe in as professionals. Small-scale conservation efforts in Jaisalmer expanded through collaborations in Udaipur, Ajmer, and Jaipur, revitalizing 21 arts and crafts. After 20 years, Jaipur's government prioritizes conservation with a 50 crore budget under the Rajasthan Urban Development Program. Success lies in education and grassroots awareness, despite potential struggles in policy enforcement.”
Affirming the same, Ar. Vatsal Joshi, Founder Director, associated Architects (i) Pvt. Ltd., said, “Indeed conservation and restoration programs by architects community has led to an increased appreciation for art and traditions in the heritage cities across India. This is also a testament of our ability to effect change as a group of professionals and an industry as a whole. We also need to focus on the crucial issue of connecting individuals, locations, and urban planning, specifically concerning Bharat. It is an AI-driven era today, now, connections are instant and different for the current generation.”
FOSTERING CONNECTIONS IN CONTEMPORARY INDIA
Discussing the significance of equitable development for a progressive India, Dr. Vatsal Patel remarked, “Public spaces are crucial in cities for real human interaction and mental well-being. Despite advances in AI and social media, nation must invest in improving urban public areas, which will become even more vital in the future."
In the context of modern solutions, Parul Zaveri was of the view that we must evaluate our readiness, especially concerning public spaces that connect people and places. “Change with continuity is essential in addressing societal divisions. Public spaces can bridge gaps created by British-imposed architectural practices. Indian traditional style mixed land use promotes unity. For instance, Bhubaneswar's Happy Street event illustrates success in fostering social bonds.”
Approximately 40%, of the land holdings are subject to acquisition by governmental entities. Regarding the transformation of government land into communal areas and its influence on enhancing the quality of a city, Paresh Sharma stated, “Regardless of allocating the percentage of land for public spaces, effective design is vital. The past decade has seen wider streets sacrificing interaction areas, resulting in poor space utilization and value loss. Whereas an excellent design enhances happiness and engagement. The focus should be on proficient design and management, taking more land without proper utilization is pointless.”
THE 15-MINUTE CITY
Ar. Vatsal Joshi articulated, “Although we're hesitant to adopt Western ideas, the 15-minute city concept interests us. Implementing the 15-minute city model could improve our lives by providing more time for family and work commitments”.
Dr. Vatsal Patel added, “The 15-minute city concept, blending commercial and residential areas, has deep roots in Asian cities like Ahmedabad and Gujarat. Debates continue about this mix, but shorter travel distances for daily needs are undeniably beneficial. Expanding roads and transport isn't sustainable, and a study showed 95% of employees prefer local accommodation with biking or walking commutes. Therefore, the 15-minute city represents the future”.
What truly matters is determination, leadership, and supportive policies and frameworks; these elements make a lasting impact.
Paresh Sharma stated, “In India, successful projects vary by region and context. No single solution works everywhere, but studying effective town planning can help achieve goals like walkability and interaction spaces. Gujarat's planning is one example, but more refinement and collaboration are needed. In Aizwal, Mizoram, a different approach like Happy Streets was more effective, proving that strategies must be tailored to each situation”.
Parul Zaveri concurred, “Prioritizing functionality and effectiveness is crucial in urban planning. The concept of 15-minute cities could be applied to connect villages, limiting urban sprawl and promoting self-sufficient communities. Gujarat's successful implementation of reliable electricity has improved lives and encouraged people to return to their villages. Instead of imitating the West, it is important to create a unique path and narrative for urban development”.
EFFECTIVE URBAN PLANNING
Dr. Vatsal Patel shared, “Open spaces and public places are crucial for connecting people with their environment and each other. Effective urban planning and design, like in the Central Vista of New Delhi and Sabarmati Riverfront project in Ahmedabad, India, can create functional and visually appealing environments that promote outdoor social interactions”.
Discussing the significance and utility of local spaces in a nation such as India, which celebrates numerous festivals annually, Parul Zaveri remarked, "A considerable number of individuals engage in festive events; consequently, why not establish additional local venues for smaller celebrations akin to Ganpati Visarjan? Lakefronts in locations like Rajasthan offer delightful settings. Ideally, such areas should be constructed using materials like stone, brick, and lime to ensure long-lasting durability. We should gather and encourage genuine CSR commitments to transform the education system and our approach. By visiting and interacting in crowded, dying cities like Ahmedabad's walled city, we can inspire change and positivity. Through collaboration, CSR participation can help revive these areas, making them ideal locations for future conclaves”.
Sharing his perspective, Paresh Sharma expressed, "I am not convinced that Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is always effective. We often fail to attribute value to specific areas such as urban social spaces like those in Jaipur or for instance, Kamati Baug in Vadodara or any traditional gathering space which currently lacks perceived importance. One notable example is a large ground in Rajkot, previously a community gathering site. Nowadays, festivals like Janmashtami etc. create social value through their celebratory nature. Nevertheless, our design elements do not seem to incorporate the creation of social values. By prioritizing the establishment of these values, we can potentially eliminate the need for CSR funding. While initially cultivating interest is crucial, a long-term vision is necessary for sustainability".
Ar. Vatsal Joshi asserted in the end, “Encourage the use of open spaces in the city by promoting them on social media, giving attention to beautiful locations like the Sabarmati riverfront and well-designed gardens. Citizens should be inspired to explore meaningful public areas, rather than spending time and money in malls."
What truly matters is determination, leadership, and supportive policies and frameworks; these elements make a lasting impact. Paresh Sharma
Change is possible through teamwork involving professionals, public, politicians, planners, and administrators. Dr. Vatsal Patel
Instead of imitating the West, it is important to create a unique path and narrative for urban development. Ar. Parul Zaveri
It is an AI-driven era today, now connections are instant and different for the current generation. Ar. Vatsal Joshi
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