Urban Studies: Unit 1

Study of Planning process: survey, analysis, proposals and development

The basis for integrating energy aspects in planning processes is a thorough understanding of the existing
urban planning process in a given city. Such a process should include all phases (see graphic below), steps,
stakeholders and their related activities/responsibilities as well as instruments and tools used in planning
urban development projects.

In most cases the main planning instrument of a city such as the zoning plan or land use plan needs to be
adapted when new projects are being developed. However, it is important to not only show the final, official
steps when adapting the zoning plan. The process map should depict all phases including the early planning
steps, feasibility and master plans, the permitting process and final implementation. It should also show some
decision points or paths during this process for instance criteria for special procedural steps or competitions. It
might also be helpful to develop two process maps: one for the procedure of new development areas and one for
transformation areas.

The various stages of planning process are as follows.

1.Identification and definition of problems

Various problems with reference to the results obtained by studies and surveys and with reference to the
objectives are identified.

2. Defining the objectives

Here the objectives of the planning are identified. The general objectives of any planning of urban area is

To regulate growth
To nullify the bad effects of past growth
To improve the transportation facilities
To optimize the resources utilization
To balance population and economic activities
To promote social integration among different categories
To promote a convenient comfortable, beautiful and healthy environment

3. Studies and survey

The following studies and surveys are taken up for plan preparation.

Identification of growth (physical, economic, social, cultural, institutional, administrative and political)
Identification of trend and direction of growth
Traffic survey
Study on demography
Climate

4. Analysis of data and preparation of study maps

The data obtained is analyzed – observations and conclusions have to be derived out of the studies and surveys.
The short-term objectives and long-term objectives are identified – various study maps, charts and graphs are
prepared.

5. Fore-casting

Period of demographic projection is prescribed. Forecasting of about migration, employment, industrialization

and other rapid urbanization possibilities are to be made.

6. Design

This is an important aspect in the planning process. Need to relate existing pattern, interactions and trends is
to be examined. Preparation of development plans, formulation of zones, alteration to the existing zoning
regulations, widening of roads etc. are made in detail here. Alternatives are also made for effective and quick
implementation of plan. The plan should also be able to cope with sudden and unexpected events. Possibility of
changing from one strategy to another should be designed at the same time keeping in view its practicability
and the total expenditure involved.

7. Fixation of priorities

Since all the proposals cannot be taken up at one time due to financial and administrative difficulties, priorities
should be fixed for taking up the implementation depending upon the importance and urgency.

8. Implementation

Implementation is the most important stage where all the earlier efforts to prepare plan is to be put into
practice to achieve the objectives. The authority, which takes up the implementation, is to fulfill all the required
legal obligations in time – zoning regulations, land acquisition for road widening and for other purposes is
taken-up.

9. Review, evaluation and feedback

The work of implementation has to be monitored by taking – up periodical inspections and obtaining review
reports. Feedback is essential periodically. The plan should be flexible for modifications depending upon the
necessities.

Types of Surveys

Surveys can broadly be divided into two categories depending on the area upon which they are to be conducted.
They are:

1. Regional Surveys

They are those surveys, which are done over a region dealing with physical factors like topography, physically
difficult land, geology, landscape etc. Physical economic factors like agricultural value of the land, mineral
resources and water gathering lands, areas with public services, transportation linkages etc. Social economic
factors like areas of influence of towns and villages, employment, population changes etc.

2. Town Surveys

They are done at much small scale and apart from the above data collected from the regional surveys it also
includes

Land use surveys

Density surveys
Surveys for the age and condition of the buildings
Traffic surveys

Other social surveys for conducting proper survey, primarily relevant enquiries should be framed in the form of
questionnaires for presentation, when required.

Techniques of Surveys

1. Self-surveys (i.e. mailing questionnaires to the persons to be surveyed)

2. Interviews (i.e. by asking questions to the people to be surveyed)

3. Direct inspection (i.e. when the surveyor himself inspects the situations concerned)

4. Observers participation (i.e. when the observer himself participate in acquiring the data

required)

Approaches to Planning

1. Comprehensive planning

The traditional four-step planning process - the identification of problems and issues; the establishment of
goals and objectives; data collection and analysis; and plan preparation and implementation.

2. Issue-oriented planning

Some communities do not get around to planning until a problem or a crisis has occurred. Issue-oriented
planning focuses attention on the problems and issues of greatest concern to a community at a particular
point in time. This is an “old-fashioned approach” to planning,

3. Functional planning

Functional planning is a slower version of comprehensive planning.

4. Strategic planning

Major emphasis should be placed on the selection and application of strategies to resolve identified issues and
attain desired goals. The principal steps in strategic planning are

Scan the environment and select key issues.

Formulate goals or missions for the key issues.
Analyze each issue, developing a list of community strengths and weaknesses.
 Develop strategies that are realistic and take into account those strengths and weaknesses.
Implement strategies using public and private resources.
Monitor and update the plan to ensure implementation.

5. Vision-based planning

Imagines what a community should look like in the future and then develops a plan to achieve that vision. This
visioning process is unique, but it is often included as an element of a variety of master plans. It is a positive
approach to planning and can be very inspiring.

6. Urban planning (urban, city, and town planning)

It is a technical and political process concerned with the control of the use of land and design of the urban
environment, including transportation networks, to guide and ensure the orderly development of settlements
and communities.

Elements of City/Town Planning

1. Communication & Transportation

2. Built up Area

3. Open space (Parks, Playgrounds, Recreational unit)

4. Public utility services (Electricity, Gas, Telephone, Fire safety)

5. Public amenities (Post office, Bank, Police, Solid waste disposal, Petrol pump, Court)

Urban Renewal and Re-development

Urban renewal in geography is the process of redeveloping areas with low property values in order to create
new infrastructure and increase tax revenue. Urban renewal takes place in areas urban planners and local
governments considered "slums" which may have lower-quality infrastructure or are experiencing urban decay.
Development can take the form of new businesses, residences, or amenities.
Figure 1: Concept of Urban Renewal is related to development of these parameters

Urban renewal is abroad term which is associated in developing each of the aspects as shown in Figure 1.
Culture is one of the most significant aspects in Indian cities. Culture shapes the activities of the city. With the
growing population, cultural activities need to be planned accordingly during urban renewal initiative. The
characteristics of cities in India are limited space with concentric dense population and non-agricultural
occupation of residents. Thus, improvement in urban fabric, enhancement of culture and traditions, improved
community and housing, employment and revenue, minimizing ecological impact and improving urban
environment are the most important goals of urban renewal.

Urban decay: the falling of a part of a city into disrepair. This is caused by factors such as depopulation, poverty,
and government neglect.

Causes of Urban Renewal

The causes of urban renewal projects are declining tax revenue, visually unappealing conditions, or poor urban
living conditions. The main goals of urban renewal are economic, social, and environmental revival.

Types of Urban Renewal

Different types of urban renewal projects have taken place depending on the site, method, and implementation.

1. Vacant Lot

Where vacant lots are available, infill development is possible. Infill means to repurpose the land as an
alternative to empty space and urban blight. Additionally, infill developments are part of urban sustainability in
that they promote greater densification and diversity in land use. Examples of vacant lots include undeveloped
land and parking lots, which don't require demolition and are easy to build on.

1. Unoccupied Buildings

Unoccupied buildings such as abandoned factories, ports, stores, or other utility parks are also targets for
redevelopment. Some are brownfields, developed areas that have been abandoned and are contaminated from
industry pollution or neglect, requiring clean-up and remediation. Before any buildings are torn down, the
structural soundness and historical importance are considered.

1. Occupied Buildings

Occupied buildings have also been the target for urban renewal projects. While some buildings appear
uninhabitable, they may still be occupied because their residents can't afford to live elsewhere. Still-sound
buildings located in areas considered dangerous or impoverished were targets for urban renewal. This is
because it was believed that replacing existing infrastructure would end crime and poverty.

Indian Government initiatives:

Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM):

Launched by the government of India under the Ministry of Urban development on 2005, this mission was
initially seven-year plan which was extended for two years until 2014. This mission focused on efficient urban
infrastructure, fast track planned development, infrastructure services and civic amenities. The sub-missions
of this initiative were Provision of Basic Services to Urban Poor (BSUP), Urban Infrastructure Development
Scheme for Small & Medium Towns (UIDSSMT), the schemes of Integrated Development of Small and Medium
Towns (IDSMT) and Accelerated Urban Water Supply Programme (AUWSP), Integrated Housing and Slum
Development Programme (IHSDP) by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation (MHUPA). The
objectives of the mission mainly focus only on infrastructural services, adequate funding and investment,
planned development, redevelopment, civic amenities and basic services. So far 10 projects were completed by
this mission. As per the literature and studying the government initiatives, during 2005 there was urbanization
and infrastructure as compared to present. There was more possibility of better planning and renewal of the old
core of major cities in India.

Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT):

After 2015, JNNURM was renamed as AMRUT by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi focusing to establish
infrastructure by ensuring adequate sewage networks and water supply for urban transformation by
implementing urban revival projects. The targets of the mission is to provide water supply and sewerage
connection to every household, increase in green amenities along with digital facilities at public spaces and
encouraging public transport to reduce pollution.

Smart Cities Mission:

The smart cities mission under the Ministry of Housing and urban Affairs targets 100 cities focusing on
economic growth and local area development; technology that leads to smart outcomes and enables better
quality life of people. Redevelopment initiative has been stated in the smart cities mission that engages in road
widening projects, pedestrian and bike development, public spaces at waterfront, high intensity mixed landuse
development nearby public transit stations and Greenfield development. Innovative technologies are
encouraged in city planning and improving efficiency of the streets and urban level. Greenfield development
deals with extended development and rising population demands.

Study and analysis of Urban Spaces

Urban Design is the process of organizing Physical elements of the urban environment to satisfy human
objectives (Social, Economic, and Physiological & Psychological).
Urban design involves the arrangement and design of buildings, public spaces, transport systems, services,
and amenities.
Urban design is the process of giving form, shape, and character to groups of buildings, to whole
neighbourhoods, and the city.
It is a framework that orders the elements into a network of streets, squares, and blocks.
Urban design blends architecture, landscape architecture, and city planning together to make urban areas
functional and attractive.
 Urban design is about making connections between people and places, movement and urban form, nature
and the built fabric

Urban design draws together the many strands of place-making, environmental stewardship, social equity and
economic viability into the creation of places with distinct beauty and identity. Urban design is derived from but
transcends planning and transportation policy, architectural design, development economics, engineering and
landscape. It draws these and other strands together creating a vision for an area and then deploying the
resources and skills needed to bring the vision to life.

Components of Urban Design:

Buildings: are the most pronounced elements of urban design - they shape and articulate space forming the
street walls of the city. Well-designed buildings and groups of buildings work together to create a sense of
place.

Public Space: is the place where people come together to enjoy the city and each other. Great public spaces are
the living room of the city-the place where people come together to enjoy the city and each other. Public spaces
make high quality life in the city possible -they form the stage and backdrop to the drama of life. Public spaces
range from grand central plazas and squares, to small, local neighbourhood parks.

Streets: are the connections between spaces and places, as well as being spaces themselves. They are defined
by their physical dimension and character as well as the size, scale, and character of the buildings that line
them. Streets range from grand avenues to small, intimate pedestrian streets. The pattern of the street
network is part of what defines a city and what makes each city unique.

Transport: Transport systems connect the parts of cities and help shape them, and enable movement
throughout the city. They include road, rail, bicycle, and pedestrian networks, and together form the total
movement system of a city. The balance of these various transport systems is what helps define the quality and
character of cities, and makes them either friendly or hostile to pedestrians. The best cities are the ones that
elevate the experience of the pedestrian while minimizing the dominance of the private automobile.

Landscape: is the green part of the city that weaves throughout. It appears in form of urban parks, street trees,
plants, flowers, and water in many forms. The landscape helps define the character and beauty of a city and
creates soft, contrasting spaces and elements. Green spaces in cities range from grand parks such as Central
Park in New York City and the Washington DC Mall, to small intimate pocket parks

Various Aspects And Approaches Of Urban Design

Visual - aesthetic
Appearance
Townscape
Public Perception
 Social usage of Public Realm
Environmental- sustainability, energy/ resource optimization, waste minimization
Holistic- functional, social, psychological, environmental

Urban Design: Objectives

Character- a place with its own identity. A recognisable image can identify a city or neighbourhood to its
residents or visitors. This image can include historic buildings, village precincts, and buildings with a distinct
architecture, public art and public spaces to name a few.

Continuity & Enclosure - a place where public & private space are clearly distinguished. A continuous built form
street frontage is needed throughout an area of the city or neighbourhood to allow users to easily understand
where they are, directions to where they need to go and the purpose of the street (ie is the street a village main
street or is it a residential arterial).

Quality of the Public Realm - a place with attractive & successful outdoor areas. The public realm is one of the
most important components of any city or neighbourhood. As such, the built form and streetscape treatments
should provide an attractive, safe and comfortable pedestrian environment, while maintaining the overall visual
cohesiveness of the area

Ease of movement – a place that is easy to get to & move through. Older neighbourhoods within cities are
usually configured for maximum convenience as the area has high connectivity and it is a place for pedestrians.
A compact urban form, legible urban structure (i.e. grid network of streets), short blocks, pedestrian priority
and a built form that is transit and pedestrian oriented ensures an area has maximum convenience for
movement.

Legibility – a place that has a clear image & is easy to understand. A clear and simple development pattern
within a city and neighbourhood enables residents and visitors to understand how an area is organised and to
make their way around. This type of development pattern is generally delivered through a grid or modified grid
network of streets.

Adaptability – a place that can change easily. Cities and neighbourhoods are constantly changing. The
successes of these places are directly related to the ability of the form and pattern of development to adapt
over time to changing social, technological and economic conditions.

Diversity – a place with variety & choice. Successful neighbourhoods within a city provide for diversity and
choice through a mix of compatible housing and building types and land uses. Through these measures
residents of a neighbourhood have the opportunity to age in place; going through all of their various lifecycles
without having to leave their original neighbourhood and breaking the social networks they have formed.

Urban Design: Function

Analytical function: provides survey and identification of visual and other human sensory qualities,
development qualities, functional qualities, opportunities and limitations of a particular urban place.
An explicit articulation of design objectives, design evaluation criteria.
Generation of alternative concepts for future development as well as full illustrative images of desirable
and possible consequences.
Development of standards, incentives, policies, control techniques and priority programs to achieve the
qualitative values proposal.
Provisions for verbal statements, illustrative graphics and communication media capable of engaging all
levels of community and choice of options of future form.
 Integration of all elements of planning process, continuous revision possibilities to adapt to urban growth
variables.

Urban Design: Scope

Applicability of Urban Design can be classified according to elements of physical design like residential areas,
neighbourhood planning, circulation system, river front development. Outcome of Urban Design project may be
a completed project with detail design of building or it can be a framework for overall growth conceived as self-
adjusting and continuously changing process.

People Centric Designs

People-centered design is a practice where designers focus on specific people’s needs, taking the time to learn
from particular populations. “People-centered” is a human-centered design principle. Designers can co-create
proper solutions when they live among their target groups, tap their insights and find real issues.

We never see a city as an alone entity, it's through people and their attitude towards using spaces, cultural
practices, social interactions that creates an image in our mind about the city. For instance, if we visit cities like
Jaipur, Udaipur, etc. the cacophony of ethnic crowds, their language, vibrant dye costumes, the pink - yellow
sandstone monumental and ornate structures gives a treat to one's eyes in creating a notion of a vibrant city.
We can never imagine a city without its people.
When every designer considers people, their aspirations and needs in creating a socio-culturally responsive
built environment, the city lives to its fullest potential. Kim Morgan and Martha Radice express through their
sensory workshop that "Sensing the City through Touch and Taste builds a relationship between human and
urban spaces that unfolds the activities, meanings and social relations in them". Representing people's
cognitive expressions, behavioral and sensorial patterns in urban spaces offers city uniqueness, identity and a
sense of 'place'.

Human-centered design places the user as the top priority, leading to the creation of a practical design that
people can easily and effectively use. By fostering a genuine feeling of empathy for the folks you are creating
for, you will be able to produce unique ideas that may significantly influence and improve their lives. By
establishing a strong rapport with people, you can efficiently oversee and adjust to their changing
requirements. People first Buildings, infrastructure, spaces, and amenities should be accessible and
uncomplicated. They should be designed for the end-user, enabling seamless shifts between different
functions and activities.

"A growing number of cities are taking a 'human-centric' approach to urban planning and central to that
strategy is making a city pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly - Jan Gehl and Birgitte Bundesen Svarre.”

In Indian context, where the footprints of every builtform is densely spaced, social and domestic experiences
are expressed in spaces like otla, nukkad, chowk, Maidan, bazaars, etc. that become a part of everyday routine
and urban form. The life in these spaces demonstrate the domestic ecosystem - ladies dressed in sarees
sharing their daily chores narratives in local language with the vendors crossing by on otla (verandah) with the
exchange of social and economic exchange in one single location. These traditional ways of socializing were able
to read the city as a vibrant and unique 'sense of place'. These spaces were an inherent quality of Indian cities. In
today’s era, these social spaces are hampered due to immense urbanization stress and redevelopment
regulations where built form is looked as a ‘real estate’ land resource rather than a social opportunity.
Moreover, newer planning paradigms lack strategy provisions for bridging the gap between socio-cultural and
economic exchanges within the same place making spaces look banal, dead and isolated. Hence the 'people-
centric' approach which was an inherent quality of our Indian cities is relooked and aimed at democratizing
planning approaches - by the people, for the people and of the people.

Procedure of People Centered Design:

1. Concentrate on user requirements and activities

2. Identify and Tackle the Correct Issue

3. Iteration and Experimentation on Design

4. Consider everything in perspective of the System