The Role of Architecture in Sustainable Urban Development
1. The Role of Architecture in Sustainable
Urban Development | Dezine
Innovation
One of the most crucial roles that landscape architecture plays in achieving sustainable
urban development is the integration of ecological principles and environmentally conscious
design
2. methodologies into urban planning and development initiatives. This field includes planning,
creating, and administrating outdoor places like parks, plazas, streetscapes, and green infrastructure
before discussing the role of architecture in sustainable urban development. Let's know
about sustainable urban development in India.
Sustainable urban development in India
In discussions and scholarly studies, an essential but contentious subject frequently appears in many
ways. Would one want to live or start a business in a city without pedestrian walkways, poor
air quality, parks without running water, rooftop rainwater harvesting systems without recharge pits,
or supply networks with tainted drinking water and no treatment facilities? These issues
necessitate special consideration, along with numerous others.
Developing nations like India are in a much more hazardous condition. Despite numerous efforts,
there are still 1.96 million urban homes in India with arsenic and fluoride-contaminated water. The
nation is listed among the top five most polluted nations regarding PM2.5, even though just 54% of
the urban population has access to better sanitation.
Architectural Measures that can be taken to promote
sustainable urban development
3. Future city planning must prioritize the responsible creation and use of the sustainable pillars of the
circular economy framework for resources, such as decreasing, recycling, and reusing waste
products, in addition to emphasizing green design. Water extraction and indiscriminate usage could
be reduced by charging for private water pumps in accordance with their capacity and establishing
separate water supply networks with routine treatment for drinking and non-drinking applications.
Both rainwater collection and reusing sewage system water should be given equal priority
and attention. In addition to bio roofs and green pavements, rainwater collecting should also
include conventional rooftop rainwater gathering systems. In order to address the four main
aspects of urban sustainability—filtering and recharging groundwater aquifers, reducing water
in drainage systems, reducing the heat island effect, and aiding in carbon sequestration—roofs could
be greened with grasses and plants, solar panels, and pedestrian crossings made of grasses and
porous tiles. Solar panels can also be used to cover the walls of buildings by attaching them to their
exteriors.
The sewage water collected from the buildings must be treated at facilities, and the cleaned water
needs to be used for things other than drinking. These non-drinking reasons include
supplying sanitary requirements for home, commercial, and industrial facilities and building projects.
A well- managed, well-organized, and adequately supervised water delivery mechanism and treatment
system are prerequisites. Additionally, it is only reasonable for customers to pay a portion of
the maintenance costs for their facilities. To encourage more economical use of this limited resource,
it is crucial to examine the feasibility of establishing variable pricing schemes based on the
kind of water usage. In conclusion, this should be backed up by initiatives designed to raise
awareness and a reliable feedback system. In this regard, the significance of programs designed
to promote green construction and provide incentives cannot be emphasized.
Some of the ways architecture can contribute to the
development of sustainable cities are as follows:
Renewable Energy
By creating structures like solar canopies and wind turbines that blend in smoothly with the urban
fabric, architects in Delhi can significantly contribute to promoting renewable Energy and
reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Green Infrastructure
A storm water management method, "green infrastructure", uses natural systems to collect, store,
and filter runoff. This plan is additionally referred to as "green infrastructure." By creating
and implementing green infrastructure systems, architects may help decrease the amount of toxic
runoff that reaches our rivers. Green roofs, rain gardens and bios wales are a few examples
of these systems. Green infrastructure, which can offer shade and cool the air through
evaporation and
4. transpiration, can also help to lessen the urban heat island effect. Using green infrastructure systems
like green roofs, rain gardens, and bios wales, architects can manage storm water runoff, lessen the
impact of urban heat islands, and enhance air quality. Another sort of green infrastructure system is a
green roof. These systems can boost an area's biodiversity and serve as a habitat for diverse
animals.
Urban Agriculture
Farming in the City Urban agricultural systems, such as community gardens and urban farms, can
provide fresh produce, reduce the distance food must travel, and improve food security. Architects
can design these systems. Farming in the City Urban agriculture can lessen the occurrence of food
insecurity in these situations by providing residents with recently gathered food. Urban agriculture
can benefit the environment in several ways, including lowering the urban heat island effect,
enhancing air quality, and promoting biodiversity.
Sustainable Transportation
Best architects in Delhi create streetscapes that prioritize bicycles and pedestrians
above automotive traffic to encourage sustainable mobility. Wide sidewalks, protected bike
lanes, and traffic-slowing techniques are possible additions. By making cycling and walking
easier and safer, architects can help reduce reliance on cars and promote active transportation.
Cultural and Social Sustainability:
Architects can create public spaces that support social and cultural sustainability. To do this,
promote community involvement, create inclusive and accessible spaces, and safeguard
cultural heritage. Sustainable architecture can include cultural and Social Aspects of Sustainability in
Public areas from a social and cultural perspective. This could entail building places welcoming to
people of all ages, skill levels, and demographics and accessible and inclusive. Another way that
architects can help to preserve cultural heritage is by creating public spaces that respect local history
and culture.
Conclusion
Architecture can contribute a lot in promoting sustainable urban development. The above
listed ways will help you in making sure that the coming years will be dedicated to urban
development but in a manner that is best for all. The simplified measure if implemented on
time can help people today and the upcoming generations too.
5. Contact Us
Name – Dezine Innovation
Address - A-298 Second Floor, Prashant Vihar, Rohini Sector-14, New Delhi – 110085
Phone - 9811688608