Revitalising Urban Core: Challenges, Opportunities, and Planning Strategies for Sustainable City Development

Revitalising Urban Core: Challenges, Opportunities, and Planning Strategies for Sustainable City Development

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  Revitalisng Urban Core– Challenges and Opportunities Jit Kumar Gupta Former Advisor, Town Planning, PUDA
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  Introduction to Cities- Role,Relevance and Importance
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  Cities- Introduction-UN Habitat Stateof World’s Cities 2008/2009- Harmonious Cities, defines -- Cities contain both order and chaos. In them reside beauty and ugliness--virtue and vice. They can bring out best or worst in human kind. They are physical manifestation of history and culture They are incubators of innovations, industry, technology, entrepreneurship and creativity. Cities are materialization of humanity’s noblest ideas, ambitions and aspirations, but when not planned or governed properly, can be repository of society’s ills. Cities drive national economies by creating wealth, enhancing social development and providing employment but they can also be breeding grounds for poverty, exclusion and environmental degradation..
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  Cities- Introduction Cities -havebeen part of human history. Cities- known to command power and authority .Cities- known for both -- positivity and negativities Cities –also known for their dualities and contradictions Cities -- known to be areas of concentration of population, vehicles, institutions, activities, infrastructures, services, healthcare, education Cities -- known to be Engines of economic growth-70% Cities – generate employment , wealth and prosperity, Cities – also known for their negativities, Cities – where rich and poor rub shoulders- Cities – consumers of large resources/energy/ land Consuming 60% global energy , generating 70% waste – Cities responsible for
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  • Cities- Introduction Urban arearemain important; because they are : Areas of concentration of future population, employment & investment. Housing major infrastructure & services. Promoters of higher order of productivity Cities called-Hub around which entire national economy gravitates. Globally Recognized as -Major contributors to national wealth/GDP 1950-51 - 29% (level of urbanization - 17.29%) 1970-71- 37% (level of urbanization - 19.91%) 1990-91- 50% (level of urbanization - 25.72%) 2001-02- 60% (level of urbanization - 27.78%) 2011- 12- 65% (level of urbanization - 31.1%) 10 Largest cities house 8%pop and produce 15%GDP 53 Metro cities house 13 %pop and produce 33%GDP 100 Largest cities house 16%pop and produce 43%GDP
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  Cities- Introduction Looking Historically-Cities grow /expand at undefined speed Growth of cities is always layered – Each layer has distinct character role, relevance & importance in planning, development ,management of city Each layer has distinct quality, characteristic pattern of Living, Working, travel, doing business, clearly demonstrated by physical, social. economic, cultural ,structural elements, built environment For promoting planned, orderly and rational development - always valuable will be – to study, analyze , understand different urban layers in general and inner layer in particular
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  City Core/Walled City- Definitionsand Characteristics .
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  Walled Cities/Core City Walled/Urban Core –remain different and distinct No two cores are similar Urban Cores have its typical character , culture, structure, Based on which ;Walled city /Core areas Based on these peculiarities , they offer numerous Development challenges & Innovative planning opportunities
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  Walled City/Urban Core 1.A core/ walled city is the historical and central part of a city that is fully enclosed by defensive walls, serving as the original urban settlement with cultural, administrative, and economic significance. 2. A walled city refers to the central urban zone historically surrounded by continuous walls that defined the city’s boundaries, controlled access and protected inhabitants. – -- wall were not merely military structures; -- they shaped daily life, including housing, markets, religious sites, and administrative buildings, creating a self-contained urban system where streets, public spaces, and institutions developed within the enclosure. Residents lived permanently inside, and the area functioned as a hub of social, economic, and cultural activity.
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  Walled Cities/Core City-Characteristics- ShowcasingOrigin of settlement, - Marked by historicity and Centrality Having Well defined Boundaries-- physical features/walls Approached by Controlled access. - Forming Heart & soul of City - defining Physical, social, economic, cultural Physical features Introvert planning, high density/intensity -growth & development- Self-Contained in day –to-day living/ having well defined urban system marked by - distinct cultural, administrative & economic identity/significance hub of trade & commerce -shaping daily life, housing valuable heritage –tangible & non-tangible –marked by narrow roads/streets
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  Amritsar Walled City
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  Amritsar Walled City
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  Ahmedabad Walled City
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  Walled City –Delhi- Shahjahanabad
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  Walled City- Jaipur
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  Jaipur - MasterPlan
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  Core- City Positivities andChallenges
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  Walled City/Urban Core-Positivities; RemainValuable- Historically& Culturally Function as Heart and soul of city Operates as Nerve Centre of the city, Gives a distinct character & identity to city, Operate as Hub of trade & commerce- Makes large contribution to urban economy, House large volume of heritage, Generate large proportion of employment, Ensure Self-sufficiency in day to day living, promoting proximity of living & working- Mixed land use providing easy access to basic amenities of life , Marked by Social Vibrancy, attracting large number of tourists,
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  Walled City- Challenges -House large population, known for high density & congestion, overcrowding of people on land& overcrowding of buildings on land, marked by narrow roads, large scale unplanned sub-division of land, Having high degree of obsolesce -Incompatible land-uses large scale reconstruction of buildings, high land values, large scale commercialization of buildings/land, increased urbanisation, limited holding capacity,
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  Walled City- Challenges lackof open spaces, large conversion of land uses, absence of adequately trained manpower & resources , capacity , capability lack of will on part of ULBs, local communities & elected representatives --to mange core areas, Inadequate infrastructures- quantitively and qualitatively; Aging infrastructures. Increasing conflicts between heritage identification, conservation , building bye-laws, development controls
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  Walled Cities-Challenges; , largescale encroachment on public land/buildings Changing Travel modes ; Ever -increasing traffic congestion Irrational Widening of access/internal roads Creating large Parking Spaces Encroaching Public land Marginalizing Art, Architecture, Heritage Absence of well- defined /dedicated policy for protecting core areas, Marginalisation of Local communities
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  Revitalising Core- City Strategies TransformWalled Cities into Active Living Areas Rather than Freezing them- UNESCO
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  Walled Cities- PlanningStrategies-Layering Looking at pattern of urban growth / development Cities remain dissected into different layers- Each layer remaining different, distinct & unique Having distinct positivity and negativities For rational planning- Each layer must be considered differently /distinctly based on- - origin, growth, physical, social. economic, cultural, structural qualities of cities & existing typology of built environment - depending upon its distinct character, specific issues, challenges and opportunities For preserving unique identity /Character of city – Core areas with unique identity remain valuable for cities to make them more productive, sustainable, livable , inclusive For rational planning- Urban Core/walled city- needs to be classified as special area / Zone Urban Core, must be planned, wih care /Caution
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  Walled Cities- PlanningStrategies -SWOT Considering complexity and uniqueness of Cities Urban cores need detailed mapping, study, documentation and analysis of physical, social, economic structure Besides carrying out detailed SWOT analysis Detailed studies and analysis – would helps in identifying -- existing positivities and negativities, -prevailing dualities and contradiction Understanding urban form, physical, social, economic structure, culture , social fabrics , identity, demography, infrastructures, services
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  Strategies- Preparing DevelopmentPlan Based on detailed studies made& analysis carried out& -supported by dedicated planning & development strategies; - a Development plan for Urban core should be prepared -Focusing on maintaining ,preserving , conserving &making value addition to unique /basic character of city addressing prevailing challenges -optimizing opportunities Leveraging Positivities- Overcoming Negativities– -- - Making /Empowering Urban core- socially, economically , environmentally more vibrant Avoiding any attempt to --freeze the city
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  Planning Strategies –ConservativeSurgery Considering long time span of existence Cities invariably -face dereliction/decay/unplanned development marginalization of areas/structures Identifying derelict area and redefining development - Opting for Conservative Surgery --remains best option for eliminating derelict /decayed area Eliminate unplanned/unauthorized sub-division of land Regulating new construction Avoiding conflicts between new and old Integrating old & new construction -- Retaining valuable elements in development based on Involving local communities
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  Walled Cities- PlanningStrategies-Valuing Heritage -Urban Core are known for heritage – tangible and intangible Urban Core known for heritage values of built environment Development Strategy for Urban core must be built on - identifying, Preserving, Conserving, Promoting, Enhancing Heritage -- Making Value addition to; --religious, cultural, commercial ambiance - improving quality of life &productivity of urban core --Promoting adaptive Reuse of heritage Buildings -Avoiding freezing of buildings - Promoting Heritage based Tourism, industry, involving local communities -Organising Heritage Walks--Carefully defining heritage Regulations, Building bye- Laws & Development Controls
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  Walled Cities- PlanningStrategies –Traffic Promote Urban core planning -focusing on people- not vehicles promoting accessibility -not mobility Minimize vehicular traffic Promote Pedestrianization Keeping traffic on fringe of urban core Maintaining existing pedestrian character Avoiding widening roads, Minimizing induction of vehicles, Minimizing parking Converting roads into streets Converting parking into green spaces Adding landscape of public spaces & increasing sitting space
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  Planning Strategies –ValuingUrban Design Core cities valued for ; housing vibrant public spaces, distinct landmarks , iconic buildings , well designed gateways, baolis, stepwells, bazaars, Religious /cultural spaces, well defined pathways, nodes, edges , signages , art, architecture- giving clear imageability & identity to city, communities, spaces and places Forming part of everyday living of local community Development Strategy of urban core- must involve & revolve around Preserving, conserving & making value addition to these places , objects &spaces
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  Revitalisng Urban Core-Case studies- Amritsar Delhi Ahmedabad
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  Amritsar Walled Cities-Planning Strategies Occupied merely 2.5% area , holding 16% of population of city. Having unique quality of growth/ development. -- major cultural and religious landmarks. hub of trade , commerce Heart , soul of city-‘ of Amritsar City. Housing— Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh, Katras, Bungas, Haveli, narrow streets , specialized markets, Marked with high degree of congestion- facing acute problem of traffic & Transportation City opted for Widening approach roads to GT/JB Constructed Multi-storeyed parking Faced Large scale sub-division of land Large scale demolition of historic buildings
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  Amritsar Walled Cities-Planning Strategies Master Plan Amritsar 2025 proposed -Declaring walled city - Special Area with planning/ Development based on- Preserving, enhancing basic character of Walled City Promoting quality of life improving, upgrading ,providing adequate infrastructure and services. Undertaking selective de-congestion of walled city shifting wholesale /bulk material markets to identified planned areas outside the Walled City eliminating s unauthorized sub-division of land & change of land use Promoting revitalization -- by opting conservative surgery. Framing detailed “Urban Design Guidelines” for promoting and enhancing quality of urban spaces& Heritage Buildings”
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  • Walled Cities Amritsar- Planning Strategies also suggested metalled roads replaced by pavements for pedestrianization to restore old aura —supplemented by large scale landscaping - making overhead wires underground . - Closely multi-storeyed, parking - for minimizing damage to Golden Temple -due to carbon emissions generated by vehicles - Converting Existing Parking into open spaces Creating parking outside twelve gates -- vehicular traffic allowed on circular road. Adding Appropriate designed Signages, Replacing hoardings , advertisement to minimize visual pollution. Giving facelift by reshaping facades involving eminent urban designers. Making urban core tourism hub by- encouraging people to offer bed and breakfast facilities -help tourists- to stay longer ;enjoy Amritsary food, understand , appreciate Amritsar living , warmth of Punjabi hospitality.
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  Walled Cities- PlanningStrategies Delhi -Shahjahanabad (Walled City). 1. Increased commercialization- with improved accessibility due to MRTS. 2.Regulating / shifting-- noxious / hazardous- wholesale trades/ industrial activity 3. Conserving heritage value while retaining residential character. 4. Redeveloping katras on priority 5. Redefining building control regulations- based on : i. Tradable FAR.- for Area surrendered for public facilities heritage value - ii . Restructuring Street pattern: with linkages from metro stations; prioritizing road widening - dictated by fire/ other disaster management; iii Streets 30m to 50m lengths-min.width 3m ;Streets > 50m length --min width 4.5m 4.CreatingCommon facilities linked to pedestrian roads / metro stations. 5 . Preparing Integrated Redevelopment Scheme; with higher FAR -subject to heritage controls, parking, facilitating emergency vehicles, basic service
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  Walled Cities/Core City-Ahmedabad UrbanCore /walled City - represents oldest part of city, retaining its historic identity -including twelve medieval gates and several self-contained neighborhoods called pols, providing security, community living, and shared resources. Urban Core-host heritage buildings, temples, mosques’ , civic institutions, reflecting centuries of urban continuity. core walled city form heart of a city’s historical & cultural heritage, defined by its enclosing walls, dense urban fabric, performing multifunctional role in administration, commerce, and community life. Remains a living part of city, balancing preservation with modern urban needs --
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  Walled Cities- Ahmedabad 1.Creatingdedicated Regulations for heritage city - designed to protect/ preserve city's rich cultural / historical legacy. Ensuring heritage city remains a vibrant / culturally rich place for future generations. 2. Dividing City into heritage values- based on protected structures/ buildings that must be conserved. 3. Specifying permissible uses , conservation measures for these areas. 4. Levying Impact Fees: used for clearing illegal works in heritage homes after consulting, Heritage Department / Heritage Conservation Committee. 5. Preparing Cultural Heritage Management Plan (CHMP): defining policies, legal / regulatory frameworks, baseline data, planning / design based on city's cultural heritage. 6. Granting Heritage Transfer Development Rights (HTDR): for supporting conservation of privately owned properties within old city of Ahmedabad--
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  Revitalising Core- Conclusions
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  • Conclusions-Walled Cities- PlanningStrategies -Need Accurate mapping of core area documenting physical, social, economic structures -Carrying out a Swot Analysis Declaring core area a special planning, economic ,social zone of city -prepare a dedicated Master Plan- based on urban design/heritage/landscaping Avoid inducting vehicular traffic within walled city -confining traffic on periphery - Avoid widening roads-Promote Predestination -Minimise overcrowding and congestion- Create more open spaces -Convert roads into streets & parking spaces into green spaces -Use landscaping for bringing greenery and making value addition to public spaces -Identify Heritage – natural/manmade and protect heritage -Use Conservative Surgery optionto revitalize core city -Remove obsolesce by removing dilapidated buildings/structure -Eliminate unplanned/unauthorized Change of land use/sub-division of land -Minimise change in building footprints /height/vocabulary
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  • Conclusion--Walled Cities- PlanningStrategies -Minimise land speculation -Minimise change in building footprints /height/vocabulary - Improve basic infrastructures /services/amenities -Redefine building bye-laws and development Controls -Don't freeze city- permit adaptable use of buildings -Create a dedicated policy, dedicated cell & dedicated agency within Ulbs/Development Authority -with adequate power /resources- for managing core areas - Involving Communities - Promoting Tourism - Displaying Signages -Involving social media- showcasing walled city Holding exhibitions/dedicated festivals to celebrate history, culture of city -Involving educational Institutions Incentivise innovations and innovators- making value addition to core city