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Indigo Tower: Bio Purification Tower
22 August 2010 2:23 AM | No Comments -
Contextual Tall Buildings in India
30 July 2010 5:30 AM | No Comments -
Empowering and Making the city authorities accountable is key
28 July 2010 6:59 AM | No Comments -
Public: The Forgotten Realm
11 July 2010 4:43 AM | No Comments -
Skylines
05 July 2010 5:25 AM | No Comments -
Mumbai Musings
30 June 2010 5:40 AM | No Comments -
Chasing the Vertical Dimension
12 June 2010 1:33 PM | 4 Comments -
Eco City Ideas: Hydroponics, the urban face of Agriculture 2.0
01 June 2010 6:21 AM | No Comments
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The Urban Vision : Capture the BIG Picture
Name: Prathima
Bio: Prathima Manohar is the Founder & President of the Urbanism think tank “The Urban Vision” which was instituted to inspire next generation urbanization. The Urban Vision focuses on solutions driven research ; advocates best practices in policy and design; facilitates public dialogue on policy choices. Prathima is an architect, critic, writer and a TV Journalist. She has been a contributing columnist on architecture, urban development and design with India’s Leading News daily – The Times of India. She has also worked in the Television media and has been a correspondent with France24 - a 24 hour global TV news channel and TF1 where she did news reports and several documentaries on Indian economy, Developmental and Cultural issues. She has also written for the opinion pages of the International Herald Tribune , The Wall Street Journal and has reviewed for the Architecture Record. She has authored a monograph on the works of one of India's leading architects. She has previously consulted on urban design & urban policy related subjects with architecture and large development firms. She is among the 40 Global Honourees of 2009 in CONSIUSA’s “Young Leaders Program” which is a group of emerging leaders under the age of 40, who have distinguished themselves and have demonstrated leadership qualities and potential in various careers (e.g. business, government, academia, media) . Prathima holds a bachelors degree in Architecture
Posts by Prathima Manohar:
Empowering and Making the city authorities accountable is key
July 28th, 2010I am posting excerpts of the interview I did with Alain Bertaid.
Alain Bertaud is an urban planner with over 30 years experience and has worked in America, Europe, and Asia. After retiring from the World Bank as a Principal Urban Planner, he has been working as a consultant for the World Bank and other private organizations. Over his 20 years of service with the World Bank, he participated in the design and appraisal of large urban infrastructure and housing projects. His most recent work involves advising municipalities in land use and land regulatory issues in relation to land markets.
What are the fundamental mistakes we have made while building our
cities?
A weak municipal corporation with little taxable power has translated to a substandard infrastructure. The lack of modern infrastructure in Indian cities is not due to lack of resources but because of a weak municipal administration. One of the main problems is absence of strong mayors with a term long enough to carry through a project. Also, too many cities are dependent on the state legislature for decisions concerning their regulations and I believe it is critical for these decisions to be made at a local level. We also see layers of absurd regulations which have accumulated over the years that have never been repelled although everybody admits these regulations have never met their objectives. The Urban Land Ceiling Act is one good example of this tendency.
Another inclination of keeping the FSI low in the centre of the city to prevent congestion has been negative seeing that it creates shortage of floor space where it is the most needed. As a result, today middle class Indians have to live in much smaller and uncomfortable dwellings than they would if the regulations on FSI were changed. The lack of investment in infrastructure has often been a pretext to justify a low FSI. But it is important to realise that development creates an economy to fund infrastructure.
2. What are the critical problems that have confronted Indian urban development? What can be done about it now?
In summary, it would be an inefficient and often unaccountable administration that has prevented for over 50 years an otherwise dynamic and enterprising private sector from building the modern cities that would be expected in an enterprising country like India.
Some of the steps to create better cities are by empowering and making the city authorities accountable. Ideally, cities should be able elect mayors for at least 2 terms of 4 years with wide powers. An elected city council should have wide taxation and spending power and regulatory power for land use. India should also review all the obsolete regulations and repeal the ones which have no clear objectives or have failed. It is important to make major investments in infrastructure with possibly transfer of capital from the centre and the possibility for cities to issue bonds to finance their infrastructure. Bonds can be guaranteed by tolls and taxes established by the new mayor and city council.
3. How would you define an ideal city?
My idea of ideal is pretty down to earth. It is a city where a very large number of people can move about back and forth with the maximum comfort and minimum friction. A city where, in each and every home – the water flows when you open a tap or light turns on when you push the switch. I envisage a city where the poor can find modest shelter on their own without government intervention, in many areas of the city, with basic services like water electricity, sewer, health and education. It would be a city where business wants to locate because the regulations are clear, decisions can be taken rapidly, and because there is a large educated manpower eager to work.
4. What are your thoughts on urbanization in Bangalore?
In Bangalore the dynamic private sector selected the only viable short term solution to be able to operate efficiently: to create high tech “campuses” in the periphery of the city, which are in fact large privately, run gated communities completely independent from the municipal corporation. While it was the best solution to get the IT industry developing rapidly it has not been good for the spatial structure of city of Bangalore itself, as it has created a polycentric city with some glamorous suburbs but a continually decaying inner core.
5. What are your thoughts on high density development?
High densities and high FSI are necessary for Indian cities to be able to maintain an efficient network of public transport. If urban transport has to rely on 2 or 3 wheelers or private cars the amount of pollution and congestion due to transport will be unbearable.
6. What are your thoughts on the transportation needs for our cities today?
On a macro level, to make urban transport work, it is necessary to revise the regulations which are distorting the urban structure of Indian cities. It is important to invest in rehabilitating the historical core of cities. The city can then handle the congestion through investment in public transport. One needs to push a high FSI in the centre and a low one in the suburbs (the opposite of what is happening now). Metro is not necessarily the best solution; dedicated bus ways can be a more efficient strategy in some cases. In Bangalore, unless the city centre is rehabilitated (through higher FSI) public transport will never work. The IT campuses are dispersing employment in the suburbs. And for suburb to suburb trips road travel is more efficient than public transport.
Skylines
July 5th, 2010Skylines
The essence of an era or culture is often captured by the human imagination concisely in the form of architecture. As a century progresses, architecture increasing carries the burden of cultural expectation as a potent symbol of place – be it a neighbourhood, city or even a whole country to the future world. Here is a look at urban skylines of the century that distinctly portrays the technologic prowess; capitalistic and social values of the modern world.
New York, USA
photo credit: S J Pinkney
New York City has come to become the one of grandest and the most recognizable symbols of the new world order. Its skyline is made out of a number of distinct skyscrapers with a variety of architectural styles in extremely dense clusters. Surrounded mostly by water, New York’s urban density and extremely high real estate values hold the record of having a set of 44 skyscrapers within the span of just 200 meters- the highest in the world. The Manhattan skyline is the famous for the now destroyed World Trade Center Towers, the Empire State building, The Chrysler building , Rockefeller Center, the Statue of Liberty and the United Nations Tower. The proposed “Freedom Tower” (to be built on the old site of the World Trade Centers) with its revolutionary design concept is set to rewrite and add to the history books of contemporary world.
Shanghai, China
photo credit: nicolasrollier
The emerging economic powerhouse of the world illustrates the transfer of influence from west to the east. The Chinese city has become a play ground of the big name star architects of the world, ensuring that the city is at the forefront of progressive architecture and innovation. Its skyline is especially distinctive because of the Pearl TV Tower which seems like a Skyrocket topped with giant ball or perhaps a Space needle with satellite dish.
London, UK
photo credit: garryknight
London city has a fantastic mix of the old and the new. The lofty dome of St. Paul’s Cathedral, the giant chimney of the Tate Modern and the reconstruction of Shakespeare’s quaint Globe Theatre and The British Museum are some major highlights. London’s fundamental low-rise nature makes skyscrapers like One Canada Square and its neighbours at Canary Wharf and the BT Tower seem very prominent. The Millennium Bridge, the striking Millennium Dome next to the Thames ,the Swiss Re Headquarters are the newer landmarks has reinvented part of the London skyline.
Tokyo, Japan
photo credit: -ratamahatta-
The world most populated city has the eminence of being home to some 15 structures that are over 200 meters tall. Due to the incredible density and vast size of the city, every bend seems to have its individual skyline. The city’s height restrictions and the required red lights that flash atop all mid to tall-sized buildings make the city look spectacular at night. One of the city’s most famous landmarks is the Tokyo Tower which changes colors every night
Chicago ,USA
The origins of the modern skyscraper can be traced back to Chicago. The first skyscraper ever built was created here in the late 1880’s. Chicago has 17 buildings over 200 meters tall. The windy city also has some of the finest mid-century architecture and examples of modern skyscrapers including the likes of Sears Tower, the Aon Center, and the John Hancock Center.
Hong Kong, China
photo credit: Michael Malz
Hong Kong has whopping 39 buildings over 200 meters tall. It also boasts four of the 15 tallest buildings in the world. The city has a stunning set of spiralling skyscrapers in an assortment of revolutionary architecture. The mountain backdrop makes its skyline more awe inspiring.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
The city’s patrons commission some of the most flamboyant modern architecture in the world. The Dubai skyline boasts of the world’s tallest all-hotel building and the tallest all-residential building in the world. Burj Khalifa , the tallest building in the world is the magnificent centerpiece of Downtown Dubai
Sydney, Australia
The city’s world-famous harbour is adorned with the monumental Harbour Bridge, and the iconic Opera House. It has hundreds of skyscrapers (including has 8 buildings over 200 meters tall) in the central business district and many more high-rise buildings in the outlying neighbourhoods.
Singapore
Singapore has one the most meticulously planned urban forms. Its regular building height and space pattern makes this skyline unique seeming almost artificial. The buildings are mostly light-coloured and there is a large expanse of greenery dotted around the city core.
Toronto, Canada
photo credit: jbcurio
Toronto has 7 structures in its skyline that stand at over 200 metres, including the amazingly tall 553 metres, CN Tower, which is often referred to as the tallest freestanding structure in the world. The CN Tower possesses the world’s highest observation deck, making the city’s skyline distinctive.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
photo credit: mroach
Kuala Lumpur has three of the 25 tallest buildings worldwide. The city is home to a marvellous collection of modern skyscrapers and the twin Petronas Towers are its most identifiable landmark.
“Human civilization has systemic problems”
May 27th, 2010Creative Commons License photo credit: Melanie M!
I met with Leon Krier a while ago and I am posting excerpts of our conversation here. Krier who is among the most influential architectural thinkers and urbanists of our times was passionate and resolute in his views. I think his ideas are more and more relevant as we think about how to build next generation cities.
What makes cities Sustainable?
A sustainable city is only meaningful in a perspective that is not limited by years but in what is the right way of settling in a certain place. The word sustainable has become fashionable today. But the true meaning of sustainability has not been understood. We all know we are growing in the wrong way- Our dependency on fossil fuels and the pollution that we cause is truly catastrophic. We have to start engaging in an alternative way of development that is less intrusive on the natural world.
What are the fundamental errors we have made while building cities?
I think we have worked on the fundamental structures of planning cities. But, we have not understood where to locate and in what densities we should build our cities. I believe that building too high densities is not sustainable in the long run in terms of energy and materials. If you build over 6 floors, you will need to use synthetic materials. The embedded material in synthetic material is so high that it won’t be sustainable in the longer term. The energy used to make concrete, steel, aluminium and plastic is incredibly high when compared with natural materials. We are not aware of it today because fossil fuels like petrol and coal that are required to process these materials are relatively cheap today. But the energy costs are escalating every year and are bound to become extremely costly in the coming decades. We will realize the folly of the current model when we have an energy crisis that will render the present type of construction and development unfeasible.
Further, I think metropolitan development is a mistake and is unsustainable. I don’t think there is one metropolitan in the world that works. Metropolises like London, New York and other big concentrations are really like big imperial power centres rooted in the use of too much fossil fuel. I would encourage a more polycentric approach towards urbanization.
I believe that human civilization is in a systematic problem – we are overpopulated, we have built too high densities, abused the chemistry of the soil and used too much of energy. Societies have settled in the wrong place, in the wrong density and in the wrong way that is heavily dependent on the use of cheap fossil fuels.
What are your thoughts on contemporary development in Indian cities?
It is an explosion of vulgarity in the name of modernism. I could not see one building of great quality and thought among what I saw. Generally people who design these glass buildings call it intelligent buildings. I think they are stupid – they disregard climate and natural conditions completely. One image struck me. I saw a glass tower standing in middle of a slum. It was the metaphor for the future. Once the energy supply becomes critical; it will become so expensive that it will be only monopolized by small groups of people (imperialism).
I think that architectural and urbanist modernism belong like communism – to a set of blunders from which there is little or nothing to learn or gain. They are beliefs which literally blind even the most clever and perceptive individuals to deplorable wastes, risks, and dangers. Modernism’s basic mistake, nonetheless, is to suggest that it is a universal (i.e. inescapable and indispensable) phenomenon, thereby justifiably substituting and excluding traditional solutions.
The vernacular techniques and profound traditional knowledge on building towns was about how to use natural materials in order to make a place sustainable. But those ideas seem to have been lost in the newer developments in Indian.
Talk to us about the New Urbanism movement that you endorse.
New Urbanism is an urban design movement that came into being in the late 1980s and early 1990s. New Urbanists aspire to transform all facets of real estate development. Their effort affects regional and local urban approaches. They are engaged in new development, urban retrofits and suburban infill. They believe in strategies that reduce the use of automobiles (thus fuels), that increase the supply of affordable housing, and curb the unplanned urbanization or sprawl. It is profoundly marked by democratic participation and user-satisfaction is always the main concern. As a theory it is based on traditional settlement patterns but as a practice it is very new.
What is New Urbanist Planning characterized by?
New Urbanist neighbourhoods are walkable, and encompass a diverse range of functions like housing, shopping, recreation and offices. New Urbanists encourage regional planning for open space, appropriate architecture and planning and the combined development of jobs and housing.
New Urbanism is not utopian and does not enforce certain rules for developing a master plan. Instead, it advocates the unlimited diversity of human talent to put together harmonious and pleasant environments. It directs competitive forces to flourish as good neighbours while pursuing their own self-interest. In order for such communities to work, they need to evolve definite patterns of public spaces, of density and size, of hierarchy, of admixture and proximity. Their complexity, however, should not result from social engineering, but needs to be allowed to grow through a multiplicity of complementary activities developed on neighbouring plots, forming urban frontages along streets, squares, parks or countryside within an urban master plan as seen in traditional towns.
About Leon Krier: Léon Krier is internationally known as a pioneering architect, urban planner and architectural theorist. He is especially recognized as a passionate advocate of traditional urban models. He studied architecture at the University of Stuttgart. From 1968 to 1974, he worked in the studio of James Stirling, in London. He has also taught as professor of architecture and urban studies at the Architectural Association of the Royal College of Arts in London, at Princeton University of Virginia and as Davenport Professor at Yale University. He was awarded the Berlin Preis for Architecture in 1977, the Jefferson Memorial Medal in 1985 and the Chicago AIA Award in 1987. He has published books in Japan, Belgium and Great Britain and has exhibitions in many countries around the world, including a major one-man exhibition at the MoMA in New York (1985). He has completed projects in Luxembourg, Italy, Spain, Germany, the United States and England.
In the early 1980’s, Krier served as a consultant for the master planning of Seaside, Florida. In 1988, he became an advisor to the Prince of Wales, Prince Charles, who not only commissioned Krier to design four new towns in England, but has also been advocating Krier’s theories to the entire European Community.
Even though Krier had high regard for Le Corbusier at one point in time, later in his career, Krier came to look upon Le Corbusier as a “destroying angel” because of his desire to rebuild old cities along modernist principles. The Le Corbusier urban vision regarded the city as a machine; whereas Krier saw cities as a natural object or an “individual, possessing a body and a soul”. Krier is best known for his development of Poundbury ‘village’ in Dorchester, UK which was commissioned by Price Charles. He is also known to have had an enormous influence on the New Urbanism movement in the United States of America.
Form Follows Climate
May 3rd, 2010photo credit: Paul Miller
“Form Follows Climate “, Charles Corrrea, a famous Indian architect once said. This idea essentially suggests that a built environment should respond to climate or use it as an advantage. However it’s not a new thought, traditionally most buildings fundamentally responded to climate. For instance, if you look at the indigenous development in Coastal India, most of the structures had sloping roofs in response to the heavy rains. But with globalization hitting architecture – we seem to be loosing out on many of these wonderful indigenous design solutions.
These eco friendly practices also results in more attractive living spaces with open, naturally lit spaces and fresh air movement. Solar passive or climatic design creates a comfortable setting and can also have an enormous impact on reducing operating costs of a building. By logically applying design principles that capture natural breezes and the sun’s energy and light- energy uses in buildings can be reduced considerably. A building that responds to climates essentially harvests light, air and water by using various design techniques. These practices can also not only improve the environment but also strengthen the economy by cutting down the need for fossil fuels and nuclear energy.
Day lighting
Day lighting or the use of natural light in a building is one of the fundamental elements of a climatic design. It reduces the need for electric lights and improves the visual quality of a space. The most common ways to get daylight into a building is to increase the number and size of glazed areas in a building. There are various architectural designs or techniques that accomplish this, including conventional windows, atriums and skylights. Windows are the most common means of day lighting. An atrium is an interior courtyard – could be covered with glazing or a transparent skylight, to allow direct and diffused sunlight into the building. Rooms adjoining the atrium benefit from daylight entering through the glazed roof. A skylight is a transparent panel set into a roof that allows direct and diffuse sunlight into the building.
Building orientation is an important parameter for a climatic responsive building. The amount of day light received by a building is determined by its orientation. And the north direction is considered ideal as it receives uniform uninterrupted light through the day, so most of the living spaces can be positioned accordingly. Design approaches can also shut out excess heat from entering the living spaces. With clever orientation you could protect the harsh south west radiation from coming into the building. Further using solar shade screens, roof overhangs, awnings, trees and other landscaping can also shade the indoors.
Wind
The use of natural winds to enhance the living environment is another solution offered by climatic design. To improve cooling, a building’s windows should be placed and designed to capture prevailing winds. The use of “venturi effect” is another interesting idea. It is essentially about looking at design in volumes i.e. when you force a wind to move into a narrow opening and expand into a larger volume, the effect can be quite incredible. This design strategy creates what is referred to as “wind tunnels” and keeps the living spaces cool and airy. This concept is best exemplified in IIM, Bangalore, where the architects have created varying volumes to enhance wind movement and cooling. And in some points in the campus, the effect of wind movement is truly remarkable. Cross ventilation is yet another idea. It involves a window that opens to the wind allowing breezes into the building and another window on the opposite side that lets stagnant air to be flushed out .This strategy creates continuous air movement in a space.
Landscape
Landscaping is another design tool. For example, extensive use of trees minimizes heat build-up around buildings. Placing trees along the southern face of a building will provide shade and heat reduction in the summer. In addition, fairly dense planting around houses can direct breezes for natural cooling. Another innovative idea would be to have a water body around the prevailing wind direction. And when the wind moves over the water body onto the living spaces, it can bring in gushes of cool breeze.
3 – Point Agenda for Mumbai.
January 18th, 2010Affordable Housing Strategy:
The city has a housing shortage of 2.62 million units in 2009.This will almost double to 4.47 by 2025 if not addressed. We need to develop new strategies and tools to solve the crisis.
Develop a Climate Change Action Plan
Many scientists agree that even the current level of carbon in our atmosphere is going to contribute to changes in our environment. So even though it is important to mitigate climate change or reduce the carbon emissions. There is an urgent need for adapting Mumbai City to climate change impacts and a future of extreme climate events. It needs to start with a comprehensive scientific analysis and modeling to understand the potential impacts of climate change on the city.
Improve Public spaces & Become Pedestrian friendly
Creation of grand cultural destinations & public spaces for all the citizens of the city … There is especially a need to make the city more pedestrian friendly and invest in pedestrian infrastructure. The city also needs to focus on Non-Motorized Transit Infrastructure.
Would you betray your own race?
December 23rd, 2009Would you betray your own race?
If you watched the latest James Cameron blockbuster movie “Avatar” and were passionately backing the alien’s cause; then you have just become a “race traitor”.
The movie depicts human civilization as a group that is evil and greedy who destroy the environment without any consideration while the aliens live in perfect ecological harmony with their natural environment.
The Pandorans might be a figment of Cameron’s wild Imagination but in many ways the depiction of human civilization is almost bang on in the movie. Practically all of Earth’s ecosystems have now been destroyed or severely altered through human activities. According to the World Conservation Union ,784 extinctions have been recorded since the year 1500 (to the year 2004). At this point, The loss of global biological diversity is advancing at an extraordinary pace. According to some estimates, up to 150 species are becoming extinct every day. The Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC 2007b) has also predicted that if temperature increases exceed 1.5-2.5°C, 20-30% of plant and animal species assessed are likely to be at risk of extinction.
Earth as we know it might vanish. Our children and grand children might only be able to see plants and animals that make our world so special in videos and pictures in the future.
But will bio-diversity loss really affect us?
Yes. It will.
Scientists say that Biodiversity loss might in the end threaten the very existence of human civilization. Biological diversity is crucial for the life on our planet. Earth is more than just a home for 6.7 billion human beings. Today we often act in a way that assumes that earth is home only to humans. This attitude is going to threaten our very survival.
The earth’s ecosystem provides for and affects the food we eat, the air we breathe and the water we drink. A diversity of animals , plants and other organisms perform critical ecosystems functions like distribute clean water to streams and rivers, hold soils together, maintain soil fertility, cycle nutrients, and shield humanity against harsh weathers conditions , pests and diseases. If we carry on losing biodiversity – Our children and grand children will have to deal with starvation, thirst, disease and calamity.
Bio Diversity loss is also intrinsically linked to one of the other great threats that humanity is facing – climate change. Our Ecosystems help in tackling climate change through carbon storage and climate regulation as well as shielding us from freak whether events associated with climate change. Climate change and temperature increases are also threatening existence of crucial ecosystems that are there to nurture and protect us.
Bio Diversity loss and Climate Change are fundamentally caused due to overexploitation of the natural capital. Both demand a radical policy response. In many ways, the ecological footprint of an individual is embedded in the way a city / town is built. You and I may aspire to live a sustainable life but the way the current social and economic structure functions might not allow us to. For instance, your ecological footprint will be dramatically higher , if the city that you live in doesn’t have a good mass transit that you could use; or if the apartment and office you worked in was fundamentally not ecologically friendly.
The cities we erect today have the potential to either lock the society into destructive over-consumption or allow its citizens to live within their fair share of the earth’s resources without giving up on a preferred lifestyle.
The solutions may not be easy to implement. But they do exist.
It is believed that with the current technology and systems, we could half our energy consumption, water use and the waste we produce. Real solutions are within our grasp and have the potential to create a path towards social, economic and environmental sustainability.
For instance, A citizen of Barcelona who either walks or uses mass-transit has a lower impact (an Ecological Footprint of 3-4) on the environment when compared to a citizen of Atlanta’s impact ( an Ecological Footprint of over 12) who has no option but to use an automobile even to run everyday errands. Policies should encourage and incentivize adoption of sustainable ideas. The land auction in UK’s largest eco-village called BedZED is a good model. It took into account the long term financial benefits while auctioning the land, even though conventional developers bid more for the site – the winning bid went to a developer with a eco development plan. The Feed-in Tariff used extensively in Germany is an incentive-led government legislation that encourages adoption of renewable energy.
But all these ideas require strong policy backing because these are ideas that are tough to implement and need support as they can often more expensive and work directly against the drivers of current economic development model (for example Cars or Oil) .
So even though we all recognize that Copenhagen was a failure. I am hopeful that leaders irrespective of the existence of an international treaty on reducing our carbon footprint will pursue policies that will allow us to reduce our impact on the planet.
Because even the strongest climate skeptics will have to concede the fact that the current model is not sustainable.
And if we continue to mindlessly pursue the current model – we will not just be betraying our race. We will be letting down our very own children and grandchildren.
The Future of Human Civilization
December 7th, 2009photo credit: Matti Mattila
The future of the human civilizations is going to be largely defined by the character of its future cities. This is especially important to reflect on at this point in time as humanity reached a special milestone this century by becoming a majority urban species. In 2007, for the very first time in our history, humankind has become a majority urban with more than half of the world’s population living in cities. The phenomenal rate of urban growth, increasing from 13% in the 1900’s to 29% in 1950, reach over 50% this decade.
Nevertheless, India is still a majority rural nation. Today Approximately 300 million people inhabit urban areas today and make up about 30% of the population. But urbanization is projected even in our country and India will be more urban than rural over the coming decades like other parts of the world. As a result India has a tremendous opportunity to leap frog into a new urban model by learning from the mistakes and succeses of the more urbanized geographies of the world.
Cities represent both the finest and most terrible aspects of humanity today. Today’s Cities are full of poverty, but they also offer the best way to rise above this challenge. Cities are also at the centre of the environmental crisis; but they represent the best way for human being to share resources efficiently and in a fair way. Cities are important destinations of education, culture, commerce and economy. Cities are machines for making collaboration easier and encourage innovation and creativity. On the other, problems of overcrowding, crime, diseases and so forth is likely to be intense in cities. So those are the two paths that India has in front of it as we get set to deal with imminent phase of urbanization.
The current set of Indian cities is evidently failing. In many ways, they represent the worst aspects of urbanization. The dire and unbearable conditions of our cities have been a result of piecemeal and small-scale interventions to gradually worsening conditions over a long period of time. They are a result of a complete lack of long term strategic thinking. I am desolately going to declare that many of these cities will collapse in the next few decades if the current trend of short- term and quick fix style of thinking continues.
But the prospect of following this same small- scale and short term thinking while India gets ready to deal with an unprecedented rate of urban growth in the coming decades is even gloomier.According to the United Nations World Urbanisation Prospects, the next two decades alone will see the migration of 197 million Indians moving into urban areas. India’s cities will have to deal with a massive influx of tens of millions of people at a speed unparalleled in history.
So we still have the control in our hands. We can take on urbanization head on; and make most of the best components that cities represent and create a future that is inclusive, environmentally friendly and healthy. But if we don’t make a strategic plan to address this trend – we are likely to be creating a gloomy future of social inequity and civil unrest; a future of grave environmental and health crisis. Remember that Urbanization is an irreversible process. The thinking or the lack of strategic thinking on our part at this point may not be visible straight away but they can be fatal in the long run. We have already had to deal with consequences of unplanned growth as seen in the decaying cities of today. Let us not go down that failed path as we get set for the future cities of our nation.
We have to learn from the failures and success of cities and develop a grand and bold vision to tackle the impending urbanization. Below are some of the principles we need to adapt to turn cities into opportunities.
Compact cities & high density
Studies indicate that compact high density cities utilize half as much energy and generate half as much air-pollution per capita vis-à-vis a sprawling city. According to estimates, the resident of a high-density Dutch city produces 10 tonnes of carbon dioxide pollution a year, compared with 20 tonnes produced by a Canadian counterpart in a standard low-density city. Compact, high density cities are also said to be more economical given that infrastructure, such as roads and street lighting, can be offered more cost-effectively per capita .Also ,urban sprawl brings about the repetition of hospitals, schools, and many other public services and institutions. Larger and more equitable distribution of services is possible in dense compact cities. The merging and amalgamation of a number of urban facilities and public amenities makes way for many specialized conveniences that are currently not cost-effectively achievable. These services are also far more economical in a compact city vis-à-vis a low density city.
Liveable cities
Urban space like parks and squares are often given low priority in planning, but they add to a great extent to the value of a city. “Hard” spaces such as squares, plazas, and courtyards present the platform for public activities. “Soft” spaces such as parks, gardens, lawns, and eco-preserves offer vital reprieve from the brutal urban environment and function as spaces for leisure activities.
These elements have a huge impact on the appeal of a city. European cities are good examples of grand urban spaces. During the Renaissance, European architects had focused on systematically studying and shaping of urban space, as though the city itself were a piece of architecture that could be given an aesthetically pleasing and functional order. Many of the great public spaces of Rome and other Italian cities date from this era. Parts of older European cities were also rebuilt to create elegant squares, long street vistas, and symmetrical building arrangements. And till this date these European cities are considered amongst the most beautiful world cities.
Also, the great cities of the world are all by nature essentially great places to walk. Walkability is the most critical element of a good city. Creating walkable cities is a great way to address the environmental crisis of our era. In addition, more people on the streets mean a more superior opportunity for social interaction and thus an excellent way to create a socially inclusive community. A walkable city will also add to the aesthetic, sense of character and vibrancy of a city.
The Green city.
Energy Conservation and efficiency will be the hallmarks of the future great cities of the world. Eco Cities will promote the restoration of creeks and water bodies. Living streams, shorefronts, wetlands should also be protected. Proper waste management, pollution control, energy conservation, rain water harvesting and ground water recharge are also one of the essentials for eco friendly urban cities.
Increased energy efficiency in transportation systems is another element gaining importance. Many countries are already developing improved fuel-efficient automobiles that can be integrated with urban mass transit arrangements. Important developments in energy storage and propulsion, such as electric, fuel-cell and hydrogen systems, are also in progress.
Mixed use Communities
Encouraging planning with walkable mixed use neighbourhoods rather than single-use enclaves like a residential complex or an office park is also key to a vibrant and efficient city. Mixed use planning endeavours for a strong relationship between where people work and where they live. Mixed-use developments allow people easy access to work, public functions and services such as schools, hospitals, restaurants and parks. Mixed-use developments affords is more convenient as it promotes shorter commute times, helps create a walkable community and forms a 24/7 urban environment which is safer. If a general store exists below a residential building you only have to go downstairs to purchase an item for your daily existence, a quart of milk, or rent a video, or get a slice of pizza, etc. These mixed use cities will also help societies become less dependent of automobiles thereby reducing our reliance on fossil fuels. It also integrates housing of all sections of the society and age group thereby creating a more unified culture in the society.
New York is closing down its roads to cars!
November 8th, 2009In a move that is likely to have a dramatic ripple affect on thinking on Urban Renewal across the globe- New York City is closing down some of its major roads to cars. A program titled “Green Light for Midtown” has turned lanes of Broadway in Times Square and Herald Square into pedestrian zones. The ambitious pilot program is aimed at reducing traffic congestion and improving safety at targeted locations.
According to New York’s Department of Transport – 356,000 pedestrians walk through Times Square each day. And even though there are 4.5 times as many people as vehicles in Times and Herald Squares – only 11% of the space was allocated for pedestrians. As a result, Broadway at Times Square averages 137% more pedestrian crashes than at other avenues in the area.
The result of the program is truly fantastic. Times Square which was once full of chaotic car traffic is now a public square.The leader behind this transformation is the charismatic and dynamic Janette Sadik-Khan, Commisioner of the New York’s Department of Transportation. I had a chance to interview the Commissioner and I predict that she is soon going to join the assembly of some of the world’s most legendary urbanists for the pioneering programs she is leading in the city.“PlaNYC agenda, which is our sustainability agenda, calls for us to design strategies to help New York be the biggest, greenest city on the planet.” She said.
“21st century cities need to understand that sustainability and mobility are twin sides, of the same coin.” She added.Today, Transport Sector contributes to around a quarter of energy use & related greenhouse gas emissions that have led to Climate Change. But, while other sectors have managed to reduce their energy use and related emissions; the transport sector emissions have been consistently increasing. Reducing energy use in the transport sector is among the most challenging tasks in Climate Change Mitigation. So it is exciting to see New York, arguably the most important city of the world taking on such bold steps towards dealing with one of the most challenging urban development issues of our times.
Ps:
Look out for Janette Sadik-Khan’s interview in “Urban Vision 101 “, which is an audio interview series , that will be available on the brand new TUV website we are launching shortly.
Sustainable urban systems = Mitigating Climate Change
July 6th, 2009Sustainable urban systems = Mitigating Climate Change
Today, climate change has clearly come to be recognised as one of the greatest environmental, social and economic threats facing the world. Cities and urban activities are at the heart of this challenge. According to UN-HABITAT, even though cities barely occupy two percent of the world’s surface area, they are responsible for 75 percent of global energy consumption and 80 percent of greenhouse gas emissions. So, clearly, the answer to mitigating climate change is driving sustainable cities with green built environments.
In any city, almost half of the carbon emissions are due to transport and the other half is due to energy-use in buildings. According to estimates, the resident of a highdensity, masstransit driven European city produces 10 tonnes of carbon dioxide pollution a year, compared with 20 tonnes produced by his North American counterpart in a standard auto-centric low-density city. Further, in the building sector, depending on the extent of specifications, a green building can reduce energy costs by 25 to 40 percent. An urban model that encourages public transit and an eco-friendly built environment will significantly reduce energy emissions.
Building ‘green’ is not only a way to ’save the planet’ but also about creating a place that improves human health and provides long-term cost savings. Green development views the built environment as an extension of the ecosystem and believes that each element in a building affects the overall performance of the environment. So, green development ideals try to optimise the functioning of a community, and preserve and protect important resources like water, land, and energy. In the end, sustainable development has minimal adverse effects on the natural environment in its immediate surrounds and on the wider regional and global setting.
Also, eco-friendly development is an attractive proposition all around for developers. A reduction of 30 to 40 percent operating costs is a clear financial benefit in the long run. Also, in today’s world, adopting green practices adds to the marketability and USP of a product or brand. Further, real estate developers and communities can also use their green development as a way to make additional money by using tools like carbon credits
.
Carbon credit is currently being used by companies in the area of power, steel and renewable energy with great success. Carbon credits have come to become a great tool that incentivise initiatives, and companies that are using energy-efficient development principles. Developers who are building large communities, housing societies, and neighbourhood associations who adopt energy reduction strategies can use carbon credits as a way to make more money.
This article was first published in the Times of India on June 5th 2009.
What is carbon credit?
Carbon credit is a component of the international emission trading regulations
which compels developed countries to reduce carbon emissions. Carbon credits are produced by activities or enterprises that reduce energy emissions by adopting
cleaner technologies, renewable energy or energy efficiency measures. For every ton of carbon emission that an enterprise reduces, it gets a carbon emission certificate which can be sold through a market exchange, similar to any other commodity exchange. This mechanism is seen as a way to incentivise the developing world to leapfrog towards greener technologies and approaches.The trade formally takes place under an UN-directed international convention on climate change to facilitate developed countries reduce their emissions by buying carbon offset. There are several voluntary exchanges that trade carbon as well and have less intense documentation processes.
ECO-COMMUNITY PRINCIPLES
• Preservation of open spaces, farmlands, and critical environmental areas including
parks, forests, and lakes
• Offers a variety of mass-transit choices
• Mixed land use and walkable
• Green buildings
GREEN BUILDING FEATURES
• Passive design strategies including intelligent building orientation, solar design, and
the use of natural lighting and ventilation
• Water conservation, rain water harvesting and ground water recharge
• Use of alternate energy sources such as photovoltaic in the building
• Adopting energy-efficient equipments for air conditioning, plumbing installations
and lighting systems
• Use of building materials having high recycled content or using rapidly renewable
materials
“If we can’t save our cities, we won’t save ourselves.”
May 26th, 2009“If we can’t save our cities, we won’t save ourselves.”
says William E. Rees – The Man who conceptualized the ecological footprint idea. In a recent article in Scientific American , he explains how cities are at the heart of the climate change challenge.
He outlines how redesigning metropolitan areas as bioregional city-states can reduce our human footprint .. . Click here to read the article!
