Have you walked in your city recently?
There was a time when I used walk extensively- from my college to the office and home and to almost everywhere else. I remember always looking forward to those walks to reflect, think and relax. I am nostalgic about those times in my favourite city – Mumbai.
But, have you had a ;look at our streets recently? Have you seen how many people walk on the road as compared to the footpath? Look closely, no one actually seems to be walking on the footpaths- A majority are literally in the middle of the roads.
Over the years – we have managed to drive pedestrians out of the pedestrian-ways – first came the informal vendors, at one point municipalities started building toilets in middle of the footpaths, then there were milk booths and more squatters. To top it all, neighbouring societies started putting repulsive flowerbed on the ground so as to get rid of all of the above. Even as the footpaths of the older part of our cities have dilapidated, they have disappeared in the newer part of our cities!
The departure of the institution of walkability in our cities is one of the fundamental refection of the complete failure of our cities. Think about it – 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. Also, 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. So at this point in time, as we try to address the challenges of our urban centres, it’s critical that we address and invest time in enhancing the pedestrian culture of our cities.
Marine drive now has a footpath wider than many roads in bombay..and its an amazing urban experoence.We need to do more of that..
We also have to get pedestrian friendly traffic rules in places ..
Its good to see powerful people like you who can actually make this happem talking about it.
Dear Hafeez,
I appreciate your stand stating that walkability is a must in the urban scenario.
Again, you mention that a city cannot be frozen in time and we cannot have so called “heritage” areas. But if you notice, most of the walkable areas in the city are located exactly in the “pre-independence” areas of the city… the Gateway is unfortunately THE landmark of Mumbai till date.
Again, I feel that contemporary architecture mustn’t be all about glass facades and composite aluminium paneling.
Regs and warm wishes
Hari
P.S — can’t something be done to hide the A/c’s, split or otherwise from the facades? They adversely affect the beauty of a structure.
Dear,
Hafeez Sir I appreciate your work what ever you given shape in our country that is worth of prais.May you Live Long
As an occasional visitor to the city I have often preferred walking to see and explore the city of Mumbai.I have lived and walked on the roads of Colaba,Nariman Point, Church gate area,Worli,Dader,and Powai.
But the abnoxious smells,polluted air that stings the eyes,the noise of the traffic make you think twice before venturing out on foot.
I am struck by the absence of the well-to-do people,and college going youth on the roads after 8 pm
on anyday- working day or a holiday.
I am sure the conditions of the roads would improve once well to do educated people are forced out of their air conditioned fast-moving vehicles crawling on the roads of cities like Mumbai.
Can cars or heavy vehicles be banned or partly restricted from residential areas to improve walking conditions ,I wonder!
Sarita Kamra
hello sir…
sir i am going in this field for architecture…I am going in Dignity college of architecture,Durg.
Sir I never knew about you till I was in 11th…After coming in this field,the first name I heard was yours…the most renowned architect….”The Hafeez contractor”….I just wanted to know how did you start off in this field..I mean what made you think that this is where you belong…???
I dont know much about you but I do aspire to work under your guidance someday..
thankyou sir…