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Revitalizing Urban Sustainability: For an Integrated Planning Approach

Revitalizing Urban Sustainability: For an Integrated Planning Approach

Aditi Karn

B.Arch.: 7th Semester

Roll no.: 00126001620

Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University

Submitted to: Supriya Sinha

Date: 11th/Dec/2023
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Revitalizing Urban Sustainability: For an Integrated Planning Approach

Abstract:

Cities, notably exemplified by Chandigarh, stand as powerful expressions of human activity on the

environment, acting as dominant entities that often degrade natural habitats, simplify species diversity,

disrupt hydrological systems, and alter energy flow and nutrient cycles. In response to these environmental

challenges posed by widespread urbanization, sustainable urban development emerges as a promising

solution. Although the international community has long acknowledged the importance of adopting

environmentally sustainable practices, achieving large-scale sustainable urban development remains elusive

globally.

The concept of sustainable urban development has been around over a considerably long-time as the

need to adopt environmentally sustainable behaviors made the international community commit to it.

However, to date such development has not been achieved on a large scale anywhere around the globe. This

review paper aims to look at the sustainable urban development concept from the lens of planning and

development integration to generate new insights and directions. The paper reports the outcome of the

review of the literature on planning and development approaches—i.e., urban planning, ecological planning,

urban development, sustainable urban development—and proposes a new process to support the efforts for

achieving sustainable urban development—i.e., integrated urban planning and development process. The

findings of this review paper highlight that adopting such holistic planning and development processes

generates a potential to further support the progress towards achieving sustainability agendas of our cities.

This review paper critically examines the concept of sustainable urban development through the lens of

integrated planning and development, using Chandigarh as a notable example. Despite the prolonged

commitment to this idea, widespread success has yet to be realized.

Data Collection:

Data collection for this research paper involves a combination of primary and secondary sources.

Primary data is gathered through surveys, interviews, and site visits to gather firsthand insights from

stakeholders, experts, and on-ground observations. Surveys will help capture public perceptions of
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Revitalizing Urban Sustainability: For an Integrated Planning Approach

sustainable urban development, while interviews with city planners and community members will provide

qualitative data.

Secondary data will be obtained from government reports, academic literature, and datasets from

reputable organizations to support the research with statistics, case studies, and background information.

These combined sources will enable a comprehensive analysis of integrated planning and

development processes in the context of sustainable urban development.

Case study

Objective: To examine the sustainable urban development practices in Chandigarh and extract

insights that can contribute to the proposed integrated planning approach.

In the realm of urban development, Chandigarh stands as an iconic embodiment of architectural

innovation and foresight. As cities grapple with the imperative of sustainability, the case of Chandigarh

offers a compelling lens through which to examine the integration of planning strategies for revitalizing

urban sustainability. This study, titled "Revitalizing Urban Sustainability: For an Integrated Planning

Approach with Chandigarh as an Example," embarks on a exploration of how this visionary city, designed

by Le Corbusier, navigates the intricate balance between progress and environmental stewardship.

. To understand the modern approach of Chandigarh towards sustainability, one would need to

consider various aspects of urban development, architecture, and environmental consciousnesses. To lead

the study further here are some important positive and negative analyses.

Positive

Architectural Legacy:

Favourable: Chandigarh stands as a testament to modernist architectural principles, boasting an

enduring legacy in urban design.

Green Spaces and Urban Planning:

Advantageous: The city's commitment to extensive green spaces and meticulous urban planning is

advantageous, fostering a sustainable and aesthetically pleasing environment.

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Revitalizing Urban Sustainability: For an Integrated Planning Approach

Cultural Hub:

Enriching: Chandigarh serves as a cultural hub, with landmarks like the Rock Garden contributing

significantly to the city's cultural enrichment.

Educational and Research Institutions:

Prominent: The city hosts prominent educational and research institutions, including Panjab

University, contributing significantly to its academic prestige.

Infrastructure and Connectivity:

Well-developed: Chandigarh boasts well-developed infrastructure, including wide roads and efficient

public transportation, enhancing overall connectivity.

Planned Sectors:

Systematic: Chandigarh's division into sectors with designated functions is systematic, promoting

organized urban development and efficient land use.

Cleanliness and Maintenance

Exemplary: The city is known for its exemplary cleanliness and well-maintained public spaces,

reflecting a commitment to hygiene and environmental aesthetics

Negative

Traffic Congestion:

Detrimental: Despite well-designed roads, Chandigarh faces issues of traffic congestion, proving to

be detrimental, particularly during peak hours.

Limited Economic Diversification:

Constrained: The city has been criticized for its constrained economic diversification, with a

significant focus on government and administrative functions.

Social Inequality:

Disparities: While the city is planned to be egalitarian, there are instances of social disparities,

impacting living standards between different sectors and communities.

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Revitalizing Urban Sustainability: For an Integrated Planning Approach

Water Scarcity:

Challenging: Chandigarh faces challenging issues related to water scarcity, prompting the

exploration of various measures to address this pressing concern.

Limited Affordable Housing:

Concerning: The cost of living, especially housing, can be concerning, raising questions about the

availability of affordable housing for a diverse population.

Environmental Impact:

Ecological Concerns: The rapid urbanization and development have raised ecological concerns,

including deforestation and loss of biodiversity.

Tourism-Centric Development:

Overemphasis: Some critics argue that the overemphasis on tourism-centric development might

overshadow the needs and aspirations of the local population.

Inference:

In conclusion, while Chandigarh showcases many positive aspects, including its architectural

significance and planned layout, it also faces challenges related to urbanization, traffic, social disparities,

and environmental impact. Sustainable development initiatives and a holistic approach to urban planning can

help address these challenges and enhance the overall quality of life in Chandigarh.
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Revitalizing Urban Sustainability: For an Integrated Planning Approach

Analysis

The topic emphasizes the need for a transformative shift in urban planning towards long-term

sustainability. It calls for an integrated approach that considers the interplay between various aspects

of urban life, acknowledging the complex nature of urban systems. This includes factors like land

use, transportation, social equity, environmental protection, and economic development. The term

"revitalizing" signifies a departure from traditional short-term focused planning, advocating for

innovative and interdisciplinary approaches. Overall, the research highlights the importance of

creating cities that are not only liveable now, but also equipped to thrive in the future amidst rapid

urbanization and environmental challenges.

Conclusion

The shift towards sustainable urban development necessitates a departure from traditional siloed

planning.

Through an exploration of integrated planning models and successful case studies, this research

underscores the interconnected nature of environmental, social, and economic factors in urban settings.

The proposed conceptual framework offers a practical guide for urban planners and policymakers

to navigate the complexities of modern urbanization.

However, challenges persist, requiring collaborative efforts to overcome institutional barriers and

entrenched planning traditions.

As we conclude, the imperative for cities is clear: embrace integration to forge a path towards

resilient, innovative, and equitable urban communities. The journey to sustainable urban development is

dynamic, demanding collective commitment to building cities that stand as beacons of

inclusivity and enduring prosperity.