Journal

“We have seen the enemy and he is us”

Pogo by Walt Kelly.

In over 10,000 years of existence, human civilization has progres-

sively become a potent environmental threat. With the onset of agriculture

8,000 years ago, we started to alter the natural landscape and with indus-

trialization we began to change our atmosphere. In the present-day, popu-

lation explosion & human progress, which has become synonymous to

!"#$%&'$(&)%*+,$-+$./0&123+(,2+4)%-25!2%42+)6+)!"+$4(&7&(&2-8+90(,)!:,*+

(,2"2+&-+$+321%&(2+4)%%24(&)%+"20$(&%:+%$(&)%$0+02720+)6+24)%).&4+32720)/-

ment and urbanization- with cities steering a country’s progress and revo-

0!(&)%&'&%:+4)..!%&(&2-+(,")!:,+1-4$0+:");(,+$%3+-2((&%:+(,2+.$--+/)/!-

lation free from poverty. Urbanization, on the other hand, also completely

transforms the ecosystem and contributes to environmental degradation.

In the coming years, we are heading towards a critical

human-environmental interaction. Urbanization does not only

have neighboring ecological effects but also greater so-called

‘ecological footprints’ outside their local environs. Exhaus-

tive and widespread utilization of natural resources to sustain

urban economy has tremendous impacts on the environment.

Urbanization contributes to deforestation, degradation

of atmosphere, has adverse impacts on water resources and biologi-

cally productive land or food stocks. In a persistent manner, urban

sprawl continually consumes rural agricultural tracts, which in turn

forces the displaced agriculturists to convert forestlands into farms,

increasing deforestation and permanently altering the landscape.

9%(,")/)42%("&4+ /)00!(&)%+ ,$-+ $+ 32-("!4(&72+ 26624(+ )%+ (,2+ /0$%2(+ "2-

sulting in global climate change and freak weather conditions. Urban

32720)/.2%(+ $0-)+ -&:%&14$%(0<+ &./$4(-+ 2$"(,=-+ ,<3")0):&4$0+ 4<402-+

0&>2+ (,2+ ?);+ $%3+ -()"$:2+ )6+ ;$(2"*+ $-+ ;200+ $-+ (,2+ 5!$0&(<+ )6+ $7$&0-

able fresh water.Experts predict that if current trends in population

growth and land use continue, by 2050 the amount of available ar-

able land will be just over one-tenth of a hectare per person which

("$%-0$(2-+ ()+ $+ 6!(!"2+ ;&(,+ -&:%&14$%(+ -,)"($:2-+ )6+ 6))3+ -()4>-8

“… We do not inherit the earth

from our ancestors; we borrow it

from our children.” -Native Proverb

Practically all of earth’s ecosystems have now been destroyed or

-272"20<+ $0(2"23+ (,")!:,+ ,!.$%+ $4(&7&(&2-8+944)"3&%:+ ()+ (,2+ @A)"03+

Conservation Union’, 784 extinctions have been recorded since the

<2$"+ BCDD+ E()+ (,2+ <2$"+ FDDGH8+9(+ (,&-+ /)&%(*+ (,2+ 0)--+ )6+ :0)#$0+ #&)-

0):&4$0+3&72"-&(<+&-+$37$%4&%:+$(+$%+2I("$)"3&%$"<+/$428+944)"3&%:+()+

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

Our Common Future-Prathima Manohar

THE URBAN VISION BULLETIN: Special Feature : EcoCities : Driving India towards the age of sustainability.

Climate Change

Forums

.....14

Urban Form

..... 4

Sustainable

Buildings

.....7

Next Generation

Urbanization

.....12

Building

Livable Cities :

9:2%3$+

.....18www.theurbanvision.com

October 2010

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.

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

#"2$(,2+$%3+(,2+;$(2"+;2+3"&%>8+9+3&72"-&(<+)6+$%&.$0-+*+/0$%(-+$%3+)(,2"+

organisms perform critical ecosystems functions like distribute clean wa-

ter 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 and Climate Change are fun-

damentally 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 dramati-

cally higher , if the city that you live in doesn’t allow you to walk and

did’nt have a good mass transit that you could use; or if the apartment

$%3+ )6142+ <)!+ &%,$#&(+ ;$-+ 6!%3$.2%($00<+ %)(+ 24)0):&4$00<+ 6"&2%30<8

Can India show the way? The future of the human civilizations is going to be largely

321%23+ #<+ (,2+ 4,$"$4(2"+ )6+ &(-+ 6!(!"2+ 4&(&2-8+ J,&-+ &-+ 2-/24&$00<+ &./)"-

($%(+ ()+ "2?24(+ )%+ $(+ (,&-+ /)&%(+ &%+ (&.2+ $-+ ,!.$%&(<+ "2$4,23+ $+ -/24&$0+

milestone this century by becoming a majority urban species. In

FDDK*+ 6)"+ (,2+ 72"<+ 1"-(+ (&.2+ &%+ )!"+ ,&-()"<*+ ,!.$%>&%3+ ,$-+ #24).2+

a majority urban with more than half of the world’s population liv-

ing 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 with only 30 % of

(,2+ /)/!0$(&)%+ 0&7&%:+ &%+ 4&(&2-8+9-+ $+ "2-!0(+ L%3&$+ ,$-+ $+ ("2.2%3)!-+ )/-

portunity to leap forward into a new urban model by learning from the

mistakes and successes of the more urbanized geographies of the world.

Cities are the answer!M&(&2-+"2/"2-2%(+#)(,+(,2+1%2-(+$%3+.)-(+(2""&#02+$-/24(-+)6+,!.$%&(<+()-

day. Today’s Cities are full of poverty, but they also offer the best way to

rise above this challenge. Cities are important destinations of education,

culture, commerce and economy. Cities are machines for making collabo-

ration easier and encourage innovation and creativity. On the other, prob-

lems of overcrowding, crime, diseases and so forth are intense in cities.

In terms of Sustainability, Cities are also at the centre of the

environmental crisis; but they represent the best way for hu-

.$%+ #2&%:+ ()+ -,$"2+ "2-)!"42-+ 2614&2%(0<+ $%3+ &%+ $+ 6$&"+ ;$<8

In spite of our idealistic ideas about villages, it will be well-run,

2%2":<N2614&2%(+ 4&(&2-+ (,$(+ !0(&.$(20<+ -$72+ !-+ 6").+ )!"-2072-8+ L%+

developed economies with high levels of human development

Index - On an average people who live in small towns and villages

emit 50% more greenhouse gases than city folk. Taking into account

the current type of lifestyles, cities allow us to share resources and

may just be the most sustainable form of human settlements.

Sustainable cities allow its citizens to live within their fair share

of the earth’s resources without giving up on the ‘urban’ lifestyle.

“If we can’t save our Cities, We won’t save

Ourselves”- William E Rees

The current set of Indian cities is evidently failing. In many ways,

they represent the worst aspects of urbanization. The dire and un-

bearable 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 cur-

"2%(+ ("2%3+ )6+ -,)"(N+ (2".+ $%3+ 5!&4>+ 1I+ -(<02+ )6+ (,&%>&%:+ 4)%(&%!2-8

Page | 2 www.theurbanvision.com

But the prospect of following this same small- scale and

short term thinking, when India gets ready to deal with an unprec-

edented rate of urban growth in the coming decades is even gloomier.

944)"3&%:+ ()+ (,2+ @O%&(23+ P$(&)%-+A)"03+ O"#$%&'$(&)%+ Q")-/24(-=*+ (,2+

next few decades alone will see the migration of 600 million Indians

moving into urban areas. India’s cities will have to deal with a massive

&%?!I+ )6+ (2%-+ )6+.&00&)%-+ )6+ /2)/02+ $(+ $+ -/223+ !%/$"$002023+ &%+ ,&-()"<8

So we still have the control in our hands. We can take on ur-

banization head on; and make most of the best components that cities rep-

resent 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

$"2+0&>20<+()+#2+4"2$(&%:+$+:0)).<+6!(!"2+)6+-)4&$0+&%25!&(<+$%3+4&7&0+!%-

rest; a future of grave environmental and health crisis. Remember that Ur-

banization 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

4$%+#2+6$($0+&%+(,2+0)%:+"!%8+A2+,$72+$0"2$3<+,$3+()+32$0+;&(,+4)%-25!2%4-

es 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.

The cities we erect today have the potential to either lock the society

&%()+ 32-("!4(&72+ )72"N4)%-!./(&)%+ $%3+ -)4&$0+ &%25!&(<+ )"+ $00);+ &(-+

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. We have to learn from the failures

and success of existing cities and develop a grand and bold vision to

tackle the impending urbanization. We have described some ideas

we need to adapt to turn cities into opportunities in this journal.


How unplanned Urbanization threatens

our future prosperityEnergy Security.

The next generation infrastructure investments need to steer clear

of investing in private car centric road and related infrastructure

that will push auto dependent spawled communities. This would

lock our future into a model where we will be highly are dependent

on fossil fuels. This can be disastrous for our economy given that

we currently import 70% of our petroleum.

Food Security.

Land is also a non renewable resource. We need to preserve

arable or bio productive land so as to ensure food in the future

for all of us and the future generations. China already seems to

have encountered this problem - China’s Ministry of Land and

Resources revealed that the country has lost 8 million hectares, or

6.6 percent, of its arable land in the past decade. If we don’t plan

our urbanization, we are likely to threaten our food security in the

future. We need to recognize that urbanization degrades land and

we need to outline urban growth boundaries.

9+;&%N+;&%+-&(!$(&)%R+

Sustainable Urbanism can be described as an integration of

;$0>$#02+$%3+("$%-&(+3"&72%+!"#$%&-.+$0)%:+;&(,+2614&2%(+#!&03&%:-+

and infrastructure .In the end, sustainable urbanism also makes for

$+#2((2"+5!$0&(<+)6+0&62+$%3+$+,2$0(,&2"+4)..!%&(<8+A2+#20&272*+(,2+

principles of sustainable urbanism offer a win-win solution towards

a society that caters to the social and economic needs of the society

as well as preserves the earth’s ecological balance.


Urban Form is key to

SustainabilityNidhi Batra

E4)%).&-(+S(272%+S,2//$"3+$%3+MTU9V+&%-(&(!(2+,$72+2--

timated that based on the current pattern of development with

peripheral development and of urbanized land- the built up area

)6+(,2+32720)/&%:+4)!%("<+4&(&2-+;&00+&%4"2$-2+6").+FDDD+-58>.+

()+WDD*DDD+-58>.+&%+FDXD8+J,2+"2$0&(<+)6+(,&-+@/"2--!"2=+)6+32-

velopment is directly going to be on the resources that our cities

$"2+32/2%32%(+)%*+&(-+Y!3&4&)!-+!-2+$%3+25!&($#02+3&-("&#!(&)%8+

This ‘Sustainable Ecological Urbanism’ observes cities as

@S<-(2.-=8+9(+/"2-2%(+(,2+4&(<+-<-(2.+&-+@/$"$-&(&4=+(,$(+3&-"!/(-+

(,2+ %$(!"$0+ 2$"(,+ $%3+ &(+ /")3!42-+ $+ 32(2"&)"$(&%:+ 5!$0&(<+ )6+

life for all inhabitants. Cities are not self-sustaining resource

systems like natural eco-system. The land area of cities

comprise only a tiny fraction (typically much less than 1%)

)6+ (,2+ ()($0+ $"2$+ )6+ /")3!4(&72+ 24)-<-(2.+ "25!&"23+ ()+ -!-($&%+

the needs of urban human population (Source: Bill Rees).

However, the solution still lies in this city-system where

cities need to optimize their production, resilience and

expansion metabolism through spatial rearrangements. Each

city has a different pattern of energy use which cumulatively

creates the city’s metabolism. These patterns are associated

with economic development but more importantly with

forms of urbanism and other city building approaches.

City’s infrastructure, physical layout and urban forms

give structure to urban energy and the CO2 metabolism

of not just day to day but over the life cycle of the city.

Sustainable urban form implies an inter-linkage of

sound environmental, social and economic founda-

tions. It considers the principal elements of ur-

ban form - land use patterns, position/ transport

infrastructure, density and characteristics of the built environment.

Lynch (1981) considers basic dimensions for the performance dimensions of

the spatial form of a city. These are:

1.How settlement form affects human sense,

F8J,2+32:"22+()+;,&4,+(,2+-2((02.2%(+6)".+1(-+(,2+"25!&"2.2%(-+)6+/2)/02*+

3.How able people are to access activities, services etc, and

4.How much control people have over services/ activities/ spaces etc.

Urban form has two principal alternatives.

B89+,&:,+32%-&(<*+.&I23+!-2+42%("$0&'23+!"#$%+6)".8+

F89+0);+32%-&(<*+3&-/2"-23+!"#$%+6)".+)6(2%+32/2%32%(+)%+9!().)#&028+

!"#$%&#'()*#+,-,./#"%0#+)0/#)*1#-0)"2+3#$%&#4.-#+)0/#

)*1#-0)"2+5#!"#$%&#'()*#"%0#'.%'(.#)*1#'()+./3#$%&#

get people and places. - Fred Kent

Compact high density mixed use transit driven urban form

J,2+ 2%7&")%.2%($0+ #2%21(-+ )6+ $+ 4)./$4(+ !"#$%+ 6)".+ $"2+ -22%+ ()+ &%40!32+

reduced energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions following a lesser

demand for polluting modes of travel ( read private car) , reduced pres-

-!"2+ )%+ :"22%1203+ -&(2-+ $%3+ :"2$(2"+ !-2+ )6+ .)"2+ 2614&2%(+ (24,%)0):&2-8+

J,2+ /").!0:$(23+ -)4&$0+ #2%21(-+ )6+ $+ 4)./$4(+ !"#$%+ 6)".+ &%40!32+ $+

greater availability of housing that meets peoples’ needs in a sustainable

;$<*+ &%4"2$-23+ $442--+ ()+ -2"7&42-+ $%3+ 6$4&0&(&2-+ 02$3&%:+ ()+ #2((2"+ 5!$0-

ity urban environments. Mixed land use is the most sustainable type

of urban use, in that it increases the viability of services and transport

provision supported by high residential density. Mixed land use in this

context refers to the intermingling of land uses to ease access and reduce

travel. Economically, it is argued that a compact urban form can lead to

new business formation and innovation, which also attracts new residents

Decentralized, low density sprawled urban form

Sprawl not only creates higher per capita cost of providing utilities, services,

and infrastructure to residents ; but often creates auto dependent communi-

(&2-+ (,!-+ &%4"2$-&%:+ "20&$%42+ )%+ 6)--&0+ 6!20+ 3"&72%+ 24)%).<8+944)"3&%:+ ()+


estimates, the resident of a high-density Dutch city produces 10 tonnes

of carbon dioxide pollution a year, compared with 20 tonnes produced

by an auto centric north american resident in a standard low-density city.

“In developing-world cities, most of people

don’t have cars, so when you construct a good

sidewalk, you are constructing equality. A side-

walk is a symbol of equality” Enrique Penalosa

Evolving Sustainable Urban form for Indian Cities

Historic Indian cities were compact, pedestrianised, mixed

use developments that at present are under threat of decay due

to poor management and lack of infrastructure. Compact cit-

ies are not new to the Indian mind, but for compact cities are

to deliver sustainable outcomes, they have to be well managed.

It is blatantly clear that simply increasing densities and mixing uses

;&00+ %)(+ 02$3+ ()+ -!-($&%$#02+ )!(4).2-8+ Z&:,+ 5!$0&(<+ &%6"$-("!4(!"2+

needs to be provided, public transport needs to be well managed, af-

fordable and reliable, noise and air pollution have to be maintained

at acceptable standards, basic services such as water, drainage and

electricity need to be provided, and levels of public facilities such

as health care and education have to be appropriate for the high

numbers of city dwellers. Furthermore, urban environments have to

be kept clean, safe and ‘livable’. Even in developed countries that

have good basic infrastructure, these standards are hard to achieve; in

32720)/&%:+ 4)!%("&2-+ &(+ .$<+ #2+ .)"2+ 4,$002%:&%:8+9-+ [!":2--+ -($(2-\

‘High demographic growth, low levels of economic development, high

&%4).2+ &%25!$0&(&2-*+ -.$00+ !"#$%+ #!3:2(-+ $%3+ -,)"($:2-+ )6+ 2%7&")%-

mental infrastructure, shelter and basic services have a critical effect

)%+ 32%-&14$(&)%+ /)0&4&2-+ $%3+ (,2+ 26624(&72%2--+ )6+ /)0&4<+ &%-("!.2%(-8=

J,2+ 5!2-(&)%+ (,2"26)"2+ &-+ ();$"3-+ 1%3&%:+ (,2+ -!-($&%$#02+ !"#$%+ 6)".+

6)"+ L%3&$%+ 4&(&2-8+ A,2%272"+ + !"#$%+ 4)./$4(&)%+ $%3+ &%(2%-&14$(&)%+ &-+

not a solution, with Indian cites of high density, high urbanization

rate, high proportions of informal developments, lack of infrastructure

$%3+!"#$%+.$%$:2.2%(+/")#02.-+.&:,(+1%3++$+-)0!(&)%+&%+@Q)0<42%("&4+

City’ or the ‘Linear Transport Oriented’ model. Further all cites shall

need to evolve urban form through participatory methods with stress

on environment resource management, community development etc.

Conclusion

There can never be a generalized blue print for a urban form towards

.$>&%:+ )!"+ 4&(&2-+ -!-($&%$#02+ $%3+ + 0&7$#028+900+ 266)"(-+ ;)!03+ #2+ 0$32%+

in planning, design, form, technology, infrastructure layout, business

models, management, partnership and behavior. These solutions

$"2+ ()+ #2+ 27)0723*+ >22/&%:+ &%+ .&%3+ (,2+ -/24&14&(<+ )6+ )!"+ );%+ 4&(&2-8+

Important lesson can be learnt from the case example of Curitiba.

Curitiba: Not just about Bus Transit System

The sustainable form of Curitiba has evolved due to its own realities.

Cited in the book by Jeb Brugmann – Urban Revolution is one such epi-

-)32+)6+27)072.2%(+)6+(,2+4&(<8+L(+4&(2-+(,2+24)0):&4$0+?))3+4)%(")0+-<-(2.+

of Barigui River in the city where ecological methods were incorporated

3!2+()+0$4>+)6+$7$&0$#02+6!%3-+"25!&"23+6)"+$+4)%4"2(&'&%:+$//")$4,*+$%3+

&%-(2$3+27)07&%:+/")(24(23+"&72"+4)""&3)"-*+6)".&%:+4,$&%+)6+?))3+;$(2"+

collection basins with chains of lakhs and percolating water through a

‘graveled’ park. The initiative though was towards controlling major

?))3-+&%+(,2+4&(<*+&(+;$-+0&%>23+)%2+#<+)%2+0&>2+$+(,"2$3+()+7$"&)!-+)(,2"+

dimensions. The graveled park and chains of lakes served as necessary

)/2%+-/$42-+"$&-&%:+(,2+02720+)6+:"22%+-/$42+/2"+/2"-)%+6").+(,2%+F+-5+

6(+/2"+/2"-)%+()+BKD+-586(8+&%+B]]D-8+^!"(,2"*+(,2+;,)02+-/&%2+;$-+!(&0&'23+

for more participatory activities such as waste collection, encouraging

use of public transit system, recreational development, participatory

developments wherein the children of nearby slums took management

$4(&7&(&2-+ #<+ (,2.-2072-+ &%+ (,&-+ -/&%28+ 9-+ $+ "2-!0(+ (,2+ 32720)/.2%(+

evolved with multiple complimentary purposes as a ‘Recreational-

Social-Cultural-Educational-Ecological-Disaster Management System’.

Page |6 www.theurbanvision.com

Sustainable buildings: +93&(&+P$":!%3>$"+Q$(,$>

The construction industry is said to take up more

than half of the world’s energy. We may not be able to see it - but

the damages from cooling our buildings, illuminating and run-

ning the buildings or the energy used in production of building

materials are starting to put a dent onto the earth’s atmosphere.

In India, statistics illustrate that about 20 to 25 percent

of the total national energy demand is owed to manufacturing

.$(2"&$0-+ "25!&"23+ &%+ (,2+ #!&03&%:+ -24()"*+ ;,&02+ $%)(,2"+ BC+ /2"-

cent goes into the running needs of the building. The Ministry of

Power research points out that about 20 to 25 percent of the total

electricity utilized in government buildings in India is wasted due

to unproductive design features of buildings, whose fallout in an

$%%!$0+ 2%2":<+ "20$(23+ 1%$%4&$0+ 0)--+ &-+ )6+ $#)!(+ B8C+ #&00&)%+V!/22-+

E+ +XX+.&00&)%+OS_H8+9-+(,2+;)"03+2%(2"-+$%+2"$+;,2"2+2%2":<*+6!20*+

wood and other natural resources become increasingly scarce;

we are being consistently pushed to act in a responsible manner.

This reality has made forward looking cities highly

conscious of long term adaptability of modern structures. ‘Sustain-

$#02+#!&03&%:-=*+ &-+ (,2+ (2".+/)/!0$"&'23+$-+ (,2+ "2-!0(+)6+ (,2&"+5!2-(+

to create structures that do not create a drain on our eco system

beyond its capacity and thereby make our structures sustainable

&%+ (,2+ 0)%:+ (2".8+J,2+ (2".+,$-+#22%+!-23+;&(,+7$"<&%:+321%&(&)%-*+

context and scope but its importance is being noted across the world.

+++++++J)+-!.+!/+$%+@24)N-2%-&(&72=+#!&03&%:+&%?&4(-+.&%&.$0+6))(/"&%(+

)%+(,2+2%7&")%.2%(+;,&02+2%,$%4&%:+!-2"+4).6)"(+$%3+2614&2%4<8+[<+

logically applying design principles that capture natural breezes and

the sun’s energy and light- energy uses in buildings can be reduced

4)%-&32"$#0<8+9+ #!&03&%:+ (,$(+ &-+ -!-($&%$#02+ ,$"72-(-+ 0&:,(*+ $&"+ $%3+

;$(2"+#<+!-&%:+7$"&)!-+32-&:%+(24,%&5!2-8+J,2"26)"2+2%7&")%.2%($00<+

friendly architecture tries to optimize the performance of a build-

ing, preserves and protects important resources like water, land,

and energy. This is accomplished through an integrated approach

()+ $"4,&(24(!"2+ #02%3&%:+ 32-&:%+ &--!2-*+ 2%2":<+ 2614&2%(+ .$(2"&$0-*+

4)%-("!4(&)%+ (24,%&5!2-*+ 26624(&72+ #!&03&%:+ -<-(2.-+ $%3+ ($>&%:+

advantage of renewable energy supplies. It is a process which

must be integrated into every phase of the construction project,

from the beginning to end. To achieve true environmentally

sensitive architecture, eco-friendly ideas need to be supported

by everyone involved in the process from design to construction.

The awareness about effects of green-house gases

and carbon footprints, which are prominent by-products of modern

living, have given the essential push towards developing technolo-

gies that will not only reduce the strain our buildings put on the en-

vironmental resources but will also help put our ecosystem closer

to its original state. There are some excellent prototypes of high

2614&2%4<+ #!&03&%:-+ (,$(+ 4$%+ 4)N2I&-(+ &%+ (,2&"+ 2%7&")%.2%(+;&(,)!(+

&./$&"&%:+&(*+;,&02+/")7&3&%:+#2((2"+5!$0&(<+)6+0&62+6)"+(,2&"+"2-&32%(-8+

Organizations like IGBC (Indian Green building Council)

TUU_+ V$(&%:+ S<-(2.-+ $%3+ JUVL`-+ aVLZ9+ $"2+ $&.23+ ();$"3-+

driving making green of buildings. IGBC’s Green SEZ Rating

System which is in addition to IGBC Green Homes and IGBC

Factory Building are steps in right direction for the sustainable

futures of India’s large scale built environment. The develop-

ment authorities in India like MCGM (Municipal Corporation

of Greater Mumbai) are taking some steps towards their sustain-

able futures. Their initiative –‘Eco-housing’ is developed to

promote environmentally conscious developments in the city.

These initiatives promote green technologies like use of solar

power, wind power, green roofs, passive design strategies, energy

2614&2%(+ .$(2"&$0-+ $%3+ 2614&2%(+ #!&03&%:+ -<-(2.-+ $%3+ -(!3&2-+ -!:-

gest they have been effectively reducing the carbon footprints of

the buildings. The interest in such technologies around the world has

led to a lot of research and out of the box design ideas which we

must call attention to and may be use according their applicability.

Some of the best known solutions in this area are in solar energy

which could be easily used to become part of our daily life. New

solar cells are developed which are thin, colored, translucent and

?2I&#02+,$72+#22%+32720)/23+#<+&%-(&(!(2-+0&>2+@U4)02+Q)0<(24,%&5!2+


fédéral de Lausanne’. These solar cells are used to make proto-

types for innovative functions like solar walls, solar refrigerators

$%3+ 272%+ -)0$"+ /!#0&4+ 6!"%&(!"2+ ;,&4,+ 4$%+ :0);+ $(+ %&:,(8+ 9./02+

availability of sunlight in India and the shortages in our power in-

frastructure, especially in distribution, make solar energy an attrac-

tive option in making our buildings more livable and self-reliant.

“Biomimetic” or “Regenerative” architecture, though at nascent

stages, is another very promising idea which essentially aims at

.$>&%:+ #!&03&%:-+ 6!%4(&)%+ 0&>2+ 24)-<-(2.-8+ [&).&.2(&4+9"4,&(24-

ture applies insights from nature to the built environment which

-).2(&.2-+("$%-0$(2-+&%()+.&.&4>&%:+-/24&14+6!%4(&)%-+)6+)":$%&-.-+

or their habitats. In other cases some buildings are conceived as

closed-loop ecosystems that, like a forest, draw their energy from

the elements and produce zero net waste. Institutes like International

T&7&%:+[!&03&%:+L%-(&(!(2+$"2+3)&%:+$+%)($#02+ Y)#+ &%+ (,&-+12038+[&)-

.&.2(&4+9"4,&(24(!"2+&-+-22%+$-+$+-&:%&14$%(+6)"42+(,$(+.$<+4,$%:2+

the way we see our built environment. The aim of this methodol-

ogy is to ultimately have a built environment that works not as a

foil for nature, but be as seamlessly integrated with it as possible.

The next concept creating waves in green building design is

‘urban farming’, i.e. utilizing unused land in urban areas to

grow herb fruits and vegetables for local consumption. Some

designers have taken this one step further by using vertical

and horizontal surfaces of buildings for urban farming. They

are also developing green roofs into urban farms thus reduc-

ing heat island effect and also alleviating the food shortage.

Though many of these new concepts are at an experimental

stage, they are all products of painstaking research by institutes

from around the world. Combined together they do provide a

platter full of options for the designers and planners of modern

L%3&$%+ 4&(&2-8+ 9-+ ;2+ /")4223+ ()+ #!&03+ (,2-2+ -("!4(!"2-*+ .$%<+ )6+

whom could be our legacy for the centuries to come, we hope we

can do so while keeping our societies debt-free from their ecosystem.

Delivering Sustainability in Mass

Housing 944)"3&%:+ ()+ (,2+ P$(&)%$0+ Z)!-&%:+ [)$"3=-+ /")Y24(&)%-*+ (,2+ -,)"(-

age of housing units in India is expected to further shoot up to

80 million units between 2007 and 2012. Over 90 percent of this

housing demand is from low-income families. This crisis demands

a revolutionary response from the government.Nonetheless, even

with such high demands in the sector, the market driven private sec-

tor has not yet found it attractive to create affordable social housing

due to sky high urban land costs and other systemic problems like

!%$7$&0$#&0&(<+ )6+ ,).2+ 1%$%42+ ()+ ,).2+ $-/&"2"-+ &%+ (,&-+ -2:.2%(8+

In the last couple of years there has been some level of activity in the area

of developing affordable housing sector from the private sector that have

started to engage with the idea of “opportunity that lies at the bottom of

the pyramid”. Habitats Group is one such case in point. The development

group aims to shape communities that will be a catalyst towards a positive

social and economic change by delivering market driven mass affordable

housing. Over the last 3 years they have experimented and worked on

mass housing projects in North Mumbai. They were also the pioneers

who experimented on the ideal design of a small apartment units along

;&(,+ :0)#$0+ 4)%-!0(&%:+ 1".+b)%&()"+a")!/+;,2"2+ + (,2<+ -2(+ !/+ (,2+ /&0)(+

small apartment .The next step of investment and research in the group

is focused on sustainability and livability of mass housing. They are aim-

ing to develop mass replicable models that create better internal living

spaces as well as a pleasant outdoor environment for social interaction.

S!-($&%$#02+.$--+,)!-&%:+32-&:%+"25!&"2-+$+,)0&-(&4+$//")$4,+;&(,+$+6)4!-+

on multiple disciplines. New frontiers in structural design, sustainable

architectural principles, community planning and construction manage-

ment ideas have to be embraced especially with reference to scale. “We

are aiming to create replicable strategies that not only aid well-being of

the resident but also reinforce local and regional ecological health. We are

attempting to understand ideas that can make “mass-scale” sustainable,

pleasant & humane. “says Chairman , Prashant Choksey , Habitats Group.

Sustainable InfrastructureRitu Kruthika

Today, majority of the urban activities rely on infrastructure

such as power, telecom, roads, water supply, mass transporta-

tion, solid waste management and sanitation for their ef-

14&2%4<8+ L(+ &-+ 27&32%(+ (,$(+ :))3+ &%6"$-("!4(!"2+ ,$-+ #24).2+ $%+

important contributor in development and smooth running of any city.

L%+.)32"%+4&(&2-+&%6"$-("!4(!"2+4$%+#2+40$--&123+&%()+Z$"3+$%3+S)6(+&%6"$-

structure. “Hard” infrastructure refers to the large physical networks nec-

essary for the functioning of a modern industrial nation, whereas “soft”

&%6"$-("!4(!"2+"262"-+()+$00+(,2+&%-(&(!(&)%-+;,&4,+$"2+"25!&"23+()+.$&%($&%+

the economic, cultural, health and social standards of a country, such as

(,2+1%$%4&$0+-<-(2.*+(,2+23!4$(&)%+-<-(2.*+(,2+,2$0(,+4$"2+-<-(2.*+(,2+-<--

tem of government and law enforcement, as well as emergency services.

In emerging Indian cities providing basic services such as water sup-

ply, sanitation, waste management, public transportation particularly

to the urban poor are central to promoting environmentally sustainable

32720)/.2%(+ $%3+ $%+ &./")723+ 5!$0&(<+ )6+ 0&62+ &%+ 2I/$%3&%:+ 4&(&2-8+M!"-

rently, in India, the urban population has outgrown the capacity of urban

local bodies to provide and maintain basic civic services including

!"#$%+/))"8+J,&-+,$-+(,!-+"2-!0(23+&%+/))"+5!$0&(<+)6+0&62*+-$%&($(&)%+$%3+

increased environmental pollution. The infrastructure is the backbone

of any city and the negative environmental and social impacts of poorly

conceived infrastructure investment will place additional burden on the

current and future generations. There by it is necessary to incorporate

sustainable design to make improvements that do not deplete natural

resources. This also broadly entails solid waste and sewerage recycling,

sustainable water management strategies as well as alternative energy.

Water Management

Water has emerged as one of the primary environmental concerns for

the 21st century. Many parts of the world are currently facing water

shortages, while others must contend with severe water pollution.

Demand for water is growing in most of the Indian cities as every urban

4&(&'2%+ "25!&"2-+ $0.)-(+ 3)!#02+ (,2+ $.)!%(+ )6+;$(2"+ (,$(+ $+ "!"$0+ 4&(&'2%+

"25!&"2-8+ +P)(+0)%:+$:)*+.)-(+)6+)!"+4&(&2-+;2"2+-206+-!614&2%(+&%+.22(-

ing their water needs from the existing water bodies to supply water to

urban areas. Today these water bodies have completely disappeared due

to encroachment and other hazards. The local governing bodies have

#22%+-("2(4,23+()+(,2&"+0&.&(-+()+1%3+;$(2"+6)"+(,2+:");&%:+!"#$%+/)/!0$-

tions. Groundwater in all cities alike has been exploited to the maximum

possible extent by the government as well as the private parties. With

cities expanding further away from the water source it is predicted that

water is going to be a very expensive commodity in the near future.

The International Hydrological Programme, a UNESCO initiative, noted:

cL(+&-+"24):%&'23+(,$(+;$(2"+/")#02.-+4$%%)(+#2+-)0723+#<+5!&4>+(24,%&-

4$0+ -)0!(&)%-*+ -)0!(&)%-+ ()+;$(2"+ /")#02.-+ "25!&"2+ (,2+ 4)%-&32"$(&)%+ )6+

4!0(!"$0*+ 23!4$(&)%$0*+ 4)..!%&4$(&)%+ $%3+ -4&2%(&14+ $-/24(-8+ a&72%+ (,2+

increasing political recognition of the importance of water, it is in the

area of sustainable freshwater management that a major contribution

()+ $7)&3d-)072+ ;$(2"N"20$(23+ /")#02.-*+ &%40!3&%:+ 6!(!"2+ 4)%?&4(-*+ 4$%+

#2+ 6)!%38`U.2":&%:+M&(&2-+$"2+5!2-(&)%&%:+ (,2+24)0):&4$0+$%3+1%$%4&$0+

sustainability of big-pipe water, storm water, and sewer systems and are

searching for “lighter footprint” more sustainable solutions. Pilot projects

are being built that use, treat, store, and reuse water locally and that build

distributed designs into restorative hydrology. Rainwater harvesting is be-

ing made mandatory in most of the cities but a more workable model with

a wider acceptance needs to be developed to get the maximum advantage.

Solid waste recycling

Waste management over the ages has been treated as a very linear

process which involves collection and disposal creating health and

environmental hazard. With the ever increasing population India

over the next decade is bound to face sever waste disposal problems.

The Indian policies do not examine waste as part of a cycle of

production-consumption-recovery. The new Municipal Solid Waste

Management Rules 2000, which came into effect from January 2004,

failed even to manage waste in a cyclical process. With a major

chunk of rural population migrating into the cities the current and

future scenario reveals that waste needs to be treated holistically.

However the entire concept of waste management in India is miscon-

42&723+ (,2"2+ &-+ $%+ &%$325!$(2+ !%32"-($%3&%:+ )6+ #)(,+ (,2+ &%6"$-("!4(!"2+


"25!&"2.2%(-+$%3+ (,2+-)4&$0+3&.2%-&)%-8+A$-(2+4$%+#2+;2$0(,*+;,&4,+,$-+

tremendous potential not only for generating livelihoods for the urban

poor but can also enrich the earth through composting and recycling

rather than spreading pollution as has been the case. The waste from

various sectors like domestic waste, industrial waste, agricultural waste,

and others must be separated at source and must be sensibly sent to the

right place for recycling. One of the major challenges that India will face

in the coming decade will be to educate and ensure that Industries and the

domestic households to dispose waste sensibly. The future calls in for

&%(2:"$(23+ -)0&3+ ;$-(2+ .$%$:2.2%(8+9%<+ %2;+ &32$-+ (,$(+ 2.2":2+ -,)!03+

include a cradle-to-grave approach with responsibility being shared by

many stakeholders, including product manufacturers, consumers and com-

munities, the recycling industry, trade, municipalities and the urban poor.

Sanitation Management

L(+&-+)#-2"723+&%+(,2+(2%(,+172+<2$"+/0$%*+(,$(+(,"22+6)!"(,-+)6+L%3&$=-+-!"6$42+

water is polluted and out of that 80% is due to sewage alone. India today

has more than 20 cities which have recorded a population of more than

B+.&00&)%+ ;,&4,+ &%40!32+ (,2+.2(")/)0&($%+ 4&(&2-+ &%+ ;,&4,+ (,2+ $%(&5!$(23+

sewerage system just cannot handle the rapid expansion. The sewerage

systems were built to support a population of about 3 million in these

mega cities and cannot manage the present population close to 14 million.

J,2+ 9-&$+ A$(2"+ A$(4,+ FDBC+ ,$-+ %)(23+ (,$(+ L%3&$+ &-+ .)-(+ 0&>20<+

to achieve its MDG sanitation target in the rural and urban ar-

eas. In 1990 a mere 43% of the urban population had improved

-$%&($(&)%+ $%3+ (,&-+ &-+ 2I/24(23+ ()+ &%4"2$-2+ ()+ eDf+ #<+ FDBC8+ 9%3+

in the rural areas it was noted that only 1% received improved

sanitation in 1990 and is expected to reach a target of 48% by 2015.

Evidence indicates that only about 45% of the urban population in India has

access to sanitation facilities and there is much to accomplish to reach the

goal of 100% sanitation coverage for all. It has also been realized that there

&-+$+%223+()+0))>+#2<)%3+4)72"$:2*+()+(,2+5!$0&(<+)6+-2"7&42-+&%+(2".-+)6+.$>-

ing use of new advances in technology, use of low cost technology, use of

recycled and more economical forms of user friendly technologies that can

be expanded beyond cities to reach small and medium towns in the country.

In the coming years an integrated approach to sewerage disposal

can lower the costs by connecting sewerage to waste water treat-

ment. Where in user fees for capital plus operations and mainte-

nance would be included in the project cost and approval process

where the rich actually pay for these services. The options of

on-site and off-site waste water treatment plans must be considered with

"2-/24(+ ()+ (,2+ /)/!0$(&)%+ 32%-&(<+ $%3+ "25!&"2.2%(-8+ V2!-&%:+ :"2<+ ;$(2"+

6)"+ ?!-,&%:*+ :$"32%&%:+ )"+ &""&:$(&)%+ /!"/)-2-+ .!-(+ $0-)+ #2+ 4)%-&32"238

Alternative energy

India is facing a large demand-supply gap in Energy with average energy

shortfall of 9% and peak demand shortfall of 14%. This could be a huge

deterrence to economic growth. The per capita energy consumption in

India is in the region of 400 KWH per annum which is way lower than

developed world cities. This is going to change dramatically in the coming

years and our consumption will increase with economic growth. It is crucial

to ensure the judicious use of our copious renewable energy resources

such as hydro energy, biomass energy, solar energy and wind energy.

The Indian government’s stated target is for renewable en-

ergy to contribute 10% of total capacity and 4-5% of the elec-

tricity mix by 2012. However, India still doesn’t have national

renewable energy policy which is an important agenda to set forward.

Some states have incentives for renewable energy through the Renew-

$#02+ Q)"(6)0&)+ ;,&4,+ "25!&"2-+ 2024("&4&(<+ -!//0&2"-+ ()+ /")7&32+ $+ /2"42%(-

age of their supply from renewable resources. This tool is similar to the

Feed-in tariffs that accelerating the deployment of renewable energy in

certain countries like Germany & China and needs to be used more widely.


ICT for Ecocities9%Y!0&+Q$%3&(

The challenge of fast urbanization is opening the way for the

development of highly “smarter” cities, as more and more of its

services rely on emerging technologies. The differentiating factor

that can make cities “smart” is the integrated usage of informa-

tion and communication technologies (ICT) in optimizing the

?);+ )6+ &%6)".$(&)%+ #2(;22%+ -272%+ 4"&(&4$0+ 4&(<+ &%6"$-("!4(!"2+

services: administration, education, healthcare, public safety, real

estate, transportation, and utilities. By implementing initiatives

#$-23+ )%+ (,&-+ &%6)".$(&)%+ ()+ 2%,$%42+ 2614&2%4<+ $%3+ /2"6)".$%42+

of these services to the citizen you create cities that are “smarter.”

From the administration point of view a smart city will have a reli-

able system to reach the citizens effectively, to receive feedback, to

collect data, to generate statistics and to properly communicate

political decisions in a transparent manner. This will support

324&-&)%-+ .$>2"-+ ;&(,+ (,2+ %242--$"<+ >%);023:2+ "25!&"23+ ()+ .$>2+

$4!(2+ $%3+ 5!&4>+ 324&-&)%-+ )%+ 4&(<+ /0$%%&%:+ $%3+ .$&%(2%$%428+

O-2+ )6+ LMJ+ &%+ 23!4$(&)%+ -2"7&42-+ ;&00+ &./")72+ (,2+ 5!$0&(<+ $%3+

experience while reducing costs. In developing countries, provid-

ing internet access to the educational resources will increase at-

tendance, especially when targeting rural populations surrounding

the city or individuals who cannot participate to daily courses.

Usage of digital content and collaboration technologies will reduce

4)-(-+ ;,&02+ /")7&3&%:+ $+ ,&:,2"+ 5!$0&(<+ $%3+ &./")723+ 2I/2"&2%428+

Smart healthcare systems can provide faster and more reliable services.

Using scalable storage systems and wide communication platform, pa-

tient records con be stored and shared with any medical unit which

"25!&"2-+ (,2.8+90-)+ (,2+ 4)..!%&4$(&)%+/0$(6)".+4$%+#2+!-23+ ()+ &.-

prove response time in case of emergency services. This is key during

a time where epidemics are spreading across cities and information of

patient diagnosis is pivotal to diagnosing and treating new patients.

Public safety can make use of communication technologies to

reduce deployment time of the emergency response units. In the same

time the communication network could be use to relay real-time infor-

.$(&)%+ #2(;22%+ 3&-/$(4,2"-+ $%3+ 1023+ !%&(-8+ + A,&02+ 3&-/$(4,2"-+ ,$72+

$442--+ ()+ &%6)".$(&)%+ 7&$+ 32->()/+ 4)./!(2"-*+ 1203+ !%&(-+ 4$%+ $442--+ (,2+

network via handheld devices. Public safety services can also make

use of closed-circuit television (CCTV) combined with video analytics

and global positioning services in order to optimize deployment time.

900+ )6+ (,2-2+ $00);+ 6)"+ 26624(&72*+ &..23&$(2+ ("$%-&(&)%+ )6+ 3$($+ -)+ (,$(+

3&-(!"#$%42-+ 4$%+ #2+ &32%(&123+ $%3+ 4)%(")0023+ &%+ $%+ $::"2--&72+ .$%%2"8+

In real estate ICT can help reduce operating costs by using manage-

ment systems to automate heating, cooling and illumination. Through

motion, temperature, and weight censoring, lighting and cooling units

4$%+ #2+ 4)%(")0023+ ()+ )/2"$(2+ $(+ (,2+ .)-(+ 2614&2%(+ 02720-8+ ^").+ &%42/-

tion, computer modeling will help in building design and identifying

appropriate materials, architectural design as well adherence and

"2/)"(&%:+ ()+ "20$(&72+ :"22%+ #!&03&%:+ 42"(&14$(&)%-+ -!4,+ $-+ TUU_8+++

J"$%-/)"($(&)%+ 4$%+ #2%21(+ 6").+ "23!423+ ("$614+ 4)%:2-(&)%+ $%3+.)"2+ 26-

14&2%(+ /!#0&4+ ("$%-/)"(+ #<+ &./02.2%(&%:+ -.$"(+ 4)./!(&%:+ (24,%)0):&2-+

like congestion pricing. By passing through electronically controlled

tolls, drivers pay more to use more congested roads in rush hours. Not

)%0<+ &(+ "23!42-+ ("$614+ 4)%:2-(&)%*+ #!(+ "23!42-+ (,2+ 2%7&")%.2%($0+ &./$4(+

of the transportation service while raising funds for the public transport.

Utilities can make use of smart grids to optimize water,

gas and electricity consumption. Smart grids help iden-

(&6<+ ;$(2"+ 02$>-+ $%3+ 2024("&4&(<+ 0)--2-8+ 90-)*+ ("$%-/$"2%4<+ &%+ (,2+

measurements towards the consumers can help in responsible usage

behaviors and improve demand side management. Replacement of the

carbon-intensive fuels with renewable energy can also contribute to

“smarter” utilities by ensuring they are tapping into endless resources.

For the success of a smart city project ICT must be at the core of city

planning and design. You cannot manage what you cannot measure,

and you cannot accurately measure in real time without effective

ICT tapping into all aspects of your city and aggregating the data.


Citizen Watch: Introduction of an online

Citizen Reporting and Fixing Tool

J,2+ O"#$%+g&-&)%+ /$"(%2"23+ ;&(,+ $+ OS+ [$-23+ (24,%)0):<+ 1".+ S22+

Click Fix and introduced an map-based transparent web report-

ing tool in order to connect citizens to the government; and make

:)72"%.2%(+ ("$%-/$"2%(+ h+944)!%($#02+ + $-+ ;200+ $-+ 2%$#02+ 4&(&'2%-+

to organize themselves to the betterment of their community. On

the website, citizens are asked to report on any civic issue they feel

needs attention. For instance, if there is a pothole outside your house,

<)!+ 4$%+ 40&4>+ )%+ (,2+.$/+ ()+ -2(+ $+ 0)4$(&)%8+90-)*+ ($>2+ $+ /&4(!"2+ )6+

the pothole and upload it. Fill out a small form with details like the

address. Issues reported are recorded on a map for everyone to see,

vote on, discuss. The Citizens can also set up watch areas for their

community groups and local government agencies to solve the civic

Problem. The aim is to get citizens involved and ensure that they con-

tribute to their city’s betterment and not just sit back and criticize it.

“The tool is also in essence redistributing governance in the hands of

people and we believe that it allows citizens to constructively work

with the government to solve civic problem. We would also web

2%$#02+ (,2+4)..!%&(<+ ()+4).2+():2(,2"+ ()+1I+-.$002"+ &--!2-+ &%+ (,2&"+

community. ” Said Prathima Manohar , Founder , The Urban Vision.

“On behalf of SeeClickFix we are truly excited to have a partner in

India that can bring the social mission of open civic communication

and government accountability to a new community. We are excited

()+ -22+ L%3&$%+4&(&'2%-+ "2/)"(&%:+ (,2+/")#02.-+ (,$(+ (,2<+;$%(+1I23+ &%+

their community as well as working together to solve some of those

problems on their own.” Said Ben Berkowitz, Founder , See Click Fix.

Be a Change Driver :

www.theurbanvision.com/citizenwatch


Intern in the World’s Greenest

City – Portland,Or,USA.The aim of the Young Urban Leaders program is to stir the next

generation of civic leaders in India. The program promotes solution

driven insights and ideas to confront pressing urban challenges of India;

as well as offer a platform for young leaders to work with and learn

from the most progressive cities of the world. It also achieves one of our

key aims of Knowledge Transfer from more urbanized part of the world

as well as Capacity Building.

The program includes the following elements

iV2N&.$:&%2+)!"+M&(&2-+N+9+/0$%%&%:+d+_2-&:%++4)./2(&(&)%

i9+j%0&%2+Q)/!0$"+7)(2+

>Multi City Expert Jury Forums

i9+6!00<+6!%323+W+.)%(,+&%(2"%-,&/+/"):"$.+&%+$+/"):"2--&72+

international “Model” City.

Interested in Nation Building?

Apply now: www.theurbanvision.com/yul

Look out for the Podcasts of

Building Livable Cities 2010 on

our website

www.theurbanvision.com/multimedia

Next Generation

Urbanization in India93&(&+P$":!%3>$"+Q$(,$>++h+Q"$(,&.$+b$%),$"

E72%+ (,)!:,+.2:$4&(&2-+;&00+/0$<+$+-&:%&14$%(+ ")02+

in India’s urban future, patterns of growth suggest that most of India’s

urbanisation will take place in smaller cities and towns; those with

a population of less than 500,000 as established in the UN World

Urbanization Prospects. In other words, growth will come increas-

ingly from building brand new urban centres. This facet of urban growth

represents a great challenge and a great opportunity at the same time.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++9(+/"2-2%(*+$-+;2+4$%+-22+(,$(+(,2+:)72"%$%42+.24,$-

nism for planning and implementation in India is weak. Cities and towns

lack the resources, the skill-set and the technical expertise to cope with

rapid urbanisation. On the other hand, since these smaller urban centres

are in an early phase of growth, they present a grand opportunity to en-

gage new, innovative and sustainable ideas and technologies to urbanise.

However, at this point, in spite of the urgency

of their need, new towns being planned by the Indian government

$"2+ 6$4&%:+ 320$<-+ 3!2+ ()+ (,2+ (</&4$0+ #!"2$!4"$(&4+ /")#02.-8+ + 90)%:+

;&(,+ -!4,+ ,)03#$4>-+ &(+ &-+ $0-)+ #24).&%:+ &%4"2$-&%:0<+ 3&614!0(+ 6)"+ (,2+

private sector- be it developers, architects or planners, to deal with the

already existing planning regulations often set by government admin-

istration while applying innovative solutions for sustainable growth.

Hence the emerging trend of private sector participation in

4&(<+#!&03&%:+.$<+Y!-(+/")7&32+$%+26624(&72+6"$.2;)">+()+2614&2%(0<+3"&72+

inclusive and sustainable urbanization of India. Private participation in

city making allows India to leverage the full potential of Urbanization

and make it work as part of our growth strategy in a faster and more

2614&2%(+ /$428+ J,2+ 4"2$(&)%+ )6+ %2;+ 4&(&2-+ #<+ (,2+ /"&7$(2+ -24()"+ 4$%+

absorb at least part of the 600 million people that are set to be added

into India’s urban centers over the next 4 decades. The government can

also set macro guiding principles of sustainability & inclusivity in these

towns which can then translate into a future with multiple networks of

3<%$.&4+-.$00+4&(&2-+(,$(+4$%+#)$-(+)6+2614&2%4<+$%3+,&:,2"+5!$0&(<+)6+0&628

Making of a new EcoCity

Lavasa, the new city envisaged as In-

32/2%32%(+ L%3&$=-+ 1"-(+ ,&00+ 4&(<*+ &-+ $+ "242%(+ 2I$./02+ )6+ -!4,+ $+

private participation in city building. Strategically located near

Mumbai and Pune, Lavasa is taking its form on 25,000 acres of

0$%38+ L(+ &-+ $+ /,$-23+ 32720)/.2%(+ 4)%-&-(&%:+ )6+ 172+ ();%-+ $%3+ &-+

based on the principles of ‘New Urbanism’ and ‘Biomimicry”.

Lavasa is being developed by the Indian Infrastructure major HCC

(Hindustan Construction Company), will create 5 new towns in the

mountains about 45 minutes from Pune over the next decade. The

master plan of Lavasa was conceived by internationally known design

4)%-!0($%(-+ Zjk*+ OS9+ ;,)+ 4)%42/(!$0&'23+ (,2+ 4&(<=-+ .$-(2"+ /0$%+

;&(,+$+ 6)4!-+)%+ (,2+ 0)4$0+-&(2+4)%3&(&)%-+$%3+2%7&")%.2%($0+ &%?!2%42-8+

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + T$7$-$+ ,$-+ $0-)+;)%+ (,2+ @9;$"3+ )6+ UI42002%42=+

from the highly revered Congress of New Urbanism. The master

plan of Lavasa ensures that the natural open spaces are protected,

so that the ‘hill station appeal’ is not lost. Reforestation, green

roofs, bioswales, rainwater harvesting, utilization of environmen-

tally responsible material in buildings are a few practices in use at

Lavasa. The master plan ensures the adaptability of land uses in view

of changing market demands so as to ensure economic sustainability.

‘Biomimicry: Ecological Performance Standards for City Building

Private sector driven City Building has also allowed application

of forward looking practices like ‘Biomimicry’ principles in city

/0$%%&%:+ 6)"+ (,2+ 1"-(+ (&.2+ &%+ (,2+ ;)"03+ &%+ T$7$-$8+ T$7$-$=-+ 4&(<=-+

-24)%3+ ();%*+ b!:$)%+ ;&00+ #24).2+ (,2+ ;)"03=-+ 1"-(+ "2:&)%+ ()+ 3"$;+

inspiration from the concepts of Biomimicry in design and architecture.

Biomimicry is an emerging discipline that studies nature’s best ideas

and then imitates these designs and processes to solve human prob-

lems. Principles inspired from nature can change the way we harness

energy, repair the environment, feed the world and heal ourselves.

Janine Benyus - World-renowned biologist and co-founder of Bio-

mimicry Guild conducted a 3-day charrette in Lavasa to conceive this

ground breaking masterplan . The Biomimicry Guild has been help-

ing companies and communities discover, examine, understand and


emulate nature inspired strategies, with the aim of designing sustainable

products and processes that create conditions conducive to all life.

67%8#1%#10)4%*9,./#%&-#:)*.&;.0#%&0#<./-#=.-

licopters? How do hummingbirds cross the Gulf

of Mexico on less than one tenth of an ounce of

fuel? How do ants carry the equivalent of hun-

dreds of pounds in dead heat through a jungle?

How do termites maintain constant temperature

of 86º F in their habitat through heat and cold? J,2+ $%-;2"-+ ()+ (,2-2+ 5!2-(&)%-+ ;&00+ #2+ (,2+ -)0!(&)%+ ()+

so many of our problems. It is time we learnt about na-

ture, not with an intention to control, but with an inten-

(&)%+ ()+ 1(+ &%+ $%3+ 0$-(+ 6)"+ :))38+ c2I/0$&%-+ l$%&%2+ [2%<!-

She was especially excited about implementing biomimicry prin-

ciples in city planning , given that cities are at the heart of the

Climate Change & Eco System loss crisis today. “Today, we need

corporates and business leaders to choose the path less trodden. We

need new ideas and we need to revolutionize the way we live, create

and exist. Lavasa is a brilliant attempt towards creating a human dwell-

ing to emulate nature’s ideas. We need many more Lavasas in the world

in order to ensure we last longer on planet earth” She had earlier stated.

This revolutionary idea attempts to look at the City offering the same

ecosystem services as the wild or natural areas surrounding it. The idea is

to have cities perform like ecosystems, not just look like them. In tangible

terms , this type of city will harvest resources like water , sun’s energy and

wind. Buildings, hardscapes, landscapes and infrastructure of the commu-

nity will come together to grant the same level of life-sustaining ecosystem

services as a natural ecosystem. It’s the step toward having building and in-

frastructure projects that not only meet their own needs—they actually give

back to the natural world. The ultimate ambitious goal for the Lavasa is to

create a human settlement that actually enhances local ecology by function-

ing at least as well as a healthy, highly functioning moist deciduous forest.

It is a bold goal which can bring on transformative change to our world and

actually show the world a new model of sustainable human settlements.

The Lavasa development is going to look for inspiration for design

from the brilliance of the moist deciduous forest ecosystem —animals,

plants, microbes, and other ecosystems. These ideas will then drive

innovative design of buildings, hardscapes, and landscapes in this new

city. The Ecological Performance Standards being developed also in-

tends to assist those native species most in need of help, by attempting,

for instance, to provide vital corridors for their shelter and migration.


T$7$-$\+&-+$+/0$%%23+4&(<+#&0023+$-+L%3&$=-+1"-(+,&00+4&(<+-&%42+L%32/2%32428

Next Generation Ecocities Masdar city L%+9#!+_,$#&+"242%(0<+4)./02(23+&(-+/,$-2+)%2+32720)/.2%(+$%3+(,2+"2-&32%(-+

have started moving into the city. Masdar City is planned as clean-technology cluster

designed by Foster+ Partners that aims to be one of the world’s most sustainable urban devel-

)/.2%(-+/);2"23+#<+"2%2;$#02+2%2":<8+L(+&-+0)4$(23+$#)!(+BK>.+6").+3);%();%+9#!+_,$#&+

and will be home to companies, researchers, and academics from across the globe.

Songdo IDB is developed on the 1500 acres of reclaimed land in South Korea is another

example of efforts towards sustainable city development with private sector involvement.

Songodo IDB aims to be leader in South Korea’s ‘low carbon green living efforts’. Like

Lavasa and Masdar, Songodo IDB too is utilizing principals of water harvesting, grey water

reuse and technologies to avoid or reduce commute distances.

b"8+ 9Y&(+ a!0$#4,$%3*+ M,$&".$%*+ T$7$-$+ M)"/)"$(&)%+ T(3+ $6-

1".-+ cV&:,(+ 6").+ &%42/(&)%*+ )!"+ 7&-&)%+ 6)"+ T$7$-$+ ;$-+ 72"<+

clear. We wanted to create a living space where man and nature

co-exist in harmony while ensuring both, economic and envi-

ronmental sustainability. Janine and her team along with HOK

have brought this vision to life. Today, we are working briskly

();$"3-+ #!&03&%:+ (,2+ ;)"03=-+ 1"-(+ .)320+ ();%+ #$-23+ )%+ /"&%4&/02-+

of Biomimicry at Mugaon in Lavasa. We hope this experiment will

be a precedent to many future towns and cities across the world”

Towards Transformative change: New Models of City Building

Lavasa is part of the family of new model cities sprouting around

the world that are breaking conventional barriers and setting

new city building paradigms and ecological standards. Other

:0)#$0+ 2I$./02-+ &%40!32+ b$-3$"+ &%+ 9#!+ _,$#&+ )"+ S)%:)3)+ L_[+

in South Korea. These projects have the potential to be a game

changer for our future world and may just show humanity the

way forward in terms achieving the values of true sustainability.

Lavasa, Masdar and Songodo are path breaking projects which

offer the much needed developmental precedent and action leader-

-,&/+ ();$"3-+ -!-($&%$#02+ 4&(<+ #!&03&%:8+9-+ $%+ !"#$%&-.+ 2%(,!-&$-(*+

one cannot ignore the impact these cities will make on our future

urban development and also on professionals involved in the

city design & planning. These cities are attempting to put many

$4$32.&4+ 4)%42/(-+ &%()+ $4(&)%8+ 9-+ &%+ $%<+ 32720)/.2%(*+ (,2"2+ $"2+

set to be many challenges in making these visions into reality. But

(,2-2+ 4,$002%:2-+ $"2+ -!"2+ ()+ -22.+ (&%<+;,2%+4)./$"23+ ()+ (,2+ &%?!-

ence and impact these projects will have on the future of cities.


“Battling the Sea Level rise”The Urban Vision ‘s Climate Change Forum:

Experts urged Indian cities to adopt measures to deal with

the imminent devastating effects of Climate Change in a

symposium titled “ Battling the Sea Level rise : Lesson for

developing World Cities “ held in University of California,

Berkeley as part of The Urban Vision’s “Climate Month”

celebration between September 15 – October 15 last year.

The symposium was co-hosted by Urbanism think-tank “The Urban

g&-&)%`+ m+ a0)#$0+ 9"4,&(24(!"2+ 1".+ a2%-02"m+ $%3+ [2">202<+ U%2":<+

Resource Collaborative. Speakers included Will Travis, Executive Di-

rector of Bay Conservation and Development Commission ( BCDC)

m+b$((,2;+Z2#2":2"+ *+Q$4&14+L%-(&(!(2+h+M)N$!(,)"+)6+ (,2+"2/)"(+)%+

sea level rise in California; Michel St Pierre, Director of Planning ,

Gensler ; Prathima Manohar , Founder , The Urban Vision ; and Maria.

Q$'+ a!(&2""2'*+9--&-($%(+ Q")62--)"+ )6+9"4,&(24(!"2+ $(+ OM+ [2">202<

J,2+)%:)&%:+@M$0&6)"%&$+M0&.$(2+93$/($(&)%+S("$(2:<+_"$6(=+&-+$.)%:+

(,2+1"-(+2I$./02+)6+$+($4(&4$0+/0$%+6)"+$4(&)%+#<+$+:)72"%.2%(+$:2%4<+

to adapt to extreme climate events and sea-level rise. The panelists

highlighted the ‘California Strategy Plan’ and looked at ways its

model can be employed in developing world cities. The symposium

-/24&14$00<+$33"2--23+&32$-+$%3+-)0!(&)%-+(,$(+4&(&2-+,$72+()+2.#"$42+

to become resilient to the daunting impacts of Climate change.

Will Travis from BCDC, which was one of the key agencies that cre-

$(23+(,2+M$0&6)"%&$+M0&.$(2+94(&)%+Q0$%*+)!(0&%23+(,2+!":2%(+%223+6)"+

adapting our communities to climate change impacts and a future of

extreme climate events “Even if the world turned off all its power

plants, stopped using all its cars; even if we managed to halt all our

carbon emissions- it’s still going to get warmer for at least 50 more

years due to the current level of carbon in our atmosphere which will

contribute to changes in our environment including sea level rise. We

have to start building climate resilient communities” said Mr. Travis.

b$((,2;+ Z2#2":2"+ 6").+ (,2+ Q$4&14+ L%-(&(!(2+ -/)>2+ $#)!(+ (,2+

impacts of climate change and said “There is a need to avoid the

cT$7$-$+M)"/)"$(&)%+T&.&(23+&-+/")/)-&%:*+-!#Y24(+()+"242&/(+)6+"25!&-&(2+$//")7$0-*+.$">2(+4)%3&(&)%-+$%3+)(,2"+4)%-&32"$(&)%-*+$+/!#0&4+

&--!2+)6+&(-+25!&(<+-,$"2-+$%3+,$-+1023+$+_"$6(+V23+Z2""&%:+Q")-/24(!-+;&(,+(,2+S24!"&(&2-+$%3+UI4,$%:2+[)$"3+)6+L%3&$+EcSU[L`H+;,&4,+&-+

available on the website of SEBI at www.sebi.gov.in and the websites of the Book Running Lead Managers at http://www.icicisecurities.

4).*+;;;8>.4484)8&%d*+;;;8.)":$%-($%02<84).d&%3&$)662"3)4!.2%(-+$%3+;;;8$I&-#$%>84).8+9%<+/)(2%(&$0+&%72-()"+-,)!03+%)(2+(,$(+

&%72-(.2%(+&%+25!&(<+-,$"2-+&%7)072-+$+,&:,+32:"22+)6+"&->+$%3+-,)!03+"262"+()+(,2+-24(&)%+cV&->+^$4()"-`+&%+(,2+_"$6(+V23+Z2""&%:+Q")-/24(!-8

PjJ+^jV+VUTU9SU*+QO[TLM9JLjP+jV+_LSJVL[OJLjP+LP+AZjTU+jV+Q9VJ+LP+jV+LPJj+JZU+OPLJU_+

SJ9JUS*+M9P9_9+jV+l9Q9P8

These materials are not for publication or distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into United Sates(including its territories and possessions,

any state of the United States and the District of Columbia). These materials are not an offer of securities for sale into the United States,

M$%$3$+)"+l$/$%8+J,2+-24!"&(&2-+"262""23+()+,2"2&%+,$72+%)(+#22%+$%3+;&00+%)(+#2+"2:&-(2"23+!%32"+(,2++O8S8+S24!"&(&2-+94(+)6+B]XX*+$-+

amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States, except pursuant to an applicable exemption from registration.


unimaginable, and manage the unavoidable. We can expect a range of

impacts to the natural and human environment including storm surges;

&%4"2$-2-+ &%+ 4)$-($0+ ?))3&%:m+ &%4"2$-23+ 4)$-($0+ 2")-&)%m+ T)--+ )6+ /")/-

erty, economic and social disruptions; Potential loss of wetland habitat.”

Mr. Travis also said that coastal cities will have to think about

building a lot of levies to protect their low-lying zones. Mr. Tra-

vis also called on city and national governments to halt development

in areas that were vulnerable to sea surges or were below sea level.

Some 360 million urban residents living in coastal zones risk exposure to

sea surges as ocean levels rise by approximately 1 meter through the 21st

century. Developing world cities which are often characterized by poor in-

formal settlement will be highly vulnerable. Ten of the developing world’s

15 largest cities are in low-lying coastal areas vulnerable to rising sea levels

or coastal surges. “Given its vast shoreline, the impact will be especially

severe in India. Coastal Cities like Mumbai and Chennai will be at the heart

of the crisis. However, given the early stage of India’s Urbanization with

)%0<+XDf+)6+(,2+4)!%("<+#2&%:+O"#$%m+(,2"2+&-+$0-)+$%+!%&5!2+)//)"(!%&(<+

for India to plan for the future and steer clear of developing in vulnerable

and hi-risk areas” said Prathima Manohar , Founder , The Urban Vision.

Michel St Pierre, Director of Planning, Gensler spoke about the need

to come out with innovative urban models so that the world can look at

urbanization as the way to solve this crisis “We are reliant on our cities

to sustain us and we need to enhance their sustainable growth so that

they can mitigate and adapt to climate change” he said. Prof. Maria-Paz

Gutierrez, UC Berkeley shared a innovative interdisciplinary research

initiative intersecting architecture and bio-engineering called BIOMS that

she founded which was looking at creating new types of human settlements

that were inherently resilient. “The research is based on bio-mimicry

principles. Nature has always adapted to the volatility of its own self. For

instance – Look at how Mangroves combat storm surges. We are studying

the principles of nature that can be used in the design of the built environ-

ment as a way to deal with the devastation of climate change.” She said.

SustainableTransportation Key

to Climate Change MitigationThe Urban Vision ‘s Climate Change Forum:

The Urban Vision in partnership with Columbia Business

School’s Energy club, Social enterprise club and Green Business

club hosted a forum on sustainable transportation in Colum-

bia University, New York City as part of The Urban Vision’s

“Climate Month” celebration between September 15 – October

15 2009 leading up to the historic Copenhagen Summit last

year . This Sustainable Transportation forum highlighted sev-

2"$0+ /")Y24(-+ $%3+ &%%)7$(&72+ /")42--2-+ (,$(+ ;)!03+ #2%21(+ !-+ &%+

40&.$(2+4,$%:2+.&(&:$(&)%+;,&02+&./")7&%:+(,2+)72"$00+5!$0&(<+)6+0&628

Prathima Manohar from The Urban Vision set the tone of the

meeting by reminding the audience of some facts like climate

change being greatest challenges faced by our planet and cities

#2&%:+ $(+ (,2+ ,2$"(+ )6+ (,&-+ /")#02.8+ 9#)!(+ eDf+ )6+ 4$"#)%+ 2.&--

sions can be attributed to the cities, and automobiles contribute

to the half of carbon emission. Prathima added that while other

sectors like industry have been able to reduce carbon emissions;

the transport sector has steadily increased their carbon emissions.

U$"0+ l$4>-)%*+ 9--)4&$(2+ _&"24()"+ $(+ S>&3.)"2*+ j;&%:-+ $%3+ b2"-

rill (SOM) showcased the projects and design ideology of SOM.

Earl focused on two main projects: – Tyson’s corner in Fairfax

County, Virginia and Maytas forest Hills, Hyderabad. SOM was

involved in developing a master plan with a focus on transit for

Tyson’s Corner. The plan was to introduce four new metro sta-

tions on the site to reduce the automobile dependency and increase

/232-("&$%+ ("$6148+ J,2+ 4)%42/(+ )6+ (,&-+ 32-&:%+ ;$-+ ()+ 32720)/+ $+

pedestrian friendly neighbourhood for community living while

including the infrastructure associated with these metro rail stations.

The design programme for Maytas Forest hills included a spe-

cial economic zone and only two site accesses. The integration

of this project to the Hyderabad city depended on the local /

regional buses, which would enter the site through these main ac-

42--+ /)&%(-8+ 9+ .$Y)"+ ")$3+ 0))/+ ;,2"2+ 0)4$0+ d"2:&)%$0+ #!-2-+ ;)!03+

run was created with the accesses and a smaller internal loop was

32-&:%23+ ()+ &%(2"-24(+ (,2+ .$Y)"+ 0))/+ ;,2"2+ (,2+ 2%2":<+ 2614&2%(+

buses serviced the internal site area. The proposal had highest

density around the special economic zone to facilitate residences for

people to live where they work. The plan also included watersheds

to harvest rainwater, preserved existing orchards and used lo-

cally available material to reduce the community’s carbon footprint.

Fred Kent the Founder and President for People for Public Places

(PPS discussed concepts of place-making which involved using

the community to develop public spaces. PPS works on ideas like

the comfort, place-making, power of 10, zealousness of public, and

acknowledging community is an expert to develop places in cities.

Power of 10 concept advocates that each community needs to have

10 places with things to do, 10 destinations to go to and 10 such

communities would make a region interesting. Fred discussed the

case study of downtown New Hampshire where PPS was successful

in creating a people friendly place with their approach of involving

the community. Fred introduced some experiments in the presentation

;,&4,+32123+(,2+:2%2"$0+%)(&)%+)6+("$614+6!%4(&)%&%:8+J,2-2+4,$%:2-+

in road design by PPS have proved to reduce crashes according to

the data collected. Fred also went on to explain the sustainability of

traditional markets, shop fronts and suggested using green design as

a integrated concept as compared to the specialised type of design.

_$%+ M)00&%-*+ L[b*+ OS9+ -,);4$-23+ ,);+ (24,%)0):<+ 4$%+ #2+ !-23+

&%+ -,$/&%:+ -!-($&%$#02+ 6!(!"2+ )6+ ("$%-/)"($(&)%8+ 9%+ $72"$:2+ /2"-)%+

today experiences increased commute time to work which is a non-

productive time for the commuter. To address this concern IBM is

working on tools for congestion management which would reduce

commute time. Dan explained infrastructure solutions like cordoned

pricing or dynamic pricing for High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lanes.

S)0!(&)%-+()+/"23&4(+("$614+Y$.-+#$-23+)%+("$614+.)(&)%+$"2+$0-)+#2&%:+

implemented which would predict a jam up to 90 minutes before traf-

14+ $4(!$00<+ -()/-8+J,&-+ -<-(2.+ &-+ #2&%:+!-23+ &%+S&%:$/)"2+ $%3+:&72-+

commuters an opportunity to choose the best available route during

4)%:2-(&)%8+ J,2+ 4$-2+ -(!3<+ )6+ 3);%();%+ S()4>,)0.+ ("$614+ &%7)07-

ing IBM technology of dynamic pricing mechanism reduced carbon

2.&--&)%-*+ ("$614+ 4)%:2-(&)%+ $%3+ &%4"2$-23+ (,2+ !-2+ )6+ /!#0&4+ ("$%-&(8+

J,2+ 4&(<+)6+9(0$%($+ &-+ $0-)+ &%+ (,2+/")42--+)6+ &./02.2%(&%:+ 4)"3)%23+

/"&4&%:+ )%+ &(-+ ,&:,;$<+ LNeC+ ;,&4,+ &-+ %)()"&)!-+ 6)"+ ("$614+ Y$.-8

9$")%+P$/$"-(2>*+(,2+23&()"N+&%+n4,&26+)6+S("22(-#0):+($0>23+$#)!(+(,2+

challenges of sustainable transportation in New York City (NYC).

972"$:2+P2;+o)">2"+2.&(-+BdX+)6+(,2+:"22%+,)!-2+:$--2-+$-+4)./$"23+

()+ $72"$:2+9.2"&4$%+ #24$!-2+ )6+ (,2+;200+ 4)%%24(23+ ("$%-&(+ -<-(2.-8+

9$")%+ -!::2-(23+ -).2+ $0(2"%$(&72+ -!-($&%$#02+ ("$%-/)"(+ -)0!(&)%-+ ()+

reduce the green house gas emissions further. Bike infrastructure for

9.2"&4$%+4&(&2-+;$-+$%+&32$+-!::2-(23+&%+/"2-2%($(&)%+;,&4,+-,);23+

very successful examples from Germany and Paris and NYC. Bus rapid

transit system was another successful idea which was used in Bogota

$%3+0$(2"+&%+4&(&2-+0&>2+S$)+Q$!0)*+9!4>0$%3+$%3+Q$"&-8+J,&-+(</2+)6+.$--+

transit system was said to be more sustainable than the way buses are

.$%$:23+ $(+ /"2-2%(8+ S).2+ )(,2"+ &32$-+9$")%+ 4)72"23+ ;2"2+ /$">&%:+

.$%$:2.2%(+#<+/"&4&%:+$%3+$7$&0$#&0&(<*+("$614+4)%:2-(&)%+/"&4&%:+)%+

!"#$%+")$3-+$%3+.$>&%:+-("22(-+.)"2+0&72$#028+9$")%+;2%(+)%+()+2I/0$&%+

(,2+-&:%&14$%42+)6+,$7&%:+0&72$#02+-("22(-+$%3+:$72+-).2+2I$./02-+)6+

efforts taken around the world for the cause like Parisian Summer grid-

lock on the Pompidou expressway, Williamsburg walks in NYC, Sumer

-("22(+ 272%(+ &%+PoM+ $%3+ /!#0&4+ -/$42+ "240$.$(&)%+ &%+J&.2-+ S5!$"28

The last contributor of the evening was a medical practitioner from

NYC, Dr. Joseph Habboushe who was also working on a new tryp of

mass transit idea to solve the crisis of transit in sprawled cities. Joe

presented a proposal for perpetual express train to address the sprawl

4&(<+)6+T)-+9%:202-*+;,&4,+,2+$%3+,&-+4)002$:!2-+32-&:%238+9%+&%(2"2-(-

ing feature of this design was allowing the passengers would be able to

transfer between trains via while trains are in motion, eliminating the

need to transfer at the station. This idea, if implemented will divided

(,2+4&(<+)6+T89+&%()+;200+4)%%24(23+/232-("&$%+6"&2%30<+%2&:,#)!",))3-+

of 10 min radius each having a stop for perpetual express train system.


Building Livable Cities 2010EcoCities : Driving India towards the age of sustainability.

Indian cities are increasingly becoming worse places to live

in. Our cities are today marked with rising pollution, dwindling

green spaces, dearth of basic amenities & services, short-

age of affordable housing and a complete decay of public

spaces and infrastructure. Building Livable Cities is a multi city

investigation on ideas that can make Indian cities Livable. The

initiative is an urgent call for action across the nation to push

6)"+ /)0&4&2-+ ();$"3-+ -!-($&%$#&0&(<+ $%3+ #2((2"+ 5!$0&(<+ )6+ 0&628

9-+/$"(+)6+(,2+&%&(&$(&72+m++-<./)-&!.-+;&00+($>2+/0$42+$4")--+C+4&(&2-+n+

[$%:$0)"2+*+b!.#$&+*+_20,&+*+M,2%%$&+*$%3++9,.23$#$3+#2(;22%+j4(+

18-22.The outcome will be presented in a book that is scheduled to be

released in 2011. The “Urban Visioning” Program titled the Blueprint

showcases the urban visions of a number of leading Indian architects

along with the revolutionary ideas of global thought leaders. The series

will also be podcasted online at www.theurbanvision.com/multimedia

“Cities hold the key to the age of sustainability”

The theme of Building Livable cities 2010 is EcoCities - Driving

India towards the age of sustainability which will explore strategies

that can make Indian cities environmentally sustainable. Today,

cities occupy about 2% of the world’s surface area and have a

3&-/")/)"(&)%$(20<+0$":2+&./$4(+)%+(,2+2$"(,=-+24)0):<8+944)"3&%:+()+

the United Nations, cities are responsible for 75% of global energy

consumption and 80% of greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, a

large part of the solution towards solving the crisis of Climate Change

lies in solving the crisis of Cities. This national investigation is aimed

at creating a solution driven blueprint towards a sustainable future.

The symposium will address the following sub themes which

are among key components that shape sustainable urbanization.

Urban Form

Ecological footprint of a city is embedded in inherent structure,

form and morphology of the city. Urban form is an issue critical

to sustainable transport as well; and this is a vital issue to address cli-

mate change as transport is responsible for almost 40% of the any

4&(<=-+ 2%2":<+ !-28+ + ^)"+ L%-($%42*+9+ /2"-)%+ ;,)+ 0&72-+ &%+9(0$%($+ )"+ T9+

which are sprawled – auto centric cities typically has an ecological

footprint of 13-14 while a resident of a high-density / compact mass-

transit driven walkable city like Barcelona has an ecological footprint

of 3 or 4. The session will identify links between urban morphology

and sustainable urbanism. It will outline strategies that shape compact,

dense, mixed- use transit-driven and walkable city development models.

Built Environment

Sustainable buildings are a key component of sustainable cities as

almost 40% of the energy use is any city is owed to consumption

in buildings. In this segment , we will look at ideas that attempt to

optimize the functioning of a building; that preserve and protect

important resources like water, land, and energy. It will focus on

integrated architecture which brings together passive design issues,

2%2":<+ 2614&2%(+ .$(2"&$0-*+ 4)%-("!4(&)%+ .2(,)3-*+ 2614&2%(+ #!&03&%:+

systems and by taking advantage of renewable energy supplies

Sustainable Infrastructure

This segment will address design and development ideas that seek to

adopt solid waste and sewerage recycling; sustainable water manage-

ment strategies as well as alternative energy like solar and wind energy.

Technology for green Cities.

This segment will highlight intelligent city management ap-

plications and outline how future cities can effectively

use technology to advance clean public transportation, de-

crease pollution through intelligent urban development.

Green economics & regulation

This segment will look at how economic incentives and regulation can drive

sustainable development. For example: The land auction in UK’s largest

eco-village called BedZED is a good example. It took into account the

0)%:+(2".+1%$%4&$0+#2%21(-+)6+(,&-+24)+32720)/.2%(+;,&02+$!4(&)%&%:+(,2+

land, even though it had other conventional developers biding more for the

site. The Feed-in Tariff used extensively in Germany is an incentive-led

government legislation that encourages adoption of renewable energy.

.


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