Track 7 Session Report

Chair:
Akhtar Chauhan, Director, Rizvi Architecture College, Mumbai

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This presentation discusses the history of tall buildings and the human fascination to build high; how it is manifested in the creation of skyscrapers around the world, including the development of much needed support infrastructure. The presentation explains how this fascination has shifted from one continent to another, and how its planning and development differ in each area – especially the relevance of this to the city of Mumbai. The impacts of building bye laws set by the Mumbai government on the development of the city are also discussed, comparing how a lenient attitude towards slum redevelopment and old tenanted buildings in Mumbai has led to the ever enlarging slum areas in the city.

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Poised to contribute 70% of the nation’s GDP, the promising Indian urban system is paradoxically slipping into urban decay. Versatile but vulnerable, Indian cities are victims of a chaotic and unplanned growth. Vibrant cities make Vibrant Economies. Can India afford not to capitalize on the capability of her cities? In this presentation, while attempting to demystify the way Indian cities are managed and governed, Ms Gopal shares her experiences with three promising pathways - REFORM, ADAPT, INNOVATE  to capitalize on the huge opportunity that Indian Urban System presents.

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In many ways the social, environmental and economic future of the world is going to depend on the transition of an “India of villages” into an “India of cities”. With only 30% of the country being Urban at this point; India has an extraordinary opportunity to leapfrog into a society that is socially inclusive, environmentally & economically sustainable if it adopts the right model. On the other hand if India embraces a flawed model in the coming decades – it can lead to a chaotic future marked with social, ecological & economic instability; along with severe challenges of food & energy security. This presentation outlines the need for India to adopt a macro blueprint to address urbanization and highlights why it is important to adopt a high-density & compact land use model.

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