Relationship Between People and Urban Places

In contemporary urban planning and designing the places are highly influenced by local cultural values, the image of the city, forming an integral part of the design process. When we travel to different towns and cities, we observe local variation in its socio-economic structure, making the design more vibrant and meaningful to the local culture. This diversity in design makes places interesting with ever-changing vista by the observer. The design is further influenced by other factors such as geographical location, local climate, historical importance in terms of heritage value and strategical importance with nearby towns and villages for its economy. The morphology of the city gets reflected in its built environment, architectural style. The cultural values are deeply rooted in the social structure and factors such as cast, religion, having a strong influence on the functioning of the cities. Such a comprehensive thought may seem utopian to many but unconsciously, is a part of the planning system. However, the research question is how efficient, progressive and adaptive the systems are in a continuously moving timeline and how various actors in the system act in a given situation? The impact is not just restricted to actors as bureaucrats but citizens as well with a strong voice in public participation. The implementation of city planning starts with a land-use map which is published for 20 to 25 years. Land use maps is a comprehensive land management system that caters to the primary and secondary needs of the citizens, facilitating investment opportunities in certain strategically important locations on one hand and puts restrictions on land which are of heritage value both in terms of the natural and built environment on the other. The transport corridors, industrial development and other social institutions such as universities, hospitals, post offices, fire stations become an integral part of the land use map. These zones are identified on the map as per spatial planning strategies i.e. proximity of land use based on their function. Land use map is then supplemented with planning policies that enable people to take advantage of the land in question. Thus, a business cycle is complete and cities start functioning. Furthermore, suggestions and objections are invited from the citizens and amendments are made for a reasonable claim. To make day to day business more ethical, credible and accountable several compliances are made mandatory to establish order and security. In conclusion, the solution to the current planning issues lies in the diversity in planning that we enjoy. The local tradition and culture should reflect in the built environment, combined with newly evolved styles and movements in art and architecture. The cities of the future should be more human-centric, more spiritual rather than only materialistic gains. We need to be more creative and constructive in our ideology of towns and cities and the way we approach our lives. The aim of urban planning should be to bring in such changes in ‘place making’ that will enhance the quality of life we live. For instance, A public plaza where people can enjoy their leisure time in the evening can help to improve the quality of their own life and their family. Walk-able places, in a neighbourhood, can be a good solution for a healthy lifestyle. Furthermore, the solution should be ‘system based’ which will enable large scale planning issues broken down into smaller workable systems. This requires planning theories in place and definitions associated with it to identify the direction in which the planning process is heading.