Rangwala Associates was one of 9 firms invited to develop a Blueprint to address the pressing challenges of urban India so as to create a framework and road map towards a society that is sustainable.

Emerging Region

Indian cities and the surrounding suburbs have evolved into metropolitan regions. The growing population will have to be accommodated in these regions. In addition, over 60% of city’s population lives in substandard, illegal or unsafe homes and need affordable and safe homes.

Where and how we grow are important considerations. A regional planning effort can identify the opportunity sites: the vacant and underutilize sites. Transportation networks, geographic limitation, environmental sensitivity, context and infrastructure will establish how the new growth gets spread out throughout the region.

Diverse and Walkable Neighborhood

New growth presents an opportunity to reconnect and reorganize the sprawling suburbs into distinctive, compact, pedestrian-friendly, and diverse neighborhoods and centers that are interconnected. The daily activities, including transit and a variety of public open spaces, are located within a short walk reducing vehicular trips and conserving energy. A broad range of housing types and price level allow inclusive and authentic neighborhoods and also cut down on workforce commuting.

Contextual Buildings

Context gives us high-quality buildings and streets that work together in harmony to create a place that is open, inclusive, and has a unique identity. Paying attention to the context of an area ensures that new development reinforces rather than undermines local community.

Buildings should take advantage of local rainfall, light, ventilation, and solar orientation; history; local building materials and construction; and individual choices and sensibilities of the cities. India has for ages adopted to changes in a sustainable manner and can show the world how to integrate new growth contextually.