Revamping from City planning to Smart cities
Smart city development in India has been a popular topic of discussion for years now, and rightfully so. With the rapid urbanization that has taken place in the country, it has become essential to create cities that are efficient, sustainable, and technologically advanced. However, the development of smart cities requires a significant amount of planning, execution, and coordination, and architecture and planning are two major contributors to this process.
While architecture and planning have always played a vital role in the development of cities, the traditional architectural approach taught by Indian architecture colleges is no longer relevant in today's world. As a practitioner in the field, I have experienced this first-hand. The primitive architectural textbook approach taught in these colleges is of no use in the real world, and unless architects are introduced to engineering concepts, there can be no technological development in the field. This is why architects are often paid less than other professionals.
Unfortunately, many individuals choose to study architecture because they believe it is an easy profession, full of drawings and trips. However, in reality, architecture is much more than just drafting and drawing. It involves a deep understanding of structural and engineering concepts, the ability to work with various stakeholders, and the ability to think creatively to solve complex problems.
This flawed approach to architecture education in India has resulted in a lack of skilled architects and planners who can contribute to the development of smart cities. As a result, the government has often resorted to hiring foreign architects who have little knowledge of the Indian context, resulting in projects that fail to meet the needs of the people. A prime example of this is the Chandigarh city planning, which is considered a historic landmark in architecture but does not align with the lifestyle and needs of the Indian people.
To ensure successful smart city development in India, the entire viewpoint needs to be altered. The government and legislative bodies need to allocate suitable funds and ensure that the right people are part of the team. This means that Indian architects and planners must be given a chance to contribute to the development of smart cities. It is essential to understand that smart cities need to be designed in a way that aligns with the lifestyle and history of the Indian people. Therefore, it is important to look at our own examples and take them as case studies for future projects.
It is time to acknowledge that smart Indian architects and planners are the key to the development of smart cities in India, not just foreign architects. A strong team of skilled architects and planners can help in creating cities that are sustainable, efficient, and technologically advanced while also aligning with the needs and lifestyle of the Indian people.
In conclusion, it is imperative to recognize that the development of smart cities in India requires a significant shift in the approach towards architecture and planning. The traditional approach taught in Indian architecture colleges is no longer relevant, and the government needs to ensure that the right people are part of the team. Smart cities need to be designed in a way that aligns with the lifestyle and history of the Indian people. To quote the famous architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, "The mother art is architecture. Without an architecture of our own, we have no soul of our own civilization."
