Transforming Urban Landscape: Landscape Approach for Sustainable Re-Densification of Professor's Colony, Bhopal

Abstract

Currently, Cities Across the World Account for Around 80% Of Global Economy. The Obvious Result of This Exponential Growth Is the Expansion of Urban Areas to Accommodate Increasing Demographic Shift. Owing to The Changing Lifestyles, Most of The Urban Areas, Transition Areas and Urban Fringe Areas Are Witnessing Steady Increase in The Unscientific and Unplanned Consumption of Natural Resources (Land, Water and Vegetation) Leading to Degradation of The Natural Environment of The Urban Areas in Turn Impacting Negatively the Wellbeing of The Urban Communities. Among All the Natural Resources, Urban Areas and Water Share A Vital Relationship. In This Context, The Thesis Explores A Re-Densification Project (Proposed by Madhya Pradesh Housing Board) In Professor's Colony, Bhopal (Adjacent to Lower Lake Wetland). The Project Is Proposed to Build a Collectorate Office, Convenient Shop, Apartments, Urban Inserts, Parking, Govt. Girls Hostels, Etc. Through Urban Re-Densification the Thesis Aims at Creating Alternative Sustainable Planning Solutions for The Area. The Thesis Aims to Address Various Challenges Faced by The Area, Including Undervalued Land, Encroachment, Underutilized Spaces, Low Social Spaces, Public Safety Concerns, Dilapidated Parks, And Disturbances in The Wetland Caused by Sewage Disposal & Unwanted Activities and Unplanned Development. The Thesis Discusses the Interconnected Relation with Urban Development and Urban Wetland Systems. Further, Urban Wetlands Provide A Vital Resource to Adequately Cope with The Growing Water Demands in Urban Areas. Water Supply and Waste Water as Well as Storm Water Management Systems Are Impacted by Planning Decisions. Hence, Integrating Wetlands into Urban Landscape Through Scientific Urban Planning Is Need of The Hour for Promoting Sustainable Development.