Rethinking the Socio-Spatial Reconfiguration: a Human-Centric Approach to a Planned City

Abstract

The quote by Lewis Mumford emphasizes the historical progression of human settlements, starting from primitive forms such as camps, caves, and villages, leading to the development of cities. However, there are exceptions to this pattern, where certain cities come into existence without an organic growth process and are instead the result of a visionary's concept. One such city is Chandigarh, which was meticulously planned and still holds relevance today. Chandigarh's growth rate serves as a testament to its success. However, cities are multifaceted entities, and while architects and planners may believe their visions and plans are significant, they are only partial aspects of a larger whole. As a city flourishes, it becomes increasingly challenging to control its growth or determine the type of residents it attracts. Social, economic, political, and geographic factors all influence a city's trajectory. Chandigarh possesses a unique character in its built form—rigid and regimented. It was primarily designed for cars, with large functional zones, but it fails to accommodate the needs of those who do not conform to its ideal, the "Vitruvian Man." The city's predetermined scale and intended spatial characteristics create a non-inclusive environment for unintended users. Although cities naturally evolve, Chandigarh, while still undergoing informal transformations, remains somewhat frozen in time and yearns for further development. This thesis seeks to address the fundamental question of how to incorporate a "human" layer into an already "perfect" city while respecting its core values. It aims to explore strategies for making Chandigarh more inclusive and responsive to the diverse needs of its inhabitants. By introducing elements that promote a sense of community, social interaction, and individual expression, the city can better serve its residents and adapt to their evolving requirements. The challenge lies in finding a balance between preserving Chandigarh's original design principles and integrating the human element that is essential for a thriving urban environment. This requires thoughtful interventions that consider the city's existing infrastructure, spatial organization, and cultural context. By embracing the potential for growth and change, while also respecting the city's foundations, Chandigarh can evolve into a more vibrant and dynamic urban center that embraces diversity and inclusivity. In conclusion, the city of Chandigarh stands as an exceptional case, having been meticulously planned rather than evolving naturally. While it has achieved remarkable growth, it faces challenges in accommodating the needs of a diverse population. The thesis aims to explore strategies for infusing a human-centric layer into Chandigarh's design while respecting its core values, thereby creating a more inclusive and dynamic city that can adapt to the evolving needs of its inhabitants