Using Tactical Urbanism for Creating Equitable Public Spaces of All: a case study of Old City, Ujjain

Abstract

Public spaces are the heart of a city, shaping its liveliness and sense of community. Ideally, they should be fair and accessible, offering safe and welcoming areas for everyone to relax and connect. But in many fast-growing Indian cities, this isn't the case. Unequal access and quality remain a problem, especially for underprivileged communities. Recognizing this issue, the Indian government, through the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) and the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA), is looking at a new approach called "tactical urbanism." Tactical urbanism is like a low-cost experiment for cities. It uses temporary changes, like adding planters or painting streets for games, to see if people like them. If they do, the city can make them permanent. This thesis explores how tactical urbanism can be used in Ujjain, India, to create public spaces that are fair and welcoming for everyone. The research focused on three key areas. First, it explored the concept of tactical urbanism and how it's been used worldwide. Second, it investigated existing tactical urbanism projects in Ujjain. Finally, it examined a specific area in Ujjain, understanding how different communities use these spaces and the challenges they face. Based on this research, the thesis proposes specific, achievable changes that Ujjain can make using tactical urbanism. These changes aim to make public spaces more inclusive for all residents, leading to a more vibrant city. The research used a mix of existing information and interviews conducted in Ujjain itself. This thesis adds to our knowledge about tactical urbanism's power to transform public spaces. By focusing on Ujjain, it provides valuable lessons for other cities facing similar challenges. Moreover, because this research aligns with MoHUA and NIUA's goals, the proposed changes have a strong chance of making a real difference in Ujjain and inspiring similar efforts elsewhere.