Impact of activity hubs on housing: a case study of Pune

Abstract

This thesis explores how different kinds of activity hubs influence the way cities grow and how people choose where to live. The study is inspired by the concept of the 15-minute city — a city where everything a person needs for daily life, such as work, school, healthcare, shopping, and leisure, is available within a 15-minute walk or cycle from home. In this context, activity hubs like IT parks, educational institutions, and industrial zones play a major role in shaping urban development. These hubs attract large numbers of people and gradually form unique neighborhoods around them. To understand these patterns more deeply, the research also draws on lifestyle theory, which suggests that people's values, habits, and routines — shaped by their work, social class, and cultural background — influence their housing preferences. For example, a software engineer working in an IT hub may prefer a modern apartment in a gated society close to the office, while a student looks for affordable shared housing near a college, and an industrial worker may prioritize basic, low-cost housing close to their factory. The study focuses on three specific hubs in Pune — one IT-based, one educational, and one industrial — and compares how factors like building height, residential types, building usage (commercial, mixed-use, residential), and property values vary across these areas. It also analyzes how amenities such as shops, clinics, eateries, and parks are clustered, and how accessible they are for residents. Key findings show clear differences: IT hubs are characterized by vertical growth, modern apartments, and higher property values, with a variety of lifestyle-based amenities. Educational hubs are surrounded by hostels, PG accommodations, and cafes, with mid-range pricing. Industrial areas tend to have low-rise, budget-friendly housing with a focus on basic services like clinics, grocery stores, and public transport access. Overall, the research reveals how lifestyle needs directly influence urban form. It highlights the importance of planning mixed-use, amenity-rich, and walkable neighborhoods that reflect the daily lives of their residents. The findings provide useful recommendations for urban planners and real estate developers to design better housing environments around various activity hubs — ultimately helping to build more inclusive, efficient, and people-centered cities. . Keywords: Activity hubs, clustering, amenities