Resituating public realm through climate sensitive urban design strategies: a case of bule-green infrastructure in the inner city of Indore

Abstract

Amidst escalating climate challenges and rising urban inequities, cities must adopt integrative strategies that balance ecological restoration with socio-spatial inclusivity. This thesis explores how Climate-Sensitive Urban Design (CSUD), when integrated with Blue-Green Infrastructure (BGI), can revitalise the degraded public realm in Indore’s historic core. Focusing on a 1 km stretch of the Saraswati River—from Kishanpura Chhatri to Kabutarkhana—the study aims to restore ecological health, improve microclimate, and foster inclusive, resilient public spaces through multi-scalar, replicable interventions. A robust literature review—both theoretical and systematic—was conducted to understand the intersection of CSUD, BGI, and the public realm. It drew on global and Indian case studies, academic theories, and best practices in nature-based solutions, urban form, and socio-economic resilience. The resulting conceptual framework integrates environmental, spatial, and social dimensions to inform design strategies. The selected precinct, located near Rajwada in Indore’s dense, culturally significant inner core, faces multiple interconnected challenges: the Saraswati River has degraded into a drain, riverbanks are encroached, and access is limited; public spaces are underused or poorly maintained; and heat stress and poor air quality reduce comfort and usability. These ecological, social, and spatial issues are compounded by a lack of community-centric planning. The thesis adopts a multi-scalar methodology combining urban morphology, GIS mapping, microclimatic analysis, and socio-economic surveys to assess vulnerabilities and identify design opportunities. Stakeholder mapping and policy reviews ensured context-sensitive, participatory interventions. At the macro (city) scale, the proposal envisions restoring the Kahn–Saraswati river system into a continuous ecological corridor using greenways, stormwater management, and urban afforestation. At the meso (neighbourhood) level, heritage nodes, mobility corridors, and public spaces are interconnected to enhance walkability and socio-cultural integration. At the micro (precinct) scale, the riverfront is restructured through shaded markets, wetlands, bioswales, and community gardens, aiming to reconnect people with nature while supporting informal livelihoods. Key design strategies include reclaiming riverbanks with native vegetation and permeable materials, forming blue-green loops through interconnected open spaces and streets, and creating climate-responsive public spaces with water features, tree canopies, and wind corridors. Socio-economic activation is supported through flexible vending zones and community gathering spaces. The design programme not only addresses the spatial challenges of the 1 km riverfront but also proposes policy-level guidelines for future climate-sensitive developments. These include compact urban forms, permeable surfaces, and the integration of BGI into planning norms to build long-term resilience. By positioning Indore’s inner core as a pilot, the thesis presents a replicable model for transforming degraded urban ecologies into inclusive, climate-adaptive public realms. It demonstrates how locally grounded, environmentally responsive urban design can catalyse broader systemic change in Indian cities. Keywords: Climate-sensitive urban design; blue-green infrastructure; public realm revitalisation; urban resilience; Indore historic core.