Planning for creative city: Role of Social Infrastructure and Public Realm in case of Chandigarh

Abstract

The absence of social planning in the structuring of urban areas has a very significant effect on the effectiveness and liveability of cities. Through the context of Chandigarh, this study examines the manner in which too little regard is given to social considerations community participation, exposure to services, and protection of cultural identity that led to city spaces with inequalities, segregation and low living standards. Special attention is given to the public sphere as a realm of social engagement, cultural practice and accessibility, which has been underemphasized in planning models. By comparing cities that have omitted social planning to those that have adopted it including aspects of the creative city paradigm, we determine central implications like rising social fragmentation, decreased accessibility to basic resources and increased environmental issues. The conclusions highlight the imperative to adopt a comprehensive method of integrating social considerations in urban planning, enriching the public sphere and facilitating the creation of resilient, innovative and diverse communities. By arguing in favour of policies that value social planning, this paper seeks to shed light on paths towards more inclusive and lively urban futures, employing Chandigarh as a critical frame of reference in terms of creativity and vibrancy. Keywords: Creative City, Inclusivity, Tactical Urbanism, Social fragmentation, Spatial integration, Liveability, Placemaking