Redefining the urban form for the suburbs of Hill Town Manali

Abstract

The thesis is an attempt to comprehend the relationship between north India's hilly topography and its social and spatial systems. Increased urbanisation in towns as a result of tourism has had a negative impact on their physical environment. There is a strong need to maintain the urban form of hill settlements due to drastic changes in the physical environment and the urban form of such environmentally fragile areas. With the core of the towns being developed irrespective of their carrying capacity, there is a need for alternative tourist centres to accommodate further growth. The suburbs of tourist towns are gaining popularity as they offer a glimpse into the Pahari people's culture and way of life. In order to accommodate further growth, alternative centres that are beginning to urbanise require guidance in order to maintain a balance between the physical environment, the social system, and the built form. Hence, this study shall identify the local development practices and reflect them while enhancing the sense of place along with safeguarding the environment with the help of urban design as a tool