A+D Exclusives
Learning from Disaster: How cities can improve urban planning?
Spokesperson: Harsh Varshneya, Principal Architect, STHAPATI
As populations concentrate in urban cities like Delhi, the strain on infrastructure, housing, and essential services intensifies. Rapid, unplanned urban growth often results in encroachment on natural habitats, disruption of ecological balances, and increased susceptibility to disasters. Urban development must be viewed in its entirety, an interconnection where people, climate, and sustainability converge to create not just spaces, but thriving ecosystems that endure and evolve for generations to come.
There are a lot of key factors that play a role in urban vulnerability:
1. Inadequate Infrastructure and Poor Land Use Planning: One key contributor to urban areas’ vulnerability is the inadequacy of infrastructure and land use planning. Many cities, especially in developing nations, need more infrastructure to cope with the demands of a growing population. Poorly planned land use, characterized by haphazard zoning and unchecked construction in high-risk areas, exacerbates the impact of disasters. The collapse of buildings during earthquakes, for example, often stems from inadequate construction practices and lax building regulations.
2. Climate Change and Extreme Weather Events: The spectre of climate change looms large over contemporary urban development. Rising global temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events pose significant challenges to cities. Urban areas ill-prepared for these changes face a heightened risk of disasters such as floods, heat waves, and heavy rain. In cities where urban planning has not factored in climate resilience, the impact of these events is disproportionately severe.
3. Lack of Disaster-Resilient Housing: Housing is a fundamental aspect of urban development, and the type of housing stock prevalent in a city can determine its resilience to disasters. Inadequate housing, often found in informal settlements and slums, becomes a breeding ground for disaster vulnerability. These areas are typically characterized by substandard construction, lack of proper sanitation, and proximity to high-risk zones. Disasters, therefore, result in a disproportionate impact on the most vulnerable populations.
Toward Sustainable and Resilient Urban Development
The architectural and design community needs to acknowledge the ramifications of rampant development, where the fragility of the natural environment is sacrificed for unchecked expansion. We must align our practices with a philosophy that underscores responsible urban development. Addressing the root causes of urban vulnerability requires a paradigm shift in urban development strategies. Sustainable urban planning, guided by resilience and environmental stewardship principles, is essential. This involves comprehensive land use planning that considers the natural environment, upgraded infrastructure to withstand shocks, and incorporating green spaces to enhance climate resilience.
Investments in disaster-resilient housing and infrastructure are imperative. This includes strictlyenforcing building codes, retrofitting existing structures, and incorporating nature-based solutions,such as green roofs and permeable pavements, to managewater and reduce the impact of floods.Additionally, empowering communities through education and participatory planning can foster aculture of resilience at the grassroots level.
We should acknowledge and respect the Earth’s carrying capacity as we embark on construction endeavours. Prioritizing sustainable practices demands thoroughly integrating sound engineering methodologies, such as earth compaction, into our construction processes. Integrating engineering practices with master planning and implementing development controls to regulate urban density, aligning it with the capacity of a given urban environment, is pivotal. Examining successful models such as Shanghai and Hangzhou, known for their adept handling of higher urban appetites, underscores the efficacy of such controls in achieving a harmonious balance between growth and sustainability.
A conscientious approach involves a careful evaluation of settlement patterns, with a proactive stance on minimizing settlements before the commencement of construction. This approach, rather than turning a blind eye, reflects a commitment to building resilience in tandem with the Earth’s natural conditions, ensuring a harmonious coexistence with our environment. The Swiss Alps provide a compelling example of tailoring development to a distinct appetite characterized by a unique set of environmental considerations. A noteworthy example is the region’s commitment to preserving its natural allure and bolstering it with world-class infrastructure. This deliberate effort not only enhances the quality of life for residents but also caters to the influx of tourists who frequent the area every year.
Prioritizing the preservation of green spaces, explicitly incorporating trees with robust root systems, is essential for replenishing groundwater and preventing soil runoff, thereby ensuring the land’s stability. Furthermore, urban development should incorporate robust precautionary measures to anticipate and mitigate potential natural disasters. An in-depth examination of vernacular architecture tailored to specific regions can provide valuable insights for devising preventive measures tailored to local climates and potential disasters. Historical adaptation of innovative and sustainable techniques rooted in local contexts has been a consistent practice over centuries. Integrating these proven methods with contemporary technology presents a pragmatic approach to infusing vernacular architecture into urban development, fostering a comprehensive and sustainable environment. As cities continue to burgeon, the need for holistic, sustainable, and resilient urban planning becomes increasingly urgent. Balancing the imperatives of economic development with environmental sustainability, social equity, and disaster preparedness is the key to building cities that can withstand future challenges. By learning from past mistakes and embracing innovative, forward-looking approaches, urban areas can evolve into beacons of resilience, ensuring the safety and well-being of their inhabitants in the face of an uncertain climate and a dynamic urban landscape.
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