From effectively using the city's creeks to sustainable development, architects look at different models that could work in a megacity like Mumbai
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Paucity of open space is one of the major problems in a city like Mumbai. Add to that the escalating real-estate prices and much-needed homes for its burgeoning population, Mumbai is in fact, bursting at the seams.
To look at solutions to Mumbai’s urban problems, The Consulate General of the Kingdom of The Netherlands and the Dutch Design Workspace, in association with various Indian architects, held an interactive session recently, where eminent architects shared their views on various issues like—redevelopment, public space, working closely with people, etcetera.
Architects share their views
Concern: Abuse of coastline, beaches and historic precincts, land filling are a few examples of how the city’s open spaces have been abused, said architect PK Das.
He is involved in a number of projects, like—Khar station, whose precincts are now being improved; walking and cycling along Irla Nala; etc.
Initiative: Architects Gert Jan Scholte’s and Pelle Poiesz (above) book Learning from Mumbai, will be an exploration and analysis of the multiplicity of factors, architects and urban planners encounter on a day-to-day basis in the city.
Experience: Architect Pelle Poiesz’s book Learning from Mumbai, will have interesting perspectives from Dutch architects, who have made the city their home.
Solution: Rupali Gupte, architect who works with design cell KRVIA spoke on Rethinking Development in Mumbai: the case of fishing villages.
She said, “blanket policies cannot address the specific needs of the fishing community when it comes to their livelihoods."