Physical transformation of public spaces in cities using ligher, quicker, and cheaper (LQC) method
https://smartnet.niua.org/placemaking-marathon
Objective
As the nation celebrates 75 years of independence, it is an opportunity to show how cities can be better built for people. Our individual freedoms are shaped by the nature of our cities. When a woman feels safe to ‘loiter’ in public spaces, or when a child can play in parks and bicycle in streets without worry, or when a differently-abled person is able to cross a street without help, or when an elderly is able to access outdoor spaces with ease, or when a vendor is able to sell goods without threats of eviction – they are all able to have healthy, joyful lives and are able to pursue their fullest potentials.
These often seem like ambitious goals that can only be realized in a far distant future. But what if we are able to undertake light, quick and cheap trials that can help us start realizing this future today? What if we join hands and in under 75 hours transform atleast one public space in each city, to prove to ourselves and the citizens, that ease of living is not limited to more advanced nations alone?
Under this placemaking marathon initiative, the Smart Cities Mission encourages cities to reimagine at least one public space in their city and transform it within 75 hours. If this is built with the citizens and keeping their needs at the centre, then we will successfully be able to dream bolder and bigger, together. Public events and programming of the transformed spaces can be done in a way that celebrates our azadi, while also celebrating our cities.
The key principles followed are:
- Transformation is light, quick and cheap – while keeping citizens at the heart
- Build for the citizens and by the citizens to co-create a brave and bigger future together
- Anchor with events that educate citizens and celebrate our public spaces
Names of participating cities (TOTAL 35 in number and growing)
1 Agartala;2 Agra; 3 Bengaluru; 4 Chandigarh; 5 Chennai; 6 Coimbatore; 7 Davengere; 8 Dharamshala; 9 Erode; 10 Gangtok; 11 Greater Warangal; 12 Hubli-Dharwad; 13 Imphal; 14 Indore; 15 Jabalpur; 16 Jammu; 17 Kakinada; 18 Karimnagar; 19 Kochi; 20 Kohima; 21 Kota; 22 Nagpur; 23 Pimpri Chinchwad; 24 Ranchi; 25 Rourkela; 26 Silvassa; 27 Srinagar; 28 Udaipur; 29 Ujjain; 30 Vadodara; 31 Varanasi; Rajkot; 32 Mangaluru; 33 Thiruvananthapuram; 34 Pimpri Chinchwad; and 35 Vijaywada (only non-Smart Cities Mission city in group)
Types of Projects (Over 65 projects): Improvements of streets for traffic circulation, pedestrian movement, vending, recreation; upgradation of parks including pocket parks along streets; outdoor infrastructure improvement of aanganwadis, public health centers, etc; improving public amenities in transit stations; etc.
Examples of Projects:
- Coimbatore is going to undertake improvements along Thadagam Road near Kumaraswamy Lake, by making the junction safer, improving bus stop and adding elements of sensory play for young children along the lake edge.
- Hubli-Dharwad will improve Hosur Interchange such that it is friendly for infants, toddlers and their caregivers.
- Imphal will create a micro-park at New Checkon Traffic Point
- Jabalpur will create a cultural street in Bhavartal neighbourhood.
- Kakinada will create a pedestrian only eat street.
- Kohima will make a complete neighbourhood infant, toddler and caregiver friendly and also transforming several parking areas into active public spaces in market area.
- Nagpur will transform its busy Sitabuldi market into a pedestrian friendly street
- Pimpri Chinchwad has divided the city into 8 zones and will take up micro interventions in each zone anchored by a ward office.
- Srinagar will rationalize traffic movement on its busiest Jahangir Chowk and make it safer for pedestrians to cross
- Jammu will also rationalize vehicular traffic and parking in the old city’s Parade junction to improve pedestrian movement.
- Udaipur will transform its Pahari Chetak Bus Stand for improved vehicular movement, parking and prioritize pedestrian and vending needs for safety.
- Kochi will upgrade two anganwadi courtyards for better learning experience for children and also respond to needs of mothers.