The Role of Architecture in Sustainable Urban Development

One of the most crucial roles that landscape architecture plays in achieving sustainable urban development is the integration of ecological principles and environmentally conscious design methodologies into urban planning and development initiatives. This field includes planning, creating, and administrating outdoor places like parks, plazas, streetscapes, and green infrastructure before discussing the role of architecture in sustainable urban development. Let's know about sustainable urban development in India.

Sustainable urban development in India

In discussions and scholarly studies, an essential but contentious subject frequently appears in many ways. Would one want to live or start a business in a city without pedestrian walkways, poor air quality, parks without running water, rooftop rainwater harvesting systems without recharge pits, or supply networks with tainted drinking water and no treatment facilities? These issues necessitate special consideration, along with numerous others.

Developing nations like India are in a much more hazardous condition. Despite numerous efforts, there are still 1.96 million urban homes in India with arsenic and fluoride-contaminated water. The nation is listed among the top five most polluted nations regarding PM2.5, even though just 54% of the urban population has access to better sanitation.

Architectural Measures that can be taken to promote sustainable urban development

Future city planning must prioritize the responsible creation and use of the sustainable pillars of the circular economy framework for resources, such as decreasing, recycling, and reusing waste products, in addition to emphasizing green design. Water extraction and indiscriminate usage could be reduced by charging for private water pumps in accordance with their capacity and establishing separate water supply networks with routine treatment for drinking and non-drinking applications. Both rainwater collection and reusing sewage system water should be given equal priority and attention. In addition to bio roofs and green pavements, rainwater collecting should also include conventional rooftop rainwater gathering systems. In order to address the four main aspects of urban sustainability—filtering and recharging groundwater aquifers, reducing water in drainage systems, reducing the heat island effect, and aiding in carbon sequestration—roofs could be greened with grasses and plants, solar panels, and pedestrian crossings made of grasses and porous tiles. Solar panels can also be used to cover the walls of buildings by attaching them to their exteriors.

The sewage water collected from the buildings must be treated at facilities, and the cleaned water needs to be used for things other than drinking. These non-drinking reasons include supplying sanitary requirements for home, commercial, and industrial facilities and building projects. A well-managed, well-organized, and adequately supervised water delivery mechanism and treatment system are prerequisites. Additionally, it is only reasonable for customers to pay a portion of the maintenance costs for their facilities. To encourage more economical use of this limited resource, it is crucial to examine the feasibility of establishing variable pricing schemes based on the kind of water usage. In conclusion, this should be backed up by initiatives designed to raise awareness and a reliable feedback system. In this regard, the significance of programs designed to promote green construction and provide incentives cannot be emphasized.

Some of the ways architecture can contribute to the development of sustainable cities are as follows: 

Renewable Energy:

By creating structures like solar canopies and wind turbines that blend in smoothly with the urban fabric, architects in Delhi can significantly contribute to promoting renewable Energy and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Green Infrastructure:

A stormwater management method, "green infrastructure", uses natural systems to collect, store, and filter runoff. This plan is additionally referred to as "green infrastructure." By creating and implementing green infrastructure systems, architects may help decrease the amount of toxic runoff that reaches our rivers. Green roofs, rain gardens and bioswales are a few examples of these systems. Green infrastructure, which can offer shade and cool the air through evaporation and transpiration, can also help to lessen the urban heat island effect. Using green infrastructure systems like green roofs, rain gardens, and bioswales, architects can manage stormwater runoff, lessen the impact of urban heat islands, and enhance air quality. Another sort of green infrastructure system is a green roof. These systems can boost an area's biodiversity and serve as a habitat for diverse animals. 

Urban Agriculture: 

Farming in the City Urban agricultural systems, such as community gardens and urban farms, can provide fresh produce, reduce the distance food must travel, and improve food security. Architects can design these systems. Farming in the City Urban agriculture can lessen the occurrence of food insecurity in these situations by providing residents with recently gathered food. Urban agriculture can benefit the environment in several ways, including lowering the urban heat island effect, enhancing air quality, and promoting biodiversity.

Sustainable Transportation:

Best architects in Delhi create streetscapes that prioritize bicycles and pedestrians above automotive traffic to encourage sustainable mobility. Wide sidewalks, protected bike lanes, and traffic-slowing techniques are possible additions. By making cycling and walking easier and safer, architects can help reduce reliance on cars and promote active transportation.

Cultural and Social Sustainability:

Architects can create public spaces that support social and cultural sustainability. To do this, promote community involvement, create inclusive and accessible spaces, and safeguard cultural heritage. Sustainable architecture can include cultural and Social Aspects of Sustainability in Public areas from a social and cultural perspective. This could entail building places welcoming to people of all ages, skill levels, and demographics and accessible and inclusive. Another way that architects can help to preserve cultural heritage is by creating public spaces that respect local history and culture.

Conclusion

Architecture can contribute a lot in promoting sustainable urban development. The above listed ways will help you in making sure that the coming years will be dedicated to urban development but in a manner that is best for all. The simplified measure if implemented on time can help people today and the upcoming generations too.

Contact US

Name - Dezine Innovation

Address - A-298 Second Floor, Prashant Vihar, Rohini Sector-14, New Delhi - 110085

Phone - 9811688608