Tenth International Conference on The Constructed Environment

Abstract

The big question that haunts urban design today is like the classic chicken and egg question; People first? Or places first? Our cities are a synthesis of the physical and social fabric that confront as well as interact with each other in urban design. A new approach to urban design which aims to sustain the social and cultural aspects of urban life, including needs, wants, and hopes of people. Sustaining socio-cultural fabric of cities can ensure people-centric and inclusive cities. This research investigates the five dimensions’ namely: people, places, networks, activities, and territoriality in historical market spaces across India; that constitute the social fabric of cities. These when put together, arrange like a solved jigsaw puzzle, and give a character to the city. With the help of user perception surveys and extensive visual observations; this research establishes ways and means to sustain and enhance the existing cultural and socio-spatial relationships in the urban fabric.