The city of Delhi has recognized local area planning (LAP) as a method of guiding change following the suggestion of the 2021 Master- plan. Hence LAP with a participatory approach has been the way planning for areas in the city is being taken up by the United Residents Joint Association (URJA Delhi NCR) jointly with the M. Arch in Urban Design Programme at School of Art and Architecture, Sushant University and the Institute of Urban Designers of India (IUDI) Delhi NCR Chapter. In 2022, Vasant Kunj (zone F, ward 69S) in South Delhi was the area under consideration.
The process we adopted had five stages, which began with understanding of the place, its documentation and detailed analysis from several perspectives. At places the data received was incomplete and demanded an in-depth study and a more candid diagnosis of the area.
By integrating the suggestions of the end users and adding innovative solutions from the professionals a “Peoples Plan” was framed. The vision was to establish the identity of Vasant Kunj by building on the region’s potential and integrating the socio-ecological networks. To achieve this a few types of projects were identified – mixed use development along the upcoming silver metro line and its stations to strengthen the identity and give a new character to Vasant Kunj. Redevelopment of residential pockets more than 40 years old with respect to the new norms of increased FAR under the influence of TOD, thereby resulting in an increase in unit sizes, unit types and number of units along with new age common facilities.
Transfer of development rights (TDR) was explored as suggested by the Master Plan of Delhi 2041 by Delhi Development Authority (DDA). It allows a specific amount of extra built-up area accessible in the landowners surrendered or abandoned land so that the extra built-up areas can be used by him or transferred to another party in need of it. And lastly were projects that allowed the integration of socio-economic networks through identified pedestrian spines that would bind the segregated pockets in the area.
With this and many more such ways, the Urban Design programme at Sushant University aims to empower the communities, making them more informed and involved in the development of their wards.
