Compact Surat: Building a Resilient and Sustainable City

Our project aimed to create a new planning framework for Indian cities that departed from the prescriptive approach commonly used in zoning. Instead of assigning specific uses for each plot, we sought to simplify the zoning structure to provide greater market flexibility while still maintaining necessary restrictions for public safety and wellbeing. Likewise, we sought to liberalize the Development Regulations, not to control development but to allow it to take a natural course subject to essential restrictions. This approach would enable developers to respond more effectively to market needs and promote innovation and creativity in the development process. Overall, our proposed planning framework aimed to strike a balance between necessary restrictions for eco-sensitive zones and public safety, and the need to promote economic growth and development in Indian cities.