Regulated Liberal Approach: A Way Forward

The Development Plan Studio was conducted in two phases. The initial phase was a continuation of the foundation studio with an introduction to the planning at precinct level for 1sqkm stretch of Ahmedabad as an introductory exercise. The precinct level planning through short term and long term proposals helped to understand the micro level planning. It was followed by an in depth study and comparison of Development Plans of an Indian city and an International city. The exercise helped to form the initial concepts for the Rajkot Development Plan proposal In the second phase of the studio, on increasing scale upto city level, Development Plan Studio for Rajkot Urban Development Area was taken up. Understanding the city and its existing situations, trends and demands through data collection and stakeholder’s perception was the first step. This gave us the idea of what people expect from development plans. Next from detailed analysis and studies, it was established that Rajkot which has a polycentric nature for economic distribution. For this multiple economic centers were identified and a planning approach was taken up such that it facilitates growth of these centers by catering their respective needs. With this the idea of following demand driven planning came up which would let the market decide which use is required where instead of dictating it in a conventional way. However, to regulate nuisance and cater infrastructural requirements, minimal regulations were planned. Same is reflected in proposed connectivity and zoning. Further on, iterations presented to planning authorities of Rajkot and received inputs helped in understanding real time issues and questions faced by planners.