Q & A
‘Compact, medium-density cities may be the best bet’
Combining the protection and use of heritage structures/areas with the demands of rapid urbanisation has become a challenge increasingly faced in India. Bernd Scholl, professor of spatial planning and development at ETH Zurich, has been involved in heritage-based planning of several cities in Europe, including Frankfurt, Milan, Budapest and Stuttgart. In Delhi to attend a conference on these issues, he spoke to Subodh Varma:
‘Compact, medium-density cities may be the best bet’
Combining the protection and use of heritage structures/areas with the demands of rapid urbanisation has become a challenge increasingly faced in India. Bernd Scholl, professor of spatial planning and development at ETH Zurich, has been involved in heritage-based planning of several cities in Europe, including Frankfurt, Milan, Budapest and Stuttgart. In Delhi to attend a conference on these issues, he spoke to Subodh Varma:
What is heritage-based urban development?
All cities are remembered by visible signs of the past the ancient buildings or areas. They are the identity of the city. But sustainable development needs to go beyond merely conserving these historical structures. We need to work with them, even play with them. We need to combine the old and the new. The tension between these two parts is what will give the city its characteristic identity. In such a city, you will constantly move forward and backward in time. Even while undertaking new construction, we have to remember that this will be the heritage for future generations. Contemporary construction should be of good quality so that it lasts and fitting enough to give joy in the future. It should be flexible, not mono-functional.
All cities are remembered by visible signs of the past the ancient buildings or areas. They are the identity of the city. But sustainable development needs to go beyond merely conserving these historical structures. We need to work with them, even play with them. We need to combine the old and the new. The tension between these two parts is what will give the city its characteristic identity. In such a city, you will constantly move forward and backward in time. Even while undertaking new construction, we have to remember that this will be the heritage for future generations. Contemporary construction should be of good quality so that it lasts and fitting enough to give joy in the future. It should be flexible, not mono-functional.
Can European experiences be of use in India, which has very different conditions?
Europe also has been through a process of learning, with many ups and downs. Europe found a way out of the problems of industrialisation era when rapid urbanisation and unplanned development took place. Modern architecture, with its stress on light, air and space was a reaction to this. We have had two wars, which devastated many old cities. In the initial post-war period too the construction boom destroyed many old buildings and areas. Unlike the US and India, European cities had no space to expand. In the US, cities sprawled horizontally creating dependence on transport. All these lessons can be learnt in India.
Europe also has been through a process of learning, with many ups and downs. Europe found a way out of the problems of industrialisation era when rapid urbanisation and unplanned development took place. Modern architecture, with its stress on light, air and space was a reaction to this. We have had two wars, which devastated many old cities. In the initial post-war period too the construction boom destroyed many old buildings and areas. Unlike the US and India, European cities had no space to expand. In the US, cities sprawled horizontally creating dependence on transport. All these lessons can be learnt in India.
What are the key factors for sustainable urban planning?
The most crucial factor is awareness about the importance of heritage and history. This requires education through various means. Once people become aware, they will insist on conservation as part of modern planning. Also, urban planning should be local, in the sense that local people should have legal power to decide what would come up where.
The most crucial factor is awareness about the importance of heritage and history. This requires education through various means. Once people become aware, they will insist on conservation as part of modern planning. Also, urban planning should be local, in the sense that local people should have legal power to decide what would come up where.
Experts may advise them. In several north European countries like Germany, and in Scandinavia, municipalities not only lay down strict laws but they ask the private builders to pay one-third of the total cost of the property for developing social infrastructure like roads and schools. This includes heritage structures. The municipality then pays for maintenance. Strong legal framework and monitoring mechanism is also necessary.
How do you develop a sustainable plan for a city?
The first thing is to have an intensive process to find solutions. This requires experts with varied experience. They develop various options, taking into account different factors. Only then should consultation with the people begin, presenting to them various options. Otherwise it will just become endless debating, with vested interests playing their game. The plan should visualise the future and take a complete view. With energy at a premium, and global warming issues, compact, medium-density cities may be the best bet. Younger people should be involved in the exercises, as they have to live in the cities of the future.
The first thing is to have an intensive process to find solutions. This requires experts with varied experience. They develop various options, taking into account different factors. Only then should consultation with the people begin, presenting to them various options. Otherwise it will just become endless debating, with vested interests playing their game. The plan should visualise the future and take a complete view. With energy at a premium, and global warming issues, compact, medium-density cities may be the best bet. Younger people should be involved in the exercises, as they have to live in the cities of the future.