The Context for Place
Delhi is classified as a megacity, with over 18 million citizens. A host of quantitative and qualitative research has demonstrated that the city remains hostile in its considerations to accessibility, inclusivity, safety, usability and sustainability.
As signatories to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, we are far from the targets prescribed by the Sustainable Development Goals (see below).
While Delhi has experienced citizen-led movements such as Raahgiri (where the streets are temporarily taken over by pedestrians engaging in fitness activity) and witnessed the role of public art in revitalising urban-scapes in the Lodhi Art District, the concept of inclusive ‘placemaking’ remains a niche activity.
Our vision is of a world where citizens’ right to the city is recognised and realised. Any transformation of space (for inclusivity, safety, economic vitality, or more) requires collective action. We aim to collect these voices through participative dialogue, and develop innovative placemaking strategies to enable quality public places in the city.
Left: The Sunday book market at Darya Ganj (source: City Sabha)
The UNDP Sustainable Development Goals
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were adopted by 177 member states, including India, at a United Nations summit in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
While public spaces are a direct part of Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), quality public spaces can even contribute positive externalities for other goals, ranging from Goal 3 (Health and Well-being) to Goal 13 (Climate Change).
The SDGs as adopted by UN member countries / SDGs pertinent to public spaces and their externalities
SDG 3: Health and Well-Being
Positively relating public space to physical activity, creating on-ground networks to further the social resilience of communities
SDG 5: Gender Equality
Security for women, children, and members of the LGBTQAI+ community
SDG 8: Decent Work for All
Supporting local markets, legitimising informal workers who reside in a large portion of Delhi’s public spaces, and providing opportunities for their economic growth
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Target 11.7 is to “provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces, particularly for women and children, older persons and persons with disabilities.”
SDG 13: Climate Action
Promoting public transport, greening accessible public spaces that not only become oases within the city, but can also revive natural ecosystems, cool the air, and filter toxic airborne particulate matter.