Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)
Mangaluru, Sep 9: In 2017, Dr Shibu Raman, an architect from Cardiff University, submitted a proposal to the city authorities in Mangaluru, to develop a partnership with Cardiff University, UK, to achieve its Smart City ambitions. The research proposal highlighted goals to achieve smart and equitable development for the city of Mangaluru.
“Achieve socially just, environmentally sustainable, economically competitive development for the city of Mangaluru. Improve the quality of life for its half a million citizens through the smart city funding and sustainability beyond four years of funding,” the proposal read.
Mangaluru is a unique opportunity for Cardiff team to develop some of their methodologies, tool kits and use them to develop understanding of smart cities and efficient urban developments. This link could turn into a strategic connection for Cardiff University with local government and with the government of India. It could result in forming strategic research and academic partnership with stake holders, funding bodies and universities in India.
The proposal has been awaiting approval. Cardiff University and School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi, conducted a joint design studio for their master’s programme broadly based on the aims and objectives of Smart City. Dr Raman and Prof Das Gupta, the heads of the department of urban design at the School of Planning and Architecture, visited Mangaluru with their students in November 2018 up to January 2019 and carried out an in-depth research in the city. This was followed by developing design proposal to address the challenges identified during their study trip. The research and proposals aimed to develop the Mangaluru smart city proposal. This was supported by Mangaluru Smart City Limited and Mangaluru City Corporation.
The students will present their findings at the Mini Town Hall, Mangaluru on September 10 and 11. This initiative is sponsored by CREDAI and supported by Mangaluru Smart City Limited and Welsh government.
Architect Dr Sibhu Raman said," There is a lot of potential for this city which has a water front. The city has a very compact core, with bigger problems like traffic. With people not having the infrastructure to walk, could lead to health issues. There are properties which are not occupied. This is a city with buildings and vehicles, but is not feasible for people.”
Chairman CREDAI Dr D B Mehta, MCC Commissioner Mohammed Nazir and others were present.