Introduction:

In Pakistan urban development was initially based on compact planning that created neighborhoods with mixed land use, we find such kind of planning in wall city Lahore where every urban element has its own identity and image which collectively reflects the image of the neighborhood or the community. With the ascent of automobiles and the emergence of modern architecture people start looking beyond the walls of the city and the growth of community starts towards the horizon, and they left the image or identity of the city within the walls of old Lahore. Now as Architects we should try to reshape the community in its REAL sense to create a sense of place, belonging and interactive community by introducing new urbanism in Lahore.

Conventional Suburban Development

This horizontal growth of the city is known as sprawl or conventional suburban development. CSD is criticized for its lacking of town centre and pedestrian scale. CSD spreads out to large areas of countryside regardless of population growth rate. It pushes higher percentage of automobile ownership in the absence of any plausible public transport system. Those who do not own cars are at a loss and their mobility is restricted significantly. The working class that lives in suburbia spends a highly disproportionate percentage of its earning on buying and maintaining their cars 12 Acres of sprawl: 70k s.f. of shops and 400

New Urbanism
Derived from traditional urbanism. Initially a reaction to sprawl. Now a base for sustainable urban growth. And a basis for addressing physical health and social well-being.

parking spaces

What is new urbanism?

A built environment which is diverse in use and population, scaled for the pedestrian, and capable of accommodating the automobiles and mass transit.

12 Acres of urbanism: 70k s.f. of shops with 220 dwellings, on street and structured parking

A well-defined public realm which is responsive to site features and ecology, and supported by an architecture reflecting the climate and the culture of the region.

 Fine grained mixed use town and neighborhood centre with a variety of higher density housing in proximity. A highly interconnected street network, with a sophisticated traffic management to provide safety and comfort for pedestrians, cyclists and transit users. Elements of New Urbanism 1. Walk ability Functional for the pedestrian 2. De-emphasis of the Car Reduced road and parking access Public transportation increase 3. Mixed-Use and Diversity Buildings have more than one function Residents are from varied economical and social backgrounds 4. Design Modern spin on traditional downtown 5. Community Communal and civic pride increased

Theories: Defensible theory

In Pakistan Defensible theory must be consider a guiding principle while designing neighborhood, as we have more threats and security problems. The term defensible space was coined by architect/city planner Oscar Newman As Newman put it the best defensible spaces are the ones that are secured with the active involvement of local residents and this involvement is facilitated by physical design (site planning and building layout). A housing development becomes defensible only after its residents take up the role of its custodians The theory argues that an area is safer when people feel a sense of ownership hence responsible for that piece of a community. Housing should be grouped in such a way that members feel a mutual benefit. Also to deter crime, areas should be defined for function, paths should be defined for movement and indoor spaces should visually provide for close watch of outside areas.

Jane Jacob theory

Jane Jacobs (1916-2006) was an urban writer and activist who championed new, community-based approaches to planning for over 40 years. A city should be densely populated and full of different kinds of people and activities. She opposed city planning that involves big developments that tear down old communities. Her goal was to save neighborhoods and local communities.

She says a well used city street is safer than an empty street. Safety is guaranteed by people who watch the street everyday because they use the streets everyday. She believed that buildings of different sizes, kinds and conditions should exist together, she supported mix use buildings as a way to increase social interaction. Clear demarcation b/w public space and private space Sidewalks must have users on it continuously in order to have more eyes on street. She discouraged dead parks. She says that mixture of users who enter and leave the park must possess a sequence of uses and users.

Conclusions
After the study of various theories and books we came with some conclusions which we will try to implement in planning and designing of neighborhood. The Urban strategy should include principles for strengthening the characteristics that differentiate the particular local environment or place, as follows: 1. Respond to and reveal, express or highlight the following aspects of the area: Underlying (natural) landscape character. Cultural heritage. Valued existing built form context. 2. Respond to or express the values, needs and aspirations of groups in the community for whom the place has being designed, and make it welcoming to them. 3. Assist in making the area more legible (easy to find your way around in) 4. Provide opportunities for individual and community expression and identity. 5. Within neighborhoods, a broad range of housing types and price levels can bring people of diverse ages, races, and income in to daily interaction, strengthening the personal and civic bonds essential to an authentic community. 6. Streets should be safe, comfortable, and interesting to the pedestrian. Properly configured, they encourage walking and enable neighbors to know each other and protect their communities. 7. Landscape and build form characteristics of the regions must be addressed. 8. Conceptual approach to sense of place. Hinayk2@hotmail.com References:
The death and Life of Great American Cities. Environment and urbanization Recombinant Urbanism Internet (charter of urbanism) By Jane Jacob By Diana Mitlin By David Grahame shane