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Park .India PDF
Park .India PDF
DESIGN
GUIDELINES
Copyright @ 2018 by Bernard van Leer Foundation
www.bdp.com
5th floor, Eros Corporate Tower
Nehru Place
New Delhi 110019
Contents
DESIGN GUIDELINES
ABOUT THE DESIGN GUIDELINES4
HOW TO READ THE GUIDELINES5
DECISION MAKING6
MIX AND MATCH8
DECISION MAKING STORIES10
MANAGEMENT, MAINTENANCE AND ORGANISATION12
Neighbourhood Layout 15
MIXED USE15
NEIGHBOURHOOD15
HIERARCHY, DISTANCE AND DENSITY OF ITC FACILITIES16
Streets 23
THE FIRST PUBLIC REALM23
LIMIT, LINK AND SHARE STREETS - 3 STEP APPROACH24
SEGREGATION OF USES30
PARKING STRATEGY32
HOW TO APPROACH THE DESIGN OF STREETS AND PUBLIC REALM33
GUIDELINES FOR STREET COMPONENTS46
SAFE STREETS46
GREEN STREETS52
ACCESSIBLE STREETS54
PLAYFUL AND INCLUSIVE58
Parks and Open Spaces 65
STRATEGIES FOR PLAY65
TYPE OF OPEN SPACES65
GUIDELINES FOR PARK AND OPEN SPACES69
SAFE OPEN SPACES69
GREEN OPEN SPACES74
ACCESSIBLE AND PLAYFUL OPEN SPACES77
INCLUSIVE OPEN SPACES83
HOW TO APPROACH THE DESIGN OF PARKS AND OPEN SPACES85
Public Services 89
HOW TO APPROACH THE DESIGN OF PUBLIC AMENITIES89
Utilities 103
HOW TO APPROACH THE DESIGN OF UTILITIES103
DESIGN GUIDELINES SORTED BY OBJECTIVES108
Design Guidelines
on usage
“how”of school to bring
number of government schools that allow multi
campuses the interventions
during non-school in tocanbeing.
tions for ITCs such as government school cam-
puses to the wider community provide extra
• Streets: are mainly mobility-related
spaces concerning the practicalities
hours opportunities, space and accessibility for time
spent outdoors.
Indicator
Units Data
Requirements
Frequency of
Benchmarks
Measurements
Jurisdiction of
How
Measurements • Parks and Open Spaces: cover one of
% Sample Survey Half Yearly Neighbourhood
Thriving
Benchmark Value
Striving Surviving
• Public Services: cover local amenities
and community facilities.
100% government school allow 50% - 80% government school < 50% government school allow
usage of school campuses during allow usage of school campuses usage of school campuses during
non-school hours during non-school hours non-school hours
Reliability of Measurements
Comprehensive survey at Sample survey at spe- Desk based estimation Desk based estimation
all housing blocks/cluster cific housing blocks as e.g. based on earlier e.g. based on earlier
averages survey & with systematic survey
on-site verification.
Benchmark Value
Thriving Striving Surviving
100% government school allow 50% - 80% government school < 50% government school allow
Monitoring section of
this book. 74 Bernard van Leer Foundation
BUILDING NEIGHBOURHOODS TO THRIVE IN: Urban Planning, Design, Policy, and Evaluation for ITCs in India 5
Design Guidelines
+ 30 +
Value to ITC Development
1 100
ITCs reached
BUILDING NEIGHBOURHOODS TO THRIVE IN: Urban Planning, Design, Policy, and Evaluation for ITCs in India 7
Design Guidelines
“I want something “We want to make “Our children need “Widening the
that will bring media sure that the parking much more space street next to the
attention to our ITC places around the to play ball games park for walkers will
Neighbourhood. park will not be in the park near our prevent people from
It needs to be threatened by any house.” finding my business
relatively cheap and new intervention.” easily.”
easy to install.”
A statue of a mother and child in a park, more parking, or the fear of lost
business, wouldn’t clearly satisfy any of the ITCN objectives nor indicators.
These tools can be a useful first filter for any ideas of expeditures.
High-profile Ecologically
Conscious Park
FINDINGS OF BASELINE
In addition to deciding what to build, using
SURVEY:
data to establish where new interventions
INVESTMENT OCCURRED IN A
should get implemented will add complexity
SINGLE BLOCK, BUT NOT THE
to the dialogue. Data ensure the evenness
SURROUNDING STREETS.
of benefits to ITCs from new projects.
BUILDING NEIGHBOURHOODS TO THRIVE IN: Urban Planning, Design, Policy, and Evaluation for ITCs in India 9
Design Guidelines
This park possesses some good features including safety from the street, sound protection, and a good amount of
open space for kids to run. However, they can never use it because it is always occupied by large groups of men.
Even without changing the rules of usage, programming day- or weekend-long events in the park will re-define the
sense of ownership for ITCs to feel comfortable and welcome there.
• Maintenance, cleaning, waste and water strategy for evaluation, scalability and
management, lighting that can adapt to replicability.
different uses and seasons
Costs and benefits
Quick wins experiment • Understanding underlying financial patterns
• Demarcate new approaches and catalyse and the actors influencing public space
improvements with pilots and trials, e.g. such as managers, building owners,
play streets / happy streets (street closures occupiers and developers.
to traffic) or ‘building parties’ - where the • Allocation of funds for maintenance and
community are involved in cleaning streets, social components such as placemaking
planting trees or painting facades as
spaces change. Children can be the most
active members of such events.
• Build trust and encourage buy-in from
building owners/occupiers, decision-
makers and the community
• Must be combined with a long-term
BUILDING NEIGHBOURHOODS TO THRIVE IN: Urban Planning, Design, Policy, and Evaluation for ITCs in India 11
Design Guidelines
NEIGHBOURHOOD LAYOUT
Objectives
Indicators
Achieved
Neighbourhood Layout
Neighbourhood Layout guidelines are concerned with the larger scale
organizational factors within an area, its urban design. This is the process
of giving form, shape and character to urban spaces that will influence the
overall physical environment.
MIXED USE
1 BVLF Urban Starter Kit page 78 talks about the concept of setting
up a Children’s Priority Zone, which is focused around the main
amenities frequented by children. It is worth looking this up to see if it
can apply to your neighbourhood.
BUILDING NEIGHBOURHOODS TO THRIVE IN: Urban Planning, Design, Policy, and Evaluation for ITCs in India 13
Design Guidelines
75-85m/min
800-1000m
Average Walking
Speed of Adults
30-40m/min
300m
Average Walking Speed of a
caregiver with stroller or
leisurely walking speed with
an infant (0-2 yrs)
20-30m/min
200m
Average Walking Speed of
Adults with a toddler
(2-3 yrs) holding hands or
assisted walking
15-20m/min
150m
Average Walking Speed of
Adults and toddler
(3-5 yrs) not holding hands
or a distracted toddler or
dependent walking
Note: We estimate that 3-5 y/o moves slower than a 2-3 y/o because they are more confident in the public realm to be curious.
Figure 2: How far can we get in 10 minutes
Radii 400 m
800 m - 1000 m
150 m - 300 m
Average Neighbirhood Size Comfortable 10 min. Walkshed for Comfortable 10 min. Walkshed for ITCs
Adults in Indian Weather in Indian Weather
Figure 3: Neighbourhood size
BUILDING NEIGHBOURHOODS TO THRIVE IN: Urban Planning, Design, Policy, and Evaluation for ITCs in India 15
Design Guidelines
ITC specific recommended changes to norms for facilities in a neighbourhood (as per URDPFI)
Tot Lot No existing Data 6 Nos. for a 125 sqmt each The existing norms No.8
Infants and neighborhood * covering a total area specify the area of a
caregivers : 0-2 of 750sqm * tot-lot as 125sqm. We
suggest that spaces as
yrs.
small as 50sqm can also
Recommended: Recommended: Recommended:
be converted to tot-lots.
Placed at walking 6 -15 Nos. 50 - 125sqm. This will incresae their
distance of max.10 Covering a total spread and ITC reached
minutes or 300m. area of 750sqm across the neighborhood.
Housing Area No existing Data 3 Nos. # 5000 Each. covering The number of Housing No.9
a total area of 15000 area parks is suggested
Park to be increases for better
Toddlers with Sqm. #
reach.
caregivers: 2-3 Recommended: Recommended: Recommended:
yrs. Placed at 3 - 6 Nos. 2500 - 5000sqm.
200 - 300m covering a total area
of 15000sqm
Neighbour- No existing Data 1 Nos. # 10000 Sqm. # The existing norms No.10
hood Park/ suggest 1 No.
Neighborhood Park of
Playground
10000sqm. We suggest
Open Spaces
Recommended:
3-4sqm per person
BUILDING NEIGHBOURHOODS TO THRIVE IN: Urban Planning, Design, Policy, and Evaluation for ITCs in India 17
Design Guidelines
Day Care 5-15 minutes walking No existing Data 150-200 Sqft The day care centers No.2
Centers or distance (300 -800m) 6-8sqft per child $ or creches should be No.4
placed preferably with a No.6
Crèches
Recommended: Recommended: tot lot or open space. So
ITC : 6 months to
Walking distance 6 - 15 Nos. the density of creches is
6 years
Education Facilities
Pre- Primary, 5-15 minutes walking 6 Nos.? 800sqm each ? To be located near a
Nursery distance (300 -800m) housing area park or a
School neighbourhood park. ?
Recommended: Recommended:
Toddlers: 3-5 yrs. 200 - 400m 6 Nos.
Primary 5-15 minutes walking 3 Nos.? 4000sqm, 2000sqm Playfield area with a No.47
School distance (300 -800m) built foot print and minimum of 18m x 36m to
Toddlers: Above 2000sqm playgound ? be ensured for effective
5 yrs. play ? and open during
Recommended: Recommended: Recommended: non-school hours for ITC
400 - 600m 3 Nos. 4000sqm, 2000 use.
sqm built foot
print and 2000
Sqm playgound?
Placed at walking
Health care Facilities
distance of 5 - 10
Recommended: Recommended:
minutes or 150 -
2-3 Nos. 800 - 1200 sqm
300m
Anganwadi 5-15 minutes walking 3 Nos.( ) 200 - 300 Nos.( ) To be located near a No.48
ITCs distance (300 -800m) Housing Area park
? Pt.8.4.2. Education Facilities, Page 357, URDPFI Guidelines 2014, Ministry of Urban Development
! Table 8.50 Health Care Facilities, Page 360, URDPFI Guidelines 2014, Ministry of Urban Development
() Pt.8.4.4 Socio-Cultural , Page 361, URDPFI Guidelines 2014, Ministry of Urban Development
& Pt.8.4.10.2 Amenities, Page 368, URDPFI Guidelines 2014, Ministry of Urban Development
$ Rajiv Gandhi National Creche Scheme for children of working Mothers, under the The Maternity Benefit Act 2017
BUILDING NEIGHBOURHOODS TO THRIVE IN: Urban Planning, Design, Policy, and Evaluation for ITCs in India 19
Design Guidelines
STREETS
Objectives
Indicators
Achieved
29. Presence of green corridors on major routes and number of corridors in a neighbour-
hood.
30. % of streets with decibel levels above standard 55 dB inside the neighbourhood.
31. Presence of no-honking zones in the neighbourhood.
Streets
BUILDING NEIGHBOURHOODS TO THRIVE IN: Urban Planning, Design, Policy, and Evaluation for ITCs in India 21
Design Guidelines
Streets are a vital part of our cities and facilitate To make our streets friendly for ITC, we need
a range of uses, from vehicular transport to to undertake 3 main steps. These are to limit
pedestrian movement. But the different users the use of streets by vehicles, to link key
of streets can have conflicting needs. These destinations within the neighbourhood and
conflicts have at times been resolved by establish a priority route, and to share the
completely banning cars from certain streets street, by improving on the use efficiency. 4
in the city. Not every city or neighbourhood is
ready for such a big step.
As identified in the Framework, Indian Thus one-way traffic will not only make
neighbourhoods are car-centric. (Framework, streets efficient but also calmer. St. Marks
Page 15). One of the critical challenges is Street in Bangalore is a 1km commercial
the unsafe nature of the street, which allows street that has achieved lower speeds with
through-way traffic, limiting the child’s one-way traffic, extended footpaths and
independent mobility. The first step to take cycle tracks (See Best Practices Page 10)
in your neighbourhood is to reduce car
dominance by: • Chicanes: Chicanes increase the amount
of public space available on a corridor and
• Preventing unnecessary traffic can be activated using benches, bicycle
movement: Prohibiting vehicular traffic parking, and other amenities. Chicanes
completely from streets wherever possible break long lines of traffic and have the
to give pedestrians and ITC’s priority and added benefit of calming traffic. In a
more space to move freely, without fear neighbourhood context, consider having
of traffic. Access for emergency vehicles chicanes with alternate off-street parking
should be permitted if there is a calamity. spaces on one side of the street.
• Set Speed Limits: Globally, many • Shared street spaces: Shared street
neighbourhoods have set and imposed spaces are increasingly becoming popular
speed limits of 15-30 km/hr in local streets. worldwide, where streets are places for
Research has shown that children are people, rather than cars. These also help in
unable to gauge the speed of vehicles reducing the speed of through traffic. (See
travelling faster than 32km/h, and may page 28)
believe it is safe to cross when it is not. It is
important to enforce this limit as well. 5 • Crossings/ Speed Tables: Speed bumps,
the way they are currently used in Indian
• Calm one-way traffic movement : streets are ineffective in reducing the traffic
Neighbourhood streets with ITC activity speed. Sign-posted crossings or Speeds
need a clear obstacle-free pedestrian Tables are a better option on routes where
space. This arrangement in access streets restriction of traffic is not possible. (See
will be possible with narrow carriageways. page 48-49)
BUILDING NEIGHBOURHOODS TO THRIVE IN: Urban Planning, Design, Policy, and Evaluation for ITCs in India 23
Design Guidelines
6 The Kindlint is developed by SOAB, a traffic consultancy example) but also on the route to these places. Child-Friendly
firm with the idea that by using this route children can safely Urban Design: Observations on public space from Eindhoven
and independently move across different places in their (NL) and Jerusalem (IL)
neighbourhood. It is assumed that play does not only occur 7 https://www.reframingstudio.com/projects/kindlint
at particular destinations (playgrounds,community centers for
Kindlint in Amsterdam
©www.verkeersnet.nl/verkeerseducatie/2193/project-kindlint-draagt-bij-aan-veiliger-omgeving/
8 http://www.metamorphosis-project.eu/case-studies/kindlint-
%E2%80%93-child-route-amsterdam
9 Child-Friendly Urban Design: Observations on public space
from Eindhoven (NL) and Jerusalem (IL) Page 28
BUILDING NEIGHBOURHOODS TO THRIVE IN: Urban Planning, Design, Policy, and Evaluation for ITCs in India 25
Design Guidelines
In the shared street concept, cars, cyclists and • Use planters or bollards that cars have to
pedestrians share the same street surface. In drive around to slow them down further.
the shared street situation, where the zoning is • Keep the planters low, so that small
unclear, drivers become more alert and drive children playing or walking behind the
slower. Traffic may be further prompted to planters are visible to oncoming traffic.
slow down by strategically placing planters or
• Place clear signs at the beginning of the
bollards in the street so that cars have to drive
shared street to indicate to vehicles that
around them and in so doing, slow down. Shared
they are entering a shared street zone.
streets have no level differences, and one paving
material is applied to the whole area. This makes • Introduce a clear speed limit to the zone:
shared streets easy to use by toddlers and their 10mph is a speed limit that is often used.
caregivers, as there are no level differences
between the pavement and the road surfaces.
BUILDING NEIGHBOURHOODS TO THRIVE IN: Urban Planning, Design, Policy, and Evaluation for ITCs in India 27
Design Guidelines
SEGREGATION OF USES
Street widths in urban neighbourhoods in India
predominantly range between 6 - 15m. Space is
scarce in the dense urban fabric of Indian cities.
Therefore it is critical to use the space available
judiciously to accommodate the various and
sometimes conflicting uses.
Continu-
ous
planters
Shaded
resting
places
Protective
bollards
BUILDING NEIGHBOURHOODS TO THRIVE IN: Urban Planning, Design, Policy, and Evaluation for ITCs in India 29
Design Guidelines
PARKING STRATEGY
Parking is one of the most recurring urban • Two-way streets under 9m are not
issues of Indian megacities. Most of the public recommended.
space is taken over by unauthorized parking.
Addressing unauthorized parking in an ITC • Queuing – Designing streets so that
friendly neighbourhood is very critical to free the moving cars must occasionally halt
up public space for pedestrians. Parking is also between parked cars before moving
the most visually obstructing activity for infants forward, which will help in successfully
at their eye level. developing narrow streets while
encouraging vehicles to move slower, and
• Designated parking to be provided also allowing areas where a wide clear area
wherever possible in neighbourhoods; is available for parking.
©healthystreets.com
BUILDING NEIGHBOURHOODS TO THRIVE IN: Urban Planning, Design, Policy, and Evaluation for ITCs in India 31
Design
SADIQGuidelines
NAGAR, New Delhi
@Navanil C.
Area used for Remaining shared surface for vehicles Area used for 4-wheeler parking
2-wheeler parking and pedestrians
Dedicated
Greening on the sidewalks
sides at intervals
Paved surface
Trees at regular
helps in traffic
interval also act as
calming
a barrier from the
Continuous
motorable traffic
planters also
act as a barrier
Sitting spaces from the mo-
Paved surface torable traffic
helps in calming
traffic
Dedicated 1.8m Shaded resting
clear walkway places
Figure 11: Shared Street Section and Plan Figure 12: Shared Street Section and Plan
BUILDING NEIGHBOURHOODS TO THRIVE IN: Urban Planning, Design, Policy, and Evaluation for ITCs in India 33
Design
EASTGuidelines
OF KAILASH, New Delhi
©Simon Batisti
Area used for Remaining surface dominated by vehicular traffic, Area used for
4-wheeler parking with no dedicated space for ITC/pedestrians parking
Walkway
3.00 m 3.50 m
Driveway Wider Walkway
Two-sided footpath -
Two-Way Traffic
Seating
spaces
Wider
carriageway
stretch for
easy vehicular
crossover
Place for
informal
activity
Footpath Driveway Footpath
1.80 m 5.40 m 1.80 m
Sidewalk play
zone with play
sand, rubber
mulch
Parking area
with different
paving material
Place for
informal activity,
small kiosks, veg-
etable vendors
Figure 13: Local Street Section and Plan Figure 14: Shared Street Section and Plan
BUILDING NEIGHBOURHOODS TO THRIVE IN: Urban Planning, Design, Policy, and Evaluation for ITCs in India 35
Design Guidelines
PANCHSHEEL PARK, New Delhi
©Satyajit Mal
Footpath Area used Remaining surface used for vehicular Footpath with no
not ac- for 4-wheeler movement clear walkway
cessable parking
1.8m clear
walkway
Dedicated
stroller/cycle
lane
Stroller
0.60 m Trees
/ Cycle
Footpath Path Driveway Footpath
2.60 m 1.40 m 5.60 m 1.80 m
BUILDING NEIGHBOURHOODS TO THRIVE IN: Urban Planning, Design, Policy, and Evaluation for ITCs in India 37
Design Guidelines
Walkway On-street
parking
BUILDING NEIGHBOURHOODS TO THRIVE IN: Urban Planning, Design, Policy, and Evaluation for ITCs in India 39
Design
SADIQGuidelines
NAGAR, New Delhi
© Navanil C.
• The table top crossing acts as a Figure 18: Neighbourhood Main Street Section
traffic calming measure and is also
a barrier free movement space for
strollers.
Parking
Seating at
regular
intervals
On-street parking
Place for Pinch table-top crossing with
informal activity stroller friendly surface materials
BUILDING NEIGHBOURHOODS TO THRIVE IN: Urban Planning, Design, Policy, and Evaluation for ITCs in India 41
Design Guidelines
12m wide
road
Parking
Seating
spaces
Pop-up play zone with
materials like play
sand, rubber mulch
Parking Kiosks/
food stalls
Table-top crossover
with different
materials for paving
for traffic calming and
easy crossing for ITCs Different surface
paving for traffic
Wider footpath with calming and
seating spaces convenient ITC
movement
Interactive green
spaces at regular
intervals
9m wide road
BUILDING NEIGHBOURHOODS TO THRIVE IN: Urban Planning, Design, Policy, and Evaluation for ITCs in India 43
Design Guidelines
There are many elements that need to come together to make streets that are welcoming, safe and
inclusive of young children and their caregivers. These have been sub-divided on the basis of the five
objectives for a healthy ITC neighbourhood.
STREETS
SAFE STREETS
The number one priority for parents when contact with nature. Modern cities are full of
children are outside is to keep them safe. Only dangers for young children and their caregivers.
then will they have the freedom to explore the Therefore safety issues are to be considered
public realm and derive the maximum benefit and addressed when designing the public
by playing, socializing, running or coming into realm.
Caregivers are less likely to send children on Beside including activity, the interface between
an isolated street. The presence of people the private domain of the home and the
and activity along a street acts as a means of public street needs to be carefully managed.
passive control, and form the ‘eyes on street’11. Currently, homes turn their backs towards
Vandalism and crime incidents can be reduced the street at the ground level and residential
by unofficial, passive control of the public streets are edged with high boundary walls. A
realm. This is provided by residents or passers- porous and active residential edge should be
by having an unobstructed view of streets. promoted. Boundary walls should be avoided
If streets or seating areas are surrounded by or kept at a low height. Guard cabins if any,
buildings with windows looking onto them an should be in the private domain, looking
active, open facades on the ground floors, then outwards. Sitting at your doorstep, allowing
people feel safer. children to play there are the first steps towards
community bonding and safer neighbourhood.
• Make sure that all corners of a street • Boundary walls to be avoided, and
are visible from the surrounding if not possible, then to be kept at a
buildings. lower height.
BUILDING NEIGHBOURHOODS TO THRIVE IN: Urban Planning, Design, Policy, and Evaluation for ITCs in India 45
Design Guidelines
CROSSINGS
BUILDING NEIGHBOURHOODS TO THRIVE IN: Urban Planning, Design, Policy, and Evaluation for ITCs in India 47
Design Guidelines
LIGHTING
“We are born to walk”, School children in Milan promoting walk to school. Photo of Besana, Milan
© www.greenews.info/comunicati-stampa/siamo-nati-per-camminare-23-000-bambini-vedono-cose-che-noi-adulti-20160314/
ITC WAYFINDING
BUILDING NEIGHBOURHOODS TO THRIVE IN: Urban Planning, Design, Policy, and Evaluation for ITCs in India 49
Design Guidelines
GREEN STREETS
Underground utilities can obstruct root growth: • Try to retain existing trees when
It is important to consider how utilities are retrofitting a street. Large trees add
placed in relation to trees. instant character to a street.
BUILDING NEIGHBOURHOODS TO THRIVE IN: Urban Planning, Design, Policy, and Evaluation for ITCs in India 51
Design Guidelines
ACCESSIBLE STREETS
INCLINATION RAMPS
BUILDING NEIGHBOURHOODS TO THRIVE IN: Urban Planning, Design, Policy, and Evaluation for ITCs in India 53
Design Guidelines
Seating around tree planter in DP Road, Pune Seating along Continuous wall at CHICHESTER, UK,
© www.itdp.org/category/location/india/pune/ Landscape by BDP © BDP.com
CONTINUOUS BORDERS
BENCH TYPES
Height-split bench
Where there is extra space, benches can be
height-split, to allow toddlers to climb onto
them easily. This can be well combined with an Flipdown Bench
extra-wide bench design.
BUILDING NEIGHBOURHOODS TO THRIVE IN: Urban Planning, Design, Policy, and Evaluation for ITCs in India 55
Design Guidelines
PLAYFUL FURNITURE
Intalling a swing at a bust stop Playful benches at Circling the avenue Israel
©www.kidfriendlycities.org/2004/article13.html ©YOAV PELED
SIDEWALK GAMES
BUILDING NEIGHBOURHOODS TO THRIVE IN: Urban Planning, Design, Policy, and Evaluation for ITCs in India 57
Design Guidelines
TERRACE EQUIPMENT
POP-UP PLAYING
BUILDING NEIGHBOURHOODS TO THRIVE IN: Urban Planning, Design, Policy, and Evaluation for ITCs in India 59
Design Guidelines
RAHAGIRI, GURGAON
Objectives
Indicators
Achieved
34. Number of hours per day open areas are occupied in a neighbourhood. Tot-
lot, housing area park, neighbourhood playground.
35. Average no of time per week caregivers engage with their 0-5 in outdoor play-
ing/activities in organized green spaces/recreation spaces.
36. Average duration of visits for infants, toddlers and their caregivers at park
facilities.
37. % utilization of parks by infants, toddlers and their caregivers.
38. % of area in parks dedicated to play spaces suitable for young children 0-3.
39. Presence of natural materials in play equipment (y/n) by play space, presence
of natural areas (e.g. greenery, sand, safe and clean water) as percentage of
total play space.
40. Number of parks that have quality seating, facing 0-3 play areas.
43. % of parks at neighbourhood level with free public drinking water, toilets and
other facilities for families.
44. Percentage distribution of Children engaged in formal & informal play in organ-
ized green spaces.
46. % of municipal budget allocated for open spaces or parks (including manage-
ment/maintenance and programming)
Next to streets, public spaces like According to the present guidelines, the
neighbourhood parks and playgrounds are open spaces in a neighbourhood have been
important elements of daily urban life for ITCs. segregated into majorly three categories.
While streets are primarily used for movement
and for connecting, the open spaces of the This has been done on the basis of the
neighbourhoods are the destinations and used minimum area each of these spaces require,
primarily for recreation. the minimum distance from a residential zone
and density required as per the population
Toddlers need a safe outdoor space for play. present in the neighbourhood.
Babies and caregivers need fresh air and
the stimulation of plants, trees, wind, and Tot-lots being the smallest require a minimum
connection to the natural. Playing is a prime of 125sqmt. Whereas, a housing area park
activity for small children. For the 0-5 age and a neighbourhood park require 5,000sqmt
group especially, playing is a way to have fun, and 10,000sqmt respectively. The average
to socialize but also to learn. A big portion of per capita open space stands at 3sqmt as per
this valuable playing time happens in designed norms. 12
playgrounds, where the playing environment is
designed especially for playing. Small tot-lots,
playgrounds in parks, squares or green areas,
are all examples of designated play areas for
children. If a city invests in better quality play
areas for children, it also invests in creating
better citizens for tomorrow.
BUILDING NEIGHBOURHOODS TO THRIVE IN: Urban Planning, Design, Policy, and Evaluation for ITCs in India 63
Design Guidelines
NEIGHBOURHOOD PARK in
Jalandhar © Manisha Bhartia
Neighbourhood parks/ Housing Area parks The URDPFI norms suggest placing three
are the main recreation spaces for children housing area parks that are 5000sqm in size
in the age group of 3-5 and beyond. These in a neighbourhood. These can, however,
parks serve in strengthening social ties in a be smaller, starting at 2500sqm and more in
neighbourhood and create more coherent number so that the access to these parks is
societies. They can offer an excellent form of increased. Similarly, one neighbourhood park
recreation and bring children closer to nature. of 10,000sqm is suggested. However, as per
international standards, two such parks can be
provided. (page 19)
POCKET GREENS
TOT-LOTS
BUILDING NEIGHBOURHOODS TO THRIVE IN: Urban Planning, Design, Policy, and Evaluation for ITCs in India 65
Design Guidelines
Inclusive Open
• Toilets & Drinking Water
Spaces
• Lactation Booths
The design of a park can have a direct impact relax more and be less stressed. Safety in
on a caregiver’s perception of its safety and parks needs to consider its overall layout, clear
their willingness to use the space. If parents sightlines, passive and active surveillance,
or caregivers know that their children are safe permable boundaries and a clear signage and
within the boundaries of a play area, they will lighting system. 13
13 https://www.pps.org/article/what-role-can-design-play-
in-creating-safer-parks
BUILDING NEIGHBOURHOODS TO THRIVE IN: Urban Planning, Design, Policy, and Evaluation for ITCs in India 67
Design Guidelines
Lighting in Walthamstow Town Centre, London, UK; Landscape and Lighting by BDP
© www.bdp.com/en/projects/p-z/Walthamstow-Town-Centre/
The layout of the park should then be clearly • Have pathways connect with
understandable to a first time user. Visibility destinations, and well sign-posted.
and clear sightlines are an important factor in
• Locate active areas such as playing
enhancing the perception of safety. Creating
fields within a park such that there
this sense of open-ness in parks needs to be
is clear visibility between them to
balanced with the desire to create a diverse
encourage surveillance.
and natural landscape.
• Make sure that there are no solid
walls, planting edges along main
routes that obstruct sightlines
Good lighting in a park provides a caregiver • Add low level lighting where the
with a good overview of the situation by paving is uneven, or where there
emphasizing paths, focal points, entrance are steps to better illuminate these
and exits and gathering places. Lighting and obstacles.
signage sytems can be coordinated to provide
a sense of order and clarity in a park. • Place lighting elements for pavement
areas at frequent intervals. As a
general rule of thumb, at least every
Take the following into account for 20 meters.
a well-lit park: • Ideally the lighting level along the
• Establish a hierarchy of lighting types whole length of the pavement area
and intensities in a parks layout. The should be constant.
main activity areas and routes should • Consider the position lighting
be the first priority. elements relative to the position of
• Cluster night time activities in parks trees and other plants. Make sure
such that they are connected by a that branches do not obstruct any
well illuminated routes light.
• Provide lighting at the perimeter • Ensure that play areas are well lit.
to complement street lighting and Also lighting levels should not cause
ensure that the park is inviting to excessive glare.
enter from the street. • Always keep in mind that, apart from
• Choose a lighting type to reflect safety, lighting can give added value
the use of the public realm being to a place in many and creative ways.
lit: High unadorned lights to shine • Locate signage at key entry points
onto grassed surfaces, and lower, and activity areas. Ensure that
attractive armatures to light footpaths signage is positive, informational and
and pavements. well lit.
BUILDING NEIGHBOURHOODS TO THRIVE IN: Urban Planning, Design, Policy, and Evaluation for ITCs in India 69
Design Guidelines
Fence in Walthamstow Town Centre, London, UK; Landscape and Lighting by BDP
© www.bdp.com/en/projects/p-z/Walthamstow-Town-Centre/
SURVEILLANCE
BUILDING NEIGHBOURHOODS TO THRIVE IN: Urban Planning, Design, Policy, and Evaluation for ITCs in India 71
Design Guidelines
GREEN/ PLANTING
A caregiver is less likely to bring a young child • Ideal shading is natural shading,
to a park, if he/she does not have a shaded and where possible: use trees, bushes
comfortable spot to rest whilst children play. and climbers.
Providing shade in outdoor play areas is crucial
for small children and their minders. • Besides built canopies, consider
trellises overgrown with climbing
Shade structures can be provided over seating plants. These provide shade while
areas, protect playground equipment and allow also having a cooling factor.
visitors to spend more time at parks.
• Provide shaded spots where
caregivers need to wait and have
good sightlines of play areas.
BUILDING NEIGHBOURHOODS TO THRIVE IN: Urban Planning, Design, Policy, and Evaluation for ITCs in India 73
Design Guidelines
Logs become natural climibing elements at Mountsfield Children love playing with soil and water ©
Park, London, UK, Landscape by BDP ©bdp.com Manisha Bhartia
PLAY EQUIPMENT
Indian playgrounds are still dominated by objects such as balance beams, vine walks,
manufactured steel or plastic equipment, that playhouses, treehouses, use of sound enabling
consists of the standard suite of slides, see- objects can be considered.
saws, swings and monkey bars. These have
limited repeat play value for a young child. Another point to consider is to allow risk-taking
opportunities in children’s play. Parent’s risk-
It is important to consider other equipment averse approach towards play has resulted
that promotes adventurous and sensory play. in boring playgrounds.18 Allow children to run
Besides the use of natural play elements, other around, climb, make and discover.
BUILDING NEIGHBOURHOODS TO THRIVE IN: Urban Planning, Design, Policy, and Evaluation for ITCs in India 75
Design Guidelines
Bench in Walthamstow Town Centre, London, UK; Low and wide bench in a park in West Delhi
Landscape and Lighting by BDP © Navanil Chattopadhyay
© www.bdp.com/en/projects/p-z/Walthamstow-Town-Centre/
BENCH TYPES
BUILDING NEIGHBOURHOODS TO THRIVE IN: Urban Planning, Design, Policy, and Evaluation for ITCs in India 77
Design Guidelines
PUBLIC ART
Slimey at Commercial Club Park, Painting bins in Lodhi Park, Delhi St Art with
Chicago ©Chicago Public Art Group NDMC in 2013 © thebetterindia.com
BUILDING NEIGHBOURHOODS TO THRIVE IN: Urban Planning, Design, Policy, and Evaluation for ITCs in India 79
Design Guidelines
Jake’s Place in Cherry Hill, New Jersey is an • Specialized areas for people with Autism
all-inclusive and accessible playground for
children of all abilities. The playground has: • Swings with molded bucket seats
• Various sensory & tactile play activities • A security fence around the perimeter of
for learning the playground
Jake’s Playground
©www.generalrecreationinc.com/our-projects/
Young children and toddlers frequently require • Drinking water facility easily
fresh drinking water while they are engaged in accessible by kids;
high-energy activities in the park. And along
with them, their caregivers as well. Thus, it is • Stroller-friendly walkway access to
necessary to have fresh drinking water sources drinking water taps
in all parks, which can also be independently • Maintenance of both these facilities
accessed by children. is as important as installing them.
Provision of toilets should only
be undertaken if there is a clear
programme for maintenance;
otherwise the facility will seek to drive
away people, rather than attract.
20 http://www.ideas.swagroup.com/the-importance-of-
drinking-fountains/
BUILDING NEIGHBOURHOODS TO THRIVE IN: Urban Planning, Design, Policy, and Evaluation for ITCs in India 81
Design Guidelines
LACTATION BOOTHS
BUILDING NEIGHBOURHOODS TO THRIVE IN: Urban Planning, Design, Policy, and Evaluation for ITCs in India 83
Design Guidelines
TOT-LOT
Rubber mulch
surface
Playing mounds
Permeable low
height boundary
Stroller friendly
Figure 21: Model Tot-Lot movement path
Must have:
Accessible footpaths
Natural ground
Soft surface play area
Resting equipment
Shade
Fencing
Green/ planting area
Should have:
Play equipment
Lighting
Good to have:
Visually porous fencing
Special play equipment
Plants
Toilets
Tarr Coyne Tot Lot, NY, USA
Lactation Booth © www.centralparknyc.org/things-to-see-and-do/attractions/tarr-coyne-tots-playground.html
PLAYGROUND
ITC dedicated play zone
Play mounds act as an Active lighting Pedestrian
active barrier for the ITC path
Low height trees and hedges zone
Resting
along the ITC dedicatd play zone benches
Young kids play area
Size - 4500-6000sqm
Distance - @ 200-300m
Density - 3-6 nos. every neighbourhood
Guidelines/Standards - Exisitng standard is 1 No.
10,000sqm. The Dutch standard is min 300sqm
Must have:
Delineated areas for younger age
group
Resting equipment
Play equipment
Lighting
Should have:
Toilets
Lactation Booth
Good to have:
Multi-functinal space
Fencing
BUILDING NEIGHBOURHOODS TO THRIVE IN: Urban Planning, Design, Policy, and Evaluation for ITCs in India 85
Design Guidelines
URBAN SERVICES
Objectives
Indicators
Achieved
49. Total number of private kindergarten in the neighbourhood and whether they
have attached outdoor space.
50. % of Government schools that allow usage of school campuses during non-
school hours.
51. Presence of affordable health clinic inside (anganwadi) the neighbourhood
52. Number of doctors employed within the neighbourhood
53. Presence of Dispensary in the neighbourhood
54. Community-based organisations deliberately inviting women to planning meet-
ings and delivering recommendations to ULB
55. Provision of public art expenditure in the budget to enhance the aesthetic of
public spaces - (Y/N) & Percentage change in investment in public art- year by
year
Public Services
HOW TO APPROACH THE DESIGN OF PUBLIC AMENITIES
BUILDING NEIGHBOURHOODS TO THRIVE IN: Urban Planning, Design, Policy, and Evaluation for ITCs in India 87
Design Guidelines
Public buildings could create and maintain Children need to have access to cultural
porches in front of their entrances to offer facilities from the earliest age to maximize their
caregivers some seating places. The added development: music or theater help children to
advantage of these areas is that they are learn about the world while also recreating.
shaded and under supervision, which makes
them safe. These porches can be combined Outdoor spaces, especially in countries with
with other, interesting uses, like small food mild weather, which certain parts of India have,
stalls, or game activities. Furthermore, stoops are ideal for implementing spaces specially
outside residential buildings can also offer designed to facilitate cultural activities.
resting possibilities to a passerby in a more
informal context.
• Land art
• Mobile libraries
BUILDING NEIGHBOURHOODS TO THRIVE IN: Urban Planning, Design, Policy, and Evaluation for ITCs in India 89
Design Guidelines
Benches for
caregivers
Trees acting as
shades
Play equipment
Stroller friendly
movement path Green interac-
Active lighting tion
Waiting area
pop-up play
zone
Independently
accessible park
entry for ITCs
Rubber mulch Permeable low
surface height boundary
Play sand
Play mound
Must have:
Continuous footpaths to reach
Open to sky area
Play area with soft cover
Natural play area
Shade
Good to have:
No Parking at the edge
Landscape elements
BUILDING NEIGHBOURHOODS TO THRIVE IN: Urban Planning, Design, Policy, and Evaluation for ITCs in India 91
Design Guidelines
https://smartnet.niua.org/sites/default/
files/resources/Inclusive-Design-for-Street-
CUE-02-12-14.pdf
BUILDING NEIGHBOURHOODS TO THRIVE IN: Urban Planning, Design, Policy, and Evaluation for ITCs in India 93
Design Guidelines
Convenience Store
©www.stockpicturesforeveryone.com/2011/11/small-retailers-in-india.html
CONVENIENT SHOPPING
CONVENIENT SHOPPING
Trees acting
as shades
Rubber mulch
surface
Play equipment
Active lighting
Green shaded
resting space
ITC friendly
Play sand surface
Play mound material
Stroller friendly Benches for
movement path caregivers
Permeable low
height boundary
Size - 1500sqm
Density - 3 nos. every neighbourhood
Guidelines/Standards - 1500sqm / 5000 Population
Must have:
Resting equipment
Shade
Fencing
Should have:
Reserved Parking Space for
new parents
Stroller friendly surfaces
Curb ramps
Bollards
Lighting
Good to have:
Play equipment
Toilets
BUILDING NEIGHBOURHOODS TO THRIVE IN: Urban Planning, Design, Policy, and Evaluation for ITCs in India 95
Design Guidelines
BUILDING NEIGHBOURHOODS TO THRIVE IN: Urban Planning, Design, Policy, and Evaluation for ITCs in India 97
Design Guidelines
BRT stop in Ahmedabad Low kerbs along with low floor buses can facilitate
© Manisha Bhartia caregivers using public transit, Bus stop in London
TRANSIT STOPS
BUILDING NEIGHBOURHOODS TO THRIVE IN: Urban Planning, Design, Policy, and Evaluation for ITCs in India 99
Design Guidelines
UTILITIES
Objectives
Indicators
Achieved
57. Household level coverage of SWM services through the door-to-door collec-
tion of waste.
Utilities
HOW TO APPROACH THE DESIGN OF UTILITIES
In India, the proper provision and management the groundwater and are a significant cause
of public utilities in a neighbourhood are as for air pollution. 22 Of the waste produced,
equally relevant as the physical design and 40% is biodegradable, which if addressed at a
layout of the neighbourhood. neighbourhood level, can substantially reduce
our dependency on land to dispose of waste.21
Water collection in neighbourhoods, due to
poorly designed public realm are breeding Utilities need both adequate provision, and
grounds for mosquito-born diseases such as constant management. Building trust is central
Dengue, and Chikungunia. Both viral diseases both ways, both from the management system
are debilitating, and more so for children. and also by the residents to use it properly.
From the earliest stages of development, small
The problem of waste in our cities will children can be taught to contribute to keeping
affect young children for decades to come. streets, parks and playgrounds tidy and free
Bad waste management diminishes the of waste, and contribute to economical use
healthfulness of the urban environment, the air of resources. Not only it is necessary for our
quality and can also be a source of diseases, cities, but letting children learn about concepts
especially in impoverished areas. Cities like of “Reduce, Re-use, Recycle” 23 at a young
Delhi produce 8000 tonnes of garbage a day21, age is the best investment for the future of the
all of which is distributed in landfill sites. These cities. The 3 R’s apply to the management of
sites contaminate the neighbourhoods around, waste, water and power.
BUILDING NEIGHBOURHOODS TO THRIVE IN: Urban Planning, Design, Policy, and Evaluation for ITCs in India 101
Design Guidelines
Aditionally, houses should be encouraged to • Make sure drains are kept clear of
collect and store rainwater collected at rooftops leaves and other debris and kept
to either individual rainwater collection tanks unblocked.
or feeding it back into the surface to recharge • Fill up pot-holes as soon as they
the ground water level. Groundwater recharge form.
can be done by some economical methods at
the building level such as with plastic barrels, • Consider the drainage of play areas
through bore wells or infiltration galleries. and plazas.
BUILDING NEIGHBOURHOODS TO THRIVE IN: Urban Planning, Design, Policy, and Evaluation for ITCs in India 105
Design Guidelines
Safe Green
• Day Care
Accessible Playful Inclusive
• Health Facility
• Convenience
Shopping
• Public Toilets
• Cultural facilities
BUILDING NEIGHBOURHOODS TO THRIVE IN: Urban Planning, Design, Policy, and Evaluation for ITCs in India 107
Guide 3
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