Cities of future.

AMONG many implications of Covid-19, the global pandemic is highlighting certain aspects of urban life that may be facilitating the spread of infection. A critical rethink on urban design and development is underway, with planners envisioning innovations in public space design, urban mobility and urban housing, etc to make cities safer now and in the future. There are also serious concerns that certain takeaways from this experience may result in cities becoming less inclusive and more segregated.

However, going forward, most agree that cities will undergo significant adjustments in design and function, and will never be the same again.

One critical debate is on whether increased densincation is contributing to the spread of the virus. While there is no definitive evidence yet to support or negate either view, there is nevertheless growing acknowledgement that design considerations for vertical growth and densification need review. In the sustainable cities discourse, vertical growth leading to compact cities has been promoted and urban sprawl discouraged. There is a significant field of thought that insists vertical growth is not a problem per se provided that higher density housing and neighbourhoods are designed and managed better, le by merging of vernacular and modern architecture that focuses on provisioning spaces with more natural air and light; personal balconies, higher ceilings, wider staircases, more green spaces, wider sidewalks, etc. But a counter narrative is also building.

One interesting discussion is around what is being termed as the `declining cost of distance` Digital giants like Facebook have already indicated that, even post-pandemic, a large percentage of their staff may be required to work remotely. This trend may gain momentum, particularly for information technology-related entities. Besides employment, the education and healthcare sectors can similarly be affected. More use of digital forums in general can also facilitate this reconsideration of housing, employment and services construct. So would this `declining cost of distance` lead to more spread out, sprawling cities as people move from inner cities to the peripheral fringes without the associated cost impacts? Adjustments are already being seen in urban mobility and public space design.

There is a shift to more sustainable, nonmotorised modes of transit like walking and cycling. Milan has started work on building 22 miles (35 kilometres) of new cycle lanes...