Rushank Mehta of People in Centre was invited to contribute a paper to a themed issue of the journal ‘Built Environment’ on ‘Marketplaces as an Urban Development Strategy’. Focusing on the themes of ‘marketplaces and community’ and ‘marketplaces and design’, the paper analysed the interrelations between different occupant groups of the market and the complex interactions critical for livelihood generation and the smooth functioning of the market. People in Centre proposed a schematic design accommodating all the activities and occupant groups of a natural market, demonstrating that inclusive planning supporting existing interrelations is possible — in contrast to the common solution of removing natural markets. The paper, co-authored with Chintan Gohil, can be viewed here.
Design for Natural Markets: Accommodating the Informal
Proposed a schematic design showing how inclusive planning can accommodate natural markets instead of removing them.
More Projects
Housing for All – Demand Assessment in Towns of Gujarat
Undertook housing demand surveys and site identification in Dehgam, Manasa and Chaklasi under the Housing for All programme.
Slum-Free City Plan of Action Document for Bhuj City and DPR for Ramdevnagar and Bhimraonagar
Provided technical support for a Slum-Free City Plan of Action in Bhuj and a detailed project report for two pilot settlements.
Analysis of proposed Street Vendors’ Scheme in Ahmedabad
Analysed Ahmedabad's proposed Street Vendors' Scheme for SEWA, showing its red-amber-green zoning would push vendors off the wider streets where vending thrives.