Reimagining Publicness: Navigating the Evolving Dynamics of Public Space Network in Transforming Urban Form, a Case of Kharadi, Pune

Abstract

As urbanization contributes to reshaping the landscape of the city, the peripheral regions witness a complex interplay between urban and rural elements. The urban peripheries which were once considered fringes of urbanity, now are at the forefront of transformation. The unplanned growth, driven by population influx, technological advancements, and shifting economic landscapes has led to an accelerated pace of change that often outstrips the capacity of traditional planning mechanisms. The rapid expansion of new CBDs and private developments in the peri-urban areas of Pune city has led to a transformation in the urban fabric, resulting in the privatization of public spaces, and social and spatial fragmentation. This phenomenon has significantly reduced the publicness in the emerging urban fabric. Pune has been a centre for IT park development in peri-urban areas like Baner, Balewadi, and Kharadi. This plug-in of peri-urban development has attracted a lot of influx of population migrating in and out of the city. To cater to this influx of people, the city started to develop unsteadily without responding to its context. This has led to fragmentation and inequity of spaces in peri-urban areas. Now, the city has many satellite peri-urban areas that are looking for a steady transformation. With upcoming development typologies of private gated townships, the city is developing more towards privatized spaces. This study aims to address the challenges of the fragmented interface between Pune city and its peri-urban areas by proposing strategies to enhance visual and social coherence and mitigate the privatisation of spaces due to development by promoting more equitable spaces. The study recognizes the importance of re-centring the urban periphery as a means to establish a harmonious relationship between the expanding cityscape and the surrounding rural context. The focus is on guiding emerging build forms and creating a balance between the urban and rural dynamics, fostering a sense of place and promoting inclusivity in peri-urban areas. This research aims to contribute to the creation of a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient urban fabric that accommodates both the city and its peri-urban areas.