Developing an Integrated and Contextualized Planning and Design Framework for Livable Patterns of Urbanization in Chennai

This article analyses the urban conditions of Chennai, India, and takes a critical look at its planning framework by considering four main aspects: ecological structures, morphology, mobility, livability. To do so, examines policy documents, form, public perceptions, daily mobility patterns. Specific attention is focused on three layers fabric: water ecology, transport infrastructure, housing. First, city’s river restoration critically assessed, with focus integrating social dimension into process. Second, metro network analyzed, specifically understanding usage respect to different user groups. Third, densification pattern in parts city analyzed. Considering water, housing together, sets out an alternative integrated approach strategic design towards goal creating more livable realm. The proposed framework, termed “supergrids” city-scale strategy that enables large reconfiguration existing networks city, integration systems space network, restructuring movement patterns upscaling vehicular aligning pedestrian connections green networks, transit, important functions.