IN-PERSON London. Section B

Abstract

Development and redevelopment are ever-continuing processes. The old precincts in core cities of India necessitate redevelopment on account of dilapidated structures, a lack of public infrastructure, the changing needs of users, and also to sustain socio-economic vitality of these areas. Urban fabric in old Indian cities has distinct character and includes structures of socio-cultural importance. The redevelopment of old precincts contributes to the improvement of the built environment and further ensures the provision of well-defined open spaces and facilities that serve the community’s needs. Although the redevelopment of old cores is inevitable, continuation of architectural character and preservation of socio-culturally significant structures along with provision of modern infrastructure and housing becomes challenging during the process of cluster redevelopment. Cluster redevelopment in core cities involves a huge number of resident owners who are major stakeholders in such projects. This research paper assesses and identifies the housing preferences of occupants in these clusters to guide the planning and design of the cluster redevelopment and ensure the betterment of living conditions and residential satisfaction. Rasta Peth in Pune, an old historic core developed in 1780 having mixed-use with a distinct planning character is considered as a case of cluster redevelopment in this research. A questionnaire survey was administered and 71 responses were received. Twenty-nine spatial attributes were clustered in four factors and were ranked in order of preference using factor analysis. The findings indicate that occupants value the places and structures of socio-cultural associations and like to preserve them along with the architectural character of the precinct and pedestrian-friendly streets. Improvement in building and unit-level facilities and neighborhood-level amenities follow the hierarchical order of their preferences.