VIRTUAL: Livable Cities – New York

Abstract

Urban markets offer a diverse range of opportunities and contributes to a city’s socio-cultural fabric. Urban theorist, Jane Jacobs, discussed the importance of small-scale businesses and street life in creating vibrant urban neighborhoods. However, markets can also foster exclusion and inequality, raising questions about social justice. Social justice refers to creating equitable and inclusive societies that cater to the needs of all citizens.
In Lahore’s context, social justice is influenced by urbanization, gender norms, and economic policies, resulting in physical and social barriers that limit accessibility of different groups, resulting in social marginalization. In the bustling markets of Lahore, women’s access and mobility are often limited by these factors, while, rapidly changing socio-economic conditions has also given rise to ecommerce, transforming the way people shop.
Using Matthew Carmona’s urban design framework, the study focuses on how design of market shapes social norms with a particular emphasis on identifying barriers such as inadequate public transportation and safety measures that limit women’s mobility in commercial zones. Moreover, it provides insights into how physical and social barriers may affect consumer behavior and its effect on traditional commercial activity. Markets are selected based on their proximity, contrasting nature, and types of businesses: one being an organic market with niche shops and the other a historical market with planned businesses, targeting different audiences. Overall, this study is essential as it sheds light on the experiences of women in commercial spaces, an issue that is often overlooked in urban planning of Lahore. Additionally, by comparing the commercial zones, this research contributes to a better understanding of physical and social trends that inform policy decisions.