This writing is in continuation of its previous writing: The Great Indian Urban Mess: An Embarrassment for Us as Architects, Urban Designers, and Urban Planners.
Understanding the Root Problem 1
Understanding the Root Problem: Why No Visible Urban Transformation?
The objective of this writing is simple: to initiate a focused, large-scale movement that ensures every undergraduate architecture student engages with real urban issues. This is not about pointing fingers or dismissing existing efforts; rather, it is about understanding why urban dysfunction persists despite awareness, discussion, and individual initiatives.
I do not claim to know everything about ongoing efforts across the country. There may be architects, planners, and organisations tirelessly working to improve urban spaces, and I personally know one such architect, Mr. Venugopal Pulipaka, a knowledgeable and deeply concerned urban designer. He has written a book (21st Century Global Thinking & Concerns in City Building), contributed numerous articles in magazines and newspapers, and teaches in several colleges. His writings carry frustration and urgency, pushing readers to think about cities in a new light. (Find Download Link Below This Article)*
Architects Nanda Kumar and associates were involved in redesign of the pedestrian experience on Road No. 36, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad—an effort that brought him face-to-face with the challenges of navigating bureaucracy and implementation. I could sense his frustration, not just in the design process but in translating vision into reality within the complexities of urban governance. His experience reflects a larger struggle—how difficult it is for architects to push for meaningful urban change despite having the right intentions and expertise.
Yet, despite such efforts in the public domain—and surely many more across different parts of the country—the visible transformation of our urban spaces remains minimal. Cities continue to be shaped without prioritizing pedestrians, without accessible public spaces, and without a holistic approach to livability.
This disconnect reminds me of a story I once heard.
The Story of the Farmer and the Borewell
One day, as I was casually switching TV channels, I came across a speech by Sri Tridandi Chinna Jeeyar Swamy. He narrated a story that resonated deeply with me:
A farmer wanted to dig a borewell on his farm and sought the advice of a sage. The sage told him, "Dig 150 feet deep, and you will find water."
A few days later, the farmer returned, frustrated. "Sir, I dug 150 feet, but I didn’t find any water!"
Surprised—because he was certain that water was available at that depth—the sage went to inspect the farm. What he saw left him smiling.
Instead of one deep borewell, there were 30 shallow pits, each about 5 feet deep. The farmer had indeed dug 150 feet in total—but not in the right way.
The lesson is simple: If your goal is to find water, you don’t dig 30 pits. You dig one well, deep enough to reach the source.
How This Story Relates to Architectural Education and Urban Transformation
This logic is common sense—yet, when it comes to urban transformation, we often act like the farmer.
There are many fragmented efforts, individual initiatives, and scattered discussions. Some schools may already be exploring urban engagement, and individuals like Mr. Venugopal Pulipaka are raising awareness. But the scale of the issue demands a more concentrated, systemic approach.
Instead of small, scattered efforts, we need every architecture school to focus deeply on integrating urban responsibility into undergraduate education.
Instead of teaching urban design in theory, we need students to experience it firsthand—to study the realities of broken streets, neglected public spaces, and disconnected transit systems. We need a single, focused, deep intervention in the way architecture students engage with cities.
The Root Problem 2
Urban Design is Taught in the Air, Not on the Ground
Currently, urban design in Indian architecture schools is often taught as a theoretical or high-level concept—detached from the chaotic, dysfunctional realities of our cities. Students learn about master planning, zoning laws, and design theories, but rarely experience the everyday struggles of urban dwellers firsthand.
Some schools might be addressing these issues, but by and large, students aren’t sent into informal settlements to understand their organic efficiencies.
They don’t analyse broken footpaths, missing crossings, or unsafe streets.
They don’t redesign failing public spaces—markets, bus stops, or dead plazas.
They aren’t taught that urban design is about survival, not just aesthetics.
The result? Even the brightest graduates enter the profession admiring smart cities but detached from the urban dysfunction suffocating millions. Urban issues remain someone else’s problem.
The First Step
A Mandatory “Urban Experience” Module in Architecture Courses
Some schools may already include urban studies, but they need to redesign their course structure or rethink how students conduct case studies. Even when such studies happen, they often end up as just a few portfolio pages.Institutions must ensure these efforts are visible in the public domain, not just academic submissions.
Key Elements of the Module:
"City in Your Shoes" Walking Study – Students navigate cities without private transport, documenting pedestrian struggles.
Goal: Experience urban challenges firsthand.
"Fix a Broken Urban Space" Assignment – Identify and redesign real dysfunctional spaces with low-cost, high-impact solutions.
Goal: Train architects in practical urban problem-solving.
"Meet the People" Field Study – Engage with street vendors, commuters, and local communities to understand urban design’s real impact.
Goal: Build empathy-driven design thinking.
"From Vision to Action" Studio Project – Instead of hypothetical designs, students work on parks, intersections, markets, and failing public spaces.
Goal: Shift focus from landmark architecture to fixing everyday urban life.
Urban Policy Awareness – Teach students the real policies shaping Indian cities, where they fail, and how architects can push for change.
Goal: Equip architects to be policy advocates, not just designers.
This should not be an optional study—it must be a structured, experiential, and action-driven part of B.Arch education.
Replacing Traditional Internships with a "Live Urban Project" Option
Instead of—or alongside—the conventional architectural internship, students should have the option to undertake a mandatory urban intervention project, where they not only analyze problems but implement real solutions
Option 1: Traditional Architectural Internship
Students intern at an architecture firm, gaining experience in building design, detailing, and project execution.
This continues as is for those who want to pursue mainstream architectural practice.
Option 2: "Live Urban Project" Internship (Urban Accountability Track)
Students choose a real urban issue—a broken public plaza, a dysfunctional market street, a missing pedestrian crossing—and work with local authorities, NGOs, and communities to propose and execute a small-scale intervention.
Instead of just theorising solutions, they would actually design, implement, and measure impact. Schools would evaluate success by real-world improvement.
Why Is This Necessary?
Architects and Planners Must Engage with Real Urban Issues Early
Today’s students are tomorrow’s decision-makers. If they don’t learn urban responsibility now, they won’t practice it later. The streets, footpaths, and public spaces they ignore now will be the same dysfunctional environments they inherit as professionals.
We Need Architects Who Can Solve
A mandatory urban accountability module would force architects to understand function over aesthetics. If every architecture student worked on fixing at least one broken urban space before graduating, imagine the cumulative impact on Indian cities.
Bridging the Gap Between Design & Implementation
Architectural education teaches design, but not execution.
Working on a live urban project means students must navigate real-world challenges—budget constraints, bureaucratic hurdles, public participation, and maintenance concerns. They learn that a good design on paper means nothing if it can’t be implemented.
The Moral Responsibility of Architects
Doctors serve humanity by treating patients, engineers by building infrastructure, and soldiers by protecting the nation—what about architects? Their service to society should not just be private projects for privileged clients but improving the public realm.
Setting a Global Example
Just like some nations mandate military or state service, India could lead by making urban accountability a fundamental part of architectural education. Imagine a future where every graduating architect has left behind a tangible improvement in an Indian city.
Who will lead?
This idea goes beyond an educational reform—it is a movement calling on architects, urban planners, and engineers to take ownership of the cities they help shape. True urban transformation cannot happen in isolation—it demands collaboration. Planners, engineers, and designers must work together, combining their expertise to create functional, inclusive, and sustainable spaces.
At the same time, political leaders and bureaucrats have their own responsibilities and priorities. Rather than working separately, we must share our vision, demonstrate the value of thoughtful urban design, and align our efforts with governance and policy-making. After all, who wouldn’t want cities that are vibrant, efficient, and livable?
Many stakeholders—citizens, policymakers, industry leaders, and urban professionals—must contribute to shaping our cities. But the real question is: who will lead? If architects and planners take the first step, others will follow. The time for action is now.
Here’s what happens when we as architects lead the change.
The Big Impact
If We Lead the Change, What Happens?
When architects take the lead in shaping urban spaces, the impact will be transformative—for the profession, for cities, and for society as a whole.
Architecture Becomes More Valued
People will recognise architects as essential contributors to urban life, not just designers of private buildings. Their expertise will be sought after in public projects, city planning, and infrastructure development.
Architects Shape Policy, Not Just Buildings
With direct involvement in urban solutions, architects will influence decision-making at every level—working alongside governments, urban planners, and communities to create better cities.
A Culture of Responsible Design Grows
Future architects will be trained with a deep sense of urban accountability, ensuring that functionality, inclusivity, and sustainability become core aspects of design.
Opportunities Expand for Young Architects & Small Firms
With more focus on urban projects, emerging architects will find meaningful work in public spaces, community-driven initiatives, and urban transformation projects.
Cities Become More Livable & People-Centric
As architects create walkable streets, well-designed public spaces, and efficient transit-oriented environments, cities will become more accessible, vibrant, and connected.
Architects Gain Public Trust & Influence
With visible contributions to everyday life, architects will be seen as leaders of change, making design an integral part of city-building conversations.
A Profession That Shapes the Future
When architects step beyond private projects and engage with urban spaces, they redefine their role in society. Instead of working for a few, they shape the spaces for all. Instead of being consultants, they become leaders in urban transformation.
This is how architecture regains its true purpose—building not just structures, but thriving cities.
This is the moment to create a profession that is respected, valued, and indispensable.
The future is waiting. Are we ready to build it?
A Call for a Roundtable
To truly bring about visible and lasting urban transformation, scattered efforts will not be enough. We need a collective movement—one where all key stakeholders come together, align their vision, and commit to action.
A roundtable discussion involving architectural institutions, professional organisations, urban planning bodies, policymakers, and community stakeholders can serve as the starting point for this movement. The goal should not be just another seminar or academic discussion but a decisive step toward integrating urban accountability into undergraduate architecture education.
Objectives of the Roundtable Discussion
Define a Nationwide Urban Engagement Model for B.Arch Schools – Every undergraduate architecture program should integrate real-world urban problem-solving as a core component.
Create a Structured Collaboration Framework – Professional bodies (IIA, COA, ITPI, IUDI) must work with academic institutions to ensure urban accountability is formally included in education.
Engage Policymakers to Ensure Government Support – Without municipal and policy-level backing, even the best ideas may remain on paper.
Launch Pilot Projects in Select Institutions – Before scaling nationwide, practical implementation should begin in a few pioneering institutions.
Establish a Funding & Support Mechanism – Through government schemes, CSR funds, and public-private partnerships, financial support can be secured for student-led urban interventions.
Develop an Open Knowledge Repository – A national digital archive of urban projects, case studies, and interventions should be created to allow institutions and professionals to collaborate and learn from each other.
A Movement, Not Just a Discussion
This roundtable must not end as another academic event. It should mark the beginning of a structured movement—one where institutions, professionals, and policymakers work together to ensure urban transformation becomes an integral part of architectural education.
If we, as architects, take the first step, others will follow. The time to act is now.
Who is ready to lead this movement?
Who Should Be Involved?
Professional Associations & Regulatory Bodies:
- Indian Institute of Architects (IIA) – The largest professional body representing architects in India.
- Council of Architecture (COA) – The regulatory body that defines architectural education standards and professional practice.
- Institute of Indian Interior Designers (IIID) – Important for integrating interior environments with urban spaces.
- Institute of Town Planners, India (ITPI) – The leading organisation representing urban and regional planners.
- Institute of Urban Designers India (IUDI) – Focused on urban design and city-building practices.
- Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) – Vital for ensuring sustainability in urban interventions.
Academic & Research Institutions:
- All Architecture Schools and all Urban Planning & Design Departments of all Universities
- National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) – A government think tank working on urban research and policy.
- Town and Country Planning Organisation (TCPO) – A key urban planning advisory body under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
Government & Policy Bodies:
- Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) – The central ministry overseeing urban development.
- State Urban Development Departments – Key decision-makers for urban policies at the state level.
- Municipal Corporations & Local Governments – The agencies responsible for implementing urban improvements at the ground level.
Community & Civic Engagement Organisations:
- Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) – Engaging local communities in urban initiatives.
- NGOs & Activist Groups – Organisations working in urban spaces, mobility, public transport, and pedestrian rights (e.g., Janaagraha, ITDP, WRI India).
- Corporate & CSR Initiatives – Companies involved in urban development, sustainable design, and infrastructure can support funding and execution.
A Movement Architects Must Lead
This will not stop at schools and students making small urban interventions—it will ignite a nationwide movement. With hundreds of architecture schools and a vast network of organisations—IIA, COA, ITPI, IUDI, NIUA, IGBC, municipal bodies, state urban departments, NGOs, and countless citizen groups—the scale of change can be unprecedented.