Author: Chinmay Pade | KRVIA – Post Graduate Program | 2021
Quasi formal, Tier two, Gunthewari Layout, housing
Since India set out on the path of liberalization, the cities in the country have started expanding rapidly ;both in economical and spatial terms. In the last two decades majorly, the tier two cities of Maharashtra are under constant pressure of urbanization. Multiple spatial implications of this growth can be observed in the city of Aurangabad, which is tier two city in state of Maharashtra. The spatial implications of this growth can be seen in the form of formal and informal development. There are many settlements which lie at the intersection of these two spheres, which can be termed as quasi formal settlements. The Quasi formal settlements, is a recurring phenomenon observed in the peripheries of the rapidly urbanizing second tier cities and is popular due to the opportunities it provides to the residents.
Gunthewaari layouts which illustrates the characteristics of the quasi formal is thus taken forward as a case to understand and analyze the values and opportunities provided by the quasi formal urban types. Gunthewari layouts are one of the type of housing layouts which is prevalent in the tier two cities of Maharashtra. Aurangabad which is a municipal corporation in marathawada region of Maharashtra and a tier two city, is a main industrial and tourism hub in the region. The constant inflow of migrants for jobs and livelihood from the marathwada region, create a demand for housing in the city .With the state transforming the identity of the city on the economic and industrial platform, there is certainly a gap in the housing and infrastructural sector. Gunthewari pattern of housing is seen as an element filling and bridging this gap. Though Fragmented, it occupies many of the crucial zones in the city, and supporting a significant amount of population with their livelihood.
This phenomenon thus provides an opportunity to study the patterns of urban spatial growth in the second tier cities. This study can lead to understanding the notion of formal and informal growth, and the quasi formal growth which lies at its intersection .For exploring the argument further Comparison of gunthewaris layouts with formal and informal settlements is done. Comparative framework enhances the understanding and helps in bringing out the specific character of particular phenomenon against the others. The comparative framework governs the research enquiry wherein the parameters for the comparison are put in place by the typo-morphological approach of understanding the urban form. Thus this brings out the physical and quantitative nature of the sites. Whereas, the documentation of the narratives or the stories of the occupants can help in understanding the qualitative nature. Further, the Analysis of the values and opportunities as well as the issues and vulnerabilities, obtained through this mapping helps in constructing the cases for the intervention.
Thus this thesis is an attempt to contribute towards highlighting the presence of quasi formal zones in the urbanizing city through the case of gunthewari layouts in Aurangabad. The realm of planning and designing can be more inclusive and sensitive towards these quasi formal settlements and thus can be the way forward for urbanization.
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Text & Image Credit: Chinmay Pade | Krvia – Post Graduate Program | Urban Design
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