You might be familiar with the term ‘town planning,’ but it is not just about the planning of towns. Town planning is related to the set of policies and laws that shape and govern what kind of development is allowed to occur in Pakistan. Town planning strategically has development plans that avoid unacceptable buildings and prevent any harm to the neighbourhood. In this blog, we will discuss town planning and how urban management is done.
What is Town Planning?
Town planning is also called ‘urban planning.’ it is basically the design and regulation of the space for development that focuses on upgrading the economic, physical, and social attributes of the urban environment within a city. Town planning applies to both the reformation of the existing built space in the city and the development of open land as well.
Town planning activities have the capacity to influence the economic, physical, and sociocultural environmnets of an urban area. Keep these points in mind whilst engaging in urban planning:
- Target goal
- Strategic thinking
- Collection and analysis of data
- Local social culture
The land is an important element here, and the aim is the achievement of eco-friendliness and sustainability. Town planning is also described as ‘spatial planning,’ environmental planning, land use planning, or city planning. Effectively any process or activity which affects the use or protection of land and the delivery of ‘development.’
Responsibility of Town Planners
Town planners play a key role in developing spaces in the city. It is the responsibility of a town planner to look at the bigger picture of the project. They must always prepare themselves for the site’s constraints and what would contribute to good design, creating a natural and sustainable environment.
Town planners always ensure that their plans are resilient, inclusive, and sustainable. As town planning includes every type of development, a town planner can be responsible for bigger projects to small household schemes.
He is responsible for examining local and national planning policy and considering local businesses and communities. He preserves the natural environment by safeguarding protected land and species.
Town planners avoid long-term implications such as flooding and ensure high-quality design. They are basically in charge of delivering sustainable development.
Tips for Town Planning
Do Town Planning for ‘Tomorrow’
The first tip starts with the goal of planning the urban space for tomorrow, not evaluating what is feasible today. If you are designing a new community space from scratch or adding additional neighbourhoods to an existing city plan, you can find yourself conflicted with choosing what is available.
To stop yourself from getting tangled in the rut, try to know the purpose of developing a new space. Try to think beyond the comfort level of what is available to what would be effective for the future and also sustainable.
Think of the Big Picture
Secondly, our second tip is to think big instead of smaller frames of the project. Most town development plans are set in a time frame of 20+ years to complete. The planner must consider the factors in variables like population estimation and per capita income projections. Sometimes, these estimations fail to accommodate when the real growth happens. Always look at the bigger picture of the town planning project to avoid any future complications.
Consider the Economic, Physical and Social Environments
If you are looking at the big picture, then you must consider social, economic, and physical aspects.
Economic Considerations
Town planning should support key employers like manufacturing firms, local businesses, and universities. The collaboration between the non-profit organisation and companies should be considered. The process includes analysing the current environment and creating a master plan for sustainable growth.
Social Considerations
The town plan must address the social inequalities to cater to the citizens equally. They should design a system that improves resource accessibility and money distribution while working with local governments.
Physical Environment Considerations
A city’s physical environment includes geographical factors, climate change, and resource availability that impact urban planning. Take notes of water quality, extreme climate events, seasonal weather patterns, etc. Then design the infrastructure that can go long-term, providing resilience and sustainability.
Climate-Sensitive Urban Design
With growing environmental concerns, town planning must adapt to climate change. The major challenge is ensuring pedestrian comfort by considering microclimate factors like rain, snowfall, and wind. The best planning involves city-wide drainage systems, wind engineering, and CFD software for wind analysis. It enhances and optimises urban infrastructure for evolving weather conditions.
Plan for the Padestrian
The last tip is to create a space where a pedestrian can experience the life and soul of the urban space. Wind engineering improves urban design by enhancing pedestrians comfort and mitigating weather-related wear. Moreover, high wind velocities can affect safety, outdoor spaces, and business accessibility. Bad wind conditions may reduce foot traffic, which will impact the local economy and businesses.
Lastly,
Town planning is a crucial element in shaping a well-managed and sustainable urban environment. In Pakistan, effective town planning laws not only regulate development but also impact growth and property valuation, resource distribution, and environmental sustainability. Strategic planning that considers social, economic, and physical factors leads to urban spaces that are future-proof and resilient. By incorporating climate-sensitive urban design, town planners can create cities that favour pedestrians and foster economic growth. It also enhances the quality of life and supports long-term development. If you are looking for the best town planning services, then look no further than Union Developers.
