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IUDI MUMBAI



Though Indian cities are going through a rapid process of urbanization and growth, there does not seem to be enough attention and debate on the process and the outcomes, either at the government (central, state or local) level or the professional level, save some sporadic conferences and conventions to discuss the issues.

I don’t think anyone would disagree to the point that for our overall progress and well-being, Urban Planning and Design should take centre-stage and be at the crux of our discussions on progress and development. Poverty, housing, child mortality, health and education are no longer problems of the villages alone. In fact due to sudden and rapid urbanization and migration, these issues are more urban than rural now. It is time we acknowledge that India will become more urban than rural soon, and accept urbanization as a regional and local phenomenon rather than a foreign idea.

Urban Planning and Urban Design will play a pivotal role in shaping the new emerging Indian cities as well as re-inventing our older ones. Though the field of Urban Design, practiced in various forms throughout the history of the subcontinent, and apparent in the beautifully laid out cities of yesteryears, has become a forgotten art. The Art of Making Cities is Urban Design. Like a well-designed and constructed house is essential for the well-being and progress of the inhabitant, so is a well-designed city, for the well-being and progress of the community and the nation.

The Institute of Urban Designers, India (IUDI) is a registered professional body of practitioners of Urban Design. Headquartered in Delhi, the Institute currently has several chapters and centres in India like Pune, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Kochi and Mumbai. IUDI seeks to offer an inclusive, engaging and pro-active platform to all members of the profession and allied partners for generative discourses and action on the past, present and future of our urban environments.

The Mumbai Centre has been recently formed and growing steadily. The Mumbai Centre of IUDI will be actively involved in spreading awareness about urban issues at the government as well as citizen level, researching critical issues for Mumbai, and encourage and grow the education and training of Urban Design through various colleges in the city.

Everyone who is an urban designer or working and researching in the realm of urbanism is invited to join IUDI Mumbai Centre and contribute to the formation of a strong and effective community. All inquiries can be directed to iudimumbai@gmail.com.  

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