Ar. Bharath Chandran, Assistant Professor, DC School of Architecture and Design, Vagamon
The modern street is much more than just a path for vehicles. It is a vibrant public space where social interactions happen, commerce flourishes, and communities develop. However, across Indian cities, streets are still mainly seen as routes for cars, prioritizing vehicles over people. This focus leads to a fragmented urban landscape marked by congestion, unsafe conditions for pedestrians, poorly maintained sidewalks, and a disconnect between the street and the people it serves.
Urban designers and planners around the world are pushing against this trend by placing human experience back at the center of street design. A people-centric approach views the street not just as a path for movement, but as a space for social interaction, environmental balance, inclusive transportation, and economic opportunities. This new perspective aligns with global movements like the Complete Streets initiative and shared space principles, which promote the idea of multifunctional streets that fairly serve all users—pedestrians, cyclists, street vendors, public transit riders, and vehicles.
Historically, Indian streets served as lively social spaces that supported economic activity and community gatherings. However, rapid urban growth and car-focused planning in the 20th century changed these spaces. It led to the construction of large flyovers, wider roads, and extensive infrastructure that favored speed over livability. This shift pushed out non-motorized transport, making walking and cycling less important and undermining the street’s role as a communal space. Today, many Indian cities must tackle the challenge of reversing this trend, turning vehicle-dominated paths into inclusive, people-friendly environments.
At DC School of Architecture, Vagamon and DC School of Architecture, Trivandrum have a series of design studios now focus on rethinking the Indian street through participatory observation, contextual understanding, and practical change. The methodology consists of five connected phases, each getting students ready for the next step and helping them understand streets as complex social and spatial systems.
