Prioritise people in urban planning, experts say
Urban planning experts in Chennai argue that city development should prioritize people and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure over traditional real estate models. They emphasize that local resident participation and context-specific design are essential for creating functional, integrated urban spaces.
Why it matters
As urbanization accelerates, shifting the focus from developer-led construction to human-centric design is critical for sustainable and livable city environments.
People should be the priority in urban development planning, according to panellists at a session titled “Building Economic Cities, not Just Real Estate: The Future of Integrated Urban Development,” held in Chennai on Thursday (July 30, 2026).
At a discussion moderated by Prince Frederick, Civic Affairs Editor of The Hindu , at The Hindu Real Estate and Urban Infrastructure Summit, Jothilakshmy Nagammal, Principal, Saveetha College of Architecture and Design, said people should be the focus of all development concepts and models, including pedestrian-friendly initiatives, 15-minute cities, workable areas, and transport-oriented development.
She added that blanket development control rules are ineffective because every street and area possesses unique features. “When we talk of a street, it is a conduit of social life [of that area],” she said.
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