Unlocking the secrets of sustainable and people-orientated urban design with master planner Hemal Patel
As our cities continue to expand and develop, the expertise of urban planners and architects is becoming more vital in shaping the physical landscape of our communities. Hemal Patel, our Associate Architect and Head of Architecture at our Manchester studio, has spent her career crafting sustainable and people-orientated spaces that cater to the needs of diverse communities. Her passion for master planning has helped her create dynamic and resilient urban environments that are adaptable to changing needs.
In this insightful Q&A, Hemal Patel shares her valuable experiences and perspectives on the crucial role of master planning, sustainable design practices, and the impact of emerging technology on our approach to urban planning.
Can you discuss your approach to master planning and how you balance the needs of the community with the demands of development and construction?
Can you discuss your approach to master planning and how you balance the needs of the community with the demands of development and construction?
“To address the demands of the development of construction, the first step is to establish a clear vision for the development. This vision should be based on a thorough understanding of the needs of the community, the existing built environment, and the potential for future growth.
As we look to the future of urban development, one of the key challenges we face is the need to create communities that are inclusive and equitable. This means ensuring that all members of the community have access to basic services and amenities, such as affordable housing, healthcare, and education. It also means promoting diversity and inclusion, and recognising the unique needs and perspectives of different groups within the community.
This depends on our ability to think critically, creatively, and collaboratively. By involving the community in the planning and decision-making process, taking a holistic approach to development, and ensuring that the project is sustainable, it is possible to create a development that benefits both the community and the wider economy. It means considering the long-term impacts of a project on the community, the environment, and the local economy. It also means taking into account the social and cultural context of the area, and ensuring that development and construction are respectful of local design principles.”
Can you discuss the role of technology in master planning, and how you envision it shaping the future of urban design and development?
Can you discuss the role of technology in master planning, and how you envision it shaping the future of urban design and development?
“Technology has a significant impact on master planning, enabling us to make more informed decisions, visualise the impact of development more accurately, collaborate more effectively, and design more sustainable buildings and infrastructure. We can access a wealth of information about demographics, land use, transportation, and environmental factors, etc. This allows enhanced decision making about where to locate new developments, how to optimise transportation networks, and how to manage natural resources.
Visualisation is already an important tool in the process. With the help of computer graphics and virtual reality tools, we can create 3D models and simulations of urban environments, allowing us to test different development scenarios and visualise the impact of new developments on the surrounding area.
Technology is likely to be a key driver of the smart city movement, which aims to create urban environments that are more efficient, connected, and sustainable. By integrating sensors, data analytics tools, and other technologies into the urban landscape, smart cities can optimise transportation networks, reduce energy consumption, and improve public safety. By using advanced materials and building systems, we can create buildings that generate less waste, and are more resilient to natural disasters. This can help to reduce the environmental impact of development and make our urban environments more sustainable and liveable.”
What role does sustainability play in your approach to place making?
What role does sustainability play in your approach to place making?
“With the growing awareness of climate change and the need for more sustainable development practices, sustainability has become a key component of place making. However, there are two other components to also consider:
Social sustainability involves creating public spaces that meet the needs of different stakeholders in the community. For example, we create public spaces that are inclusive and welcoming to people of different ages, abilities, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Economic sustainability is also an important consideration in place making. By creating public spaces that are attractive and functional, we can help to stimulate economic growth and create new opportunities for local businesses. This might involve designing public spaces that are pedestrian-friendly and supporting local businesses and amenities.
By considering all three components, we can help to create more vibrant communities that meet the needs of all stakeholders.”
How do you ensure the feasibility and viability of a masterplan, both in terms of cost and in terms of its ability to be implemented?
How do you ensure the feasibility and viability of a masterplan, both in terms of cost and in terms of its ability to be implemented?
“A masterplan design must not only be functional and aesthetically pleasing, but it must also be economically feasible in order to be successfully implemented. One of the first steps is to conduct a feasibility study. This involves analysing the market demand for the proposed development, identifying the potential revenue streams, and the costs associated with design, construction, and ongoing maintenance. This analysis can help to identify potential risks and challenges, and provide guidance for making adjustments to the design.
Having a clear understanding of the available funding sources, designers can work to create a masterplan design that is feasible and aligns with the budget available. We focus on creating a design that is both cost-effective and functional. This might involve utilising sustainable materials, designing buildings that are energy efficient, or incorporating multi-use spaces that can accommodate a variety of activities and functions.
The viability of a masterplan design can change over time, as economic conditions and market demand shift. It is important to regularly monitor the implementation of the plan and make adjustments as needed to ensure that it is adapted for suitability. We consider the phasing of development in parts driven by the funding available, and an understanding of economic drivers. Infrastructure is usually formed in the first phase to facilitate and accommodate the drive of footfall to the new development.”
How do you ensure the scalability and adaptability of a master plan to accommodate future changes and growth?
How do you ensure the scalability and adaptability of a master plan to accommodate future changes and growth?
“Flexibility and adaptability are crucial for long-term sustainability and success of a development. We consider everything from designing flexibility in land use to being able to incorporate the newest technology by the time the masterplan is being implemented.
Strategies we may use involve creating zoning plans that can be easily adjusted over time, or incorporating multi-use spaces that can be adapted to different uses as needed. Anticipating future infrastructure includes incorporating green spaces, bike lanes, or public transportation options to accommodate future growth, or designing buildings with the flexibility to adapt to changing technological or energy needs.
Sustainable design principles, such as energy efficiency, use of renewable resources, and the incorporation of green spaces, can also help to future-proof a masterplan. By designing with the environment in mind, we can create a development that is more resilient and adaptable to future changes. New technologies, such as building automation systems and smart grid technology can all be integrated if they are in mind from the beginning.”
Thank you for sharing your insight, Hemal. As we continue to move forward, it is important to recognise and integrate the perspectives of experts like yourself as we strive towards developing more planned cities.
DB3 Urban Design
DB3 Urban Design
Our urban design expertise is diverse from residential led master planning schemes to long-term property strategies, phased commercial site development, retail and leisure facilities as well as wider urban development plans.
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