Alfred Herrhausen Gesellschaft - Das internationale Forum der Deutschen Bank - 3. Urban Design Research Institute

The Urban Design Research Institute was established as a trust to enrich the understanding of the urban environment and work towards its improvement. UDRI’s work has led to increased awareness about the city’s history and heritage, including the passing of a landmark urban heritage preservation legislation. Its work has also led to the restoration of spaces and buildings such as Elphinstone College, among many others, in Mumbai’s historic Fort district, which houses several 19th century neo-gothic and neo-classical buildings.

UDRI’s work has been successful because of its ability to advocate and cooperate with government authorities, as well as involve local residents, helping to create a sense of community and pride in the city’s heritage. In the Fort area, UDRI worked with the associations of different neighbourhoods within the area to form the Federation of Resident Trusts (FORT). FORT and UDRI work closely together on a plan for the area, which is the historic core of the city. Restored spaces in the area, including parks, the steps of a library building etc., are utilised as public spaces for the annual Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, which has helped to establish Kala Ghoda as a premier arts district and cultural centre.

UDRI now has an agreement with the local government for their plan of the Fort area, which will build on the restoration and regeneration work of the past to further improve the area, in alliance with local residents. UDRI believes that this can serve as model for planning and improvement in the rest of the city. In their view, Fort, is important, not only for its residents and the millions of commuters that pass through and work in the area, but to the entire city as a tangible symbol of its collective memory and heritage.

Contact
Shirin Bharucha, Pankaj Joshi
info@udri.org
www.udri.org