Mysore/Mysuru: The School of Planning and Architecture, University of Mysore (UoM), in collaboration with Institute of Urban Designers-India (IUDI) and Karnataka Chapter of IUDI, had organised a two-day 9th National Urban Design Thesis Seminar on virtual mode.

Prof. G. Hemantha Kumar, Vice-Chancellor, UoM, inaug-urated the seminar on Mar. 25. Speaking on the occasion, he emphasised that Urban Design is one of the important courses in City Planning and Design. The course is gaining importance under the SMART CITIES and AMRUTH Schemes which involves designing and redesigning of old area and built spaces, heritage areas and also smart growth and developments. It has to deal with creating public friendly environments, charming streetscapes, vibrant markets, safe neighbourhoods, beautiful parks and recreational spaces and many more.

He called upon urban designers to come up with innovative designs to meet the challenges of large urban areas and metropolitan cities. Urban Designs takes the responsibility of achieving wholeness of the built environment, he said adding that urban designers make significant contribution as members of multi-disciplinary teams dealing with formulation and implementation of urban development programmes and policies.  He said there are innumerable employment opportunities for students passing out with urban design degree.

The seminar theme covered important aspects like urban renewal, inclusive urbanism and resilience, which are important components of climate change and Sustainable Development Goals.

 The seminar provided a platform for cross-learnings among the 18-20 participating institutions/colleges across the country and it shall provide new perspectives for addressing the urban design aspects especially in developing countries like India.

Prof. Arunava Dasgupta, President, IUDI-New Delhi, Prof R. Shivappa, Registrar, UoM, Prof. Manoj Kumar Kini, Secretary, IUDI-New Delhi, Prof. B. Shankar, Director, School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), Prof. Pramod M. Gawari, HoD, SPA, Ar. Anup Naik, Chairman, IUDI-Karnataka: Ar. K.S. Srikanth, Coordinator and Ar. S. Yashaswini were present in the inaugural Session.

Prof. Arunava Dasgupta, in his keynote address said that the seminar would provide a platform for new ideas and methods to respective cities and regions. He highlighted the importance of considering the heritage aspects during the urban design and ideas of making cities more sustainable and better for future.