This week's piece has a different theme - What makes a city livable? People aspire to live in metropolitan cities such as Delhi and Mumbai but as Delhi struggles to breathe and Mumbai struggles to find space, let’s ponder upon what really is needed in a city. Many urban planners believe that design of a city must be human-centric which many modern cities are failing at. Here are a few innovative initiatives that can change the way cities are designed -

1. Curitiba, a Brazilian city, has become an excellent example of urban planning that aims to achieve sustainable development. Here’s an interesting talk by Jamie Lerner, whose vision revolutionised the city of Curitiba. - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxyP5mj9Y_8

2. What is walkability and why is it important for the growth of a city? - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wai4ub90stQ

3. Ditch the lawns and grow a forest instead. It’s better for the environment. Here’s how you can do that - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjUsobGWhs8&t=1s

4. Good Earth is a beautiful example of sustainable architecture. If you wish to live in a sustainable house, read this - http://goodearth.org.in/2015/08/01/controlling-the-process-of-sustainability/

5. Community activities are an important part of urban lives. Watch this video and learn how Detroit transformed itself through urban community farming. - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G88JZ1DIdg8