Architecture + Urbanism_Portfolio

YEAR: 2023 | LOCATION: PUNE, INDIA | TYPE: ACADEMIC RESEARCH (DISSERTATION)
AIM
The aim of this research is to gain insight into the impact of globalization on the urban identity of Pune, as well as to comprehend
the importance of both tangible and intangible characteristics that contribute to the city’s distinct identity.
Research Questions
The proposed research attempts to answer the following questions:
• To what extent and in what ways are the tangible and intangible components of urban character characteised, and
how does this create uniqueness in a city’s built environment?
• What are the main factors, including globalization, impacting on urban character and identity and how do these affect
the interplay between the tangible and intangible components of the city?
The research primarily focuses on two sub-case studies within Pune. The first sub-case study encompasses Pune’s city core
and the older part of the city (Peth), while the second sub-case study- Kharadi is located approximately 15 km east of the city
center and had recently developed into a Modern Residential and Commercial hub.
4. Urban Identity in the era of Globalization
Understanding Tangible and Intangible Forces Crafting the City’s Narrative - A case of Pune, India
Abstract
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This dissertation explores the tensions between globalization and the identity of the city of Pune, India. It aims to understand
the impacts of globalization on urbanization, economic development, and the preservation of authentic identity and sense of
place in Pune. The research questions focus on the components of urban character, the factors influencing urban identity, and
the interplay between tangible and intangible elements in the city. The study employs a qualitative research methodology to
analyze the case studies of the old Pune (Peth area) and Kharadi. The research findings contribute to the understanding of how
globalization affects the uniqueness and authenticity of a city’s built environment, as well as the challenges and opportunities
faced by rapidly growing cities in developing countries. This study provides insights into the preservation of cultural identity in a
globalized world and can aid in addressing the multi-layered scenarios of globalization in cities like Pune. The literature review
examines the concept of urban character, emphasizing the complexity of place identity and the interplay between tangible and
intangible aspects. Understanding the urban character and its role in defining a city’s identity is crucial for creating sustainable
and inclusive urban environments. Overall, this research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on the relationship
between globalization and urban identity, providing valuable insights for urban planning and development strategies in Pune
and similar cities.
Research Strategy
The research utilized the grounded theory approach to generate qualitative data. The findings were derived from a combination
of questionnaire-based surveys and semi-structured interviews, which allowed for a deeper understanding of the individuals
beyond the confines of a formal interview structure. The research study is based on an analytical perspective, which means that
it considers social reality as being shaped by the experiences of individuals and groups.
The study emphasizes the importance of how participants perceive and experience urban environments, as this helps to
analyse how people interpret and make sense of the world, both individually and collectively. Thus, the reciprocal relationships
between materiality and social constructs, particularly in terms of analysing the interplay between the tangible and intangible
components of urban character, and how these were impacted by factors like globalisation, was central to fulfilling these
objectives and answering the research questions.