I am an architect and an urban regeneration specialist. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Architecture from Pennsylvania State University. My research interests are in social equity in planning practices, residential segregation, urbanization in the Global South, urban informality, and heritage studies.
10th International Conference on Architecture and Built Environment (S. ARCH) Proceeding, 2023
As an interdisciplinary practice, the state undertakes city planning with a vision to design more... more As an interdisciplinary practice, the state undertakes city planning with a vision to design more liveable cities and plan for future growth directions. In fast-urbanizing countries such as India, planning agencies struggle to cater to the demands and challenges of rapid population growth in metropolitan regions. The unprecedented urbanization rates result in rapid densification and transformation of the built fabric. This research uses Noida, a city established in the late 1970s, as a case study to examine the implications of new urban developments on the pre- existing lived settlements (villages). For this purpose, we draw on spatial imagery and our fieldwork in Noida, including photographic documentation, urban mapping, and interviews with community representatives. We further draw on planning documents, real estate brochures, and newspaper reports to investigate the transformation of pre-existing villages while being confined within a defined planning boundary due to synergies created by adjacent urban developments. The study findings draw attention to the morphological transformation of the existing villages in the built environment, public spaces, and land uses post-city planning interventions and development. The research findings provide insights into the challenges experienced by the residents of the urban villages to guide decision-makers in formulating planning guidelines for future city design and planning. It also adds to the understanding of rapid urbanization trends and its implication in the cities of the Global South.
Book review of "In the Public's Interest: Evictions, Citizenship, and Inequality in Contemporary ... more Book review of "In the Public's Interest: Evictions, Citizenship, and Inequality in Contemporary Delhi" by Gautam Bhan
Environmental Remediation and Rejuvenation: Principles, Processes and Practices, Environmental Remediation and Rejuvenation, 2018
The tourism planning process involves many stakeholders, reshapes the local economy, and redirect... more The tourism planning process involves many stakeholders, reshapes the local economy, and redirects development. It involves both public and private sector parties as well as the local community, which is directly attached to the site. This paper will focus on the role of a community in the planning process and will highlight the adverse impacts due to the overselling of the destination. The community in such cases is affected directly, indirectly, or through induced changes both in terms of lifestyle as well as economic benefits. The hypothesis is that not all stakeholders get financial benefits from tourism projects and also that not all of them would be satisfied with the momentary gains and eventually the prolonged phase of the project would make them hostile. The paper will also discuss the role of community in the decision-making process for ecologically sensitive sites such as Goa, Kerala, and Sikkim. It will also highlight government initiatives and community-based programs in tourism development and management in India and approaches adopted in other countries.
10th International Conference on Architecture and Built Environment (S. ARCH) Proceeding, 2023
As an interdisciplinary practice, the state undertakes city planning with a vision to design more... more As an interdisciplinary practice, the state undertakes city planning with a vision to design more liveable cities and plan for future growth directions. In fast-urbanizing countries such as India, planning agencies struggle to cater to the demands and challenges of rapid population growth in metropolitan regions. The unprecedented urbanization rates result in rapid densification and transformation of the built fabric. This research uses Noida, a city established in the late 1970s, as a case study to examine the implications of new urban developments on the pre- existing lived settlements (villages). For this purpose, we draw on spatial imagery and our fieldwork in Noida, including photographic documentation, urban mapping, and interviews with community representatives. We further draw on planning documents, real estate brochures, and newspaper reports to investigate the transformation of pre-existing villages while being confined within a defined planning boundary due to synergies created by adjacent urban developments. The study findings draw attention to the morphological transformation of the existing villages in the built environment, public spaces, and land uses post-city planning interventions and development. The research findings provide insights into the challenges experienced by the residents of the urban villages to guide decision-makers in formulating planning guidelines for future city design and planning. It also adds to the understanding of rapid urbanization trends and its implication in the cities of the Global South.
Book review of "In the Public's Interest: Evictions, Citizenship, and Inequality in Contemporary ... more Book review of "In the Public's Interest: Evictions, Citizenship, and Inequality in Contemporary Delhi" by Gautam Bhan
Environmental Remediation and Rejuvenation: Principles, Processes and Practices, Environmental Remediation and Rejuvenation, 2018
The tourism planning process involves many stakeholders, reshapes the local economy, and redirect... more The tourism planning process involves many stakeholders, reshapes the local economy, and redirects development. It involves both public and private sector parties as well as the local community, which is directly attached to the site. This paper will focus on the role of a community in the planning process and will highlight the adverse impacts due to the overselling of the destination. The community in such cases is affected directly, indirectly, or through induced changes both in terms of lifestyle as well as economic benefits. The hypothesis is that not all stakeholders get financial benefits from tourism projects and also that not all of them would be satisfied with the momentary gains and eventually the prolonged phase of the project would make them hostile. The paper will also discuss the role of community in the decision-making process for ecologically sensitive sites such as Goa, Kerala, and Sikkim. It will also highlight government initiatives and community-based programs in tourism development and management in India and approaches adopted in other countries.
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Papers by Sana Ahrar
For this purpose, we draw on spatial imagery and our fieldwork in Noida, including photographic documentation, urban mapping, and interviews with community representatives. We further draw on planning documents, real estate brochures, and newspaper reports to investigate the transformation of pre-existing villages while being confined within a defined planning boundary due to synergies created by adjacent urban developments.
The study findings draw attention to the morphological transformation of the existing villages in the built environment, public spaces, and land uses post-city planning interventions and development. The research findings provide insights into the challenges experienced by the residents of the urban villages to guide decision-makers in formulating planning guidelines for future city design and planning. It also adds to the understanding of rapid urbanization trends and its implication in the cities of the Global South.
For this purpose, we draw on spatial imagery and our fieldwork in Noida, including photographic documentation, urban mapping, and interviews with community representatives. We further draw on planning documents, real estate brochures, and newspaper reports to investigate the transformation of pre-existing villages while being confined within a defined planning boundary due to synergies created by adjacent urban developments.
The study findings draw attention to the morphological transformation of the existing villages in the built environment, public spaces, and land uses post-city planning interventions and development. The research findings provide insights into the challenges experienced by the residents of the urban villages to guide decision-makers in formulating planning guidelines for future city design and planning. It also adds to the understanding of rapid urbanization trends and its implication in the cities of the Global South.