Transforming Lifestyles and Evolving Housing Patterns: A Comparative Case Study

The wisdom of developmental activities that propose voluminous increase in the built infrastructure is questionable. These can seriously undermine the ability of quintessential small cities to retain the sociocultural and people centric character leading to a saner lifestyle in comparison to the burgeoning metros. This study is based in Nagpur, a Grade II city of central India. It presents a comparative analysis of three unique housing neighbourhoods developed in distinct temporal periods: historic, pre-globalisation, and post-globalisation. It focuses upon seminal parameters that are intrinsic to emotional well-being of residents and encourage positive behavioural responses. The methodology follows a qualitative approach through a study of morphological maps, non-participatory observation, and photo documentation. An argument is developed for a comprehensive urban development process, based upon respect for intrinsic socio-cultural values. It emphasises the need to celebrate and rejuvenate the thread of continuum for betterment of small cities. This enquiry resolves that to make a city smart and sustainable, efforts at people centricity are imperative along with ICT and other smart technologies of the future.