Studio POD, an award-winning international planning and urban design practice, started its journey in 2013 with a shared vision of creating equitable, democratic, and sustainable environments. Rooted in a philosophy of inclusivity, the firm has steadily grown to become a leading force in urban development.
Genesis
The seeds of Studio POD were sown by three like-minded individuals who recognized the need for a design approach that prioritized the well-being of communities. Their collective experiences and observations led them to establish a practice that would not only shape the physical landscape but also foster social and environmental justice. From the outset, inclusivity was a cornerstone of Studio POD’s ethos, guiding their work and shaping their relationships with clients and communities.
Studio POD’s vision is to create places where people thrive. Their commitment to equitable, democratic, and sustainable environments is evident in every project they undertake. Through People-Oriented Design principles, Studio POD seeks to foster a sense of community, vitality, and belonging.
Philosophy
People-Oriented Design
Studio POD is committed to designing cities and social spaces that prioritize people and their well-being. Our approach creates resilient, vibrant, ecological, and community-oriented environments. Studio POD aims to contribute to a truly sustainable city-building process by transforming neglected spaces into vibrant places for people and nature.
Collaborative Approach
Collaboration is valued at Studio POD. Collective input from all stakeholders is considered essential for successful urban design. The team assimilates diverse perspectives and develops mutually agreeable solutions prioritizing design excellence and systems thinking. Through a collaborative process, innovative and impactful urban spaces that enhance the quality of life for communities are strived to be created.
Championing Public Realm
With their rich historical and social context, Indian cities offer unique opportunities for integrating significant public spaces with infrastructure upgrades. Public realms are believed to become incubators of urban life, fostering community, vitality, and a sense of belonging. Studio POD’s approach involves a constant interplay of zooming in and zooming out, identifying new opportunities to create impactful public spaces that truly transform the quality of life in urban environments.
A Global Perspective
While based in India, Studio POD’s work has a global reach. Over 60 projects worldwide have been successfully completed, including recent implementations in both the public and private sectors. The adaptable and collaborative approach, combined with expertise in urban transformations and infrastructure, has positioned Studio POD as a leading force in urban design and planning.
Concept
Inclusivity | Sustainability | Community engagement
The three key motivations for studio POD are to create spaces that are accessible and welcoming for all, promote resource conservation and green tomorrow, along with open dialogue with residents, stakeholders, and government agencies to ensure that the projects are aligned with community priorities.
Notable Projects and Impact
Studio POD has successfully completed numerous projects across various scales, ranging from strategic planning to detailed urban design. Their work has had a significant impact on communities worldwide, contributing to improved quality of life, economic development, and social cohesion.
Riverfront, Pune
The Riverfront in Pune is a 750-meter-long design that prioritizes accessibility and program without compromising the biodiversity of the area. The design features a lower promenade, a floodable natural trail that encourages activities like hiking, biking, kayaking, and wildlife observation. The higher promenade, designed above the high flood line, offers a year-round multimodal trail and includes parks, gymnasiums, recreational pavilions, and viewing decks.
One Green Mile Streetscape Design & Master Plan, Mumbai
One Green Mile is a 1.8-kilometer streetscape development in Mumbai that transforms a congested street into a complete street. Key features include a wide pedestrian walkway, a dedicated cycle track, robust street furniture, adequate illumination, and improved green cover. A unique intervention is the conversion of space under a flyover into a thriving public space with a play area, seating, an amphitheater, and a vachanalaya.
Thane Soft Mobility
Thane, a rapidly growing area in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, required street upgrades to accommodate increasing traffic and pedestrian volumes. Studio POD’s design added a substantial area of 11.32 acres of the pedestrian realm, including space for pedestrians, and cyclists, new trees, landscaped areas, seating areas, and a new park.
These projects are a testament to Studio POD’s journey to establish the power of inclusive urban design. Through their innovative approach, unwavering commitment to sustainability, and a strong focus on community engagement, they have created places that are not only beautiful but also equitable and resilient. As Studio POD continues to evolve, its work will undoubtedly shape the future of cities and inspire others to prioritize the well-being of communities.
References:
- Studio POD (2022). Official Website. [Online]. (Last update 2022). Available at: https://studiopoddesign.com/
- StudioPOD. LANDEZINE. Available at: https://landezine.com/landscape-architects/studiopod/
- StudioPOD. Architzer. Available at: https://architizer.com/firms/studiopod-inc/
- StudioPOD. (2022). Streetscape and Urban design Project :One green Mile. [YouTube video]. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5ktFY9GYhE
- StudioPOD. (2018). Bridge_Empowering through Awareness. [YouTube video]. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4SI7w2KF6s
