Influenced by geographical conditions, human settlement has perpetually evolved over centuries and is poised to take on distinctive dimensions. It is intriguing to witness the dynamic pattern of settlements outlined along rivers, forests, fertile lands, etcIn the upcoming years, smaller settlements formed to shape large urban centres concentrating the population in a particular area with all the facilities needed for sophisticated living. Surpassing the historical ages, the modern mechanised world has advanced in all possible fields to make people’s lives cosy. But why do people suffer even after so much development?
T.O.D – Need of the Hour
Dating back from the times of steam engines to the extensive use of electric vehicles, the mode of transportation has progressively contributed to the ease of commuters. The gradual shift of usage from public transport to private vehicles has flooded the traffic with the motor population. Over the years, strong connectivity has been built across the cities linking all the remote areas predominantly through road and railway systems. This has enabled the people to move to the cities in search of livelihood, leading to a concentration of people at particular city centres. Also, it is common to witness a large population commuting from suburbs to their workplace, spending a considerable amount of time in travel. Eventually, the quality of life has been drastically affected, demanding a practical change in urban planning.
Rapid urbanisation and traffic congestion are the major driving factors for blurring the boundaries of cities. But why should we crowd into one central area and why not many such centres? Since there are multiple transit systems surrounding, it is possible to develop communities around the transit routes letting people have access to resources around their neighbourhood. This concept of Transit Oriented Development is followed in many countries like Japan, and Singapore etc., Through Transit Oriented Development, it is possible to create a healthier lifestyle encapsulating a composite professional and personal environment surrounded by an efficient transport system.
Even Though transit-oriented development implies more on public transportation, it prioritises pedestrian-friendly walkable design as it can overturn most of the environmental impacts. In this way, it would be a great relief for old streets to retain their character, which was originally designed for the neighbourhood population. Transit-oriented development imagines a community where the transit system plays a major role around which public square happens with mixed residential, commercial, and institutional zones. It makes the lifestyle easier for people with all the amenities available at a walkable distance and completely relies on public transport. The internal circulation will be supported by buses, street cars, and light rails reducing the use of private vehicles.
Japan is one of the pioneering countries in implementing the concept of Transit Oriented Development in its urban planning strategies. More than 50% of the people use railways to travel since there are well-connected rail routes and pedestrian activity. The capital city of Tokyo has been introduced to railways at an early stage of development which forms the strong foundation for the improved lifestyle of the current generation. Even after motorization and huge highway construction, the city stressed railways as a means of transport.
The multi-nodal approach to urban design broke the central nucleus into multiple circles splitting the population to avoid congestion. The city centres and suburban areas are meticulously planned along the railway lines and the lifestyle of people. All the retail, commercial, and official activities are placed around the major stations in the metropolis area while the entertainment and educational activities are placed around suburban stations. Amidst the suburban and metropolis area lies the residential zone enabling the people to have an effortless commute to their destiny. It has purposely divided the large population into two groups to move in opposite directions.
On the propagation of Transit Oriented Development, a healthy work-life balance is created, promoting the quality of life. Locating facilities at a walkable distance helps in pedestrian movement promoting physical health and mental peace. Traffic congestion led by accidents and injuries can be avoided. People do not have to move places according to work, instead relish in their neighbourhood. This also promotes the economy by reducing the expenditure on transportation. It significantly decreases reliance on foreign oil, pollution, and environmental harm. Ultimately, the sprawl of the urban population can be reduced and compact development is promoted.
Imagine a day without stress, relishing the slow-paced life in your neighbourhood and preparing for the day with all the facilities at a walkable distance. Transit Oriented Development pulls out people from suffocating urban dormitories and offers the breeze of nature. Because it creates peaceful, walkable communities that significantly reduce the need for transportation and energy consumption, and gives solutions to the escalating issues of climate change and global energy security. If sustainability can be incorporated into urban design, Transit-oriented development would be one of the ways to accomplish it.
Reference:
- http://tod.org/
- https://mohua.gov.in/upload/whatsnew/59a4070e85256Transit_Oriented_Developoment_Policy.pdf
- https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/transport/publication/transforming-the-urban-space-through-transit-oriented-development-the-3v-approach
