Revitalizing Urban Social Fabric through Thoughtful Street and Built Edge Design

Abstract

This paper explores the intrinsic role of streets and built edges as pivotal elements 
of the urban social fabric, using the informal settlements of Lucknow, India, as a 
focal case study. Amidst rapid urbanization and the burgeoning emphasis on 
efficiency-driven designs, the essence of streets as mere conduits for traffic is being 
re-evaluated. Streets, as demonstrated in Lucknow’s dense neighbourhoods, 
emerge not only as physical spaces but as vibrant social arenas where community 
life flourishes. Through qualitative analysis and observational methods, this study 
delves into how the architectural and spatial configuration of streets and their 
immediate built edges foster or hinder social interactions, community bonding, and 
a sense of belonging among urban dwellers. The findings underscore the 
transformative potential of considering social interaction as a fundamental 
component of urban design. By juxtaposing the lively, interaction-rich 
environments of Lucknow’s informal settlements with the often sterile, vehicledominated urban spaces of modern cities, the paper argues for a 
reconceptualization of urban planning paradigms. It advocates for design 
strategies that prioritize the creation and maintenance of social spaces, aiming to 
enhance the social sustainability of urban environments. This research contributes 
to the discourse on urban design by highlighting the importance of streets and built 
edges in cultivating a robust social fabric, essential for fostering community 
resilience, identity, and well-being in the face of changing urban landscapes.