My neighborhood in covid times
After almost 10 months of lockdown yesterday when I walked through my neighborhood it was surprising to see a city so happy again.I like my neighborhood since it has this typical character of "niche dukan upar makan".This stretch of 1km has housing apartments, kindergarten, Reliance mart,small nursery at the edge of street.The unique quality of the street is that it connects the seawoods station and palm beach road and the corporation building at the end of the walking street. Inspite of covid lockdown our milkman and vegetable vendor were always working serving people by giving milk and vegetables at there doorstep.Even the reliance mart was working only difference was that there was coupon system wherein only 5 people were allowed at one time to maintain social distance and avoid over crowding.
Today while I was walking the pani puriwala at the corner of neighborhood was with his mask on and had 3-4 customers around him.Children playing badminton by cleaning grounds.Few children playing football on streets during lockdown whereas the others were on online classes.
To my surprise people were with yoga Matt onstreet exercising and few other with children in pramps.The nursery vendor says," There is nothing like corona."He is happy in his world of plants.My boutique friend has been working hard to keep her tailors working and multitasking. I think its herd immunity which saved Indians and good that our country has vaccine now so people are relieved and relaxed.Also all the homemakers have been cooking and cleaning and taking care of there loved ones.Most working men/women working online and running offices efficiently from home ,saving on travel time.All in all the new normal is going to be a wonderful family module.
Also there are few details in city which makes city life interesting
For eg. Going down picking up milk, vegetables, laundry, nursery which one can easily go and pick up.
That's the reason why townships work.
We as urban designers and common man should be sensitive to cities to enjoy city life.If there was no noise and chaos in city,city life would be so boring and mundane.
Having people of all age groups is necessary to make life interesting
Niche dukan upar makan is the ideal mixed use typology
In a city people feel safe with people around u even if u dont know each other.
As Jane Jacob ideally stated" A street is safe where there are eyes on street ,that's what makes city safe "
And that's exactly the feeling I felt when i walked today through my neighborhood.
