IIT Roorkee Explores Night-Time Urbanism to Redefine Dehradun’s Nightscapes
Dehradun, a city known for its picturesque landscapes and vibrant culture, is now the focus of an innovative study on night-time urbanism led by a postgraduate team from the Department of Architecture and Planning at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee. This research aims to enhance the city’s after-dark experience and explore how a connection with the night sky can support mental well-being.
Understanding Night-Time Urbanism
Under the guidance of Professor Tina Pujara, the urban design coordinator at IIT Roorkee, the study seeks to understand how people emotionally and sensorially engage with their surroundings at night. The goal is to reframe Dehradun’s urban nightscape as a space for reflection and mental restoration. Professor Pujara emphasizes, “Within the urban nightscapes, the specific focus is on exploring the impact of connecting with the night sky on mental well-being.”
Research Methodology
The team has employed various innovative methods to gather data from local residents. On a recent Thursday evening, they utilized techniques developed by PhD scholar Sai Aitika VV, which included:
- Scenario-Based Emotional Mapping: Participants were asked to visualize and share their emotional responses to different night-time scenarios.
- Memory Recall: Residents were encouraged to reflect on their past experiences related to the night sky and urban spaces.
- Collective Storytelling: This approach allowed participants to share their narratives, fostering a deeper understanding of community perceptions.
Through these methods, the researchers aim to document how factors such as lighting, sound, openness, and spatial design influence night-time experiences in Dehradun.
Goals of the Study
The overarching aim of the study is to understand the role of urban nightscapes in fostering calm, connection, and well-being. The researchers believe that thoughtful urban design can transform the “city after dark” into a space for emotional and mental rejuvenation. Professor Pujara stated, “This study is the first of its kind in India. Earlier, some preliminary work was done in Malaysia, but we aim to delve deeper into how urbanization has weakened people’s natural connection with the night sky.”
Community Engagement and Insights
Engaging with the community is a vital aspect of this research. Lokesh Ohri, founder of Been There Doon That, highlighted the need to rethink how residents perceive the night sky. He pointed out that “our fireflies have disappeared, and our skyline has changed.” Ohri stressed the importance of addressing light pollution, which often goes unnoticed compared to air and water pollution. He believes that as Dehradun celebrates 25 years of statehood, the community should consider more subtle lighting that respects the charm of darkness, which the city once embraced.
Previous Research and Future Directions
The IIT Roorkee team, under Professor Pujara’s leadership, has previously conducted studies aimed at making Dehradun’s streets safer and more welcoming for children and the elderly. The findings from these studies were shared with government authorities, and detailed reports are expected soon. This ongoing research on night-time urbanism will also incorporate public perception, with findings intended to inform local government initiatives and urban planning strategies.
Conclusion
The exploration of night-time urbanism in Dehradun represents a significant step towards understanding the complexities of urban life after dark. By focusing on mental well-being and community engagement, this study aims to redefine the city’s nightscapes, fostering a deeper connection between residents and their environment.
Note: This article is based on the recent developments in urban studies at IIT Roorkee and reflects the ongoing efforts to improve urban living conditions in Dehradun.
