Singara Chennai 2.0: GCC ropes in 21 urban planners

CHENNAI: Greater Chennai Corporation has roped in 21 urban planners for all Singara Chennai 2.0 projects involving construction of buildings, bridges, urban primary health centres and others.
Architects and planners will have to create a people-friendly design that is also aesthetically appealing. They will also have to come up with prototypes and designs in consultation with all local stakeholders.
Corporation commissioner Dr J Radhakrishnan said civic work should not just be about building, but the focus should also be on the design and aesthetics. "The architects will look into it. Secondly, the designs should be accepted by the local people. We cannot force our ideas onto people's lives as these are civic projects for the people. During the planning process, proper stakeholders meet will be held," he said.
Several core city areas have heritage structures and beautiful identities and newly added areas too need similar structures, he said. "We want Ambattur, OMR, and other extended areas to have well-designed infrastructure."
Amudha Krishnamurthy, founder of Amudhasurabhi Architects that is one of the companies empanelled by the corporation, said the focus would be on creating accessible and inclusive buildings for PHCs, anganwadis. "I also want parks to be friendly for the blind and physically challenged. Further, I want to create an impact in modernizing electrical crematorium with necessary amenities."
S Babjee, principal architect of VBS Design Office which is another selected firm, said several projects need designs focusing on proper illumination for the entire work site. "We should eliminate dark spots and dull corners at infrastructure sites through design and suggestions of placement of lights. Creation of multi-purpose utilities from buildings such as paid-parking spots for public will be looked into."