Culturally Sensitive Smart City Interventions: A Case of Pune

Smart City Mission, launched by the Indian government in 2015, aims to promote sustainable and inclusive cities by transforming existing areas through redevelopment and retrofitting. After almost a decade of its initiation, the mission has started to significantly improve infrastructure and citizen-centric services. Urban streets serve as key intervention points aligning with Smart City objectives and democratic spaces accessible to all, round the clock, promoting cohesion and interaction among diverse communities. Scholars have stated that the streets, the city’s primary public spaces, are its most vital organ. Hence, streets highlight the importance of urban design in a cityscape for fostering inclusivity and addressing social aspects. Pune is blessed with a conducive climate for outdoor living and is also a culturally vibrant city. The research aims to investigate how smart city interventions have helped and supported the cultural activities of its people and also made the public space inclusive in terms of functions and users. The methodology involves case studies of 4 streets developed under the initiative in Pune, using activity mapping at different times of day to find out user types and activities and photographic documentation to gather data. The research demonstrates that streets in Pune serve as vital public spaces for interaction among diverse user groups. Surrounding land use influences street activities, fostering social interactions and cultural engagement. Activity generators on these streets catalyse social inclusion and cultural interactions, reinforcing the city’s cultural fabric. These interventions not only promote inclusivity but also support and enhance cultural activities, underscoring the significance of well-designed public spaces in nurturing community and cultural life in Pune. The study highlights how culturally sensitive smart street interventions in Pune have reclaimed public spaces, transforming them into vibrant “urban living rooms.”