Urban Designing
Resha Patil | HOD | DIT UniversityWhat is Urban Designing?
A Career in Urban Designing is very intriguing. One should first understand What a Career in Urban Designing entails before investing time and effort to figure out How to start a Career in Urban Designing. The internet is a great source of information on Urban Designing, but it is second best to learning about the same from a real professional.
HOD Resha Patil has 20 years of professional experience in Urban Designing. HOD Resha Patil defines Urban Designing as:
Urban design is the process of designing and shaping cities, towns and villages. In contrast to architecture, which focuses on the design of individual buildings, urban design deals with the larger scale of groups of buildings, streets and public spaces, whole neighborhoods and districts, and entire cities, with the goal of making urban areas functional, attractive, and sustainable.
How HOD Resha Patil got into Urban Designing?
After my Bachelors in Architecture & Masters in Urban Design, I started working as an Architect and have worked on various projects at various organizations like SEA, Arcop, Akruti Nirman Ltd and Utopia Architects. I have 20 years of experience in this field. I am also working as an Urban Design & Green Building Consultant. I am working at DIT University as HOD of Architecture Department since 2016.
HOD Resha Patil's Talk on Urban Designing |
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Exploring the World of Urban Design: Insights from Professor Resha Patil Urban design is a dynamic and multifaceted profession that shapes the places we live, work, and play. As cities evolve, so too does the need for skilled urban designers who can create environments that are not only functional but also engaging and sustainable. Professor Resha Patil, with two decades of experience in architecture and urban design, sheds light on this field, sharing insights from her extensive career and expertise. What Is Urban Designing? Urban designing is the art and science of crafting vibrant, livable spaces within cities. It involves transforming "dead" areas into lively public spaces where communities can connect and thrive. Professor Patil describes urban design as a discipline focused on the human experience, aiming to create environments that encourage social interaction, well-being, and ecological sustainability. This aspect is significant because cities are the hubs of cultural exchange and economic activity; hence, effective urban design directly impacts the quality of life for residents. Education In the foundation of urban design lies a strong grounding in architectural graphics. This area of study equips future designers with the ability to create detailed architectural drawings and presentations that effectively communicate their visions. Professor Patil emphasizes that having a clear understanding of architectural graphics is essential, as it allows designers to articulate their ideas clearly to clients and stakeholders, facilitating smoother project execution and collaboration. Understanding structural components is critical in urban design. This includes calculating the dimensions and materials needed for columns, beams, and foundations. During her studies, Professor Patil learned that this knowledge is vital for ensuring the structural integrity of her designs. An architect's familiarity with structural principles engenders confidence among clients, as they can trust that designs will be both aesthetically pleasing and safe. Architectural design courses enhance creativity and design sensibilities. Professor Patil highlights the importance of subjects like architectural design in helping students understand planning, elevations, and the overall aesthetics of structures. A real-world example of this importance can be seen when urban designers create public spaces that blend seamlessly with their surroundings, creating unique identity markers for neighborhoods. A deep knowledge of the evolution of architecture informs contemporary practice. Professor Patil points out that studying history reveals how architectural styles and city layouts have transformed over time, offering insights that inform current design practices. This historical perspective allows urban designers to innovate while respecting cultural contexts, ensuring that designs resonate with the community's identity. Climatology plays a critical role in urban design. Understanding wind directions, sun paths, and local geography helps designers create buildings that are not only functional but also comfortable and sustainable. For instance, Professor Patil notes that designing buildings to optimize natural light and ventilation can significantly enhance energy efficiency, leading to greener urban environments. To design effectively for people, urban designers must study human psychology and behavior. Professor Patil emphasizes that understanding how individuals interact with spaces allows designers to create environments that are both engaging and practical. By incorporating elements that encourage social interaction, such as parks and communal spaces, urban designers can positively influence community dynamics. Urban forms and growth patterns provide essential frameworks for effective design. As Professor Patil explains, understanding how different urban layouts affect community development and interaction is vital for creating cohesive and functional public spaces. For instance, studying trends in urban sprawl can help designers propose more sustainable, dense alternatives that reduce environmental impact. Skills Creativity is the cornerstone of urban design. Professor Patil explains that innovative thinking allows designers to propose unique solutions to urban challenges. This creativity not only enhances the aesthetic value of a project but also fosters functionality and sustainability, making neighborhoods more appealing and livable. Strong sketching and drawing skills are essential for translating ideas into tangible designs. Professor Patil emphasizes that the ability to visually communicate concepts is invaluable when working with clients and collaborators. A well-executed sketch can convey a vision more effectively than words, facilitating better discussions and ensuring alignment between stakeholders. Effective communication is crucial in urban design. As Professor Patil notes, architects must not only convey their ideas but also convince clients and stakeholders of their feasibility and value. This skill is particularly important during presentations and meetings, where articulating the benefits of a design can determine a project's success. Keen observational skills are essential for capturing the nuances of a site. Professor Patil stresses that thorough site visits and keen observation can reveal how people interact with spaces, informing better design decisions. An architect who notices subtle behavioral patterns can create designs that enhance user experience and engagement. Decision-making is integral to an architect's role, particularly when navigating the complexities of a project. Professor Patil illustrates this by describing how urban designers must often make real-time decisions on-site, adjusting plans based on conditions and feedback. This ability to think critically and adapt is essential for successful project management. Leadership qualities are vital in urban design, especially when managing large-scale projects. Professor Patil believes that effective leadership fosters collaboration and ensures projects run smoothly. Leading a diverse team of professionals, from engineers to contractors, requires strong leadership skills to maintain focus and drive results. Effective planning and management are key components of a successful urban design career. Professor Patil stresses that architects must juggle multiple projects while adhering to tight deadlines. Strong organizational skills enable urban designers to keep projects on track, ensuring timely delivery while meeting client expectations. Adaptability is crucial as urban designers often work with diverse populations and cultural contexts. Professor Patil emphasizes that understanding clients’ needs and being flexible to incorporate their lifestyles into designs significantly enhance relevance and user satisfaction. This adaptability ensures that urban spaces are inclusive and serve every demographic effectively. Positives Urban design offers immense creative satisfaction. Professor Patil finds joy in innovating and bringing new ideas to life through architecture. The ability to shape public spaces and positively impact communities fuels passion and motivation in her work. The profession provides opportunities to connect with diverse individuals. Professor Patil mentions that through her career, she has met people from various industries, enriching her professional journey. Networking can lead to collaborative projects and new opportunities, enhancing one's career trajectory. Urban designers gain insights into various fields, including engineering, medical, and socio-economic sectors. According to Professor Patil, this interdisciplinary exposure broadens one’s understanding and capabilities, ultimately leading to more well-rounded and informed design approaches. The nature of urban design often requires traveling for site visits, workshops, and collaborations, which can be a rewarding experience. Professor Patil highlights that these travels foster personal and professional growth, allowing designers to gain diverse perspectives that enhance their work. Challenges Like many creative professions, urban design often entails an initial struggle to establish oneself. Professor Patil reflects on her early years, emphasizing that success comes only after considerable effort and dedication, which can be daunting for newcomers. This phase is particularly challenging as it requires perseverance and resilience. The demands of urban design can lead to irregular hours and late nights. Professor Patil notes that meeting project deadlines often means sacrificing work-life balance. This challenge necessitates effective time management and personal boundaries to maintain overall well-being. With multiple projects on the go, urban designers must be adept at multitasking. As Professor Patil candidly shares, managing competing deadlines can be stressful, requiring exceptional organizational skills and the ability to maintain focus under pressure. The capacity to prioritize tasks is crucial for maintaining productivity and project quality. A Day Of Urban Designing A typical day for Professor Patil begins at 9 am when she reviews deadlines and connects with clients and consultants. The initial hours are often spent assessing drawings and directing her team on various projects. Site visits usually fill the afternoons, where discussions about project progress and on-the-spot decision-making take precedence. She notes that unplanned issues can arise, necessitating quick thinking and adaptation to ensure project success. The blend of creative work, problem-solving, and collaboration brings variety to each day in urban design, underpinning why many, including Professor Patil, are passionate about this field. Conclusion Urban design is an inspiring career that blends creativity, technical skills, and social awareness to improve the way we live in urban spaces. Through the lens of Professor Resha Patil’s extensive experience, we see how this profession not only shapes physical landscapes but also influences community dynamics. The journey, while filled with challenges, is immensely rewarding, inspiring professionals to leave a lasting impact on our world. Each project embodies the potential to create vibrant, functional spaces that resonate with the needs and aspirations of the communities they serve. | |
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How to get into
Urban Designing?
If you are want to get into Urban Designing, start by investing in a Career Plan.
The 14 hour process, guided by a LifePage Career Advisor, will help you introspect and check whether your interest in Urban Designing is merely an infatuation or is it truly something you wish to do for the rest of your life.
Next, your Career Advisor will help you document how you can get into Urban Designing, what education and skills you need to succeed in Urban Designing, and what positives and challenges you will face in Urban Designing.
Finally, you will get a Career Plan stating which Courses, Certifications, Trainings and other Items you need to do in the next 7 years to become world’s best in Urban Designing.
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LifePage Plan will not stop at saying "to become an Architect study Architecture". It will guide you on which Certifications, Trainings and Other items you need to do along with your Architecture education to become the world's best Architect.
Links for this Talk
LifePage Career Talk on Urban Designing

[Career]
https://www.lifepage.in/careers/urban-designing

[Full Talk]
https://lifepage.app.link/20171226-0006
(Urban Designing, Resha Patil, DIT University, Structures, Urban Buildings Designs, Architecture, Architect, Green Building Consultant)
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