Urban planning firms in India form the cornerstone of modern city development, ensuring sustainability and efficiency. Jan Gehl aptly describes it as the art of creating spaces where people flourish. Urban design firms in India lead this transformative journey, not just building but innovating sustainable solutions. This article showcases the top 10 firms making a difference through groundbreaking projects, eco-conscious practices, and advanced technologies, reshaping India’s urban landscape.

HCP Design, Planning and Management Pvt. Ltd., Ahmedabad

HCP stands tall as one of the best urban planning consultants in India, thanks to its holistic approach to urban planning and architecture. Founded by Hasmukh C. Patel in 1960, they’ve spearheaded significant projects like the Sabarmati Riverfront Development in Ahmedabad, earning widespread acclaim. What distinguishes them is their dedication to integrating sustainability into urban development. They prioritise public spaces, green areas, and intelligent infrastructure, ensuring cities are not just practical but also enjoyable and sustainable environments.

Pradeep Sachdeva Design Associates (PSDA), New Delhi

Established in 1990, PSDA is a respected firm known for its expertise in architecture, urban design, and landscape architecture. Their impact is felt through remarkable projects like the revitalisation of Chandni Chowk in Delhi, Dilli Haat INA, and the beloved Garden of Five Senses. PSDA’s designs place a strong emphasis on pedestrian-friendly areas, preserving heritage, and fostering lively public spaces, breathing new life into Delhi’s historic markets. Their innovative approach enhances urban living, making historical and recreational spots more inviting and accessible to all.

Oasis Design, New Delhi

Establishing roots in 2001, Oasis Design, under the stewardship of Akash and Sujata Hingorani, champions sustainable urban planning in India. Their portfolio boasts transformative projects like the Rajkot Greenway, creating verdant retreats within city limits; the Hriday city scheme in Amritsar, blending heritage with lush landscapes; and the NMDC Smart City project in New Delhi, prioritising pedestrian-friendly areas embraced by nature. Oasis Design strives to revive the harmony between people and nature in urban settings, fostering vibrant and sustainable city living.

RMA Architects, Mumbai

RMA Architects, born from the vision of Rahul Mehrotra in 1990, isn’t just a firm; it’s a community of dreamers and doers. Exhibiting a profound grasp of city dynamics and dedication to inventive resolutions, RMA’s portfolio includes the Hathigaon Project in Jaipur, Rajasthan. This initiative offers eco-friendly housing for elephant caretakers and their families, emphasising sustainability and cultural preservation, epitomising RMA’s commitment to community-centric urban design.

Edifice Consultants Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai

Fueled by a dedicated team who genuinely care about enhancing city living, Edifice Consultants Pvt. Ltd. has made a lasting impact on the urban landscape through their urban planning services in India. Their mission extends beyond architectural design; they actively engage in shaping the cities of tomorrow, particularly through the vibrant Smart Cities initiative across the nation. With a holistic approach, they address infrastructure, sustainability, and technological integration, aiming to create urban spaces that are both livable and sustainable. Their efforts are rooted in improving people’s lives, fostering economic growth, and ensuring that cities evolve in ways that benefit everyone.

Studio POD, Mumbai

Studio POD, a design firm driven by innovation, focuses on creating urban spaces centred around people, crafting dynamic and environmentally conscious environments. Their involvement in projects like The One Green Mile in Mumbai highlights their commitment to pedestrian-friendly layouts and community involvement. With a dedication to inclusivity and sustainability, Studio POD is transforming cities to enhance the well-being of their inhabitants, promoting vitality and cohesion.

Design Action Group (DAG), New Delhi

Established in 1979 by Architects Brahm Dev Dahiya and Premendra Raj Mehta, DAG commenced its journey in the heart of New Delhi, igniting a wave of urban renewal. Their inaugural project, Connaught Place, tasked them with preserving its historical allure while injecting a modern vibrancy. DAG’s precision in creating pedestrian-friendly paths and vibrant public spaces, coupled with seamless integration of contemporary amenities, forged a timeless hub, uniting the city’s past, present, and future for generations to cherish.

Studio Symbiosis, New Delhi

Studio Symbiosis, led by architects Amit Gupta and Britta Knobel Gupta, is transforming Kanpur’s urban landscape with the Trans Ganga Masterplan. This grandiose project along the Ganges River spans 1156 acres, aiming for a self-sustaining city. With a deep understanding of the Ganga’s cultural significance and environmental challenges, the master plan integrates ingenious solutions like earth cooling systems and green roofs. Studio Symbiosis is setting a new standard for urban development, emphasising harmony with nature and community well-being.

Swapnil Patil + Partners, Pune

Swapnil Patil + Partners, a renowned architectural firm celebrated for its inventive designs, is leading the Envision Pune smart city initiative. This groundbreaking project, part of the Smart City Pro-bono initiative, pioneers a public-private partnership (PPP) model. Spanning 15,000 acres, it aims to accommodate Pune’s projected population growth of 90 lakh over the next fifteen years. Integrating strategic elements like ring roads, riverfront enhancements, and transit-oriented smart townships, the Envision Pune project is designed to meet evolving urban needs, creating a sustainable and dynamic urban environment for the city’s future.

Morphogenesis, New Delhi

Morphogenesis, founded by Manit Rastogi and Sonali Rastogi in 1996, is spearheading the transformation of Port Blair into a smart city. Through their visionary designs and commitment to sustainability, the project aims to enhance urban living while preserving the island’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Cities aren’t just concrete jungles; they’re bustling hubs brimming with human stories and dreams. In India, these visionary urban planning firms are the catalysts of evolution, not only shaping city skylines but also stitching the intricate tapestry of the nation’s social and economic tapestry. Leveraging state-of-the-art technologies like GIS, BIM, and smart city solutions, they fortify urban infrastructure, ensuring cities can withstand the test of time. Their projects, adorned with green havens and eco-friendly transportation, uplift urban living standards, embodying their dedication to sustainable progress and environmental harmony.

Sources

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• https://archovavisuals.com/urban-planning-companies-in-india-leading-firms/
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