Sakshi Nanda’s journey blends her insights from both India and the United States, offering a unique and thought-provoking perspective on suburban planning. Her experiences offer a compelling comparison of suburbs in both countries, highlighting how they can learn from one another.
Mumbai and the American suburbs offer valuable lessons that can be combined to create more livable and sustainable suburban communities. Mumbai`s high-density living maximizes land use and creates vibrant, connected neighborhoods. In contrast, the American suburbs prioritize green spaces, larger homes, and lower-density living, contributing to a more peaceful environment. By combining higher-density housing with accessible green spaces, such as parks and rooftop gardens, we can create sustainable and livable communities, similar to models seen in cities like Portland, New York etc.
Public transportation and sustainability are also areas where both regions can learn from each other. Mumbai’s well-developed and affordable public transit system reduces car dependency, while North American suburbs focus on eco-friendly, energy-efficient designs. Integrating Mumbai’s robust public transport with North America’s sustainability initiatives can lead to cleaner, more efficient suburban environments.
Mixed-use development is another strength of Mumbai’s suburbs, where residential, commercial, and social spaces are often closely integrated. North American suburbs are increasingly embracing “live-work-play” environments with multi-use buildings. By adopting mixed-use development strategies, suburban areas can reduce commutes, support local businesses, and foster vibrant communities.
Lastly, both regions demonstrate resilience and adaptability in different ways. Mumbai’s high-density living fosters an ability to adapt to challenges like flooding and monsoons, while the American suburbs invest heavily in infrastructure resilience to manage natural disasters. By combining Mumbai’s adaptability with the infrastructure resilience seen in the United States, we can create communities that are better prepared for future challenges.
In conclusion, Mumbai’s suburbs excel in density, public transit, and cultural integration, while the American suburbs offer sustainability and green space. By blending these strengths-creating compact, walkable neighborhoods with abundant green spaces, robust public transport, and mixed-use developments-we can design more livable, resilient, and inclusive suburban communities that can serve as models worldwide.
