World Urbanism Day (WUD), also known as World Town Planning Day (WTPD), is annually observed across the globe on 8th November to recognise and promote the role of planners and planning in developing healthy, sustainable communities.
- The day is promoted by the International Society of City and Regional Planners (ISOCARP).
Theme:
The theme for World Town Planning Day 2024 is “Homes Start with Planning”
- The theme highlights the critical role of planners in delivering housing that addresses community needs while fostering equitable, inclusive, and sustainable solutions for everyone.
Significance:
i.WTPD recognises the principles of community planning by uniting professional planners with the general public.
- The day presents an opportunity to look at planning from a global perspective, focusing on the environmental impact of urban and territorial development.
ii.WTPD is celebrated in over 30 countries worldwide, where planners and the public engage in activities like lectures, conferences, competitions, fundraising, charity events, planning awards, and street festivals.
Background:
i.WTPD was initially proposed in 1949 by Late Professor Carlos Maria della Paolera of the University of Buenos Aires (Argentina).
- The day was proposed with an aim to advance public and professional interest in planning.
ii.In India, World Town Planning Day is organized by New Delhi(Delhi) based Institute of Town Planners India, which was established in 1951.
60th ISOCARP World Planning Congress:
i.The annual ISOCARP World Planning Congress is the main activity of ISOCARP which focuses on a planning theme of foremost international interest.
- The Congress has taken place in a different city every year since 1965.
ii.The 60th ISOCARP World Planning Congress was held from 8th to 12th October 2024 in Siena, Italy under the banner of “Reinvesting the (In)Visible Cities”.
What is Urbanism?
i.Urbanism is the study of how people interact with the built environment in urban areas, such as towns and cities.
- It involves understanding the physical, social, economic, and cultural aspects of urban life.
ii.Urban planning is the practice focusing on the physical design and management of urban structures and urban sociology.
iii.Principles of Urbanism includes Walkability, Connectivity, Mixed Use and Diversity, Mixed Housing, Quality Architecture and Urban Design, Traditional Neighborhood Structure, Increased density, Green Transportation, Sustainability and Quality of life.
Note: Chandigarh(Punjab) is the first planned city in India. It was designed by renowned architect Le Corbusier.
About International Society of City and Regional Planners (ISOCARP):
President– Pietro Elisei
Headquarters – The Hague, The Netherlands
Founded – 1965
