Lohia Worldspace

                                    Equity by Inclusivity Need for Universal Design in Real Estate When it comes to public buildings, group housing or other such projects with a diverse spectrum of end-users, it is best to think of Universal Design as a part of the Ten Commandments. Accessibility may mean different things to different people, but to some it's independence itself. How every project that is birthed in the 21 st century should be sustainable, likewise, it is imperative that they be barrier-free.  Universal Design is the design and composition of an environment so that it can be accessed, understood and used to the greatest extent possible by all people regardless of their age, size, ability or disability. It is not designing for the ‘minority’ and should not even be considered a ‘special requirement’. It is just another touchstone of ‘good design’, to make something more convenient and usable so all may benefit.    Need for Inclusive Design 2.1% of the Indian populat

The Housing Paradox The Affordable Housing Crisis Amid High Vacancies The 2011 census, even though now a decade behind, brought an interesting housing paradox to light. The findings were such: Out of 90 million, 11.09 million housing units were listed vacant, or 12 percent of the total urban residential stock. To put it into perspective, this is sufficient to house as many as 50 million people i.e. 13% of the urban population. On the other hand, the nation is suffering a housing shortage of nearly 19 million housing units.  Yes, we have the same questions, how and why? The Problem These vacancies have been seen majorly in the western parts of India, with the vacancy rates being as high as 19% in Gujarat and 16% in Maharashtra. Cities in the outskirts of metropolitan areas are prone to higher vacancy rates than central regions.  Just looking at the figures, it can be speculated that the housing crisis could be averted to a great extent, solely by efficient management of the existing sto

Walking the Talk Benefits of Walkable Cities & Neighbourhoods What similarity in opinion does a disappointed father, a lifestyle coach or a doctor working in a multi-specialty hospital have? They all think that walking is good for you. Wait, even you must think that walking is good for you. But do you walk often though? That’s a discussion best saved for another day. Health and economic benefits put aside, there is much good that walking can do, at a neighborhood or city level too.  We are living in a fast-paced motorized world, where vehicles have the run of the streets and traffic jams are a part and parcel of life. What we also live in, is an evolving society of increasing consciousness that is counting steps and calories from sunrise to sunset. We are using technology to steer our lives towards a healthier direction and this motto can be effortlessly peddled in walkable neighborhoods.  Before we go ahead, let’s see how walkable cities are better for us. Health  A study conducte