A unique international group of people called ‘URBZ — User Generated Cities’ is holding a workshop at the JJ School of Art to discuss problems and think of innovative solutions with the city’s existing infrastructure. “Anyone concerned with city problems and issues can become part of the group and contribute ideas for a better city. Our group of 55 people consists of artists, designers, architects, activists, writers, photographers and people from various professions who have expressed their ideas through videos, photo-collages, short stories and even music,” says Rahul Srivastava, a graduate in anthropology and founding member of the group.
The group believes that the deepest knowledge about cities exists amongst its inhabitants and communities. It is only through direct engagement with other people that best possible solutions to enhance the quality of life can be achieved.
Rahul explains by giving the example of Dharavi and Tokyo. “Tokyo used to be far more congested than Dharavi. But people of the city came up with technically innovative solutions which eventually did improve the quality of life. Technical innovation is possible everywhere and thus the results can be applied to Dharavi — which seriously needs infrastructural development,” he says.
As for ideas — people are free to give inputs on anything that they think is relevant in adding to the quality of life. The final works that will emerge from the workshop will be exhibited on the URBZ website.
