Understanding cities through
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At UDRI, we address these questions through urban planning and urban design, developing inclusive and holistic approaches - from systems to amenities, from open spaces to infrastructure - to improve the quality of urban life for all.
Key Focus Areas
Our research influences the structure of cities
Urban Design
Urban design plays a critical role in shaping the quality and identity of cities, creating people-centred places that enhance their functionality and everyday experience.
Spatial Planning
Effective spatial planning is critical to guide urban growth, coordinate sectoral investments, and ensure inclusive and sustainable development.
Urban Conservation
Urban conservation is essential to preserving the cultural, ecological, and social value of our cities while enabling them to evolve sustainably.
Housing
Access to adequate, affordable, and inclusive housing is fundamental to creating equitable and resilient cities.
Urban Infrastructure
Urban infrastructure should be inclusive, resilient, and responsive to the evolving needs of cities and their communities.
Open Spaces
Accessible, inclusive, and well-designed open spaces are essential to creating healthy, vibrant, and resilient cities.
Livelihoods
Urban development should protect and strengthen livelihoods, particularly those of indigenous and informal communities whose socio-economic activities are deeply rooted in the city.
Latest from the UDRI Library
Our publications document decades of learning – from urban design policy to spatial planning frameworks.
Mumbai Reader 2024
A collection of essays, case studies, and urban commentaries about cities.
UDRI Highlights
Workshops, dialogues, and public forums that bring
changemakers and citizens together
Embedding Spatial Thinking in Local Governance
Following UDRI and PRAJA's training, a Lucknow municipal corporator began using a ward land-use map to spatially identify and resolve residents' issues.
Mumbai 7 Islands at Mumbai Climate Action Week 2026
Featuring seven myths, facts, and solutions for Mumbai, it was updated to showcase the institute's seven focus areas and distributed during Mumbai Climate Action Week 2026.
Partnering for Urban Greening
UDRI partnered with WRI India on the Mapathon Initiative to identify opportunities for urban greening and the application of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) across Mumbai.
Advancing Spatial Planning in Maharashtra
UDRI, in partnership with PRAJA, presented key insights on Maharashtra's spatial planning landscape at the Maharashtra Urban Governance Consultation 2026, highlighting institutional challenges and opportunities to strengthen planning and urban governance.
