Scale of Human Habitat

The main objective of this code is to provide an unbiased viewpoint on the qualitative enhancement of various aspects pertaining to habitat planning and design. The intricacies involved in the myriad activities within a human settlement, coupled with their interconnectedness within the settlement and its surrounding areas, make objective assessment a highly intricate task. To address this complexity, it became imperative to break down human settlements into distinct levels.

Scale 1 – The settlement

While the qualitative assessment of human habitat primarily addresses issues at the community and dwelling levels, it was deemed essential to incorporate the scale of the settlement into the study. The rationale behind its inclusion lies in the fact that crucial decisions regarding settlement structure, zoning ordinances, and building regulations are typically formulated during the development planning of the entire settlement. Additionally, within the hierarchical system of levels, the built-form and its characteristics significantly influence other levels, ultimately imparting a distinctive character to the entire settlement. This phenomenon is evident in traditional cities like Jaipur, old Ahmedabad, or Madurai, each possessing a unique and immediately perceivable character. Within a framework of certain unifying principles, these settlements offer tremendous diversity, rendering the city both a functional entity and an aesthetic artifact.

Decision area at the scale of settlement

1. The Size of settlement
2. Activity patterns within a settlement
3. Circulation Patterns
4. Infrastructure

Scale 2 – The Community

In Indian cities, a unique tier exists between individual clusters of houses and the city itself. Pinpointing the precise definition of this level poses a challenge, given its identification depends on the scale of the settlement and the socio-cultural context. In traditional cities, this level is unmistakably marked by the establishment of a hierarchy of open spaces, gates demarcating one neighborhood from another, and a generally homogeneous social character within each neighborhood. Modern planners also utilize the term ‘neighborhood’ to describe a residential area supported by shared facilities situated within walking distance.

Decision areas considered at scale of the community

1. Size of communities
2. Socio-spatial identity of community
3. Community form and structure
4. Facilities
5. Design of Public spaces
6. Appropriate group space
7. Access systems
8. Utilities

Scale 3 The Dwelling

At the micro level, the smallest component of the human habitat is the individual dwelling unit. This level holds significant importance, considering that within the context of improving habitat quality, the ultimate end-user is the individual and their family.

In urban settings, territorial control exercised by an individual extends solely to their dwelling space, providing the highest degree of freedom for expression. Factors to be taken into account at this level encompass the size and form of a dwelling, the arrangement of activities within it, considerations for optical and thermal comfort, as well as the incorporation of materials, technology, services, and architectural expressions.

Decision area considered at scale of the dwelling

1. A Appropriate Size (Area)
2. A Appropriate Form and Space
3. A correct Organization
4. An Appropriate Structure, material and technology
5. Utilties / Services
6. The Physical / Architectural expressions

Scale 1 – The settlement

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