Architecture experts and students from Scotland’s biggest university are visiting India’s largest city Mumbai to study how its urban landscape and infrastructure operates.
The group from the University of Edinburgh will attempt to better understand how the city’s approach to urban planning and design differs from that of the West.
The team of 30 international students from 11 countries and academics are also keen to explore what the future holds for the vibrant city.
Collaborating with academic partners from India, the Edinburgh group will present an exhibition of their work examining how Mumbai’s residents interact with the city.
Dorian Wiszniewski, of the University’s School of Architecture and Design, the organiser of the visit, said: “As India’s fastest growing city, Mumbai’s presence is being felt across the world.
“I find Mumbai a fascinating place. It has grown rapidly in spite of a very challenging location and is now home to over 20 million people.”
A symposium involving some of India’s most influential urban designers, planners and architects will also take place to encourage discussion and analysis, focusing on Mumbai’s successes and the challenges it faces.
Symposium delegates include Sheela Patel of the Society for the Promotion of Area Resource Centers (SPARC), Darryl D Monte, Chair of the Forum of Environmental Journalists of India, and architect Brinda Somaya.
Indian students from Sir JJ College of Architecture and the Department of History at the University of Mumbai will participate in the symposium, which will provide an opportunity to exchange ideas and hear fresh perspectives.
The University of Edinburgh currently has almost 250 Indian students and it will welcome more next year to its architectural postgraduate courses.
