Loiter City

Abstract

Gender is a highly context-specific social construct. It explores the social relationships between men and women, a relationship in which women have been systematically subordinated (Oakley 1972). The way gender relations are defined broadly influence the conceptualisation of space and place. In a patriarchy like India, where gender inequality is deeply rooted in its culture and history, this disparity lends itself to the realm of space-making as well. Even though women account for almost half of India’s population, they are still considered vulnerable and marginalised. They still have difficulty fostering an amicable relationship with the public realm which was predominantly created by and served for men. They are met with hostility, cultural taboos, violence and an exclusionary environment that doesn’t account for or recognise their complex needs.

The graduation project, ‘Loiter city’ explores the spatial dimension of gender inequalities that result in the economic marginalisation and socio-spatial segregation of women. It examines socially constructed behaviour patterns, relationships between women and the built environment. It deals with the inequalities between gender and focuses on the spatial dimension of this inequality trying to locate socio-spatial justice through an Indian perspective.

The framework of the project is constructed using Peter Marcuse’s Critical planning theory. By reviewing an extensive volume of academic research and literature on gender studies, the foundation of the project is developed. The project analyses the notions of gendered exclusions and citizenship and what it means for women to have the same legitimacy as men in the public realm. A transdisciplinary methodology is formulated which can tackle the complex issue both from the spatial and policy perspective in a multiscalar approach. By using ‘Loitering’ as the concept, the project envisions an operational framework that aims to change mindsets and provide more visibility to women in public spaces. The project facilitates uninhibited agency, ownership, accessibility for women and creates platforms for active participation in the co-creation of a city.

The vision of achieving legitimacy is a long, tedious and complex process that requires mobilisation of institutional capacities. For this, Gender mainstreaming is envisioned as an integral process achieved by formulating various strategies that can guide sustained change. An organisation called the Gender Lab is proposed to mainstream gender into planning and bridging the knowledge gap. This body helps in tackling opposing interests at different stages while sustaining social change. It monitors the bridging of knowledge and incentive gaps by developing alternative collaborative governance models. Women-led grassroots movements would be formalised within policymaking to boost women’s participation in planning processes and influence important decisions that affect their lives. This model emphasises operational frameworks and policy initiatives that prioritise safer and accessible spaces for women. The project paves the pathway to achieve spatial justice through gender-sensitive city planning and by giving agency and ownership to women towards the cities they inhabit.