Introduction
The concept of “lived cities” refers to urban spaces not just as planned or designed entities, but as places where people live, interact, and shape the city through daily experiences. It highlights the human aspect of urbanism—how ordinary people experience and transform city spaces. In this short note, we will explore what makes a city a “lived city” and why this perspective matters in understanding urban history.
1. Everyday Urban Life
- Lived cities are shaped by the daily routines of residents—walking, shopping, praying, working, and celebrating.
- They include both formal areas (markets, institutions) and informal spaces (tea stalls, street corners, local shrines).
2. Inclusion of Multiple Voices
- Lived city experiences differ across class, gender, caste, and religion.
- Understanding lived cities means listening to diverse perspectives—not just elites or planners, but also workers, migrants, women, and vendors.
3. Contrast with Planned Cities
- Planned cities focus on design, roads, zoning, and infrastructure.
- Lived cities focus on how people actually use and adapt these spaces.
- For example, a public park may be used as a cricket ground, prayer space, or protest site.
4. Memory and Emotions
- Lived cities carry memories, emotions, and identities of their residents.
- Stories, festivals, rituals, and community events give meaning to ordinary spaces.
- These aspects often survive political or physical changes.
5. Informal Settlements and Adaptation
- Many Indian cities have slums or informal settlements where people build homes and communities despite lack of planning.
- These areas show how people adapt creatively to urban life.
6. Urban Movements and Agency
- Lived cities are also shaped by people’s actions and resistance.
- Examples include slum dwellers demanding housing rights or women reclaiming public spaces through night walks.
Conclusion
Understanding cities as “lived spaces” helps us appreciate the human experience behind urban growth. It challenges top-down views of urban planning and emphasizes that cities are made and remade by their people. This perspective is crucial for building inclusive and humane urban policies and histories.