-------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Wishing all Goanetters | | a Prosperous | | and | | Happy New Year - 2006 | | Goanet - http://www.goanet.org | -------------------------------------------------------------------------- In INDIA TODAY Dec 12, 2005, the noted architect and urban planner has contributed a column titled "Cities of Joy". He believes that "it is of utmost importance to increase the FSI (floor space index) of our cities and make housing accessible and affordable." He points out that " cities like Sao Paulo and Seoul with a population size comparable to Mumbai have a floor space index (FSI) of 16. In other words a person can build 16 times the floor space on a plot of land in those cities. The FSI in Indian cities doesnt exceed two which is foolish."
He argues: "We have to build compact high density cities...with large open spaces and superlative infrastructure... Infrastructure is not just about roads, drains and water supply. Housing, schools and hospitals form the fabric of our social infrastructure. This requires huge investments". His suggestion: "Our cities can generate their own funds by means of infrastructure endowment -- a method where extra FSI is sold to private enterprise [and the proceeds] are ploughed into the city's infrastructure." In other words, a city may have an FSI of only 1.33 but private enterprise will buy FSI exceeding 1.33 and these extra funds will be ploughed into infrastructure. What do you think about this idea in the context of Goa? -------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Goa - 2005 Santosh Trophy Champions | | | | Support Soccer Activities at the grassroots in our villages | | Vacationing in Goa this year-end - Carry and distribute Soccer Balls | --------------------------------------------------------------------------
