TOPIC-1
Residential Redevelopment as a Driver of Urban Renewal: A Typological and Spatial
Study in South Chennai’s Peri-Urban Zones
SYNOPSIS
Introduction
Urban renewal in rapidly expanding metropolitan regions often hinges on the strategic
transformation of underutilized or deteriorating residential zones. In South Chennai’s
peri-urban areas characterized by fragmented growth, typological inconsistency, and
infrastructural lag, residential redevelopment emerges as a potent catalyst for spatial
coherence and socio-economic revitalization. This study investigates how typological and
spatial interventions in residential redevelopment can contribute to broader urban renewal
objectives, particularly in contexts where informal growth patterns challenge conventional
planning paradigms. By examining case studies and mapping typological shifts, the research
aims to establish a framework for redevelopment that is context-sensitive, strategically
phased, and capable of fostering inclusive urban regeneration.
Need for the Study
South Chennai’s peri-urban areas have experienced rapid, unstructured residential growth,
resulting in spatial fragmentation, socio-cultural displacement, and inadequate infrastructure.
While redevelopment is occurring, its architectural potential to drive meaningful urban
renewal remains underexplored.
Research Question
How can residential redevelopment in South Chennai’s peri-urban zones be strategically
designed to enhance spatial coherence, typological relevance, and contribute meaningfully
to urban renewal?
Hypothesis
Residential redevelopment, when guided by typological sensitivity and spatial integration,
can positively transform fragmented peri-urban zones and contribute to inclusive urban
renewal.
Aim
To investigate how residential redevelopment can catalyze urban renewal in South
Chennai’s peri-urban zones by analyzing housing typologies and spatial transformations.
Objectives
● To document and analyze existing and redeveloped residential typologies in selected
peri-urban areas.
● To study the spatial impact of redevelopment on urban coherence, connectivity, and
livability.
● To identify architectural strategies that support inclusive and context-sensitive urban
renewal.
● To propose typology-based design recommendations for future residential
redevelopment projects.
Scope
● Focus on three peri-urban zones: Sholinganallur, Perumbakkam, and Semmencherry.
● Analysis of residential typologies, spatial layouts, and public-private transitions.
● Excludes climate resilience, infrastructure engineering, and macro-scale policy
analysis.
Limitations
● Restricted to architectural and spatial dimensions; does not include detailed
socio-economic or environmental assessments.
● Access to gated communities or resettlement colonies may limit primary data
collection.
Methodology
● Literature Review: Typology theory, urban renewal frameworks, and case
precedents. Site Analysis: Mapping housing layouts, spatial transitions, and urban
interfaces.
● Typological Study: Comparative analysis of built forms and redevelopment patterns.
● Stakeholder Mapping: Identifying roles of residents, developers, and planners.
● Design Inference: Synthesizing findings into typology-based renewal strategies.
TOPIC-2
Climate-Responsive Residential Planning: A Strategic Framework for Tropical Urban
Regions
SYNOPSIS
Introduction
As climate variability intensifies across tropical urban regions, the imperative for
environmentally responsive residential planning becomes increasingly urgent. Conventional
planning models often neglect microclimatic considerations, resulting in built environments
that exacerbate thermal discomfort, energy inefficiency, and ecological stress. This
dissertation explores the integration of climate-responsive design principles into residential
planning, with a focus on tropical urban contexts where passive cooling, spatial orientation,
and material selection can significantly enhance environmental resilience. Through a
synthesis of climatic data, spatial typologies, and strategic planning frameworks, the study
proposes a scalable model for climate-adaptive residential development that aligns
architectural performance with ecological sustainability.
Need for the Study
Tropical urban regions face rising heat stress, humidity, and environmental degradation, yet
residential planning often overlooks climate-responsive design. A strategic framework is
needed to align housing development with climatic imperatives and spatial coherence.
Research Question
How can climate-responsive principles be systematically integrated into residential planning
across tropical urban regions to improve thermal comfort, spatial performance, and
environmental resilience at the neighborhood scale?
Hypothesis
Residential planning in tropical urban regions can achieve greater climate resilience and
livability when spatial typologies, passive design strategies, and policy mechanisms are
systematically integrated.
Aim
To develop a strategic planning framework for climate-responsive residential development in
tropical urban regions, integrating spatial typologies, passive design principles, and
regulatory mechanisms.
Objectives
● To analyze residential typologies and their climatic performance in tropical urban
contexts.
● To identify spatial and material strategies that enhance thermal comfort and energy
efficiency.
● To evaluate the role of planning regulations and stakeholder dynamics in shaping
climate-responsive housing.
● To propose a scalable framework for integrating climate-responsive principles into
residential planning.
Scope
● Focus on tropical urban regions such as Chennai and Kochi.
● Residential developments ranging from low-income housing to mid-rise urban blocks.
● Emphasis on planning-level strategies and typological integration.
Limitations
● Rural housing typologies are not considered.
● Framework applicability may vary based on local governance and socio-economic
conditions.
Methodology
● Literature Review: Climate-responsive architecture, tropical housing typologies, and
planning guidelines.
● Case Study Analysis: Selection of 2–3 cities with varied residential morphologies.
● Typological Mapping: Spatial configuration and passive design assessment.
● Stakeholder Mapping: Analysis of planners, architects, and residents.
● Framework Development: Synthesis into a multi-scalar planning model.
