Socio Ecological System of Urban Lakes, Case of Jakkur Lake Precinct, Bangalore

Abstract

The study is focused on changing role and state of nature of urban ecological systems due to rapid urbanization. The research takes forward one of the eco-city dimensions in sustainable urban development-Water systems that play a key role in the formation and transformation of cities. The paper investigates the relationship of water with urban morphology in Bengaluru city. Bengaluru once known as the ‘land of thousand lakes’ is no longer the city of lakes. The city of Bengaluru is an example of how the harmonious relationship of people and water has been disrupted over the years. My exploration is on re-imagining the cascading lake system in Bangalore as a new green system, and prioritizing ecology as the underlying structuring and organizing element to city form. To re-instate nature in the mega city development for the garden city of Bangalore. To develop the city as a compact mix-use urban form that uses land efficiently and protects the natural environment, lake system and biodiversity. A holistic development of this manner will enable replenishing of water sources in an urban area and restores water balance in the city. the site for demonstrating a proposal for holistic development is chosen on the peripheral areas of the city where the interlinked lake system still exists, and new development can be shaped around the water system. The research is a step further in bridging the gap between theory and practice by incorporating models of water responsive urbanism to develop lake area development plan for interlinked lake system of Bangalore. My exploration is on devising sustainable urban design principles for eco city development in the city of Bangalore with its rich resource of lake system making ecologically based new urban development.