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1. Human-Centered Urban Design: Understanding the Psychological and Spiritual Experiences of Devotees in the Sacred Urban Landscape of Vrindavan- Significance of Cultural Dimensions in Urban Planning Process for Sustainability of Pilgrimage Towns in India; Case Study of Haridwar) 1. Core Idea: Human-Centered Urban Design in Vrindavan Designing urban spaces that prioritize the well-being, comfort, and behaviors of residents, pilgrims, and tourists. 2. Psychological & Behavioral Impacts to Explore Spiritual Atmosphere Influence: How religious landmarks like Banke Bihari Temple or Prem Mandir shape calmness, devotion, or crowd behavior. Role of sacredness in promoting patience, queuing behavior, and collective movement patterns. Public Space Design and Social Interaction: Parks, ghats, and streets as spaces encouraging socializing, group rituals, or solitude. Impact of crowded vs. quiet zones on mental well-being. Pilgrim Crowd Management & Stress Factors: Study effects of congested pathways, narrow lanes, and unregulated traffic on stress and anxiety. Behavioral adaptations (e.g., route choices, avoidance behaviors). Wayfinding and Spatial Orientation: Importance of signages, temple corridors, and public maps. Impact of confusing layouts on frustration or satisfaction levels. Cultural and Aesthetic Value Perception: How architecture and urban aesthetics (murals, temple facades, street art) affect emotions and sense of place. Green Spaces and Mental Health: Scarcity or presence of green/public spaces in Vrindavan and their contribution to psychological relief.

2. 3. Human-Centered Design Principles to Apply Walkability & Accessibility: Wide, clean pathways respecting both crowds and disabled access. Rest Areas: Shade, seating, and water points in high-footfall zones. Noise & Light Pollution Control: Especially around sensitive temple areas. Pilgrim Accommodation Facilities: Inclusive designs that balance local life and visitor needs. 4. Specific Local Challenges in Vrindavan Context High seasonal pilgrim influx vs. small-town infrastructure. Balancing heritage conservation with modern human- centered interventions. Managing informal vendors and encroachments without affecting livelihoods. Research Objectives identify how urban design elements in Vrindavan affect psychological well-being, stress levels, and social behaviors of both residents and pilgrims. To analyze behavioral patterns in key urban spaces (e.g., temple precincts, ghats, public pathways, markets) concerning crowd movement, interaction, and resting behavior. To evaluate the adequacy and effectiveness of existing human-centered design features in Vrindavan such as signage, seating, green spaces, and accessibility pathways.

3. Methodology a. Research Design: Mixed-method approach: Combining quantitative surveys, behavioural observation, and spatial analysis. b. Study Area Selection: Focus on major public spaces in Vrindavan: Banke Bihari Temple surroundings , ISKCON Temple precinct , Yamuna ghats , Main bazaar streets c) Behavioural Observation: Crowd movement mapping Interaction patterns (social gathering, solitary behaviour, resting zones) Route choice behaviour and congestion spots. Spatial Mapping & GIS Tools: Mapping resting spaces, green zones, shade structures, signage locations using site maps or CAD plans. Expected Results Identification of critical stress-inducing zones (e.g., bottlenecks near temples, lack of shade/rest spots) Insight into psychological impacts of crowded vs. open spaces on different user groups. Mapping of behavioral hot spots and underutilized public spaces. Recommendations for urban design improvements such as: Wider pathways Increased seating and shade provision Better signage and wayfinding systems Pilgrim-focused crowd management strategies Development of a context-specific human-centered design guideline for heritage pilgrimage towns like Vrindavan

4. REFERENCES https://www.urbandesignmentalhealth.com/journal-6-delhi.html?utm_https://www.academia.edu/27411013/This_Is_Religious_Environment_Sacred_Space_Environmental_Discourses_and_Environmental_Behavior_at_a_Hindu_Pilgrimage_Site_in_India?utm_ https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1206331211412280?utm https://urbandesignlab.in/urban-design-psychological-aspect-human-behavior/?srsltid=AfmBOopDgtwRhrs_v9yUS73y3i0XHw1Fcz8IdDB0DpNxuBMljyVjlcYa&utm https://www.researchgate.net/publication/315864757_Urban_Design_and_Mental_Health

5. TOPIC- Human-Centered Urban Design: Understanding the Psychological and Spiritual Experiences of Devotees in the Sacred Urban Landscape of Vrindavan NAME-RONIT SINGH ENROLLMENT NUMBER-A1904021036

6. Human-Centered Urban Design: Understanding the Psychological and Spiritual Experiences of Devotees in the Sacred Urban Landscape of Vrindavan- CASE STUDIES Significance of Cultural Dimensions in Urban Planning Process for Sustainability of Pilgrimage Towns in India; Case Study of Haridwar) Synopsis Background & Purpose The chapter addresses a critical gap in urban and spatial planning: the integration of place‑based cultural dimensions as a core determinant for achieving sustainable development in pilgrimage towns across India. Despite international mandates—such as UNESCO’s culture‑driven sustainability agenda and the UN’s SDG commitment to safeguarding cultural and natural heritage—there is limited empirical and conceptual clarity on how culture and sustainability interact in planning processes Context & Case Studies Pilgrimage towns like Vrindavan and Haridwar are explored as primary case studies. These towns face intense environmental and infrastructural stress due to high pilgrim footfall, rapid unplanned development, and weak regulatory oversight, all of which threaten both cultural identity and environmental integrity

7. Cultural Dimensions Identified The research identifies eight interlinked cultural attributes that shape the sustainability and planning prospects of pilgrimage towns: Urban morphology —how town layout reflects sacred patterns Spatial growth —expansion dictated by pilgrimage routes and rituals Theological values —religious beliefs that inform land use and behaviors Ecological values —rituals associated with rivers, forests, and sacred groves Urban governance —local institutions shaped by religious custodianship Community engagement —active participation of devotees and locals in planning Cultural heritage —both tangible architecture and intangible rituals Cultural economy —livelihoods tied to pilgrims through crafts, services, bazaars These factors play a dynamic role—shifting over time and location—and thus must be incorporated in both spatial and temporal planning frameworks. Key Findings Sacrality anchors urban meaning : The spiritual dimension provides identity and continuity; planning must intertwine temple axes, ghats, ceremonial corridors, and ritual spatial flows Planning without cultural sensitivity fails : Conventional master‑planning often leads to chaotic commercialization, pollution, land‑use mismatch, and loss of authenticity. This is evident in towns like Shirdi and Ujjain Culture as sustainability glue : Cultural heritage—both tangible and intangible—connects economic, social, and environmental systems and enhances urban resilience and identity

8. Implications & Recommendations Embed cultural attributes into planning frameworks : Municipal and state planning must explicitly include the eight identified attributes in master plans, zoning, and redevelopment strategies. Participatory, faith-informed governance : Engage devotees, temple authorities, religious leaders and artisans in decision‑making to ensure planning remains respectful, reverent, and locally grounded Adapt central schemes with cultural lens : Integrating initiatives like HRIDAY or Smart Cities Mission with local cultural mapping, heritage precinct identification, and ritual‑sensitive infrastructure can ensure balanced development Conclusion The study argues that secular planning alone cannot ensure sustainable growth in religious destinations. Cultural and religious dimensions are central to a city's identity, economy, ecology, and governance, and must be intentionally woven into the urban planning process. This approach not only preserves spiritual integrity and heritage value but also fosters resilience, inclusivity, and long‑term sustainability.

9. 2) Regenerating and Reclaiming the Contested Spaces in Sacred Landscapes Summary Synopsis Context & Setting The study explores two prominent pilgrimage towns— Vrindavan and Pushkar —where sacred landscapes face increasing pressures from urban expansion, commercialization, and tourism. These transformations have disrupted the historical meanings and spiritual experiences associated with the landscapes. Theoretical Lens: Sacred Contestation & Urban Dynamics The authors frame sacred landscapes not just as static religious spaces but dynamic realms shaped by myth, ritual, and collective memory. Pilgrims, residents, developers, and tourists intersect, generating urban contestation —conflicts between devout meaning and commercialized urban form. They draw on frameworks such as liminal space , sacred geography , and cultural capital to interpret underlying conflicts Key Observations Morphological shifts : Sacred cores once centered around temple axes and ghats are now being encroached upon by heterogeneous commercial developments and modern buildings, diluting spiritual identity. Commodification and homogenization : The urban form across both towns is trending toward tourist-friendly zones—luxury lodging, malls, and modern typologies—leading to a uniform urban character that undermines place‑based memory and devotional ambiance. Methodology A purposive survey approach and selected case studies of contested zones within both towns were conducted. These identified urban areas where spiritual experience is disrupted or eroded.

10. Regeneration Strategies The study proposes culturally grounded interventions focused on: Reclaiming devotional corridors by restoring temple‑axis precincts and ghats Heritage-sensitive zoning and streetscape design that evoke ritual circulation and devotional flows Community-driven place‑making interventions that involve temple authorities, devotees, local artisans, and residents in planning processes These strategies aim to restore sacred spatial continuity and improve locals’ well‑being through functional, psychological, and spiritual regeneration. Significance & Contribution The paper makes a compelling argument that pilgrimage cities must balance urban modernization with spiritual integrity . Regenerating contested spaces is not just an urban-planning challenge but also a psychological and religious necessity. The research connects spatial design with spiritual experience and community resilience Aspect Key Insights Pilgrimage towns Vrindavan and Pushkar experiencing spatial transformation Core issue Contestation between devotional meaning and urban form Key loss Sacred memory, spiritual identity, ritual corridors Methodology Case studies and purposive survey in contested zones Proposed interventions Restoration of devotee pathways, sensitive zoning, participatory design Impact focus Psychological-spiritual experience + community well-being

11. Vrindavan Eco‑City in Making: Working Together for Sustainable Development By S. K. Kulshrestha (Presented at ISOCARP Congress, 2007) 1. Context & Background Initiated under India’s 10th Five‑Year Plan (2002), the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) launched a pilot Eco‑City Project in six heritage/pilgrimage towns, including Vrindavan , with technical support from GTZ (German Technical Cooperation). The project aimed to demonstrate sustainable initiatives aligned with environmental protection, cultural conservation, and urban revitalization in heritage cities. 2. Objectives Environmental improvement : Seepage control, sewage & solid waste management, pollution reduction, and job creation for the urban poor. Urban quality uplift : Enhancing green belts, public parks, open spaces, and establishing eco‑friendly urban design elements in selected heritage precincts 3. Key Components in Vrindavan Ecological enhancements included urban greening , stormwater & drainage improvement , and waste recycling infrastructure . Aesthetic upgrade focused on landscaping of heritage zones , creation of urban parks , and design interventions in public open spaces around temple precincts. Social inclusion was emphasized through livelihood generation targeting local urban poor via eco-project labor and services

12. 4 Governance & Collaboration Model The program advocated for decentralized, multi-stakeholder participation , merging government support with local institutions, religious authorities, NGOs, and community engagement. Emphasis laid on local appropriation of design and planning decisions , increasing civic ownership and cultural resonance 5 Achievements & Reflections As a demonstration project , Vrindavan’s eco‑city initiative yielded multiple pilot interventions: minority-scale drainage improvements, selective greening of precincts near ghats or temples, and localized waste processing schemes. Lessons highlighted the importance of integrating religious heritage, environmental health, and community livelihoods to build sustainable pilgrimage precincts. 6. Strengths & Limitations Strengths : Demonstrates a holistic approach combining spiritual context with environmental sustainability and poverty alleviation. Introduces participatory governance models relevant to culturally sensitive urban redevelopment. Limitations : Limited funding scope constrained scaling-up of interventions beyond select precincts. Since it was an early pilot (2007), it lacked modern technologies like electric mobility , digitized GIS-heritage mapping, or carbon-neutral infrastructure principles.

13. 1. ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE INTERVENTIONS a. Solid Waste Management Why? Vrindavan faces massive solid waste generation during peak pilgrimage. Intervention: Community bins, waste segregation at source, door-to-door collection, awareness drives with religious leaders to align waste reduction with spiritual purity. Human- centered impact: Clean environments enhance devotees’ psychological comfort , reduce health hazards, and restore sanctity of ghats and temple paths. b. Sewage and Drainage Improvements Why? Overflowing drains and direct sewage into Yamuna polluted sacred riverbanks. Intervention: Upgrading existing open drains, diverting sewage to stabilization ponds or decentralized treatment units. Spiritual-ecological link: Supports the ritual sanctity of Yamuna as a living goddess; clean rivers enhance emotional and religious experience. 2. URBAN GREENING & ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION a. Green Belts and Sacred Groves Why? Traditional Kunj vanas (sacred groves of Braj) were being lost. Intervention: Restoration of small forest patches (like Nidhivan -type), buffer planting near temples, native tree plantations. Pilgrim experience: Shaded areas improve walkability , evoke mythological ambiance, and reinforce Krishna leela -based spatial memory. b. Urban Parks & Community Gardens Designed as breathing spaces within high-density precincts, especially around Parikrama Marg. These function as both social gathering points and spaces for contemplation , serving pilgrims, elderly residents, and local children.

14. 3. HERITAGE PRECINCT REVITALIZATION a. Temple and Ghat Area Beautification Why? Encroachments, degraded facades, and waste buildup around key temples/ghats. Intervention: Pilgrim-focused landscaping, signage, traditional lamp posts, open gathering plazas near ghats, re-paving in local stone. Experience design: Supports psychological orientation , safe circulation, and ritual legibility of the sacred landscape. b. Pathways and Parikrama Marg Improvements Focused on enhancing devotional walking routes (e.g. 21 km Govardhan Parikrama and inner Parikrama paths). Interventions: Lighting, resting points, shade elements, soft pavement. Devotee- centered value: Reduces fatigue, encourages barefoot movement, and enhances emotional flow during spiritual journeys. 4. SOCIAL INCLUSION & PARTICIPATION a. Livelihood Integration Created jobs for urban poor in waste collection, park maintenance, and small-scale horticulture. Connected spiritual service (seva) with eco-labor , helping maintain sacred spaces with community dignity. Outcome: Psychological pride, increased civic ownership, reduced vandalism. b. Stakeholder Participation Involved religious authorities (ashrams, temple trusts), municipal bodies, NGOs like Friends of Vrindavan. Dialogue-based planning respected faith sensitivities and ensured shared decision-making .

15. Component Intervention Human-Centered & Spiritual Value Solid Waste Management Bins, segregation, awareness Clean, sacred streets and ghats Sewage & Drainage Channel upgrades, treatment River sanctity and health Green Belts & Sacred Groves Plantation, restoration of Braj vanas Myth-spatial identity Parks & Open Spaces Community parks, native flora Rest, shade, and contemplation Temple Precinct Beautification Lighting, paving, signage Ritual clarity, wayfinding Parikrama Path Enhancements Rest points, tactile paving, tree lines Walkability and devotional rhythm Livelihood Creation Eco-labor programs for locals Inclusion and stewardship Participatory Planning Temple trusts + local bodies + NGOs Faith-based governance

16. METHODOLOGY Research Methodology 1. Research Approach A qualitative and mixed-method approach will be used to gain in-depth insights into the psychological and spiritual experiences of devotees within Vrindavan’s urban landscape. Qualitative : To explore personal experiences, emotions, and perceptions. Quantitative (supportive) : To gather measurable data like frequency of visits, spatial preferences, etc. 2. Research Design Case Study : Vrindavan will be studied as a single, in-depth case representing sacred urban environments. Human-Centered Design (HCD) Framework : The design thinking process (empathize, define, ideate, prototype, test) will be applied to understand needs and challenges from a user/devotee perspective. 3. Data Collection Methods A. Primary Data In-depth Interviews Target groups : Pilgrims, local devotees, priests, spiritual tourists, shopkeepers, and NGO workers. Focus : Personal spiritual experience, sensory perception, spatial comfort, emotional responses. Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) Small groups of diverse devotees to explore collective and contrasting experiences in different spaces (ghats, temples, parikrama routes). Observation & Behavioral Mapping Non-participant observation at key urban nodes: Banke Bihari Temple, ISKCON, Parikrama Marg, Yamuna Ghats. Record patterns of movement, gathering, meditative pauses, rituals, and interactions.

17. 4.Surveys & Questionnaires Short structured surveys (Likert scale, open-ended) to assess perception of spatial qualities (safety, accessibility, aesthetics, spiritual resonance). 5.Photo-elicitation & Emotional Mapping Ask participants to share photos or sketch places they connect with emotionally or spiritually. Generate emotional maps overlaying urban areas with emotional/spiritual resonance levels. B. Secondary Data Urban development reports from Mathura-Vrindavan Development Authority (MVDA) Sacred geography studies Ancient texts referencing Vrindavan’s spaces (e.g., Bhagavata Purana) Past research on spiritual cities and urban psychology Temple layout drawings and GIS data (if available) 4. Tools & Techniques Thematic Analysis : Coding qualitative data to identify patterns/themes (e.g., serenity, chaos, divine connection). GIS Mapping : To map hotspots of spiritual activity and devotee flow. SWOT Analysis : For existing urban spaces from a devotee-centric perspective. Experience Mapping : Devotee journey maps from entry to exit in sacred zones. 5. Sampling Purposive Sampling : Based on demographics (age, gender, duration of stay), devotee type (local, tourist, monk, foreigner). Sample size : ~30 interviews, 5 FGDs, 100+ survey respondents.

18. 6. Ethical Considerations Informed consent from all participants. Respect for religious sensitivity and emotional expressions. Anonymity and confidentiality maintained. 7. Expected Outcomes Identification of emotionally/spiritually resonant spaces. Insights into urban design elements that enhance spiritual experience (e.g., sensory cues, scale, materiality). Recommendations for urban design improvements to foster deeper human connection in sacred settings.

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