Talking to Lavasa’s developers, one hears a lot about “sustainability” and “bio-mimicry.” But as I walked around, I was struck by how unnatural the place felt—and not just because it’s still empty. Nothing about Lavasa’s architecture or design evokes India. Even that Italianate name, Lavasa, is artificial—a meaningless word produced by the U.S. branding firm Landor. — The Atlantic
Lavasa is one of India's first planned hill cities. Developed along New Urbanist principles it is designed to be a hi-tech, modern and "sustainable community. However, while it's homes have been selling it has also been criticized for in reality being nothing more than a gated, walkable, suburban community for the rich.
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Lavasa has also been hugely controversial because of the sloppy environmental clearance process attached to it. One of the influential cabinet minister is also associated with the project, hence all the rule-bending and politicizing. Millions in India still do not have basic sanitation, drinking water and health program. Such projects underline the contrasts.
An ugly, new urbanist monstrosity designed by HOK. This is exactly that India needs. Not.
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