Spaces and stories

Contrasting urban character of Kandy and Galle — and the comparison was fascinating. Kandy, nestled within Sri Lanka’s central highlands, is shaped by terrain. Surrounded by steep hills and anchored by the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, the city evolved as a royal and sacred capital. Its urban form is compact, layered, and constrained by topography. Roads curve. Development climbs slopes. Growth is inward and limited. Galle, in contrast, opens outward to the Indian Ocean. The historic Gall...

Most urban planning has historically assumed a “typical user”: A man commuting from home to work and back. But women’s everyday journeys are far more complex — combining work, childcare, shopping, caregiving, and often navigating safety concerns along the way. In the latest episode of my podcast Spaces & Stories, I explore City Planning for Women and why gender-responsive planning leads to safer, more inclusive, and more liveable cities for everyone. Key ideas from the episode: • Safety i...

An episode of exploring placemaking, cities, and the everyday stories embedded in the built environment.

How do cities grow without losing their heritage? historic cities — places where culture, tourism, and everyday life intersect.

Exploring how places and planning shape our lives.