Town Planning Report: Block N, North Nazimabad, Karachi
Submitted To: Dr. Ravindar Kumar Khiani
Date: 10th May 2025
Prepared by: Muhammad Nehal Haider (UE-22044)
1. Introduction
Block N of North Nazimabad, Karachi, is a pre-planned residential sector located within a well-
established urban setting with a total area of 178 acres, it displays characteristics of organized
urban planning, incorporating residential, commercial, recreational, and institutional spaces. The
aim of this report is to assess the area's physical and social built environments, land use, street
layout, and public realm to propose a sustainable urban vision.
2. Physical Built Environment
Residential Zones: Predominantly composed of single and double-story houses arranged
in a grid layout. Plot sizes range from 100 to 400 square yards.
Road Infrastructure: Well-connected network featuring:
o 80 ft wide major arterials
o 60 ft secondary roads
o 40 ft collector streets
o 30 ft and 20 ft service roads
Parks & Open Spaces: Two large parks (4.5 and 7 acres) serve as green lungs of the
neighborhood.
Utilities: Includes underground water and sewerage pipelines, street lighting, drainage,
and electricity poles.
Built-Up Ratio: ~72% built-up; ~28% open areas (parks, setbacks, streets).
3. Social Built Environment
Population Estimate: 10,000 – 12,000 residents.
Institutions:
o Schools (Govt. & Private)
o Mosques (x3)
o Community center
Commercial Nodes: Lined along major streets (Peoples Chowrangi, Utility Store area).
Social Interaction Spaces: Parks, playgrounds, religious institutions.
Mobility: Walkability is high; most streets have adequate sidewalks. Public transport
access exists but can be improved.
4. Land Use Plan and Plot Pattern
Legend with Area Distribution (Type of building) :
Residential: 60% (Residential Only + Residential cum commercial)
Commercial: 10% (Mosque and Markets)
Parks/Open Spaces: 15% (Cricket ground and Parks)
Institutional: 10% (Schools, Coaching Centers and Madrasas)
Roads/Right of Way: 5% (Streets)
Plot Pattern:
Grid-iron with high regularity.
Some radial plots near park corners.
Street-facing orientation for accessibility and ventilation.
5. Street Profiles (6th Street Analysis)
Main 80 ft Road:
o Dual carriageway
o Streetlights and green strips
o Mixed traffic (cars, motorcycles, rickshaws)
60 ft Street:
o Residential frontage
o Sidewalks (4 ft wide)
o Trees on both sides
40 ft Street:
o Limited commercial use
o Parking on one side
30 ft Service Street:
o Internal access
o Narrower with less pedestrian infrastructure
(6th Street Profile drawn by using AutoCAD)
Element Width (feet) Description
Paved pedestrian walkway
Sidewalk 5 ft
with trees or poles.
Planting strip or setback area;
Green Belt/Setback 5 ft
used for greenery or utilities.
Parking Lane 8 ft On-street parallel parking.
Travel Lane (1) 12 ft One-way vehicle movement.
Travel Lane (2) 12 ft Opposite direction lane.
Parking Lane 8 ft On-street parking.
Green Belt/Setback 5 ft Vegetation, drain, or utility.
For pedestrians and
Sidewalk 5 ft
accessibility.
6. Solid-Void Analysis (Built-Up vs Open Space)
Solid Area (Buildings + Roads): ~72% (~128 Acres)
Void Area (Open Spaces + Parks + Setbacks): ~28% (~50 Acres)
Visual Mapping Legend:
Built-Up Area
Green / Open Spaces
8. Recommendations on the basis of analysis:
Total Area: 178 Acres
Average elevation: 138 ft (From Sea Level)
Minimum elevation: 56 ft (From Sea Level)
Maximum elevation: 404 ft (From Sea Level)
✅ Urban Improvements:
Introduce rainwater harvesting systems
Develop cycle tracks along 60 ft roads
Digitize address & signage systems
Upgrade street lighting to solar-powered systems
✅ Community Enhancements:
Organize community festivals in central parks
Build libraries and activity halls in institutional plots
✅ Mobility & Access:
Add feeder bus routes to connect to metro
Develop shaded pedestrian routes
9. Conclusion
Block N demonstrates strong fundamentals of neighborhood planning with a mix of uses,
community amenities, and infrastructure. With targeted interventions in sustainability,
accessibility, and community development, it can serve as a model for mid-density urban sectors
in Karachi.
