Author: Dr. Govind Singh
📄 Resource for urban ecology, field studies, education.

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Cities are living socio-ecological systems where nature, history, culture and human aspirations intersect every day. Yet, we often move through them without pausing to observe the intricate relationships that sustain urban life.

If I Were to Study a City… is a reflective guide for students, educators, researchers and anyone interested in understanding cities through careful observation and thoughtful inquiry. Rather than prescribing a rigid methodology, the essay encourages readers to ask meaningful questions about a city’s geography, ecology, history, neighbourhoods, biodiversity, livelihoods, governance, public spaces and the many visible and invisible connections that make urban life possible.

Inspired by Deep Joshi’s much-loved essay, If I were to Conduct a Village Study…, this companion piece extends the same spirit of curiosity and humility to the urban landscape. It invites readers to walk through cities with attentive eyes, open minds and a willingness to learn from both people and place.

Whether you are undertaking an urban field study, teaching environmental studies, exploring a new neighbourhood or simply seeking to understand your city better, this resource offers a thoughtful starting point for seeing the city not merely as a collection of buildings and roads, but as a dynamic ecosystem shaped by both nature and society.

Download the PDF to begin your journey of discovering the city through observation, reflection and inquiry.