The project aims to set new standards for urban development in countries like India, which is reportedly planning 200 new cities over the next decade. Forward-thinking and precautionary planning can help the country avoid future calamities — such as flooding, as seen in Mumbai in 2006 — and ensure basic infrastructure provision for the majority of people, including access to electricity, food, water, and housing. Though based in Navi Mumbai, the project is designed to serve as a prototype, with principles that can be applied elsewhere. Its core ideas include sustainable development, respect for ecology and landform, and a focus on human needs. In contrast to the unprogrammed plazas and open spaces of the Modernist era, this project proposes an integration of urban space with the natural environment. The Monsoon Channel becomes a central element — preserving ecology while giving identity to the city.

The planning clearly aims to provide for diverse users across all social and economic backgrounds. Housing is included for both low- and high-income groups, and essential amenities such as schools, proximity to public transit, and easy access to employment are made available to all. Unlike other Nodes, this proposal integrates existing villages into a new service-sector economy.

The Monsoon Channel serves as a green artery, feeding open space along its edges and collecting stormwater. It also marks the transition from agricultural to urban landscapes. The city plan promotes efficiency through zoning that aligns with proximity to work and public transport, thereby reducing automobile dependence and encouraging walkability. New buildings will be encouraged to include rainwater harvesting systems and solar panels to support energy needs.

Establishing a strong economic base is central to creating a vibrant city. The film industry is positioned as a key driver of employment across a wide spectrum — from unskilled labourers to highly educated professionals. The city is designed to accommodate residents from various income groups, with a gradual transition between village and urban areas to form a cohesive urban fabric.

The project aspires to introduce a new vocabulary in urban design — one of contextual planning, drawn from existing site conditions and local culture. The aim is to build from within, using local resources to foster self-sufficiency and respond directly to community needs. Sustainability and economic vitality are guiding principles. The Monsoon Channel, revealed through analysis of the site’s topography, is a defining feature — offering ecological value while also serving as a captivating aesthetic element for residents, filmmakers, and global businesses alike.