The design behind Indore’s busiest food street is pure genius

A few weeks ago, our culture editor, Shrabonti, wrote about how design has the power to change human behaviour. That piece got me thinking and just yesterday, I came across the most ingenious application of design at a most unlikely place.
In Indore, the commercial hub of Madhya Pradesh, there’s a famous street called Sarafa. By the day, the street is full of jewellery shops. And by night, it turns into a ‘food street’.
If you happen to be around, don’t forget to try Joshi Ji ka Dahiwada or Vijay ki Kachori. The food stalls run almost all night. This tradition has been going on for many decades.
The genius of it all becomes apparent when you ask why this street?
This was a clever design hack devised by the jewellers to prevent theft. At night, when they lock up the jewellery, a food stall is opened right in front of the shop. All shops do the same.
Not only does that make better use of the real estate but also prevents theft because the street is all lit up, busy and crowded with people.