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Imagining Urban Street Continuum in Conjunction with Metro Corridor: a case of Nagpur
No full textUrban transformation as a result of urbanization and internationalization has changed our cities and its public spaces. The public spaces of 21st century are fragmented, inaccessible, or privately owned as a result of changes in their function and spatial structure. The increasing mobility of contemporary society has challenged the notion of public place. The inhabitants must now travel to specific destinations to find space for public life. In a time when the so-called public space in cities such as parks, gardens, plazas, waterfronts, malls, etc. are transforming into a privatized pseudo-public realm, one of the most universal public spaces, ‘streets’ is yet overlooked.
“Streets and their sidewalks, the main public spaces of a city, are its most vital organs.”
-Jane Jacobs
Throughout the centuries, street has evolved in terms of its role and design. It was designed for pedestrians and tailored to their needs such as marketplace, town meetings, and military parades. The improvements in technology and social organization resulted in streets being main thoroughfare for vehicles and with shared mobility systems like the metro being introduced, attention to infrastructure development has sidelined the pedestrians who are no longer the main users. This change in transportation has affected the essence of street as public space.
In Indian cities, vehicular circulation has become the primary focus for street design and public transportation systems have failed because ridership was lower than anticipated, due to poor last-mile connectivity. Cities have been affected by congestion and segregation as a result of reducing streets to transit networks, which has reduced spaces for public life.
The intent is to understand the role of streets as public spaces with the advancement in mobility networks and the missing social life along sanitized streets of the city. The thesis will argue how the street as a public space can be developed at street level while the metro intervenes smoothly in our mobility network to provide a healthy user experience and rethink street as a play to stay
Enhancing the Spatio-Temporal Resilience of the Historic Town of Srirangam
No full textThe concept of resilience in urban design has gained significant attention in recent
years due to the increasing vulnerability of cities to various shocks and stresses. The
spatio-temporal resilience is a crucial aspect that needs to be addressed for
sustainable urban development. This thesis explores the spatio-temporal resilience of
urban form in the case of Srirangam, a historic temple town in Tamil Nadu. The thesis
investigates how the urban fabric of Srirangam has evolved over time and how it has
adapted to changing social, economic, and environmental conditions, where the
impact of urbanization and festivals have influenced the city's spatial and temporal
characteristics.
The literature review explores the concept of resilience in urban design, spatial
resilience, temporal resilience and other approaches to resilience. It also reviews
various scholarly views to resilience and explores the present scenario of historic
temple towns and the impact of urbanization on these settlements.
The analysis is structured around six main layers: the city's physical fabric, its heritage
and culture, the socio-economic structure, the activity and movement pattern, the
ecology and environment, and the infrastructure and new inserts. The analysis helps
to identify the key heritage and cultural assets and helps to analyze the city's ability to
withstand environmental shocks and stresses. Based on the analysis, the thesis
identifies the factors that contribute to the spatio-temporal concerns of Srirangam.
The thesis concludes by offering a set of recommendations and design interventions
for enhancing the spatio-temporal resilience of Srirangam with a particular emphasis
on the conservation of the city's cultural and architectural heritage and strives to create
a balance between religious practices, leisure activities and the environment. The
proposed design strategies can serve as a roadmap for enhancing the city's resilience,
preserving its cultural heritage, and creating a more sustainable and livable urban
environment. Through this, it will also improve the quality of life of the locals and
enhance the experience of the pilgrims visiting the town
Identity Makeover: Reimagining Kanyakumari as a Regional Tourist Hub
No full textKanyakumari, also known as Cape Comorin, is the southern-most tip of India. It is well known for its breath-taking sunrise and sunset, and it is considered sacred for the Triveni Sangamam, where the Indian ocean, the Arabian sea and the Bay of Bengal meet. Kanyakumari is also known for its religious and cultural identity, as the town offers a mix of Hindu and Christian cultures through their respective temples and churches. The town had undergone numerous changes with the construction of Vivekananda rock temple in 1972. This pre-historic pearl hunting town was transformed into a well-known tourist place and gained many visitors from all over the country when the railway station was built in 1975. Tourism development has produced great disparities in the standard of amenities provided for the visitors and the local population. In recent years, due to the increasing tourist footfall and lack of amenities for the locals, has caused the natives to migrate towards the neighboring town, Nagercoil, which is the district headquarters. As a result, Kanyakumari's distinctive culture and customs were get-ting lost, and the services rendered by the inhabitants to tourists declined. Kanyakumari as a district has much more tourist spots rather than its religious and cultural image, which are being missed out by the tourists, because of the lack of service sectors. This thesis empha-sizes on the identity make-over of the place that meets the demands of the growing tourism, by improving infrastructure, connection, accessibility, and assets to strengthen its value and character. Preserving the local culture and the natural environment within which tourism and communities interact can improve the quality of life of the host community and provides the visitors with an authentic high-quality experience. This will reduce the disparity of amenities and will lead to business development and boosting the local economy, controlling the out-migration of the locals, and making Kanyakumari as a regional tourist hub
Envisioning Future Urban form around Transit Station Precinct Gaddigodam (Nagpur)
No full textTo envision the urban form and public realm that would enhance the spatial quality and respond to the dynamics of user activities in transit station precinct.
There are many cities in the world who have undergone a transition of improving
and rebuilding their public transportation systems when planning and redeveloping their cities for better future. Massive intervention of transport infrastructure in urban areas would present opportunities for restructuring & redeveloping existing cities. But, the recent development does not recognize the potential of Mass transit networks which have a tremendous impact on the urbanization process. When these kinds of movement networks come up, they trigger a whole lot of development especially disturb functioning of the urban area without studying the local context and need of the people of area. After the announcement of such a project (Urban insert), transformation start take place and many times that transformation is unregulated due to lack of action plans, area starts losing its character due to the disturbance movement network. (Banerjee, 2001). Another issue in this developing areas around transit, existence of abandoned and underutilized land has become a crucial urban issues which needs to be sorted. These lands locked spaces are a major underutilization of infrastructure, causing economic losses affecting people’s life. Having great market value, these vacant land parcels need to be developed judiciously otherwise piecemeal approach will lead to a haphazard growth disturbing the city spatially. Thus aiming towards redevelopment of these land parcels is one of the few viable opportunities that can direct Nagpur towards a new public destination & socially sustainable urban development by advocating public realm.
In the context of development along metro corridor in Nagpur, Gaddigodam is the
proposed development sector for commercial considering FSI 4. so there is chances of developers to do collaboration with land owner and do development which fulfill the demand of TOD. It is one of the most important and busiest station as its located in the central part of city. so, there is higher chance of transformation because of metro station. Also, lots of institutions and schools are present in the precinct which are one of the point to think that in future how this area will cater large volume of people and crowd while strengthening the network and safe environment to students which are coming here with metro. Public spaces improvement is big aspect here.
This thesis scope is to explore the role of public realm as a common attribute that would become the qualitative factor and plays a key role in deciding the spatial, visual and experiential quality of transit station precincts. Outcomes of this thesis to
to Improve walkable character in the surrounding urban structure, improving quality of public realm, addressing street informalities and making precinct legible with safety measures for users & Integrating public spaces between neighborhoods to strengthen the character of built environment
Creating the Social Space in the Peri-Urban Neighbourhood: Case of Bhubaneswar
No full textBhubaneswar, is rapidly urbanising, which is causing periurban neighbourhoods to sprout up on the edges of the city. A common characteristic of periurban neighbourhoods is their proximity to both urban and rural areas, as well as a mix of urban and rural infrastructure and lifestyles. While these communities have both urban and rural advantages, they can also have particular problems, like a lack of suitable social spaces for the population, characterise these periurban locations. In this neighbourhoods, social spaces must be created in order to boost community participation, social cohesion, and people' quality of life. The topic focus on the significance of establishing social spaces in Bhubaneswar's periurban neighbourhoods and suggests various tactics that can be used to accomplish this goal. Identifying the needs and desires of the community and involving them in the design and planning of social spaces, to make sure that the social spaces suit the needs of the people, that can be accomplished through community involvement activities like community meetings and surveys. The approach is to build new public areas that foster social interaction and community involvement, such community gardens and open spaces. In order to ensure that these social areas suit the needs and preferences of the residents, planning and development can be done with their input. In context to this, this thesis focuses on building social spaces in Periurban neighhbourhood which is essential for fostering social cohesiveness and neighbourhood participation. Residents' quality of life can be enhanced and a sense of belonging can be strengthened by incorporating the locals in the design and planning process, encouraging the use of current public spaces, and building new ones. By creating a community hub, locals may interact, engage, and develop relationships, which will ultimately result in a stronger and more cohesive communit
Transit Hubs as Catalysts for the Public Realm: a Case of Ajni, Nagpur
No full textThis study presents an innovative approach to urban planning and development in Nagpur, focusing on the Ajni railway station. The aim is to integrate transit hubs into a cohesive and efficient multimodal transportation system, thereby enhancing the urban experience.
The plan involves the adaptive reuse of the existing, to-be-decommissioned Nagpur Central Jail to serve various objectives such as a market, community center, public hostel space, local art gallery, or shopping arcade. It also proposes a functioning bus terminal, providing inter-city access and improving connectivity. This transformation will not only give a new lease of life to the old structure but also contribute to the efficient use of urban space.
The Ajni railway residential land will be reorganized and densified. This will involve the strategic allocation of land resources to accommodate the growing population and their needs, while ensuring the optimal use of available space. The densification will also support the upcoming railway development, creating a symbiotic relationship between the residential area and the transit hub.
A mixed-use development is proposed to further support the upcoming railway development. This will create a vibrant, dynamic urban space that caters to various needs, including residential, commercial, and recreational. The mixed-use development will also contribute to the economic vitality of the area, attracting investment and creating jobs.
To support the upcoming traffic intensity, a seamless road network will be designed. This will ensure smooth traffic flow and reduce congestion, thereby improving the overall efficiency of the transportation system. Paratransit will be proposed to support transit hubs, providing convenient and flexible transportation options for the public.
All these interventions will be carried out without harming the protected greens. This reflects a commitment to sustainable development, balancing urban growth with environmental conservation. The greens will not only provide a much-needed respite from the urban hustle but also contribute to the overall quality of life in the city.
In conclusion, this plan presents a comprehensive approach to urban development in Nagpur, leveraging transit hubs as catalysts for the public realm. It demonstrates how thoughtful planning and design can transform urban spaces, enhance transportation efficiency, and improve the urban experience
Navigating Urban Transformation: Towards inclusive Urban Form for Evolving Industrial Landscape, a case of Bahadurgarh, Haryana
No full textGood City Form," the physical design of cities plays a crucial role in shaping human experience and fostering vibrant communities. (Lynch, 1981)
With urbanization of Indian cities along the National Capital territory the NCR region has been on the forefront of development. Bahadurgarh a small industrial city located on the western border of Delhi is a prominent place of residential and industrial urbanscape which has seen rampant development and transformation within few years. With the connectivity of metro being present and construction of Urban Extension Road II will further enhance the connectivity with Delhi reaching airport within 20 minutes, hence the pace of development will be increasing rapidly. The city has acted as a feeder city to Delhi where majority of local population goes to Delhi for work and jobs whereas the industrial growth has attracted a huge population of migrant workers. The presence of various industries from heavy steel industries, chemical industries, to clothing and footwear factories the city plays a major role in manufacturing a wide variety of consumer products, this industrial identity has provided Bahadurgarh with substantial economic boost. These aspects are being the major contributors in the growth of the city.
With these factors such as presence of industries and impact of the metro connectivity and construction of UER II spur, Bahadurgarh has proven to be on the forefront of urban development which is evident in the transforming urban form of the city. As Bahadurgarh becomes more accessible to Delhi, it experiences a surge in population influx, leading to the fragmentation of its urban scape. While certain areas witness the development of modern amenities and infrastructure, providing residents with enhanced facilities and services, others suffer from neglect, resulting in low livability standards. This spatial disparity exacerbates socio-economic inequalities, limiting access to opportunities and resources for marginalized communities within the city.
The city with its growth and transformation provides an opportunity to reimagine Bahadurgarh’s new urban form and catalyze the growth of the city. By strategically planning for newer development initiatives and investment in key sectors, such as manufacturing, technology, and education, the city can unlock its full potential as a thriving economic hub. Moreover, fostering collaboration between local government, private stakeholders, and community-based organizations can facilitate the creation of new employment opportunities and promote entrepreneurial ventures, driving further economic prosperity. Additionally, fostering inclusive urban spaces through the creation of interaction spaces for both local residents and migrants is crucial for enhancing overall liveability (Ghel, 2011).
This transformative stage necessitates a new urban form focused on inclusivity and sustainability (Jacobs, 1961) (Lynch, 1981). By addressing the fragmented urban scape, enhancing liveability standards, and envisioning a new urban form focused on inclusivity and sustainability, Bahadurgarh can emerge as a model city for balanced growth and prosperity. This thesis contributes to the discourse on urban design solutions and development strategies, providing a new morphological structure which insights into navigating the complexities of rapid urbanization and fostering inclusive and resilient communities in the context of transformative change
Rethinking the Socio-Spatial Reconfiguration: a Human-Centric Approach to a Planned City
No full textThe quote by Lewis Mumford emphasizes the historical progression of human
settlements, starting from primitive forms such as camps, caves, and villages,
leading to the development of cities. However, there are exceptions to this pattern,
where certain cities come into existence without an organic growth process and
are instead the result of a visionary's concept. One such city is Chandigarh, which
was meticulously planned and still holds relevance today.
Chandigarh's growth rate serves as a testament to its success. However, cities are
multifaceted entities, and while architects and planners may believe their visions
and plans are significant, they are only partial aspects of a larger whole. As a city
flourishes, it becomes increasingly challenging to control its growth or determine
the type of residents it attracts. Social, economic, political, and geographic factors
all influence a city's trajectory.
Chandigarh possesses a unique character in its built form—rigid and regimented.
It was primarily designed for cars, with large functional zones, but it fails to
accommodate the needs of those who do not conform to its ideal, the "Vitruvian
Man." The city's predetermined scale and intended spatial characteristics create a
non-inclusive environment for unintended users. Although cities naturally evolve,
Chandigarh, while still undergoing informal transformations, remains somewhat
frozen in time and yearns for further development.
This thesis seeks to address the fundamental question of how to incorporate a
"human" layer into an already "perfect" city while respecting its core values. It aims
to explore strategies for making Chandigarh more inclusive and responsive to the
diverse needs of its inhabitants. By introducing elements that promote a sense of
community, social interaction, and individual expression, the city can better serve
its residents and adapt to their evolving requirements.
The challenge lies in finding a balance between preserving Chandigarh's original
design principles and integrating the human element that is essential for a thriving
urban environment. This requires thoughtful interventions that consider the city's
existing infrastructure, spatial organization, and cultural context. By embracing the
potential for growth and change, while also respecting the city's foundations,
Chandigarh can evolve into a more vibrant and dynamic urban center that
embraces diversity and inclusivity.
In conclusion, the city of Chandigarh stands as an exceptional case, having been
meticulously planned rather than evolving naturally. While it has achieved
remarkable growth, it faces challenges in accommodating the needs of a diverse
population. The thesis aims to explore strategies for infusing a human-centric layer
into Chandigarh's design while respecting its core values, thereby creating a more
inclusive and dynamic city that can adapt to the evolving needs of its inhabitant
Towards Resilient Urbanism in a Himalayan Urban Landscape: the case of Mandi, Himachal Pradesh
No full textIn Himalayan Hill towns like Shimla, Manali, and Kullu, this ecosystem is
grappling with issues of tourism, urbanization, and ecological loss. This thesis
focuses on Mandi, a historic hill town in the Western Himalayas, serving as the
district headquarters of Mandi district, Himachal Pradesh. With a rich history
spanning over 500 years, Mandi attracts daily visitors for education, jobs, and
leisure activities. It houses 50,000 Mandyals, and numerous people travel to
Mandi daily for education, jobs, administrative work, and commercial, leisurely
activities. Every year, numerous students and families move from their villages to
Mandi, the urban centre, for better opportunities and education. The town hosts a
renowned Mahashivratri festival, drawing nearly 20,000 attendees annually.
With the increasing population in recent decades, the town's growth has been
unplanned, leading to development on steep and dangerous slopes,
encroachment of ecological reserves, and urban mobility problems. The town is
growing daily, and its challenges must be addressed. Enhancing the town's
resilience is the need of the hour. This thesis focuses on bettering the lives and
the town of Mandi for all those associated with the Mandi Town.
This thesis looks at resilience through three lenses: socio-cultural, ecological,
and disasters.
First, socio-cultural resilience focuses on exploring opportunities and urban
solutions to better the lives of those most vulnerable to the town's challenges
including Tibetan refugees and those reliant on commercial activities and
agriculture. Trade and religion are deeply ingrained in Mandi's history, shaping its
evolution over time. As a historic town, these factors have evolved over the
years. Some residents rely solely on commercial activities and directly depend on
them for their livelihood. In the event of disasters, their sole source of income
dissolves. There are also communities in the Himalayas that have practised
agriculture for ages, which amounts to a significant component of their earnings
even today. These communities are also the first to face problems when disasters hit. This thesis looks into creating opportunities through urban design
that can enhance disaster risk resilience and open up livelihood-related
opportunities. As a historic town, the heritage of this town is also facing threats.
Second, Mandi is home to ecological reserves that house avifauna. However,
rapid construction and deforestation threaten these reserves. These are routinely
visited by wildlife and nature enthusiasts. These reserves hold untapped tourism
potential, offering economic opportunities for locals. Agriculture has been
practised on the town's steep slopes with terraced farming and other indigenous
practices. Within ecological resilience, this thesis talks about the indigenous
ability of urban areas to withstand and adapt to environmental disturbances while
maintaining or enhancing their ecological functions. It involves integrating
principles of resilience from ecology into urban spaces.
Third, due to the landform of the town and urbanization patterns, disasters like
flash floods and landslides have surged, posing threats to towns like Mandi.
Recent events in May-July 2023 caused significant loss of life and property.
Given tourism's economic importance, protecting livelihoods is crucial.
This thesis explores urban design solutions to enhance the resilience of the town
and envision it as a safe and vibrant town for its citizens and visitors that focuses
on quality of life, ecological integration, and tourism by anchoring itself on its
heritage, cultural, and natural assets
Reimagining the Urban Transformation: the Impact of RRTS and MRTS on Meerut's Inner Core
No full textThis thesis aims to study the influence of rapid rail transit systems (RRTS) and
metro rail transit systems (MRTS) in urban environments that have the potential to
catalyse transformative changes in the morphology and imageability of cities—
exploring how the introduction and integration of such a transit system contribute
to the overall perception and mental mapping of urban spaces. The primary aim of
this thesis is to contribute valuable insights into the dynamic interplay between
rapid rail transit systems and the imageability of urban environments, thereby
facilitating informed decision-making for future urban development projects. The
specific objectives are:
• To assess the perceived impact of the RRTS on the imageability of the urban
form of the city among residents and visitors;
• To identify the key factors that influence the imageability of the inner city in the
context of RRTS integration;
• To analyse the townscape factors and existing urban aesthetics due to the impact
of RRTS and MRTS.
The expected outcome of this thesis involves suggesting an assessment of how
the RRTS affects the perceptions of residents and visitors regarding the city's
landscape, landmarks, and overall urban beauty. Additionally, it entails exploring
its influence on individuals' mental mapping and spatial awareness within the urban
environment.
Furthermore, this thesis aims to provide recommendations for urban design and
transportation planning based on the findings, to enhance the positive imageability
of cities with RRTS integration.
By unravelling the intricate relationships between transportation infrastructure,
urban morphology,and the collective mental image of the city, this study seeks to
contribute to the creation of more legible, coherent, and visually appealing
cityscapes, ultimately fostering sustainable urban development and improving the
quality of life for residents and visitors alike