VISUAL MAPPING Relevance in Urban Spaces A Dissertation Submitted to
Madhav Institute of Technology & Science, Gwalior, 474005 [An
autonomous Institute under RAJIV GANDHI PROUDYOGIKI VISHWAVIDYALAYA, Bhopal]
IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE AWARD OF DEGREE of
BACHELORS IN ARCHITECTURE Submitted By
ANKITA AGRAWAL 0901AR161005 In supervision of Dr. S.S Jadon Professor & Head
Ar. Richa Mishra, Dissertation Coordinator, Assistant Professor Ar. Versha Sinha Dissertation Co-Coordinator, Assistant Professor Department of Architecture and Planning MITS, Gwalior
DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE AND PLANNING MADHAV INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY AND SCIENCE GWALIOR-474005 (M.P) 2019-2020
CANDIDATE’S DECLARATION I hereby certify that the Dissertation entitled VISUAL MAPPING; Relevance in Urban Spaces which is being submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the award Bachelors in Architecture, is a record of my own work at Madhav Institute of Technology & Science, Gwalior. The matter presented in this Report has not been submitted elsewhere for the award of any other degree.
Date: Place: Gwalior
Signature of Student ANKITA AGRAWAL
The candidate self declares that the academic work presented in this report has not been submitted elsewhere if found copied/any misconduct, student will be solely responsible for the same.
Department Seal with Date
Department of Architecture and Planning MITS, Gwalior
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Acknowledgement
Acknowledgement The success and final outcome of this dissertation required a lot of guidance and support from many people and I am extremely fortunate to have get this all along the completion of this work. Foremost, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my mentor Prof. Richa Mishra for the continuous support, patience, motivation, enthusiasm and immense knowledge. Her guidance helped me in all the time of research, writing and illustrating this paper. I owe a great thanks to the people of Maharaj Bada, who have been so co-operative and helpful during my entire voyage. My friends have helped me through the tough time and kept me motivated to keep going on. I would like to thank them for bringing and balancing the philosophical and logical aspect of the research as well as four years of valuable inputs in all the work I carried out during my entire journey. Last but not the least, I would like to thank my family for counting days with me. Their constant inspiration and mental support kept me motivated and focused. I am grateful for my mother and father for supporting me both morally and financially and for keeping me healthy, happy and ardent for the work I love.
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Abstract
Abstract Public spaces are places that are open to all. These spaces acquaint the public to a glimpse of the city by reflecting its cultural heritage and give them an opportunity to explore their surroundings. Such spaces act as binding factors amongst buildings, allowing people to engage with their inheritance and pick up new notions. India is a diverse country, rich in its culture and landscape. With the variation in geographical conditions, the diversity leads to the diversification in the lifestyle of people. In India, the public spaces have grown rather organically. Depending on the needs of the public, these spaces took their shape and served people, responding to various religions, castes, languages, age, gender, ability/disability, occupation, earnings or the way of living in its vicinity. A general decline in the quality of public life is spotted by many planners, which is why the measures taken/to be taken varies contextually. Thus, the importance of mapping such activities on these public spaces cannot be disregarded. Visual mapping of such spaces can reveal the interrelationship between the physical and activity patterns of public spaces, thereby, facilitating us in understanding people’s activity patterns with respect to their cultural and traditional values. This research relates to visual mapping of urban public spaces, specifically squares, and the interrelationship between their physical and activity patterns. Apart from that, this dissertation focuses on mapping the cultural and traditional essence of the place, following a qualitative and quantitative survey.
Key words: Activity and physical pattern, Character of place, Public spaces, Sense of place, Urban square, Visual mapping.
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents CANDIDATE’S DECLARATION ............................................................................................... 2 Acknowledgement ......................................................................................................................... 3 Abstract .......................................................................................................................................... 4 Table of Contents ........................................................................................................................... 5 List of figures ................................................................................................................................. 7 Chapter 1. Introduction .................................................................................................................. 9 1.1 Aim .......................................................................................................................................... 9 1.2 Objective ................................................................................................................................. 9 1.3 Scope ....................................................................................................................................... 9 1.4 Limitations .............................................................................................................................. 9 1.5 Methodology ........................................................................................................................... 9 1.5.1 Secondary Input: ................................................................................................................... 9 1.5.2 Primary Input: ..................................................................................................................... 10 Chapter 2. Literature Study .......................................................................................................... 11 2.1 Public Spaces......................................................................................................................... 11 2.1.1
Introduction .................................................................................................................... 11
2.1.2
Place and space .............................................................................................................. 12
2.1.3
Historical evolution of Public places ............................................................................. 13
2.1.4
Typologies...................................................................................................................... 15
2.2 What makes a public space great; PLACEMAKING ........................................................... 18 2.3 Visual Mapping of public spaces .......................................................................................... 19 2.3.1
Introduction .................................................................................................................... 19
2.3.2
Types of visual mapping in an Urban setting ................................................................ 20
2.4 Urban Squares: As public places ........................................................................................... 25 2.4.1
Introduction .................................................................................................................... 25
2.4.2
History............................................................................................................................ 25
2.4.3
Role ................................................................................................................................ 25
2.4.4
Typologies...................................................................................................................... 26
2.4.5
Identity: .......................................................................................................................... 29
2.4.6
Sense of Place ................................................................................................................ 30
2.4.7
Activities ........................................................................................................................ 30 P a g e 5 | 86
Table of Contents
2.4.1
The need of mapping ..................................................................................................... 31
2.4.2
Methodology of mapping ............................................................................................... 33
Chapter 3. Case study .................................................................................................................. 34 3.1 Case Study: An Indian Chowk, Maharaj Bada Gwalior: ...................................................... 34 3.2 Mapping ................................................................................................................................. 50 Chapter 4. Analysis ...................................................................................................................... 72 4.1 Inferences ............................................................................................................................... 73 4.2 Mass Survey Analysis ............................................................................................................ 78 4.3 Conclusion of the Case study ................................................................................................. 80 Chapter 5. Conclusion .................................................................................................................. 81 Bibliography ................................................................................................................................ 82 Annexure ...................................................................................................................................... 84
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List of figures
List of figures Figure 1 Space Vs Place ...................................................................................................................... 12 Figure 2 Place .......................................................................................................................................... Figure 3 Space.......................................................................................................................................... Figure 4 Evolution of public spaces in global context ......................................................................... 13 Figure 5 Evolution of public spaces in Indian context ........................................................................ 14 Figure 6 Enclosure 45째, 30째, 18째, 14째 respectively ............................................................................. 15 Figure 7 Human scale responding to physical setting ......................................................................... 16 Figure 8 Spatial Analysis ..................................................................................................................... 16 Figure 9 Loosely or forcefully defined ................................................................................................ 17 Figure 10 Access basis analysis ........................................................................................................... 17 Figure 11 Place-making, Source: Projects for public spaces ............................................................... 18 Figure 12 Imageability, Source: Mawabo Msingaphantsi, 2018 ......................................................... 19 Figure 13 Principles of urban settings, Kevin Lynch .......................................................................... 21 Figure 14 Source: Author..................................................................................................................... 22 Figure 15 People sitting, watching, relaxing. ...................................................................................... 24 Figure 16 People shopping, talking, children playing ......................................................................... 24 Figure 17 Place des Vosges, A closed square ...................................................................................... 27 Figure 18 The Dominated Square, Piazza del Popolo (Roma, Italy) ................................................. 27 Figure 19 THE NUCLEAR SQUARE, TRAFALGAR SQUARE, LONDON................................... 28 Figure 20 Different shapes of squares ................................................................................................. 29 Figure 21 Sense of place ...................................................................................................................... 30 Figure 22 Physical setting of MAHARAJ BADA, Gwalior. ............................................................... 35 Figure 23 Historical edges circumnutating around the chowk ............................................................ 35 Figure 24 Showing the Converge of Multiple streets to the square ..................................................... 36 Figure 25 Traffic Movement of the location........................................................................................ 37 Figure 26 Lit scenario of Maharaj Bada during Diwali ....................................................................... 49 Figure 27 Necessary Activities; Population density during morning hours ........................................ 50 Figure 28 Necessary Activities; Population density during afternoon hours ...................................... 51 Figure 29 Necessary Activities; Population density during evening hours ......................................... 52 Figure 30 Optional Activities; Population density during morning hours ........................................... 53 Figure 31 Optional Activities; Population density during afternoon hours ......................................... 54 Figure 32 Optional Activities; Population density during evening hors .............................................. 55 Figure 33 Vital character throughout a day ......................................................................................... 56 Figure 34 Vital character throughout a day ......................................................................................... 57 Figure 35 Vital character throughout a day ......................................................................................... 58 Figure 36 Vital character throughout a day ......................................................................................... 59 Figure 37 Vital character throughout a day ......................................................................................... 60 Figure 38 Diverse character throughout a day ..................................................................................... 61 Figure 39 Diverse character throughout a day ..................................................................................... 62 Figure 40 Diverse character throughout a day ..................................................................................... 63 P a g e 7 | 86
List of figures
Figure 41 Cultural an traditional identity at chowk ............................................................................. 64 Figure 42 Cultural an traditional identity at chowk ............................................................................ 65 Figure 43 Cultural an traditional identity at chowk ............................................................................ 66 Figure 44 Cultural an traditional identity at chowk ............................................................................. 67 Figure 45 Cultural an traditional identity at chowk ............................................................................. 68 Figure 46 Social identity at chowk ...................................................................................................... 69 Figure 47 Passive Involvement: At the central path of chowk ............................................................ 70 Figure 48 Passive Involvement; At the edges of the public buildings ................................................. 71 Figure 49 Figure showing a converge of multiple streets to a point .................................................... 72 Figure 50 Figure showing a sense of enclosure of the chowk ............................................................. 73 Figure 51 Towards south and north respectively ................................................................................. 74 Figure 52 Away from the building; At the circumnutating area of chhatri and from nearest point respectively .......................................................................................................................................... 74 Figure 54 Figure showing the different angles of enclosure from a single point ................................ 74 Figure 55 Site Section .......................................................................................................................... 75 Figure 56 Table of different activities throughout a day ..................................................................... 75 Figure 57 Frequency of activities taking place throughout a day ........................................................ 76 Figure 58 Types of activities throughout a day ................................................................................... 76 Figure 59 Quality analysis of activities throughout a day ................................................................... 77 Figure 60 Pedestrian movement throughout a day .............................................................................. 78
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Chapter 1. Introduction
Chapter 1. Introduction 1.1 Aim To identify an Importance of Visual mapping, in understanding a character of an urban square in Indian context. 1.2 • • • • • • • •
Objective To understand the meaning and role of Public spaces. To analyze the evolution of public spaces in global and Indian context. To study what makes a public space better. To study the meaning of Visual mapping. To find out the need of activity mapping of any public space. Perceiving Urban squares as public spaces To map an essence of a public square visually and contextually. To relate the physical setting with the activities of the public square.
1.3 Scope • This study can help in understanding the tangible and intangible character of any place. • This information can be targeted by planners to improve space appearance and quality of life while development/redevelopment of any place between buildings without affecting their character. • This study can be used in understanding a methodology of mapping any urban space visually and contextually.
1.4 Limitations • Mapping is restricted to activity mapping of an urban square in Indian context only. • Public spaces, relating to water front, residential areas, parks etc. are ruled out. 1.5 Methodology The methodology involved questioning the elements and factors making these spaces an integral piece of an area’s architectural fabric and then segregating those elements based on their typology of relevance.These elements that have now been categorized as cognitive, behavioral or activity affecting factors are then analyzed with respect to the context.
1.5.1 Secondary Input: Through literature survey of books, journals, films and articles for the following: • •
Defining the topic, crystallizing the scope and the title of the study. Identifying components of human scale. - Dealing with visual aesthetics, human physical and visual proportioning of space. - Understanding the need of visual mapping to understand the true character of any space. P a g e 9 | 86
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1.5.2 Primary Input: Delineating example for analysis, choosing Maharaj Bada, Gwalior, (MP) for study. -
-
-
Collecting secondary data about the site. Then leading for the primary survey by visiting site many times a day, mapping each and every detail on site. Marking activities on map and hence understanding the character. This field research involves both non-direct method and direct method of recording data. Non- participatory method is proceeded visually observing the activities on site without interacting with anyone, leaded by direct method by photographic and video graphic records. Questions are then asked by people to know about user satisfaction level, based on mass survey analysis. Inferences on the basis of collected data is produced.
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Chapter 2. Literature Study
Chapter 2. Literature Study 2.1 Public Spaces 2.1.1 Introduction Meaning In urban planning, public space has generally been characterized as “open space�, which means the streets, parks and amusement regions, squares and other freely possessed and oversaw outside spaces, in contrast with the private area of lodging and work (Tonnelat, 2010). Public spaces are those existing spaces which welcome the public to come and celebrate their lives, irrespective of their gender, age, religion, caste, community, ability/disability, occupation, earnings or the way of living. These spaces are open to all, A particular space can be used differently by different groups of people at different times. They are not created by only a single person with his/her values but is a combination of multiple people with multiple values and depicts a character which is common to all that character is authentic in nature and hence varies with varying people. And this is how the public itself becomes public spaces. People visit public spaces every day as per their requirements, as per the needs of social interaction and social behaviour, they start knowing its character and hence feels attached to it emotionally as a human itself. They depict the urban heritage and sometimes become a good example of understanding a tradition of that place.
Role Imagine a city without roads, squares, plazas, park and no public spaces around, but you are surrounded by only building mass, Are you happy living in the city? ''Within the dense press of the built fabric, the greatest luxury of all is empty space.'' - (Kostof, 1991) Anyone living in his comfort zone, room/home/work-space or anywhere else craves to socialize, when comes out, gets to connect with the outer world, hence automatically reaches the public realm. Public spaces offer great cultural, economic and social values restoring the identity of cities and enhancing the lifestyle of its citizens giving them opportunities for a new experience (kishore Rupa, 2015). Public spaces serve numerous advantages: the 'vibe great' buzz from being a piece of a bustling street scene; the remedial advantages of calm time spent on a bench of a park; places where individuals can show their way of life and characters and learn attention to variety and distinction; It opens doors for kids and youngsters to meet, play or essentially 'hang out' All have significant advantages and help to make neighbourhood connections, which are at the core of a sense of community.
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Chapter 2. Literature Study
2.1.2 Place and space Where space is seen as open, abstract expanse, place is a part of space that is occupied by person by person or a thing and is endowed with meaning and value (Madanipour, 1996).
Figure 1 Space Vs Place
It is the interaction of people with this immediate environment that gives it characteristics distinct from those of surrounding area, Place is of ''felt value'', associate with security and stability, where biological needs are meet (Jones, 2007). This in contrast to the openness and freedom of the undifferentiated space, if space is allowing movement to occur, place provides a pause, The notion of a space is particular place with fixed identity, it is through social relationship but not by the quality of the land that places are defined (Jones, 2007).
Figure 3 Space
Figure 2 Place
We can conceptualize places as timeless and bounded, with a singular, fixed and unproblematic, authentic identity, However, if the dynamism of the concept of space time is employed, place can be understood as open and porous, Place becomes a moment is the ever-changing social relation at all scales, the identity of place is a particular mix of social relations, hence always becoming, ''unfixed, contested and multiple (Massey, 1994).''
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2.1.3 Historical evolution of Public places In Global Context
Figure 4 Evolution of public spaces in global context
The primary city developments seemed 6000 years back. The most notable soonest case of today 's open squares is Greek's "Agora". Popular government shape Greek urban areas. The Agora was an open spot in the downtown area where a wide range of get-togethers, for example, political gatherings, athletic and melodic games, theatre exhibitions and business exercises occurred. The geometrical type of the marketplace was normally square or square shape. Also, the Roman Forum was a huge open space where individuals accumulate for political, monetary and social exercises. It was the blend of marketplace and acropolis since it included more exercises, (for example, hallowed places, sanctuaries, the corridor of equity and the board houses) with increasingly formal request. In the neo-old-style period (the Renaissance and Baroque period). Formal structures and plans were very regular in this period. Evenness and request were the basic standards in plan of the squares. Landmarks and wellsprings were added to the plan to make tastefully lovely situations hub request, parity and chain of command became primary structure standards during the Baroque time frame. In this period, open spaces were intended to make visual and stylized impacts. In nineteenth century, modern upheaval caused emotional changes in urban structure and arranging. The foundation of wide railroad systems leaded to populace increment in urban territories which animated development of urban areas. New modern zones were created close to urban communities and work class started to move into urban communities to abide. There was a develop of shopping arcades, shopping avenues, bazaars and retail establishments made another type of open space, particularly for ladies. Person on foot development and opportunity were restricted. In the second 50% of the twentieth century, numerous urban squares transformed into junction particularly in creating nations.
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Chapter 2. Literature Study
In Indian Context The urban communities of India have had a conventional settlement as a urban centre, which created during the medieval period under the rule of the Hindu and afterward the Muslim rulers.in the antiquated occasions, toward the start of civilisation, the Harappa Mohenjo-Daro urban areas were all around arranged. There open square was raised on a hill with various structures like the Great Bath, Assembly Hall and so on., framing an imperativeness of open spaces open to all.
Figure 5 Evolution of public spaces in Indian context
Yet, later, when gentry came in to the image, class contrasts prompted separation of spaces. The individuals having a place with the Royal support and Brahmins would appreciate enormous open recreation gardens, geometrically set out, inside the royal residence limit. This was not open to the overall population. These spaces were utilized for formal get together or exhibitions by artists, strict ceremonies and so on they would be gathered around elaborate components that filled in as an image of the State around then. They once in a while filled in as march grounds also. For the lower classes, the spot of assembly was the sanctuary patio. Individuals of a similar confidence and conviction would meet and cooperate. This again was formal in nature somewhat inferable from the sacredness sanctuary conventions and rules. These bazaars 'would line along the roads making its very own character. During merry occasions, these avenues were enriched, illuminated for parades. Henceforth, the character was mouldable. The Muslim principle achieved request in the spatial arranging. The un-constructed spaces were given as a lot of significance as the fabricated no qualification among road and room. By uprightness of its novelty they have been protected till date. In P a g e 14 | 86
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any case, all these had characterized buildings. The mosque patio was somewhere else meeting ground, open to all. With the approach of the British guideline, Indian open spots lost its customary worth. Indeed, even with the abnormalities of geometric proportions, the impression of confusion 'was in congruity with the clients. Be that as it may, he British, presented their very own arrangement of open squares dependent on length and expansiveness proportions, with huge nurseries and focal highlights. The fall of the British guideline, accompanied urbanization and industrialisation in India, which changed the idea of open spaces.
2.1.4 Typologies Public spaces can be distinguished on the basis of the following aspects: On the basis of the vision angle: Our eyes and light conditions govern the way we see masses. ''The wider a street gets the more mass or height it takes to define it.'' Until at some point the width can be so great that the real street definition, not necessarily space definition, stops, regardless of height. for example, it has been observed that, when the small dimensions of places exceed 137m, a special definition is a week and becomes ''more that of a feel that of a plaza, despite the great height of the structures.’’
Figure 6 Enclosure 45°, 30°, 18°, 14° respectively
At an angle 30 degrees (height distance ratio 1:2) the object appears...as a little world in itself, with the surroundings only dimly perceived as a background; at an angle of 18 degrees (1:3) it still dominates the picture, but now its relation to its surroundings become equally important. At angles of 14 degrees (1:4) or less, the object becomes part of its surroundings.These dimensions and ratios seem more appropriate to the dynamic nature of street experience, which one is moving and generally in perspective views. On the basis of scale Urban space is basically formed by the relationship between object and human being who perceives it, therefore. this space needs to have a precise form, easily recognizable by its users.The physical scale of the exterior urban space is directly related to the human limits of movement and vision. To basic rules for the scale of space are important in this context. To provide some degree of an enclosed feeling to each of the components of exterior space, the shape, quality, and location of walls are very important.
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Figure 7 Human scale responding to physical setting
On the basis of enclosure The sense of enclosure is a sense one experience when actually standing there, It is a combination of other types explained above, the important factors to be taken into consideration are as follows: The vision angle, The Human scale, The Height v/s depth ratio:
Figure 8 Spatial Analysis
The degree of the enclosure is a setup arrangement of plans of structures. The location of structures additionally gives directionality to the spaces. Long thin spaces set up this ability to know the direction more strongly. Whether the sightline is ended at a building impacts the level of a nook, particularly when moving toward space. When buildings enclose space, the arrangement, height, and proximity determine the sense of enclosure that they impart to the user. In this image, the top diagram illustrates building edges that incompletely enclose exterior space because space leaks out of large gaps between them.
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Figure 9 Loosely or forcefully defined
While there are gaps between the buildings in the lower diagram, a more clearly defined volume exists. However, from some locations within the volume, one would sense a lack of enclosure due to the lack of a vertical edge on the left. The vertical edge can be pierced or implied to enclose a space to a certain degree while giving visual or physical access to another space.
On the basis of the path: A very well illustration by D.K. Ching is shown below (Figure. 10) The illustration defines the types of movements that take place in any space.
1. Random path which is a product of historical settlement in urban areas. 2. Radial movements, such as Chowraha, chowk, tiraha, etc. 3. Spiral movement 4. Movement on grid 5. Random paths connection the nodes
and
forming
another
space in between.
Figure 10 Access basis analysis
According to Kostof, one of the main issues related to public spaces is adaptability, making the connection with the form, in the broad sense of the term physical structure, unavoidable. Every space is shaped according to the functions that are performed in it, or conversely, the shape of the space attracts certain functions. Thus, building a city house, church or park, and according to the basic standards for accessibility, visibility, etc.., will shape a certain form, or vice versa, in growing cities,
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Chapter 2. Literature Study
existing free spaces, according to the form acceptable (suitable) for certain function, will adapt to the emerging needs. THE DOWNFALL OF PUBLIC PLACES: In India, public squares are not as such designed for specific purposes but they evolve as a result of the movement patterns in different activity zones like religious, political, administrative, commercial, depending upon the culture specific space proxemics But In this high-tech, 21st century, where Bigbazaars has taken place of Greek agoras, 7D's theatres are in trends ignoring the akharas, Digital screening is more in common than live-plays. Are today's public spaces gives us a sense of being public? Are they losing their originality? Being a democratic country, are today's Indian public spaces being democratic in nature? All these questions leading us to one single question, how public spaces can become better public spaces?
2.2
What makes a public space great; PLACEMAKING:
Placemaking is an approach towards redefining public spaces. Building spaces around the need wants and values of communities is the driving factor in placemaking. Reimagining public spaces with creative usage of spaces. understanding the social. physical. environmental and cultural variables affecting the space. Its a collaborative process about building a space that fosters community harmony. development. growth. Factoring and deriving the contexts of a locality and developing a creative space that contribute and works towards a better life quality. Catering to multiple user groups. these everyday public spaces can be re imagined.
Figure 11 Place-making, Source: Projects for public spaces
Placemaking addresses the needs and wants of the user group in a much deeper manner which looks when urban public spaces are built. Everyday spaces like plazas. public squares. courts. campuses can be reimagined to allow people to connect with their public spaces in a better healthy way. LIGHTER QUICKER CHEAPER is an institutive by PPS to build quick low-cost solutions which bring life to public spaces. These spaces are an instinctive to foster community growth and promote healthier P a g e 18 | 86
Chapter 2. Literature Study
lifestyle. Aiming at creating collaborative spaces. pop ups. weekly/monthly events are created.1} There are certain categories in the LQC projects which focuses on How light. How cheap. and How quicker. Depending on the materials and usage. the spaces can be transformed 3: on the following key pointers / Seasonal. implementing art. long term transformations. ultra-light transcreations. we MAKE THE SPACES! SPACES DON'T DEFINE us!
2.3 Visual Mapping of public spaces 2.3.1 Introduction ’Visual mapping can be defined as making a graphical representation, a map or flow of an informative visualization.’
Kevin lynch in his book explains, ‘’Image ability; that quality in a physical object which gives it a high probability of evoking a strong image in any given observer. It is that shape, color, or arrangement which facilitates the making of vividly identified, powerfully structured, highly useful mental images of the environment. It might also be called legibility, or perhaps visibility in a heightened sense (Lynch, 1960)’’ When one starts putting these images into a map with respect to visual survey Imageability Structure and Identity An environmental image may be analyzed into three components: identity, structure, and meaning.
Figure 12 Imageability, Source: Mawabo Msingaphantsi, 2018
It is useful to abstract these for analysis, if it is remembered that in reality they always appear together, A workable image requires first the identification of an object, which implies its distinction from other things, its recognition as a separable entity (Lynch, 1960).This is called identity, not in the sense of equality with something else, but with the meaning of individuality or oneness. Second, the image must include the spatial or pattern relation of the object to the observer and to other objects. Finally, this object must have some meaning for the observer, whether practical or emotional. Meaning is also P a g e 19 | 86
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a relation, but quite a different one from spatial or pattern relation. The image of the city is where objects are not only able to be seen, but are presented sharply and intensely to the senses (Lynch, 1960).
Role Carmona (2010) believes that understanding the relationship between people (society) and their environment (space) is a necessary component of urban design (Carmona, 2010). People are not passive; they affect and change the environment as it affects and changes their activity pattern. Urban places in the contemporary city are changing by modification in response to their user’s needs and technological development (Sepe, 2009). Therefore, in order to explore the “changing nature” and “complexity of contemporary urban areas”, new and innovative methodologies and approaches relevant to visual analytical tools are currently under application and implication (Sepe, 2009). These methods could apply approaches to analyse and illustrate contemporary place identity and place perceptions.
2.3.2 Types of visual mapping in an Urban setting
Cognitive mapping Cognitive maps are a kind of maps that relies on mental maps, on the basis of their observation, these maps help an individual to store, recall, code/decode any information about relative location. As cities are getting larger and dispersed, better information about opportunities becomes a priority for any individual to travel. People use their psychological feature maps to choose wherever to travel and the way to urge there. Cognitive mapping, with its emphasis on image and perception, is an important step toward postmodern spatial representation, can be served as a method for a progressive practice of urban planning and style that considers the requirements of various folks. Kevin kill looked to the ways that during which completely different folks conceptualize the city victimization ways, edges, districts, nodes, and landmarks as major networks of interest. (1) paths: routes on which individuals move throughout the city (2) edges: boundaries and breaks in continuity (3) districts: areas characterized by common characteristics (4) nodes: strategic focus points for orientation like squares and junctions
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(5) landmarks: external points of orientation, usually a easily identifiable physical object in the urban landscape. Of these 5 components, paths are especially important according Lynch, since these organize urban mobility.
Figure 13 Principles of urban settings, Kevin Lynch
According to kevin lynch, Legibility means the extent to which the cityscape can be ‘read’. People who move through town interact in way-finding. They need to be ready to acknowledge and organize urban components into a coherent pattern. “In the process of way-finding, the strategic link is the environmental image, the generalized mental picture of the exterior physical world that is held by an individual. This image is that the product each of immediate sensation and of the memory of past expertise, and it is used to interpret information and to guide action”. Better the LEGIBILITY, MORE Accurate is the COGNITIVE MAP. What exactly is Cognitive mapping?
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“The environmental image that comes from any people, embodies individual image as much as defining that environment “(Lynch, 1960). Hence an environmental image is produced in a particular order,
Environmental
Environmental
Environmental
PERCEPTION
COGNITION
EVALUATION
Figure 14 Source: Author
Behavioral mapping Behavioral mapping is an objective method of observing behavior and respected built environment components and attributes. Basically, mapping however human behavior reacts to the engineered atmosphere. It provides researchers with associate innovative methodology of assessing behavior connected to careful physical characteristics of outside areas activity maps as means to addresses usability and the spatial capacity of places. Behavior mapping is an unobtrusive, direct observational method for recording the location of subjects and measuring their activity levels simultaneously. Graphics to spatially represent results at the extent of residential neighborhoods, parks, playgrounds, and schoolyards was the first investigator to digitally code outdoor behavior and its environmental attributes linked to a relational database. Behavioral dynamics of the built environment. How to Produce A Behavioral Map? 1. Product of observation and a tool for place analysis and style at constant time. 2. Spatial features and behavior are then linked in both time and space 3. Common ways that area unit consistently writing notes and filling formatted tables. 4. atmosphere behavior studies take particularly within the out of doors atmosphere usually recorded through photography and/or video. In order to make an information as informative as attainable, it is important to organise the entire process of mapping very thoroughly. The process of recording behavior itself has to be as condensed and comprehensive as attainable style of activity, the users’ gender and age, duration of the activity, time of the day of occupancy, time of the week of occupancy, movement direction and weather conditions at the presence of the activity; all describe an observed activity in a place Behavioral maps created at sites were manually drawn on paper prints. ADVANTAGES: 1. Longitudinal studies could use behaviour mapping to assess the impact of seasonality and climate 2. Behaviour mapping could also address the potential differences in the use of behaviour settings 3. Behaviour mapping may be a viable method for pre–post intervention studies that could yield valuable data showing the impact of environmental improvements on physical activity. 4. it's a way for collection info and, as such, is sensitive to recording variations in activity intensity between different types of settings. 5. it should be accustomed develop policies and standards for adoption by skilled organizations to assist guide style
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Activity mapping Ittleson et al. (1970) introduced the “activity map” in environmental psychology for a outline of the determined frequency of activities. This method involves recording the patterns of peoples’ activities at intervals an area on a map. Ittelson et al. (1970) noticed that how individuals perceive expertise and knowledge and skill, the urban surroundings affect what they are doing at intervals it and as a result influences however they experience an area so, activity maps give descriptions of however the activities of individuals area unit allotted at intervals an area (Ittelson, 1970). Moreover, they demonstrate what kinds of activities area unit going down, activity mapping could be a technique of observant people’s activities and movements relate to physical characteristics of designed surroundings parts and attributes (COSCO, 2009). The need of Activity Mapping: • To know, what the identity of a place is. • To know, how many types of activities are happening in a place. • To know, how many types of users are there in a place. • To know the number of visitors visiting a place. • To know about activities by the users with respect to the physical setting of a place.
Figure 15 Illustration of An activity pattern
Along with direct observations, for data collection in urban studies and researches, activity mapping also has been used as a method since Ittelson et al. (Ittelson, 1970) first used the term. Principles of Place-Making: Activities and Physical Pattern In identifying the processes of place making, it is important to find out who uses a space and how the space is being used to present the activity pattern and, following that, to form physical patterns. Activity Pattern: People got to feel psychologically comfortable or engaged enough to need to remain and play within the space (Carmona, 2010: 206). In terms of being engaged to remain during a place, Carmona (2010) identifies 2 major kinds of engagement: P a g e 23 | 86
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Passive engagement: This sort of engagement with the surroundings relates to a way of relaxation which is able to need applicable physical settings during a place whereas there's no got to become actively involved. Sitting and other people observation area unit among the first kind of passive engagement.
Figure 16 People sitting, watching, relaxing.
Active engagement: This sort of engagement represents an active experience at intervals an area and can typically lead to social interaction among the concerned individuals. To outline a framework of activity pattern supported passive and active engagement, the following principles of activity pattern can be identified in a place. Montgomery (1998) considers 2 main ideas, diversity and vitality, which will define the range of activities within a place, and also defines several indicators.
Figure 17 People shopping, talking, children playing
Vitality: Vitality refers to the no of activities active in a public space throughout a day and night. It is also measured on the basis of cultural events taking place and the active involvement in the region. Diversity: Diversity of any place can be defined as the multiplicity in functions of a space, when changes through time. Advantages: The major benefits of these kind of maps is in the possibility of setting a relationship between people’s activities and physical setting present around. These maps provide a clear vision of the questions and answers through identifying types and frequencies of activities and demonstrates the relationship with a particular physical feature within a space (Golicnik, 2011). P a g e 24 | 86
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2.4 Urban Squares: As public places 2.4.1 Introduction Urban squares are those open spaces where multiple characters of streets converge. Every society has its own particulars for such urban public open spaces, every one of these terms addresses a typical point which is: ‘the open space for public use’ concept of urban square. In this respect urban squares have a social angle in appreciation of its public dimension and a spatial facet because of its physical organization. According to Lynch, an urban square is the “activity focus” in the centre of dense urban areas. He states that “. . . it will be paved, enclosed by high density structures, and surrounded by streets, or in contact with them. It contains features meant to attract groups of people and to facilitate meetings” (Lynch, 1960). As a result, an urban square is one sort of urban open public space that focuses on the public space system, providing a forum for interchange, both social and financial, and a focus for civic pride and community expression.
2.4.2 History In India, city squares and plazas, were introduced only during the British colonial rule, which has become the hub of social activity. If we regard streets as rivers channelling the stream of human communication…. the square represents a natural or artificial lake. Three elements define it: 1. Walls of surrounding buildings 2. Area of the ground 3. Sky over the square In most traditional cities, these were formed at the intersection of two major crossroads (chowks). They acted as market squares, mosque squares, temple courtyards, open spaces, venues for cock fights, preaching etc. There was a translation of Vedic principles and concepts to forms such spaces within the pols, mohallas and group them to give a central location for interaction. In metro cities, these chowks have merely reduced to traffic nodes which need to be rehabilitated as safe public places.
2.4.3 Role Urban squares have a diversity of roles and functions since they are the important and necessary forms of public spaces that attract vast number of individuals with a wide assortment of activities. It is a place where people have positive social interactions, meet each other, have lunch, hold a friendly chat, watch the world pass by, read something, rest for a while or shop around. According to Lynch (1992), a public space performs as a place where people can express, confront difficulties and take risks, all of which may create a condition of tension or relaxation – both of them needed for metal and psychological wellbeing of humans. They are the places where one can meet other individuals, experience diverse methods for conduct, or simply put, they are the places for "social interaction". In fact, public spaces such as squares are the space in which diverse groups of people, with regard to their class and ethnicity, gender and age, are brought together, with the possibility for interaction and communication (Madanipour, 1996). In other words, the key element of public spaces is to motivate and make conceivable: "the formation of the richest quality of a multiP a g e 25 | 86
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class, multicultural, heterogeneous society" (Carr, 1992). However, we should not forget the conventional role of squares, that is, their purpose to stimulate commercial activities. Indeed, even today, there is a strong relation between the commercial activities and open spaces with plan to utilize the advantages from their essence of places filled with individuals. Moreover, public spaces can positively affect the economic value of the urban land that encompasses them. In today’s world, public spaces, with their role as economic generators, are considered as added value and multiplying factors of the speculative development (Thompson, 1998). Urban squares are closely associated with the public image of the cities to which they belong, often with special significance for the city itself. Related to this, Loukaito-Sideris (1993) would say that, by their symbolic meaning, public spaces contribute to the sense of continuity of one group or society, which connects individual members of the group or society together (Lynch, 1992; Moughtin, Importance of Urban Squares as Public Space in Social Life (2003). On the other hand, public spaces, as places in which public art is exhibited, take the function of “beautifiers” of the city (Carr, 1992). Besides, you can see the oldest and most common forms of public art such as monuments and statues, contemporary public art unites an extensive variety of methodologies, forms and contents.
2.4.4 Typologies According to the spatial organisation of traditional Indian public places, continuity and linkages are important aspects. In the past Indian cities have evolved through organic planning- shifting axis of movement. This has helped to unfold the spaces gradually and introduce an element of surprise. They are intertwined with the city ‘s-built fabric, Another aspect that needs to be looked into is the diversified culture and population of India. To bring in the different classes, castes and religion of India to socialise in a single public arena is a great challenge in itself. This needs strategic placement of public squares in areas between two different worlds; e.g. - the New Market in Kolkata. Most Indian cities have a Muslim community, a Hindu community, Parsi community etc. these areas should be accessible to all joined by a string of public units and spaces (monuments, gardens, offices, museums etc.) that make up a zone of common interaction. Spatial Organisation: The way open areas are arranged and patterned in a system of spaces is the spatial configuration of the area. A public place is about the part and the whole, that is, the spatial character. Form- helps to define the boundaries of a public space. These boundaries maybe obvious and tactile like the ground pavement, façade, row of trees etc. the upper limit is formed by the roof lines or sky. Gestalt says, “The spatial form tends to continue in spite of change of use within and about the square…it is as permanent as the elements that create it.” volume is defines by its bottom (the ground, the sides (buildings tress, hillside, river bank etc.) and the open ceiling (the sky.) To deduce the form of a square, three concepts must be studied: Isovist- field of view from a particular point. Axial space- a straight line Convex space- no line between two of its points; space goes outside the perimeter. To capture the features of the system of spaces, these axes are the lines of sight and visibility, movement and permeability. Based on these concepts, public spaces have been categorised by Paul Zucker as: P a g e 26 | 86
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The closed squareA simple geometric figure, such as square, circle, triangle or quadrangle is the shape in plan of the closed square. Its walls are usually defined by repeated architectural faรงade of a single building or many structures.
Figure 18 Place des Vosges, A closed square
Closed squares are virtually non-existent in India. Mosque and temple courtyards can however be seen as closed squares, surrounded by arcaded passages or cells respectively. Some market places of the colonial times maybe designated as such as a number of buildings would be grouped around a central court. But today the central court is lost due to the formation of passages and aisled to provide for ordered movement. Presently they seem like haphazard placement of buildings and shops and do not cater to understanding of the space. The dominated squareDirects the view to a single building or a group of buildings or some other physical thing such as a large sculpture or a spectacular view. In this type of square, the dominating element visually controls the space of the square before it.
Figure 19 The Dominated Square, Piazza del Popolo (Roma, Italy)
The nuclear squareThe spatial unity of a public square is not necessarily dependent upon their architectural or natural boundaries. Indeed, any element is visually strong and large enough in size to form a focus within the space of the square by acting as a nucleus to thee square may result in an artistic wholeness in direct contrast to the apparent non-coordination of the surroundings. For example- London Trafalgar square. P a g e 27 | 86
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Figure 20 THE NUCLEAR SQUARE, TRAFALGAR SQUARE, LONDON
While in India these two squares are mostly settled up around monumental buildings, due to the reason of organic growth. But mostly such dominance of a building or structure is seen with vast planned open grounds, like the Taj Mahal, Qutab Minar. By virtue of their surrounding enclosure, they become more of a formal space. They dominate over the entire complex creating awe among the viewers. Grouped squaresIn designing of cities, very pleasing results have often been obtained when urban squares were developed in spatial relationship to each other. Dynamic contrasts of successive spaces may be ordered to create a planned sequence of crescendo and diminuendo in the drama of the urban space.
The amorphous squareis used to describe and classify all those squares which are Roman aesthetic point of view, formless. These are to indicate many open spaces that formally bear the title of a square, even though they are but crossroads such as New York‘s Times Square, Boston‘s Scollay Square etc.
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These squares are however much more famous in India. Many of the cross roads when wide enough act as public places. Some develop as a result of un-thought organic planning, while some are prethought and designed, like the chowks of Jaipur, pols of Gujrat etc. Shape – is basically the two-dimensional study of the form. These do not lend to understanding of the space as a volume but helps to understand the city development and more importantly its proportion to the surrounding buildings. The triangular spaces are the most characteristic setting for an open-air market. The shape is flexible and the sides tend to give bulging or receding curves. Such spaces are seldom planned but develop as a result of the loose connection of converging streets. Rectangular squares are the most common because of the ease of its arrangement. It allows directional axis towards a specific structure (if present) or provide architectural emphasis towards the public space. Circular or elliptical spaces are more common in European countries as designed squares. In India, they evoke extra urban open circular areas on which avenues converge. L-shaped squares tend to develop as a result of planning and redevelopment of unplanned cities, which is a combination of two separate adjacent public spaces. It provides a diagonal view of the public structures around. The space fixes a particular view of the building, an accident of urban development. The corner of the L-shape becomes a critical point of emphasis for the cohesion of the two spaces.
Figure 21 Different shapes of squares
We understand that the creation of ‗spatial sequence ‘, can make the environment more appealing, thus promoting the use of spaces owing to views and vistas it presents in terms of aesthetics, viewing angles and symbolism.
2.4.5 Identity: A successful urban square is able to provide the sense identity and sense of place. According to Relph (1976), identity of square refers to physical and ecological qualities, mental and emotional meanings in which people receive from the square, and activities and function of square. Lynch (1960) claimed that the mental image of the square makes it memorable and vivid for the users. Relph argued that the identity of squares could be perceived positively or negatively. That is to say, there has to be a balance between square social, cultural, ecological, physical, mental, emotional characteristics to make its identity either positive or negative. Identity has a close relation with place attachment and sense of place through socio-cultural factors and symbolic meanings (Relph, 1976). P a g e 29 | 86
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Besides, as long as urban public squares are human-oriented, and meant for people’s needs, they are able to create strong sense of belonging in users (Javadi, 2016).
2.4.6 Sense of Place Sense of place is the factors of psychological aspects dealing with users’ satisfaction and bones to an urban space like square. Actually, it refers to the relationship between people and the place. In a built environment like urban squares, not only physical setting has to be considered, but the meaning and mental well-being of the place also have to be taken into consideration. claimed that sense of place is not a clear concept, and it varies greatly from someone’s perception of the environment to another one. However, Carmona defined a triplex model of sense of place representing meaning, activity, and physical setting (Carmona, 2010).
Figure 22 Sense of place
Without doubt, in addition to all these aspects legible design of squares affects users’ sense of place. A well-designed square should bring a sort of comfort, relaxation, joy, motivation to take part in passive and active engagements, besides of providing users with a sense of discovery to make them more attached to the place. In another theory, sense of place has a direct relation with place attachment in which human create a mental and emotional relationship with the square. The psychology of place attachment (Javadi, 2016). With regard to this, several factors affect the place attachment as follows: • Social and environmental characteristics • Familiarity with the place • Culture • Users’ degree of satisfaction • People preference in the square • Active and passive activities • Physical features and attributes 2.4.7 Activities The activities that occur in a public square- friendly interactions, public concerts, community art shows, commercial activities etc. - are its basic building blocks; the reasons why people come in the first place and return. Activities thus provides a sense of place and makes a place unique and special, turning into a reason of community pride. These activities can be grouped as: P a g e 30 | 86
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FORMAL POLITICAL DEFENSE RELIGION
IN-FORMAL LEISURE AESTHETICS TRAFFIC
The formal public areas are directly related and dependent upon the land, the adjoining building use and function of the square, while Informal public squares are like internal function squares, where activities for which it has evolved and has been established take place entirely upon the open space of the square, without this activity having any dependency upon the land or building use. Its function is independent and self-centred. Such activities include mostly a market place for exchange and selling of goods in India. This commercial hub attracts majority of the Indian population from different classes and backgrounds. Original bazaars ‘of India had developed at the nodes or junction of two man connecting streets. These squares, known as chowks ‘became the social hub, and they were often developed to give it an architectural character to which the population could relate, e.g.- The chowks of Jaipur. These form arterial node function squares. But today they have reduced to mere traffic nodes where character and space also does not help in its effective use as a public place, due to increasing automobiles and busy lives. Areas with an ornamental structure within a park serve for the sole purpose of beautification and leisure, but again are mouldable to hold functions and concerts from time to time. Informal public places are flexible in design, that is, they serve for various purposes during different times of the day and different seasons. Within a day, the activities might change according to the typology of the trading that takes place. Seasonal changes occur when spaces are transformed using canopies and lighting alongside to accommodate the religious activities, protests, ceremonies etc. Of all the activities, the market forms an integral part of Indian public places. The activities of a place are a matter of affordance, varies person to person. They can be grouped as: NECESSARY - Shopping - Going to work
OPTIONAL one undertakes willingly or if time and place permits
SOCIAL requires the presence of others.
The dissemination of vital exercises turns into a system for supporting discretionary exercises, forestalling single capacity territories and consuming public activity. The combination of exercises, work and their clients in and around open spaces improves successful use. The distribution of necessary activities becomes a mechanism for supporting optional activities, preventing single function areas and monopolising social life. The integration of activities, function and their users in and around public spaces enhances effective use. 2.4.1 The need of mapping However, recent researches on public spaces reveal that some are currently experiencing a decline in their physical design and in their use (Carmona, 2010). In his article “Contemporary public space: P a g e 31 | 86
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critique and classification”, Carmona (2010) mentions that the critiques in this realm begin with the attitude that public spaces are facing a physical deterioration. Many writers and scholars of public spaces issues identify a general decline, for which the causes and prescriptions are different according to the context of urban planning and designing. For example, one of the critiques that Carmona (2010) discusses relates to the phenomenon of “Invaded Space”, resulting from the loss or lack of social function and experiences in urban spaces that is now over used by traffic and private cars. Thus, in this period of change in using public spaces, it becomes important to evaluate and investigate actual use of contemporary public spaces, how and why they are used, particularly in terms of their physical deterioration and/or improvement. As some scholars of urban planning and designing, including Jan Gehl (1987) and William Whyte (1980), have argued, the use of public spaces is an empirical result of the physical qualities of space (Gehl, Life Between Buildings: Using Public Space, 1987). Therefore, an opportunity exists to reveal and understand the interrelationship between physical patterns of contemporary public spaces and people’s activity patterns within these spaces. Such empirical researches on public spaces will help to find out why and how “some places work and others do not” (Whyte, 1980). Moreover, it should be possible to find out how physical settings impact the experience of activities taking place within the public spaces (Rasouli, 2013).
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2.4.2 Methodology of mapping
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Chapter 3. Case study Based on the above methodology the case study is done in the following way.
3.1 Case Study: An Indian Chowk, Maharaj Bada Gwalior: Gwalior is the fourth largest city in the state with a population of 826,919 in 2001. In the 18th century, the southern part of the town, the present Lashkar area, BADA and Shinde ki chhawani, came into existence with the Scindia palace and the administrative area. This area is known as "Lashkar"- a remarkable hub planned by British architect with a central open space, surrounded by many buildings like Gorkhi durbar - a justice place, Victoria palace, regal theatre, government press, etc. Being a central place, a concentric growth took place and it became central business district known as MAHARAJ BADA, presently housing many activities, highly commercialized and highly densified.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Jiwaji chowk Victoria Market Gorkhi temple General Post office SBI Central library SBI main office Government regional press Shashkiya kshatriya mudralaya
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Figure 23 Physical setting of MAHARAJ BADA, Gwalior.
Figure 24 Historical edges circumnutating around the chowk
Maharaj Bada is an architectural marvel in itself, surrounded by various heritage buildings constructed in different architectural styles. This unique feature makes this chowk to stand out singular of all the other squares. General post office projects the fundamental aspect of Greek architecture – post and lintel (also called prop & lintel or trabeate) system. It is a system with a lintel, header or architrave as the horizontal layer over a building which is supported at its ends by two vertical columns pillars or posts. The state bank of India building has enormous triumphal arches, a unique feature of British architecture Opposite to this grand British Architectural structure is the SBI ATM Building, an edifice with roman Tuscans. Giant pillars are employed in making this picturesque building. On the east of this majestic Square, Jiwaji Chowk is the structure with French work consisting of pointed arches, finials, ribbed vaults and flying buttresses all of which adorn this Gothic architecture marvel once an Opera house is now popularly known as Town hall. On the left-hand side of the Town Hall is the Government press which exhibits the flagship qualities of Mughal Architecture which is a combination of Islamic, Persian and Indian architectural styles. The abandoned Victoria market half of which collapsed in a fire accident is under renovation by INTACH, ASI and Madhya Pradesh Government is a best imitation of Indo-Saracenic architecture with a clock tower. Devghar Mandir beside Gorkhi gate is an high example of Rajput Architecture with fine balconies, lattice work, Triangular shaped friezes, towers with cupolas, elongated Domes, fancy octagonal bay windows, domed Canopies, fluted pillars, lotus and floral patterns and Jharokhas. Among all these incomparable architectural marvels, there stands the grand Jayaji Rao Scindia Ji Statue which is an amalgam of Various architectural styles like P a g e 35 | 86
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Russian, Rajputana and Marathi. The tower and finials of this structure resembles the Spasskaya Tower of Moscow in Russia (Kongolla, 2019).
CHOWK’S LOCATION:
Figure 25 Showing the Converge of Multiple streets to the square
In India the squares were developed organically, a converging point of multiple characterized streets on a single point is how an Indian chowk is identified by so far. This square meets at the converge of five different streets of different character. Sarafa Bazaar; A commercial and residential street with gold shops at ground floors and residences at first floor. Daulat ganj; A commercial street with residences at first floor. Madhav ganj road; Residence dominating street with shops at ground floor. Maharaj Bada road; A Commercial road linking maharaj bada with roxy pull (another landmark of historically settled town gwalior) Datt ganj chowraha; An intersection of datt ganj road linking maharaj bada to Gandhi market and a way leading to central library of town Gwalior. Also, It is a commercial hub housing three ancient markets of different characters; Topi bazaar, Nazarbagh bazaar and Subhaash bazaar. This chowk is leading to another cloth market, Gandhi market connected with Mor bazaar.
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Figure 26 Traffic Movement of the location
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MORNING ACTIVITIES:
At 6:30 am • PEOPLE: LABOUR FORCE In Search of job. They come every morning at 6:00 am and wait till 11:00 am until the shops are open.
These people are from nearby places only, work as beldar, painter, workers at home. They are flexible with their jobs and can do any daily need job for earning.
People Density in morning
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At 6:30 am • PEOPLE: DAILY COMERS WALKING People living nearby areas, Sarafa bazar, Madhav ganj, Roxy pull and many more comes to this chowk to enjoy the greenery and morning.
TALKING People love to talk; it is in human nature and this place also serves a place for social gathering and face to face interaction.
SITTING The presence of benches circumnutating the Jiwaji Maharaj ki chhatri gives people a comfort zone to hangout in this chaotic square.
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At 8:30 am DAILY ACTIVITIES:
NATIONAL ANTHEM At 8:30 am daily, the announcement for Rashtra Gan takes place, each and every individual passing through the chowk stands by and sing for the nation.
RELIGIOUS VALUE: Infront of chhatri, there is a statue of Laxmi, where people come and deliver flowers, lit Incense stick and prey.
SLEEPING Some people are found sleeping in the benches placed around the chhatri.
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AFTERNOON ACTIVITIES:
At 2:30 pm DAILY ACTIVITIES:
CONGESTION Congestion near Topi bazaar.
VENDORS Vendors start setting up their stalls.
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At 2:30 pm DAILY ACTIVITIES:
VENDORS Vendors start setting up their stalls.
PARKING: Parking starts filling up
TEMPO RUSH Tempo rush at junction of Sarafa market
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At 2:30 pm DAILY ACTIVITIES:
VENDORS Vendors start setting up their stalls.
Jobless labours: Still sitting in the shade, in a hope of someone; to come and give them work.
People sleeping on the stairs of buildings by which the square is surrounded.
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EVENING ACTIVITIES:
At 7:30 pm DAILY ACTIVITIES: After sun sets, Maharaj bada is lit with lights around, The place seems cherishing and welcoming.
People are sitting, discussing, chatting, waiting, some of them are those who gets tired after shopping all day and they grab a place to relax.
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At 7:30 pm DAILY ACTIVITIES: The park is filled with people, having daily conversations and discussions, some comes to just have a walk and look at others.
Even if the sun is set, the activity of buying and selling remains vibrant and as active as no-one else.
By the time of 8:00pm, the crowd starts going back to their homes, hence the vendors like, Cobblers, small shop holders, fruit and vegetable vendors starts packing and going to their home back.
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At 7:30 pm DAILY ACTIVITIES:
BEGGARS: Begging is an activity which takes place in almost every public space in India. And BADA here, is a shelter for most of the beggars around.
Children from nearby markets, (Shubhas Market, Nazarbag Market, Topi bazaar, and nearby places sell things roaming around the whole square.
The activity of sleeping is found almost everytime in this space.
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DURING DIWALI, ACTIVITIES:
At 7:30 pm DAILY ACTIVITIES: Festive vendors like, Diya sellers, Cotton sellers, Utensils, Light sellers, Laxmi-ganesh idol sellers, Lai-batashe sellers are found sitting on the chowk itself enhancing the cultural values, religious beliefs and complete festival requirements.
During this period the vendors prefer to sleep on the same space where they put a shop once, to avoid the struggle of finding new place next day.
The crowd visiting these days has to struggle a lot, as the parking space becomes less, traffic and vendors congestion increases.
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Figure 27 Lit scenario of Maharaj Bada during Diwali
Whether the streets are filled with vendors, hawkers, people (Buying/selling), vehicles (Auto, cars, tempo, Bicycle, or any other) or noise but the green area makes it liveable, it adds air for people to breathe in. People comes and sit here, old age people come here to pass their times, sometimes they just sits and watch people around, children plays, or some people just grab a bench and sleeps. Hence this place gives a, by just roaming around the chowk, one can get festive vibes and feel the importance of this festival. Small but not so small things like Diya, baati, batashe, lights, flowers, all the sacred stuff, utensils and others makes the season (festive) identifiable.
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3.2 Mapping
Figure 28 Necessary Activities; Population density during morning hour
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Figure 29 Necessary Activities; Population density during afternoon hours
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Figure 30 Necessary Activities; Population density during evening hours
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Figure 31 Optional Activities; Population density during morning hours
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Figure 32 Optional Activities; Population density during afternoon hours
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Figure 33 Optional Activities; Population density during evening hors
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Figure 34 Vital character throughout a day
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Figure 35 Vital character throughout a day
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Figure 36 Vital character throughout a day
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Figure 37 Vital character throughout a day
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Figure 38 Vital character throughout a day
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Figure 39 Diverse character throughout a day
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Figure 40 Diverse character throughout a day
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Figure 41 Diverse character throughout a day
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Figure 42 Cultural an traditional identity at chowk
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Figure 43 Cultural an traditional identity at chowk
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Figure 44 Cultural an traditional identity at chowk
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Figure 45 Cultural an traditional identity at chowk
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Figure 46 Cultural an traditional identity at chowk
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Figure 47 Social identity at chowk
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Figure 48 Passive Involvement: At the central path of chowk
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Figure 49 Passive Involvement; At the edges of the public building
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Chapter 4. Analysis Physical setting:
Access: The chowk has five main entrances from different character of streets, 1) Madhav Ganj; A residential cum commercial street connecting to Roxy pull chowraha, 2) Maharaja Bada road; A commercial street leading to 3) Daulat ganj; A residential cum commercial street, 4) Sarafa Bazaar; A residential cum commercial street, famous for all the gold showrooms facing the streets, 5) Datt Mandir Chauraha; A node leading towards Gandhi market (Cloth market) linking with Mor Bazaar, also connecting the chowk with central library of Gwalior. This chowk also has three major markets settled up during scindias, naming Nazarbagh bazaar, Subhash market, and Topi bazaar.
Figure 50 Figure showing a converge of multiple streets to a point
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4.1 Inferences Inference 1: The chowk having 5 major accesses and 3 major markets with different characters hence it has a potential of becoming a central attractive point for people to take break and enjoy a little more. The place is not just feasible for accessing to here but also has 7 major historic public buildings of British era, which gives it a plus point to become a tourist spot in Madhya Pradesh.
Inference 2: Though the chowk is accessible from different regions but there is lack of legibility to the 3 major existing markets. Any individual going there for first time will get confuse to go anywhere, hence some parameters might be taken to improve a legible experience of an individual for commercial purpose.
A sense of enclosure:
Figure 51 Figure showing a sense of enclosure of the chowk
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Figure 52 Towards south and north respectively
The chowk surrounded by different Public buildings, with different architectural styles, creates a different sense of enclosure for an individual at different spots, the closer one gets to the building the one feels more enclosed. Inference 3:
Figure 53 Away from the building; At the circumnutating area of chhatri and from nearest point respectively
The vision and an individual perceive standing just near the building comes out to be 68 degree, while he/she perceives standing inside the chowk is 18 degree, which comes out to be a suitable enclosure for any public space.
Figure 54 Figure showing the different angles of enclosure from a single point
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Figure 55 Site Section
Figure 56 Table of different activities throughout a day
Inference 4: The types of activities change throughout the day, also there is a change in frequency of these activities depending on time i.e., Morning/Afternoon/Evening.
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Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Passive involvement Social gathering Health dominating activities Religious activity Buying and selling 0%
10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Figure 57 Frequency of activities taking place throughout a day
Hence the analysis of change in frequency of different activities gives designer an opportunity to deal with placemaking accordingly. Multipurpose design approach can bring a better quality life among users, depending upon the types of activities.
Figure 58 Types of activities throughout a day
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Inference 5: Analysis of activities since morning till night clears an image of the amount of optional and social activities, as; not very much alluring but lacking in a great amount. Also, the quality of optional and social activities depends upon the quality of public place. While a public place should be inviting, open, comfortable and physically & mentally accessible, this chowk needs to be developed in a way that it invites more people, apart from daily visitors and just passers their needs to be more hangout places to engage people and enhance the experience.
Due to harsh sun in the afternoon and lack of shading devices, most people avoid visiting the chowk.
Figure 59 Quality analysis of activities throughout a day
Lesser number of people visiting means lower opportunities for activities at noon. Some urban setting elements to maintain the hot climate can be added like water fountains, shading pedestrian walkaways, and daily basis events can be introduced.
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Figure 60 Places of engagement for pedestrians
Inferences 6: The chowk with a more capability of holding people is just letting them flow to other lanes, there is no proper pedestrian pathway, separated from vehicular movement, no such sittings that can be enjoyed while just passing by, no proper manner of shop instalment rather that the 3 major commercial zones; hence this creates congestion at many points and degrades the quality of people between buildings.
Requirements to be fulfilled. • • • •
Lack of legibility of commercial spots Lack of thermal comfort during harsh sun/rain. (Basically, less shading devices) Lack of hangout places Lack of attractive points
4.2 Mass Survey Analysis Mass survey analysis was aimed to know the involvement of people in urban square variously. Answering to the questions Why? What? When? And How? The survey took place manually on site only. Talking with people and noting down the data, later on the data was sorted and converted into graph. The analysis revolves around 30 to 40 people of different age group. P a g e 78 | 86
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Questions and Answers: 1. How often do you visit this place?
Daily
Sometimes
Very rare
2. Why do you come here?
Shopping
Chilling
Temple
Other
Eating
3. Do you stay here or just pass by it?
Lives there
Stay a little
Just pass by
Depends
4. Is this place comfortable?
Yes
No
Depends on wheather
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5. What mode of travel you use for coming here?
Tempo
Two wheeler
Four wheeler
Bycycle
Walk
6. Is this place for all?
Yes
No
May be
This analysis relates to the user relationship with the place, explaining the diversity of users with some healthy reviews towards the chowk and reviews asking for its betterment.
4.3 Conclusion of the Case study Gwalior, an ancient town known for its history is now getting congested by increase in traffic movement due to population growth hence impacting the socio-cultural value of the town. Maharaj Bada; A commercial chowk settled during British rule, lies in the heart of the town. This chowk is surrounded by seven prominent buildings of different times with different architectural styles, having their own historical importance. The chowk has three main bazaars of ancient times, and the chhatri at the centre making it a landmark of the city. With rich location and history, the chowk stands still and serve great value to the people. The public spaces like chowks; an urban square in India are converting into a chauraha; an intersection of multiple roads. This deformation in the character of an Indian chowk is leading to an extinction of the culture that used to exist, existing now, and should be passed on to the coming generation. Hence this paper is showing concern toward the losing character of a city through time and thus inferring the measures to preserve the inheritance.
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Chapter 5. Conclusion
Chapter 5. Conclusion Urban public spaces have had a prominent role in the social and economic life of people, they allow everyone to come and perform their activities irrespective of their name, caste, religion, ability or disability since history. Nowadays, the impact of technological growth on people’s lives and our society is remarkable, inevitable and also worrying. This is giving birth to a need of making public spaces great apart from their access, comfort, sociability, and usability they need to be welcoming and should be engaging. By defining the image of the environment, following the various methodology of visual mapping which also helps in discovering the users’ satisfaction level related to the urban space, urban designers can produce successful urban ‘places’ that have meanings and belongings. The users preserve and actively use the urban space in which they integrate, feel belongings and find apart from her/him. With such information, designers can target specific problems in specific places to improve space appearance, this research tells people to create ‘places’ not ‘spaces. Any public space design can be achieved by analysing the psychology of the space as it deals directly with the sensed environment of the urban space. In this sense, it would be logical to assume that when a public place has a good image, its users will feel more satisfied and prouder of being part of it and this, in turn, can boost its image. The idea is not just to make its image better but make it perceivable, imageable, legible and successful ‘place’, keeping the sense of place in mind.
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Bibliography
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Annexure
Annexure Plagiarism checked report:
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