The CONNECT City | Integrated Township Masterplan by Akshan Bhide

The CONNECT City Integrated Township Masterplan Akshan Bhide | PG190073

Studio Brief

Tutors: Brijesh Bhatha, Purvi Bhatt, Vipuja Parmar, Tapan Shah The studio focuses on preparing Master Plans for large green field developments in peri urban areas. To respond to the demand of expansion in the rapidly growing urban centers, governments facilitate such new developments through various development mechanisms. The studio operates within the existing development framework of the Integrated Township Policy which is a typically developer driven activity and involves design on a large tract of land under single ownership. The design of the project will involve preparing a three dimensional urban design master plan with strategies of street network and urban block, public open spaces, public amenities and infrastructure, integration of public transport systems, strategies for pedestrian and vehicular priority on streets, defining the building height and bulk, building uses and landscape strategy.

Master of Urban Design 2019-21

Students will be required to prepare an urban design master plan for these developments with an emphasis on creating livable neighborhoods that explore the ideas of future living through their designs. The design process will consistently retain its focus on how these ideas can be translated into reality. The studio outcome will also involve preparing effective representation graphics and persuasive communication strategy for the design project.

Contents

Introduction

Premise Understanding the Scale Site Context Site Features

2 Design Framework

The Big Idea Design Objectives Design Strategies The CONNECT City

District Highlights

Live+Work District

Community District

4 Urban Design Guidelines 5 Phasing & Implementation The CONNECT City Masterplan

INTRODUCTION

Premise

Integrated Townships are mammoth real estate projects that have both residential and commercial complexes, and all associated infrastructure like roads, schools, colleges, hospitals, shopping centers, water treatment plants, drainage and sewage facilities, places of worship etc, that come together to form a co-exiting urban ecosystem. With urban areas getting increasingly overcrowded and falling short on space for further residential and commercial development, integrated townships come out as ideal solution. Why Township? For the start, a developer who has a large parcel of land has certain requirements, like FSI fulfilment, high end, luxurious, maximum returns, etc. The idea of who will live here can be imagined through the lenses of a young professional, homemaker, family, working class professional, etc. Idea of a township from their perspective is to have working opportunities, accessibility, connected to nature, hassle free living, diverse housing opportunities, amenities in close proximity. 6

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The proposed greenfield site is located in Ranchandra, western part of Ahmedabad. The site area is 356 acre with close proximity to several satellite towns. Increased job centers towards the western part of the city with migration from the eastern side leads to high demand for housing, and low permissible FSI lead to increased housing demand in the surrounding. This rise in housing demand leads to demand in township development as well. Through study of various parts of Ahmedabad, it is noticed that as we move outside the city boundary the trade-off between distance and larger floor space affects the quality of life. Thus an integrated township offers great potential for Improved Quality of Life!

Introduction

Understanding the Scale Lakeview Village Masterplan Lakeview Village Masterplan breathes a new life into Mississauga’s waterfront, reconnecting the community back to water’s edge with a diverse mix of residential offerings, as well as institutional, cultural, office and retail spaces. Designed on the key foundation of sustainability, the new community comprises of mix of uses, public places and diverse programming. The design evolution of Lakeview Village Masterplan is the result of the community-based vision. The design of the masterplan sits on three main principles: connecting all communities to the waterfront, creating a strong heart for the community, and clarifying density to maximize benefits for all.

that is visionary and implementable. The design is also in the continuation of the planning and design efforts from Councillor Tovey’s initial vision to turn the coal plant lands into a regional destination, and serves as a foundation and guidebook for future refinement and development of projects for the Lakeview Village community. In the end, the transformation of Lakeview waterfront will not only provide cultural green open spaces with multiple residential options to the current generation of Mississauga but also drive tourism, foster innovation, spur economic growth and attract a new generation to Mississauga.

The Lakeview Village Master Plan can be said to be the result of a robust process that has involved ongoing engagement with community members to understand their dreams for the waterfront, discussions with leadership at the City of Mississauga to honour the vision for the district set forth in the official plan, and in-depth discussions with stakeholders to create a plan The CONNECT City Masterplan

Master of Urban Design 2019-21

Introduction

The CONNECT City Masterplan

Site Context Location The township site is located in western part of Ahmedabad, approximately 25 kilometres away from center of the city. The site is wellconnected to major roads and highways, being 5km away from SG Highway.

eating corner, etc. Club houses near site vicinity serves the visitors with more options, similar kind of development can be seen around the site with supporting facilities like restaurants, cafes, sports facilities etc.

Within the Ahmedabad City context, proposed township site is located approximately 22 kilometres from the Kalupur Railway Station and 25 kilometers away from Airport. To the east of the site, Shilaj Road offers various connectivity options. Regional transit in the vicinity of the proposed site includes bus services along Shilaj Road with AMTS bus stop along the 40 meter proposed road along the site.

Major anchors in the area include ecological features such as Ranchada Lake for cycling and jogging, Thol Lake which is 15 kilometers awayfor weekend get away destination, bird watching etc.

Site is surrounded by institutional development, which is followed by commercial, further by residential. Thus, site further becomes a job centre. Nearby developments, trending as activity generators. Indus University near the site activates a certain market demands to serve facilities like prints, stationary, PG’s, cafes & 10

Master of Urban Design 2019-21

Introduction

The CONNECT City Masterplan

Master of Urban Design 2019-21

Introduction

The CONNECT City Masterplan

Site Features Opportunity Site offers varied amount of opportunities for integrated township development.

Site offers possibility of connections from major road by using existing connections.

It also offers the opportunity for interesting vistas and ambience due to canal and lake on the surrounding edges.

Opportunity for open spaces at the catchment areas formed due to topography.

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Introduction

Constraints With opportunities, site also offers some contraints.

Weak connection to city as there is only one major access road to the township.

Canal and Lake on both side act as a physical barrier to the township site.

02 The CONNECT City Masterplan

DESIGN FRAMEWORK

The Big Idea A connected development tied to nature through diverse public realm. The vision of the Masterplan is to have a connected development tied to nature through diverse public realm. CONNECTED DEVELOPMENT Connected development will be achieved by connecting township to city with leisure and commercial activity. CONNECTED TO NATURE A continuously linked waterfront that is well connected to the community through open spaces. DIVERSE PUBLIC REALM Tying the development to nature and achieving diversity through wide variety of uses and public realm.

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Design Framework

Design Objectives

The identification of a set of key design objectives is established at the outset of the Township Masterplan development process. These key objectives have been adopted to continue to inform the development of the proposed masterplan.

Continuous waterfront connected to community through green spine.

Multimodal network integrating all modes of transport.

Active nodes surrounded by mix of uses to support vibrant and diverse community. Urban form objective is to maximise views towards lake front, canal front and green spine.

03 The CONNECT City Masterplan

Design Strategy

The design strategies establishes the central “gestures” or the vision that define the character of township, even before specific recognizable buildings or parks are placed on the site. To achieve the vision of a connected development tied to nature through diverse public realm, three strategies are designed. OPEN SPACE STRATEGY Open spaces along the water features surrounding the site. Open spaces on the catchment areas in the site and finally linking the open spaces on waterfront through a green spine. MOVEMENT STRATEGY Primary network based on the existing connections marking entry into the township. Secondary network streets act as through-fare to traverse the site and bind the entire site and and help in creating a feeder bus network for the township promoting public transport. To strengthen the connectivity inside the township 20

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shared streets for pedestrian priority streets and green links connecting to the green spine making the township non motorised friendly. ZONING STRATEGY Zoning strategy starts with Commercial activity zones to be placed on the edge of primary axis to draw people in. Open Spaces in front of lake and canal and in the form of Green Spine connecting both open spaces. Mixed-use commercial and mixed use residential zones placed on primary axis and green spine, making public space available to residents as well as visitors. Institutional activities in front of lake. Residential Zone in the centre as well as along open spaces to promote peaceful living connected to nature.

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The CONNECT City Masterplan The development of CONNECT city masterplan is rooted in a respect for the core structuring elements established in the design objectives and vision. The next evolution of the plan is also informed by the design strategies A sustainable and diverse mix of residential offerings will allow people the unique opportunity to live and play on the lake. Institutional, cultural, office, retail, and amenities will draw everyone to the CONNECT city. Unique gathering and recreational spaces weave throughout the community contributing to a dynamic, walkable, connected, and active lifestyle near the water’s edge. Bringing City To Township Activity and economic anchors are an essential part of the township bringing city to the township. The majority of commercial uses at CONNECT city are concentrated along the edge on primary axis to invite people in. The Culture and Art zone will be a new destination for cutlture oriented activities being a place to visit, explore, dine, etc. Culture and Art Zone will bring energy of water feature into township. Additional retail in the 22

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form of mixed-use development is positioned along the primary axis with built to line intent to ensure active frontages thus maximising ground level activities. This development is connected to city with transit options. Connecting All Communities To Waterfront Green spine connecting both waterfront open spaces forms a creating a strong spine for the community. Activity nodes along the green links surrounding by mix of uses help in activating public spaces. With a mix of daily, weekly, festive events, activities and programming, township level public spaces at CONNECT city will be a new gathering place and hub of activity in Ahmedabad. Programming is based on different activities with a focus on flexibility in the public realm and encouraging pedestrianization and non-motorized transit. Diversity Through Mix Of Uses The plan orgnanizes fine grain network and divides it into different blocks and open spaces to crearte opportunities of different ranges of housing and development. The building types

Design Framework

have, commercial buildings placed Institutional buildings placed along the green open spaces. To encourage diversity in income groups, housing ranging from affordable to luxury townhouses will be developed. High end apartments are strategically placed along the lake and canal. Other typologies such as SEW housing are placed at the south edge of the township but in close proximity to public space and retail amenities. Higher mixed-use buildigs represents an increase in number of people who will live, work and play in their neighborhoods thus providing a number of living opportuities , views and recreation amenities in close proximity for residents.

The CONNECT City Masterplan

LEGEND 1. Offices and Retail 2. Mixed-Use Retail Street 3. Green Connectors 4. Canal Front Park 5. Multi-Use Green Spine 6. Active Recreation Green Spine 7. Community Center 8. School 9. Culture and Art Zone 10. Sports Complex 11. Activity Node 12. Luxurious Housing 13. SEW Housing 14. Lakefront Park

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Design Framework

The CONNECT City Masterplan

Open Space Network Putting The Public Realm First Open space network is designed in three specific categories, township level public spaces, neighborhood level public spaces and private courtyards. Putting the public realm first, taking a look at township level open public spaces they are programmed with different activities and zones. Culture and Art Zone along the lake waterfront with activities like Art exhibition pavilion , Open Market and Lakefront Park Calm Meditation Zone for residents of the township along the lake waterfront with meditation gardens with space for yoga, sloped lawns with seating and community gardens. Active recreation Zone with different kinds of sports amenities, street market, pavilion cafe’s and community gardens. Multi-Use zone with festival celebration areas, open lawn with outdoor fitness, Informal food court and community hall for community gathering. Canal Front Park Zone offering canal front with trees planted in random manner and with multi use trail for the residents as well as visitors. 26

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The Neighbourhood level public spaces cater to block level public activities which are connected with green connectors. Neighborhood level public spaces are activated with small anchors like library, community centre, etc. Private Courtyards/ open spaces are formed inside each parcel which caters to only residents of respective parcels. Private spaces constitute 11% of the township.

LEGEND Township Level Public Spaces Neighborhood Level Public Spaces Private Courtyards

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Multi-Modal Network Street Heirarchy The masterplan is designed to be a multi-modal district that is well-connected to the broader vehicular, pedestrian, cycling and transit network. The plan creates a fine-grain network of roads and connections with frequent intersections. The widest right-of-way is along the primary axis forming North South and East West connection. The streets are designed to minimize block lengths for easier navigation and walkability, and to create terminating views, vistas and other focal points to achieve an attractive public realm. The proposed street network consists of primary roads, secondary roads, local roads and shared streets.

LEGEND Primary Roads Secondary Roads Local Roads Shared Streets

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Street Typologies A. Primary Roads Primary roads provide important cross over infrastructure connections between CONNECT city districts and community functions such as parks, recreation centres and other facilities. They largely define the community structure, serve as the primary circulation routes, and accomodate transit. Primary roads right-of-way is 30 meter and 24 meter. 30m meter right-of-way is designed to have an interactive street edge with a dedicated two way cycle track along the street and wide sidewalk along the retail edge. Streetscape charachter varies according to land uses, which range from high-rise commercial, mixed-use development.

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Key Plan

Design Framework

30 meter RoW The CONNECT City Masterplan

B. Secondary Roads Secondary roads also provide important connections between CONNECT city districts. These secondary roads bind the township together and serve as primary circulation routes inside the whole township. The secondary roads right-of-way width varies from 15 meter to 18 meter. 18 meter street is designed to bind the residential neighbourhood with one way dedicated cycle track and footpath is wide enough to have easy movement of pedestrians. Streetscape charachter varies according to land uses, which range from mid-rise residential buildings, townhomes, etc.

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Key Plan

Design Framework

18 meter RoW The CONNECT City Masterplan

C. Local Roads Local roads serve various parcels inside the neighborhoods formed due to primary and secondary roads. These roads intend to provide a comfortable pedestrian experience with relatively low levels of vehicular traffic. Streetscape charachter varies according to addjacent built-form, which includes mid-rise residential, townhomes, luxurious bungalows and neighborhood parks. The local roads rightof-way varies from 9 meter to 12 meter.

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Key Plan

Design Framework

12 meter RoW The CONNECT City Masterplan

D. Shared Streets Shared streets are majorly pedestrian oriented street running along the green spine with minimum vehicular movement. These roads intend to provide a comfortable pedestrian experience with minimum vhicular movement. The shared streets right-of-way is 9 meter.

Key Plan

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Design Framework

9 meter RoW The CONNECT City Masterplan

Pedestrian & Cyclist Fine grid street pattern is designed to limit block lenghts and reduce vehicular speeds, thus promoting walkability. This is also an important means of achieving a significant active transportation network that reduces reliance on vehicular travel within the community. Masterplan provides a multitude of pedestrian paths throughout the district beyond sidewalks on every street, and also multi use trails cutting through public greens. The majority of primary streets within the township will integrate cycle track, and those that do not, will typically enable cycle connections through green connectors and multi use trails along the public spaces.

LEGEND Sidewalk Dedicated Cycle Track Multi-Use Trail Waterfront Trail Shared Streets Pedestrian Trails

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Transit Establishing efficient and convenient transit options to and from the township is a fundamental component of the transportation and sustainability strategy. Since the township is located along Shilaj road with AMTS bus stop, it will help in bringing residents, employees, and visitors inside the township. Bringing transit to the site will be important for encouraging public transport use. Within the township, transit connection is designed to integrate AMTS route inside the township. A feedder bus transit system is also designed to integrate with AMTS route to cater to township residents, with stops positioned at strategic locations within 200 meter radius. The plan is designed to be flexible, so that transit can incorporated as the project is phased.

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LEGEND AMTS Route Township Feeder Route 200m Radius

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Development Program Program Mix The development program of the masterplan stems from the zoning strategy to achieve the desired vision of a connected development with mix of uses. The building types have, commercial buildings placed along the edge on primary axis to invite people in. Institutional buildings placed along the green open spaces. Mixed use development placed on primary axis with built to line intent to ensure active frontages maximising ground level activities. Residential retail mix with major residential built character placed along the secondary network which helps in activating the streets thus making them safer. The built achieved is 25% and open space is 75%. The Global FSI achieved is 1.5, with primary roads being the hotspot for major activities, thus increasing the demand for FSI along the primary axis.

LEGEND Residential Residential Mixed-Use Institution Commercial Public Amenities

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Charachter Area Districts The CONNECT city Masterplan is organized into a three number of coordinated and interconnected districts. Each district is characterized by an individual sense of place that collectively contributes to an overall vision and experience. This charachter area districts strategy is developed based on site constraints and opportunities, and the overall project vision and goals. These districts help to organize and concentrate activity and can also be useful in determining project phasing. Districts are well connected through the planned street network, trail connections and stormwater management facilities. LIVE + WORK DISTRICT Entering into Live + Work district, This district offers a living with working opportunities inside the district with options of walking or cycling to work. Pedestrians, cyclists, and transit-users will experience a comfortable, shaded sidewalk and dedicated travel lane, with active retail or offices along the lower levels with residences in the upper floors. 44

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CULTURAL WATERFRONT DISTRICT This district offers lakefront living as well as institutional buildings and retail buildings along the waterfront This district is defined by the inviting places and spaces to stroll, sit and enjoy along waterfront edge. COMMUNITY DISTRICT Predominantly residential in nature, this district will include, mix of residential options ranging from luxury houses to affordable housing surrounded by neighbourhood park. Central green spine surrounded by mixed use and residential buildings creating through-fare of activities around it making experience more vibrant. Active engagement zone with built form in stepped form to maximise the views towards the public space. Neighbourhood shared streets with pedestrian priority design. Ground floor includes mix of retail or cafes drawing on diverse background and experiences of residents as well as visitors.

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DISTRICT HIGHLIGHTS

Community District URBAN BLOCK_1 Urban Block 1 is a part of community district predominantly residential in nature with mix of retail and community engagements.

Key Plan

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District Highlights

The CONNECT City Masterplan

CONNECTIVITY STRATEGY The block has a fine grain street network, surrounded by primary roads and secondary roads. Entries to each parcel is either from secondary roads or local roads, to minimize any vehicular congestion on the primary roads.

Connectivity within the block

The block level public spaces or the activity nodes are positioned along the green connectors and is in 5min walking distance from the centre. Sense of enclosure is felt with the surrounding mix of uses.

Walkability within the block

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District Highlights

DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM The development program within the block is predominantly residential with mixed use along the primary connection. Land uses that will activate the mixed-use residential buildings include retail, restaurants, services, etc. These uses may be incorporated at the ground level of any building type – low-rise, mid-rise and taller buildings .

Built use typology within the block

Being predominantly residential block, medium range 3BHK and 2BHK apartments.

3BHK Studio Apartments

Residential Typology within the block

The CONNECT City Masterplan

PUBLIC OPEN SPACE With neighbourhood level public space along the green connectors surrounded by mix of activities. The block also has township level public space which multi-Use zone with festival celebration areas, open lawn with outdoor fitness, Informal food court and community hall for community gathering. The envisioned character along the the green spine is having multi use space along both sides of multi use trail.

Master of Urban Design 2019-21

District Highlights

The CONNECT City Masterplan

Master of Urban Design 2019-21

District Highlights

The envisioned character along the the green spine is having multi use space along both sides of multi use trail.

The CONNECT City Masterplan

Live + Work District URBAN BLOCK_2 Urban Block 2 is in the live + work district along the main access road and is situated along the entrance of the township.

Key Plan

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District Highlights

The CONNECT City Masterplan

Connectivity within the block

The activity node is positioned along the green connectors and is in 5min walking distance from thr centre. Sense of enclosure is felt with the surrounding mix of uses. The activity nodes are activated with open street market, open gym area, etc to cater to working professionals, residents as well as visitors.

Walkability within the block

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District Highlights

DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM The development program within the block is commercial with offices and retail and residential with mixed use along the primary connection. Land uses that will activate the mixed-use commercial locations include retail, restaurants, services and hotels. These uses may be incorporated at the ground level of any building type – low-rise, mid-rise and taller buildings . Built use typology within the block

Residential typology inside the block includes 3BHK apartments as well as Studio Apartments to cater to young professionals. The development program with a mix of retail, offices and residential make it a live + work lifestyle block.

3BHK Studio Apartments

Residential Typology within the block

The CONNECT City Masterplan

Master of Urban Design 2019-21

District Highlights

The envisioned character image along the main primary road inside the township with active retail edge to create vibrancy and safe environment.

The CONNECT City Masterplan

URBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES

Urban Design Guidelines To achieve the vision of “The CONNECT CITY”, specific set of urban design guidelines are formed. These guidelines will help in ensuring the practical development of the township.

Neighborhood level public space should be in connection with township level pedestrian network and to be surrounded by mix of uses to promote vibrant and active neighborhood.

All parcels should have minimum 6m setback except buildings along primary axis should have 4.5m setback which should be kept for public use.

Master of Urban Design 2019-21

Urban Design Guidelines

Buildings on 30m wide road should have step back of 6m after 14m of height. Buildings on 30m wide road should have 3.5m wide colonnade up to 7m of height. Around 70% of the built form should be built to line.

To create vibrant and active precinct, active retail frontage along primary axis and public activity on podiums.

The CONNECT City Masterplan

PHASING & IMPLEMENTATION

Phasing Strategy Phase_1

Phase_2

Phase 1 includes major residential development along the primary cross over infrastructure with a small portion of commercial development. The first phase will also have a part of township level public space catering to residents as well as visitors.

Phase 2 includes residential and mixed use development along the cross over infrastructure. The second phase also includes luxurious housing that the township has to offer with a part of canal front development.

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Phasing & Implementation

Phase_3

Phase_4

Phase 3 includes the institutional and commercial development with neighborhood level public spaces. This phase also sees the completion of green spine connecting the water features of both sides. Residential development in this range varies from high range to medium range apartments and townhomes.

Phase 4 includes mostly the construction of additional residential neighborhoods and rest of lake front and canal front public spaces.

The CONNECT City Masterplan

Conclusion The masterplan resonates the vision of the township, which is having a connected developemnt, connecting township to the city, with leisure and commercial activity, connected to nature by having a continuously linked waterfront that is well connected to the community through open spaces and finally having a diverse public realm through wide variety of uses and active nodes. The site is thus divided into three districts having varied mix of uses and catering to residents, working professionals and visitors. Live + Work district and Cultural Waterfront district offers a living with working opportunities inside the district with options of walking or cycling to work. Whereas Community district offers housing of different ranges from luxurious to medium to SEWH.

Master of Urban Design 2019-21

Phasing & Implementation

The CONNECT City Masterplan