THE URBAN GREEN COMMONS

Integrated Spatial Framework : Post Olympics Scenario Motera, Ahmedabad

Anjhana M | PUD21042

CEPT University

Studio Brief

The studio focuses on the design of large Greenfield or cleared brownfield developments with an emphasis on creating an urban form for livable neighborhoods.

Mega-events impact the development of host cities due to their scale and catalytic effects. The Olympic Games offer one such opportunity for the host cities to create new landmarks, improve and invest in its infrastructure and provide a backdrop for urban renewal.

India is set to bid for the Olympic games in the coming decade, and Ahmedabad has been chosen as the host city. The studio unit brief in this context is to create a Game plan and Legacy plan for the same on one of the sites proposed for the event along the Sabarmati Riverfront. The focus is to create a framework plan that can maximize the use of facilities built during the events and create a flexible, sustainable, and inclusive urban form.

Acknowledgment

I would sincerely like to thank our Studio Chair, Prof. Brijesh Bhatha, our tutor, Prof. Purvi Chhadva and our teaching associate, Parth S Patel for constantly guiding and suppporting me throughout the studio. I would also like to thank the Faculty of Planning, CEPT University for conducting supportive courses, inspiring lectures, and discussions that laid a solid platform for me to pursue my interests and curiosities.

I take pleasure in thanking all my peers for their critical feedback and brainstorming sessions which contributed significantly to my growth. Lastly, my heartiest gratitude to my parents and sibling for their unwavering support.

Opening Ceremony at the Olympic Games.

Source : https://olympics.com/en/news/london-2012-opening-and-closing-ceremony

Abandoned Venue from the 2004 Athens Olympics

Source : The Insider https://www.insider.com/photos-of-the-athens-olympic-venues-2016-7)

The goal of this project is to comprehend and develop the design principles that enable the Olympic legacy to improve the living environment in the host city through urban regeneration. More information is acquired during the process to better understand the concept of mega-event planning and design, the processes involved in the Olympic legacy, and how it contributes to urban development, as well as the interrelationship between each of these subjects inorder to formulate an integrated spatial framework.

The project was approached in phases, with the following key milestones: site selection, analysis and understanding of the scale and planning approach through case studies, preparation of a game plan, finalisation of the permanent structures retained from the gameplan for the legacy, and the spatial framework for the envisioned Olympic legacy.

01 02 03 04 05

Site Selection & Contextulaisation

Case Studies Preparation of Olympic Gameplan Finalisation of Permanent Legacy structures Preparation of Legacy Masterplan

(Group of 11)

01

Introduction

1.1 An Overview

1.2 Positioning Motera

1.3 The Present Scenario | Analysis & Findings

(Division of 3 sites) Individual Legacy Plans

Disclaimer The information provided in this report has been studied and compiled by the author as a part of the studio. All the figures are copyright of the author unless otherwise stated. Any omissions and errors are truly regretted.

2.1 The Olympic Games - An Overview

2.2 Leveraging the Mega Event

2.3 Assumptions

2.4 The Olympic Gameplan

2.5 Urban Voids Problem Definition 13

Conceptual Framework 03

3.3 Goals 23

3.2 Vision

Integrated Spatial Framework 04

4.1 Evolution of the framework | Spatial Strategies

4.3 Integrated Spatial Framework

4.4 Delayering of Masterplan 35

Neighborhoods 05

5.1 Lakefront Neighborhood

5.2 The green trail

06

Conclusion and Key Learnings

References 63 65

The narrative of a neighborhood in perpetual flux and growth

The spatial expansion and urban growth of the city of Ahmedabad, over the years has resulted in peri urban occupancies that further spurred development of the suburbs to become residential communities. There are multiple factors that contribute to the sprawl : administrative and policy level decisions, spatial planning, improved infrastructure, and economical growth.

This chapter of the report, introduces the study area, its fundamental facts, geographical setting, and the background of its transitional character.