DESIGN SEMINAR
URBAN INSERT
ANKIT POKAR
School of Architecture Vadodara Design Academy
URBAN INSERT
:- INTRODUCTION
• Urban insert is the process of designing and shaping cities, towns and villages. • In contrast to architecture which focuses on the design of individual buildings, urban design deals with the larger scale of group of buildings, street, public spaces and neighbourhood. • Program derived by the research and analysis of the city or town. • It acts as catalyst to boost up the economy and social life of the neighbourhood.
Metropol Parasol, Spain
Pompidou centre, Paris
Sabarmati Riverfront, Ahmedabad
METROPOL PARASOL SEVILLE, SPAIN
SPAIN IN WORLDMAP
Image showing the contextual conditions of Metropol Parasol
MAP OF SPAIN SHOWING SEVILLE
PLAN OF METROPOL PARASOL
LOCATION OF METROPOL PARASOL IN CITY MAP
Project : Architect : Function :
1. In 1973,due to the demolition of the convent of la encarnacion a large empty space rectangular in shape, which was 150m long and 80m wide located at the geometric centre of the old city.
2. The land ended up being used as a car park or bus depot.
Metropol Parasol J Mayer H. Archaeological museum, farmers market, elevated plaza, bars and restaurants
Site area : 18000 Sq. M Building area : 5000 Sq. M Total floor area : 12670 Sq. M Number of floors : 4 Height of the building : 28.50 M Structural material : Concrete timber and steel Year of completion : 2011
Need for an urban insert
5. In 2004-05 , the designing process was started. The above image shows the construction process in the year 2007.
6. The above image is of the year 2011 showing the completed project.
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Unused condition of the site at the geometric center of the old city.
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The context being commercial and mixed use, but lacked cultural exchange interactive spaces.
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Archaeological remains were found at the site.
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Lack of public spaces in surrounding area.
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To boost the economy of the city.
Aim •
To renovate the square.
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Activate the adjoining commercial areas.
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An architectural landmark with iconic impact to create new tourist attraction.
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To provide shaded open space
Conceptual sketches
Concept •
The form of this building was inspired by the vaults of Seville's expansive cathedral.
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The structure represents an umbrella, mushroom, tree or cloud.
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The idea of the parasol was to make shade from the sun.
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The geometry for the structure is based on a freeform, outlining the tree-shaped shading structures.
Map showing surrounding markets and main road
plan
Level 1 plan
Level 2 plan
Level 3 plan
Basement plan
Ground plan
IMPACT
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The parasols project became the new icon for sevilla, its role as a unique urban space within the dense fabric of medieval inner city.
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A highly developed infrastructure helps to activate the square, making it an attractive destination for tourist and locals.
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Due to its importance as archaeological site, in recent decades it has become a major reference in the cultural roots of international tourism.
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It attracted people and because of that the economy of the surroundings and the city have enhanced.
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The shade of the parasol became the place of many social and cultural activities in the plaza.
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the plaza became the icon of the city and main plaza of the city.
CENTRE GEORGES POMPIDOU PARIS, FRANCE
FRANCE IN WORLDMAP
Image showing the contextual conditions of POMPIDAU CENTRE.
MAP OF FRANCE SHOWING PARIS
LOCATION OF POMPIDAU CENTRE IN CITY MAP
• In 1969, President Georges Pompidou decided that the vacant site of the Plateau Beaubourg should be used for the construction of a multidisciplinary cultural centre of an entirely new type. •The decision gave new impetus to a number of different projects that would now be united in the new centre, with the establishment of a new public reading library in the centre of Paris, centre for the new music, exhibition gallery and art gallery. •The Centre Pompidou was inaugurated on 31 January 1977. From the moment it opened to the public on 2 February 1977, it met with immense success, rapidly becoming one of the most popular cultural venues in the world and one of the most visited monuments in France.
Design Concept Rogers' and Piano's concept for the Centre Pompidou drew major influences from the works of Cedric Price who experimented in the 1960s with open forms and flexible spaces. To maximize internal space, they turned the construction inside-out and exposed a skeleton of brightly colored tubes for mechanical systems. The ducts on the outside of the building are colorcoded: blue for air, green for fluids, yellow for electricity cables and red for movement and flow (elevators, stairs) and safety (fire extinguishers). As with Price's Fun Palace, an unbuilt project, the priority was to maximize functional movement and flow, freeing up internal space and facilitating the interaction between different disciplines.
Urban Context
A further important element was the architect's intention to create a meeting space not only for the art lover, but also for the local residents. The large slightly sloped paved piazza in front of the building fulfills this role introducing the high-tech structure of the building to its traditional surroundings and Paris street life. On his website Richard Rogers notes that "Pompidou proves that modernity and tradition can profitably interact and enhance historic cities."
Sloped plaza in front of the Pompidou center
SABARMATI RIVERFRONT DEVELOPMENT AHMEDABAD, GUJARAT
INDIA IN WORLDMAP
Sabarmati •The Sabarmati River is a monsoon-fed river that flows north-south through Ahmedabad, bisecting the city into its western and eastern halves. •Initially, the river was the city‟s prime source of water. Nonetheless, the river continues to be important. It has provided space for cultural and recreational activities along the banks. •The wide, off-dry riverbed and riverbanks were used more extensively to launder clothes and to dye textiles. During the dry seasons, the river bed was used for farming. It also became a venue for other informal economic activities such as the „Ravivari‟- Sunday flea market. •Gradually, many of the city‟s migrant and poor population began to live in informal settlements on the river banks.
MAP OF INDIA SHOWING GUJARAT
LOCATION OF AHMEDABAD
• Regional Geography • At Ahmedabad, the river encompasses a total catchment area of 10,370 sq km, out of the total basin area of 27,820 sq km. • Until Dharoi dam was built in 1976 (approximately 200km upstream of Ahmedabad) the Sabarmati was prone to severe and frequent flooding. • The floods in the recent past that Ahmedabad has seen are discharges from Dharoi Dam- announced twelve hours in advance of the released water arriving in Ahmedabad. • Pre-project, the width of the river varied from 300m to 425m. • Vasna Barrage was built downstream of Ahmedabad in 1976 for water retention in Sabarmati and to divert water for irrigation through Fatehwadi Canal. • The Narmada Canal, which crosses the river a few kilometres upstream from the city, is part of a larger irrigation network.
Project Inception It has long been acknowledged that appropriate development of Ahmedabad‟s riverfront and the building of adequate infrastructure can turn the Sabarmati River into a major asset for the city and significantly improve the quality of life for all sections of its citizens. The Sabarmati Riverfront has the potential to create a singular identity for the city, bring people closer to water, bring back focus to the city center, and create city level social infrastructure and recreation facilities. 1997- Environmental Planning Collaborative, under the leadership of Dr. Bimal Patel (EPC) prepares the feasibility report for the project, and subsequently, SRFDCL appoints HCP Design and Project Management Pvt. Ltd. to lead the architectural, structural and urban design aspects of the project. The Sabarmati Riverfront Development has been envisaged as a comprehensive development of approximately 11 kilometres of length on both the banks of the Sabarmati River encompassing all its potentials as primary goals. The project approach is to bring about an overall environmental improvement, social upliftment and sustainable development along the Riverfront.
Land Use Map
Project Objectives The project aims to provide Ahmedabad with a meaningful waterfront environment along the banks of the Sabarmati River and to redefine an identity of Ahmedabad around the river. The project looks to reconnect the city with the river and positively transform the neglected aspects of the riverfront. The objectives of this multidimensional project can be categorised under three topicsEnvironmental Improvement: reduction in erosion and flood to safeguard the city; sewage diversion to clean the river; water retention and recharge. Social Infrastructure: rehabilitation and resettlement of riverbed dwellers and activities; creation of parks and public spaces; provision of socio-cultural amenities for the city. Sustainable Development: generation of resources, revitalisation of neighbourhoods.
The proposed Streets strengthen the transport network of the city. Street Network
Street network The project aims at making Ahmedabad‟s riverfront a public asset by reclaiming land and improving its overall accessibility. The provision of north-south linkages would strengthen the existing transportation network of the city. To better access the riverfront and facilities built along it, a number of streets leading up to the river are shall be strengthened and some new streets will be developed. Most of the proposed streets are under construction. The new streets are designed with wide footpaths and designated cycle tracks to improve and encourage pedestrian access to the river.
Recreational Facilities
Recreation The project aims to create a thriving, people-centric network of parks, waterside promenades, markets, cultural and recreational facilities in the heart of Ahmedabad, making the city‟s riverfront a public asset. The key feature of this project is a two-level, continuous promenade at the water‟s edge along each bank of the river. Together, these promenades provide Ahmedabad with a 11.5-km long pedestrian walkway in the heart of the city. Ghats punctuate the lower level promenade at planned intervals to provide access to the water. Boating Stations at the lower level enable water recreation and offer a water-based mode of public transport in the future. In addition, many new parks, gardens and sports facilities are being built on the reclaimed land. The parks shall enhance livability in the area that they are located in and strengthen the city‟s green network.
Development Sites
Development sites The project aims to be self-financing – to achieve its goals without relying on any funding from the government. A small portion of the reclaimed land will be sold for commercial development, to generate sufficient enough resources to pay for developing the riverfront and managing it. The private developments that will be built on the riverfront shall be carefully controlled by volumetric regulations to ensure that the built environment along the riverfront is harmonious and has a memorable skyline.
Amenities To provide new and improved amenities for the city and to include sections with particular needs, provision of markets and vending areas to include street vendors , laundry facilities for the washing community, trade and fair facilities for the business community have been made in the project. The project replaces a largely private riverfront with an expansive public realm with a network of parks, waterside promenades, markets, cultural institutions, recreational facilities and commercial developments for the city‟s five million residents.
River Promenade
River Promenade The key feature of this project is a two-level, continuous promenade at the water‟s edge along each bank of the river. The lower-level promenade is built just above the water level to serve pedestrians and cyclists, and to provide access to the water. The upper level promenade shall host a variety of public features at the city level.
Ghats at strategic location providing access to water
Facilities provided at the River Promenade include: • Access points from the city level via staircases and ramps at regular intervals and under every bridge. • Lifts or Elevators to make lower-level promenade accessible for people with disabilities. • Ghats at key locations to enable continuation of cultural activities. • Boating facilities with a boating station. • Public washrooms at regular intervals. • Concrete paved flooring which can support walking, jogging and cycling. • Circular concrete seating around the trees and provision of dustbins at regular intervals. • Platforms at regular intervals for regulated and organized vending activities.
Promenade provides a 12 km long walkway along the river.
Boating Stations in the Master Plan
Location of Ghats along the Promenade
Boating Stations
Ghats
Boating Stations have been provided at the lower-level River Promenade to enable recreational boating in the river as well as a water-based mode of public transport in the future.
Ghats punctuate the lower-level river promenade at planned intervals to provide access to the water.
Three boating stations have been completed so far.
These have been designed at strategic locations to enable continuation of cultural activities along the water.
East River Drive in the Master Plan
West River Drive in the Master Plan
East River Drive
West River Drive
•The eastern part of the city does not have a continuous artery such as Ashram Road on the west, which provides continuous north-south access.
•Along the western bank, Ashram Road forms a continuous north-south connection, and the SRFD streets weave in and out of the urban fabric creating connections where required.
•East River Drive addressed this need making it possible to travel uninterrupted from the airport, in the north, to Ambedkar Bridge.
• Ashram Road is undoubtedly the main vehicular artery in the western part of the city, and the SRFD streets provide alternative routes and strengthen the street network.
The SRFD streets on both the banks have a 25-30m Row. All SRFD streets have dedicated pedestrian paths with cycle tracks, parking bays, and 6 m/20ft wide carriageways. Access lanes on one or both sides of the streets provide entries to the existing development and when required, the proposed riverfront development. The infrastructure services run below the access lanes, and the storm water line runs below the central verge.
Parks and Plazas in the Master Plan
Parks & Plazas •The project devotes around seventy hectares, more than a quarter (26%), of the reclaimed land towards creating public spaces in the heart of the city. •These open spaces range from public parks and gardens to shaded plazas and urban forests. •The parks shall enhance liveability in the neighbourhoods and provide the city with much needed green spaces and respite from the dense built environment. •The plazas on the other hand will offer public places for social gatherings, and informal activities to take place.
River Front Park : Subhash Bridge
Flower Garden
Urban Forest: Paldi
•This garden has been envisioned as a venue for Ahmedabad‟s Annual Flower Show- an event for exhibition and sale of native and exotic species of plants and flowers.
•The proposed forest, downstream of the river is envisioned as a significant green resource for the city.
•Throughout the year, the garden shall serve as a neighbourhood park. Planning is underway for the garden. Area : 5.0 ha
•The site extends from Paldi to Vasna Barrage with a coverage of more than 10hectares. •Ambedkar Bridge divides the site into two. •The northern part of the site will act as neighbourhood park for the dense residential areas in Paldi while the southern part will be a developed as a city-level urban forest, a densely wooded area with a botanical garden. Area : 10.4 ha
Plaza: Gandhi Ashram
Heritage Plaza
•The series of wide steps that presently lead down from the Ashram, connect to the lower level-River Promenade.
•The plaza has been planned in integration with the River Promenade through a series of Ghats and platforms that step up to meet the fort wall.
•This space is envisioned as a multi-functional public space. • The visualizations show the transformation of the space into an amphitheatre, where the existing steps serve as seating, and the promenade and the river provide a backdrop for an enactment of Mahatma Gandhi‟s Salt Satyagraha.
•The multi-level simultaneously.
plaza
can
be
used
for
various
activities
•The lowest level of the plaza can be used by people walking or sitting by the water, the mid level as a theatre for street performances while the upper level provides a space for organized vending. • •The plaza shall largely be “hard landscape” with provisions for installation of sculptures, exhibits, pavilions that present the rich and diverse heritage of Ahmedabad, making it a central tourist destination for the city. Land Use : Open Space Area : 3.3 ha
Riverfront Market
Events Ground
•‘Ravivari’, the informal Sunday Market held under Ellis Bridge has been provided a new home near Gaekwad Haveli, right next to its previous location.
•The Events Ground has been planned to continue the tradition to host events and offer a wide range of venues for local as well as international events.
•It has been designed as an open air market with a functional arrangement of platforms and zones, where vendors can display and sell their goods.
•It includes stage with back-stage facilities, VIP Lounge, designated parking, zones for event halls, lawn area and lighting provision.
•The market has been provided with seating areas for visitors, public washrooms, multi-functional plazas, vehicular access and parking facilities
•Events will be carefully considered to provide a range of business, educational and recreational opportunities, which enhance the identity of the Sabarmati Riverfront and provide a vital source of income to SRFDCL.
Area : 6.5 ha
Area : 5.07 ha
Exhibition Centre
Laundry Campus
•Exhibition Centre is a trade-fair facility proposed on the eastern bank of the river, between Ellis Bridge and Sardar Bridge.
•A laundry campus has been created to provide state-of-the-art facilities for the washing community that traditionally used the river banks for laundering.
•It has been envisioned as a multifaceted convention venue with adaptable spaces that will be equipped with the latest technological equipments and state-of-the-art facilities. •With its strategic location in the heart of the city, the centre shall address the requirements of the exhibitors and visitors alike. Area : 5.7 ha
•The seven blocks on the campus have been provided with wet areas on the ground level and terraces are equipped for drying clothes. •These have also been provided with water and electrical supply with meters and drainage system Area : 0.9 ha
Sports Facilities in Master Plan
Pirana Sports Ground The proposed ground at Pirana aims to provide a multi-functional maidan on the eastern bank for informal sports and recreational uses. Area : 4.2 ha
Paldi Sports Complex The proposed complex near Paldi aims to provide city-level sports facilities on the western bank.
Sports Facilities Amongst the many public spaces and facilities, the project also offers three significant sports facilities. These facilities have been proposed with reference to its location in the city and the surrounding context. These range from a neighbourhood level facility at Shahpur to a city-level sports hub at Paldi and a cluster of grounds near Pirana for informal sporting activities.
Public Washrooms in Master Plan
Public Washrooms A number of public washrooms are being provided along the River Promenade and within Riverfront Market to cater to the needs of the visitors, vendors and general public. 14 number of public toilets are provided
ARCHITECT
SCALE
YEAR
CONTEXT
METROPOL PRASOL
AREA
POMPIDOU CENTRE
SABARMATI RIVER FRONT