Urban Design Portfolio

URBAN DESIGN PORTFOLIO

Arnav Prakash CEPT UNIVERSITY

संकष ् प े // noun EN: The Brief

These are selected projects which were a part of the academic curriculum and office-internship. The project delved on various topics such as ecology, livability, sustainability, policy & governance, social & political forces, spaces of public activities, socio-economic conditions, tenure insecurity, civic infrastructure and basic human needs. The projects are built on human-centric approach where a dialogue could be established to address their needs,

01 02 03 04 05

Urban Policy & Regulations Social Life of Indian Public Spaces Designing Water Infrastructure for Civic Expression Iterations Urban Habitat

CONTENTS

01

Urban Policy & Regulations

Site: Mumbai, Maharashtra.

The planning regulations and control measures should take into account the basic needs of its people. This majorly includes the public realm which has been secluded from the system of development planning.

The streets which outline the nucleus of the public realm is a space with a vivid diversity in it. People majorly utilise it for activities like walking, vending and parking which is a part of their everyday routine. The planning framework has not substantially intervened to strengthen it and has significantly affected the lifestyle of people.

१०/-

परेल कटिंग चहा

Ecology Driven

Negotiable Neighbors

An attempt to reduce the disparity amongst the citizens and carve public spaces that they can call as their ‘OWN’.

Carving the Streets

The key idea is to invest the resources in the public domain and build public spaces that are available to everyone and helps in improving the lifestyle of the common man.

Concept

The current Development Plan should have strategies related to open spaces that are publicly accessible. These should also include major transit nodes that connect such spaces.

The Mill lands

~ 7.3 Ha.

~ 13 Ha.

Policies for Vacant Mill lands -The entire mill land is to be developed in public interest. 50% of the plot area would be given for amenities and it would also accommodate social housing in rest of the 50% of the plot area.

-Mill lands could also be utilized to create pedestrian and NMT friendly environment and introduce new streets that provide better mobility facility. like public housing, health care , recreational spaces, NMT facility, etc.

-Thoroughfare to be provided to access various other opportunity spaces across the site and faster mobility.

-There would be no hard edges at the plot boundaries for better porosity and visual access from the adjoining streets.

02

Social Life of Indian Public Spaces

Site: Ahmedabad City Paan (Betel Leaf) vendors are a common sight within the city fabric. The consumption of paan masala is extensive in India and has developed into a culture, existing over decades. The tradition has transformed the use of spaces near the paan vending kiosks which also function as a space for social interaction in the Indian context.

Excerpt- 03

The book titled ' Social life of Indian public spaces' is expected to publish this year, which was a core part of my internship.

Excerpt- 02

In the Part II of this book, paan wallahs from the neighbourhoods of Navrangpura, Naranpura, Zaveriwad, Usmanpura, Vastrapur and Sunrise park are studied.

The paan wallahs were selected on the basis of their spatial organization and temporal nature of the space along with understanding relations with civic infrastructure and shade.

Excerpt- 01

Ahmedabad, has many such spaces with straking differences and similarities contributing towards the social fabric of the city. The contested spaces on the streets are being occupied by the paan vendors, through strong negotiations of space with the pedestrians and local authorities.

0.5

Threaded Iron Shaft x 1

Recycled Rubber Sheet x 1

Nut x 4 - Bolt x 6

125m 2010

Recycled Rubber Sheet x 1

SPINNER

TOOLS

ASSEMBLY

15mm

7.5 mm

s5

Pipe x 1

0.5

m

20mm 0.5

64

WF n3

n4

n5

water body // WB water flow // WF

128

D8 POUR MODEL

16

n2

N

8

1

2 4

Threaded Iron Shaft x 1

Recycled Rubber Sheet x 1 Nut x 2 - Bolt x 4

Recycled Rubber Sheet x 1

20mm 0.5

m

20 mm

Nut x 4 - Bolt x 6

Recycled Rubber Sheet x 1

SPINNER

SPINNER

WHEELIE

ASSEMBLY

FRONT-YARD

TOOLS

ASSEMBLY

0.1 m

0.3 m

TOOLS

0.3 m

Recycled Rubber Discs x 12

1.5m

Pipe x 1

Thin Bamboo

Clamp Set x 1

Coconut Fibre Rope

15mm

7.5 mm

The WHEELIE can be mounted easily at the terrace near the spout. The velocity of rain-water would be reduced through the collision of water with the re-cycled rubber sheet. The slow-moving water can then be retained or detained according to the proximity of a local water body. Alternatively, the device can also be used as a bird feeder during dry seasons.

Wall Mount Parapet Mount

0.7 m

Wall Mount Parapet Mount

Climber Plants (Pothos)

Threaded Iron Shaft x 2

TOOLKIT

20mm m 0.5

20 mm

Nut x 2 - Bolt x 4

Installation

Recycled Rubber Sheet x 1

SPINNER

WHEELIE

1930 2015 population

WB WF WB

NARMADA WATERSHED

internal drainage

32

n1

m

20 mm

slope

m5

Clim

Threaded Iron Shaft x 2

30 mm

0.6 m 0.6 m

m4

0.7 m

20 mm

15mm

m3

Thi

Clamp Set x 1

Support Clamp x 2

7.5 mm

m2

ASSEMBLY

ASSEMBLY

0.3 m

0.3 m

0.3 m

TOOLS

WHEELIE

1.5m

m1

m

20 mm

0.6 m

s4

30 mm

0.6 m

0.5

Clamp x 2

s3

m

0.6 m

Recycled Rubber Discs x 12

s2

F

20 mm

15mm

20mm

WHEELIE

s1

ASSEMBLY

Support Clamp x 2

7.5 mm

77% consumed 135 MLD

W

0.3 m

0.3 m

watershed runoff m3/s

nava vaddaj

paldi

sabarmati

20,717 sources

50 2

ASSEMBLY

0.3 m

85m 1970

100 10

TOOLS

0.6 m

Clamp x 2

0.1 m

surface water 1215 MLD

250 20

stadium

WB

238.42

vasna

east

gandhigram

275.3

naranpura

west

groundwater

rainfall average (mm)

271.6

WF

SABARMATI WATERSHED

500 50

navrangpura

244.2

flow direction

MAHI WATERSHED

The project aims at understanding the reasons and impacts of water, through the realm of water-logging using GIS hydrology toolset. Despite the city having lakes in abundance, the dearth of waterlogging chokes the city and affects its mobility along with issues pertaining to water contamination and groundwater recharge. Sustainable solutions to restrict the loss of water, by sensitizing the users and tapping the resource would safeguard the regions under water-stress.

The speculation involves channelizing the stormwater from potential locations and improvising the ground-water table for future consumption. The growth in the city fabric has reduced the rate of ground-water recharge considerably which presses upon the urgent need for water conservation.

WHEELIE

central

Site: Watersheds of Rivers (Sabarmati, Mahi & Narmada) Rapid growth of population within the city has given thriving opportunities for construction activiites which significantly alter the drainage patterns and natural topography. The increasing impervious cover has resulted in decrease of water percolation which increases the intensity of stormwater flows. The unhindered and unfiltered water causes ecological damage.

273.1 north-west 271.4 south

HYDROLOGICAL ANALYSIS

Deriving Toolkit

1400 130

north

catchment area (Ha)

Designing Water Infrastructure for Civic Expression

Mapping Ahmedabad Flood zones

03

soaked-soared

94000 85000 72000

77 59

Asarva 15,982 m2

Memnagar 13,556 m2

Vastrapur 19,501 m2

Isanpur 34,579 m2

Thaltej 21,657 m2

493.12 Ha flood vulnerable zone 15% west zone

Wall Mount Parapet Mount

TOOLKIT

Kankaria 2,90,785 m2 The WHEELIE can be mounted easily at the terrace near the spout. The velocity of rain-water would be reduced through the collision of water with the re-cycled rubber sheet. The slow-moving water can then be retained or detained according to the proximity of a local water body. Alternatively, the device can also be used as a bird feeder during dry seasons.

FRONT-YARD

lakes area Wall Mount Parapet Mount

The SPINNER slows the rapid velocity of rainwater from the terrace and reduces it to gentle trickles of water. These can be utilized to channelize the stormwater to storage units. The storage units can be located at the terraces, balconies and housing typologies which have the provision of underground tanks can utilize them for harvesting rainwater. The storage units can also be used as storage and seating space.

Wall Mount Independent Structure

The FRONT-YARD helps in making green spaces at different levels of a building. The dense growth of pothos turns the large volume of rainfall into a mild mist which creates a soothing environment. This also helps in reducing the temperature of the building and transpiration helps in maintaining the micro-climate. Places with dense urban fabric can utilize this toolkit to reduce the negative impact of stormwater.

The Beginning An individual household utilizes water for different activities and levels. The terrace can contribute towards harvesting the rainwater by slowing down the rainwater and allowing it to percolate into the soft-ground. The same could also be collectively harvested and utilized in the neighborhood to collectively help in reducing the stress on groundwater.

Anti-Gravity The consumption of groundwater has increased in waterstressed areas. The cycle of water in urban scenarios is incomplete in terms of volume.

The extraction of groundwater in water-stressed is not compensated with the recharge, The upside-down scenario can be resolved through effective conservation.

JAMUN TREE

NEEM TREE

The settlement on the edge would be the direct beneficiary of the lake and the positive relationship established would help in the maintenance of the lake and its edge. The increased accessibility would focus on connecting the site to a wider context of the city.

ASOPALAV TREE Wide foliage with with fragrant flowers Herbs help in curing menstrual problems Lowers the environmental problems in summers 5

Trees with flowers that attract insects Aromatic fragrance of flowers Evergreen with wide spread branches

PEEPAL TREE

GULMOHAR TREE Wide branches provide ample shade Flowers widely used for making incense sticks and other fragrant products Bright flowers attract birds and bees

lakes (2000) Detoriation in number and quality due to exploitation of environment .

34.74

lakh hectares of wetlands State has largest area of wetlands amongst other states in the country.

17.56% Area of wetlands

of the state’s geographic area.

Release of substantial funds for lake conservation by government No waste dumping, sewage release and open defecation in & around the lake Beautification projects which tamper the ecology are not implemented Neighbourhood residents are major stakeholders of the lake

PROPOSITIONS

2001

April Verdict Restricting construction activities close to lake.

2002

May Verdict Challenged by the builders, the demand of reducing the distance for construction to 9m

Using DEWATS system for fitration of waste water Maintaining natural edges of the lakes to protect the native flora and fauna Spreading public awareness about ecological damage due to environmental exploitation Regular monitoring of water bodies for quality and quantity checks

15 m

CHAMPA TREE

Easy regeneration and faster growth Grows in all types of soil conditions Improves soil structure and helps in binding it

137

These need to be in place for my propositions to work Judgements by the court in favour of waterbodies are not challenged Political pressure for biased gains are eleminated

Restricting encroachment to stop depletion of riparian zone Replacing concrete edges with Bioswales or Vegetated swales to recharge groundwater

Water Stress

Channel Diversion

Water Use

Pollutants

1/3 Global population are experiencing water stress

Diversion of water for agriculture and industrial purpose destroys hydro ecology

Less than 1% of global water is available for direct Human consumption such as drinking

Pollutants discharged into lakes without treatment contaminate freshwater

rd

National Green Tribunal

Supreme Court

NLCP & NWCP

ATREE

Directive to prohibit discharge of domestic & industrial effluents into lakes

Directive to protect wetlands by preventing encroachment and construction close to water bodies

The two institutions engaged with lakes and wetlands are releasing funds for conservation purpose

Launches pollution sensors to quantify dumping

Gujarat High Court prohibits construction activities within 9 metres of the lake 23 member wetlands panel made for conservation and management purpose Protection laws passed by court but not monitored on a regular basis S.C.A filed in 2000 directs removal of unauthorised structures near water bodies Encroachment at the edges of lakes suresses the growth of riparian zone Identification of lakes still an issue for the local & state authorities

GLOBAL

0

Lake Edge Condition

The future possibilities are explored through participatory exercises-photocollage, walking interview, group dialogue and observation helped in understanding the relationship between informal settlements and government stakeholders. The design proposal involved the restoration of biodiversity, which was lost during the recent developments at the edge of the lake. It would help in bringing back the purpose of the lake as a local catchment area that would provide water to the residents.

Anti-fungal and bacterial properties Rich in vitamin-C and provides shade Purifies air and reduces level of toxin from air

lakes (1960) Important source of water for drinking purposes.

NATIONAL

Lakes have been an integral part of the ecosystem and contribute towards being a natural catchment area. The premise of the project is laid upon understanding the scenario of a lake which is about to get completely dried up due to recent developments. The lake is surrounded by slums and is currently being used as a dumping site, creating an unhealthy environment.

ASSUMPTIONS

204

LOCAL

Site: Memnagar Lake, Ahmedabad

LAKES OF AHMEDABAD

Tall growing trees which offer dense shade Wood obtained from the tree are water resistant Aromatic and fruit bearing tree

Iterations

Socio-Political Impact & Analysis

04

TREES

05

Permeability

Ground floor connectivity

Privacy

Reduced energy consumption

Connected Open Spaces

Restricted Vehicular movement

Amenities easily accessible

Commercial spaces

Urban Habitat

Site: Prahladnagar, Ahmedabad Housing has been a necessity but a healthy lifestyle associated with it is often considered to be a dream for many. Through this project, the idea is to explore the possibilities of a community-based living that is diverse and robust. It accommodates the basic needs of people and enhances their way of living through additional provisions which are equally distributed.

A

1

2

3 3

C

0

20

1

1

E

B

2

2

1

2

2

3

3 3

3

1

1

D

F

1

G’

G

1

3

2

1

2

H’

H

1

1

E’

B’

1

3 2

2

1

2

2

3

3

3

3 2

2

3

D’

1

A’

3

3

F’

1

3 2

2

1

C’

60m

EAST WING

The proposed housing project is an attempt to amalgamate the neighborhood through a wide variety of spaces. The spaces are interactive in nature and are utilized to fulfill the needs of the residents, both within the society as well as the entire neighborhood. The current scenario reflects that there is a lack of environment where an individual can live, work and play.

The design connects different opportunity urban spaces to make the habitat self-sufficient by having residences, workspace and leisure spaces in close proximity. The art and culture center is centrally located since it would essentially help in creating a learning opportunity by bringing together different cultures. It would also promote cross-culture and varied art activities.

2

A

CENTRAL WING

B 1:Card/Chess room 2:Yoga room 3:Temple

1::Mini theatre 2:Table tennis 3:Meditation room

456: Community space

LIVE WORK PLAY

456: Community space

D

C

Area: 1,3,4,6 80 sq. m.

WEST WING

E

2,5 120 sq. m.

G 1::Snooker/pool 2:Squash 3:Play area

1::Temple 2:Gym 3:Multipurpose room

4::Music room 5:Squash 6:Dance room

4::Gaming room 5:Yoga room 6:Table tennis

F

1::Medical store 2:Gym 3:Creche

1::Play area 2:Provisional store 3:Senior citizen room

456: Community space

456: COMMUNITY SPACE

H 1::Multimedia room 2:Badminton 3:Mini library 4::Workspace 5:Badminton 6:Office

1::Meditation room 2:Sauna/spa 3:Board games 4::Workspace 5:Sauna/spa 6:Art room

Arnav Prakash arnav.prakash.bud16@cept.ac.in

a visualization of the Pol houses sharing water infrastructure