Selected Works Urban Planning . Design Abhishek Behera Urban Planner . Urban Designer . Architect
January, 2017
People. Place. Time. Policy. Placemaking. Resiliency. The portfolio exemplifies collaborative nature of comprehensive planning that engages multiple disciplines in a holistic manner. The ideas of ‘People, Place, Time’, learnt as an architect, have been integrated into the realms of urban planning, and have now been broadened to include ‘Policy, Placemaking, Resiliency’.
All graphics presented in this portfolio have been created by the author unless otherwise mentioned.
Selected Works
Development and Conservation opportunities in North Central Florida Academic | Applied Planning Studio | Urban resiliency. Land conservation. Policy framework.
Urban interventions along proposed Lowline
Academic | Placemaking. Urban resiliency. Urban transformation. Advocacy.
Central Business District
Professional | Placemaking. Urban resiliency. Urban transformation. Transit oriented development. Advocacy. Policy framework.
Aji River Redevelopment
Professional | Placemaking. Waterfront. Urban resiliency. Water management. Urban transformation. Policy framework.
Vishwamitri Riverfront Development
Professional | Placemaking. Waterfront. Urban resiliency. Flood mitigation. Urban transformation. Policy framework.
Master plan integration for Sabarmati Riverfront Development
Professional | Placemaking. Waterfront. Urban resiliency. Corridor design. Design guidelines. Advocacy. Policy framework.
Bridge Under-space
Professional | Placemaking. Urban transformation. Advocacy.
Gabon Special Economic Zone
Professional | Community engagement. Economic development. Resiliency. Sustainability. Land conservation. Advocacy.
Mapping built heritage
Professional | Urban heritage. Conservation. Research. Advocacy.
NEW DELHI
School of Planning and Architecture
B.Arch (First Class) 2007-2012
PARIS
Ameller and Dubois Associates
Architecture Intern, June-July 2010
LIBREVILLE
Gabon SEZ, Olam Gabon (Olam International)
Project Architect (Project management), June-December 2012
NEW DELHI
Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH)
Architect (Heritage preservation), January-March 2013
AHMEDABAD ATLANTA
School of City and Regional Planning, Georgia Institute of Technology
MCRP, August 2015 - May 2017 (Anticipated)
HCP Design Planning & Management Pvt. Ltd.
Architecture Intern, March-July 2011 Project Architect (Urban Design), March 2013 - May 2015
ATLANTA
Memorial Drive Atlanta, Central Atlanta Progress
Planning Intern, May-August 2016 Atlanta City Studio, City of Atlanta
William F. Kennedy Fellow, August 2016 - Ongoing
Chicago New Delhi
Atlanta
Paris
Bikaner Ahmedabad Gandhinagar Rajkot Vadodara Bhuj
Lake City
Charleston
Andaman Is.
Libreville
Academic Works Professional Works Image Source: www.freebiesgallery.com
2010
IGBC Tree house design, Andaman Islands
WW II Museum Design Competition, Gdansk
Indo-European Cultural Center, New Delhi
Primary School, Nancy
Comparing historic and modern built pattern of Bikaner 2011
Affordable housing, Lucknow New Minister’s Complex, Gujarat Secretariat, Gandhinagar
2012
Urban interventions in Delhi Aerocity, New Delhi
Site development and urban design for SEZ, Nkok
Grief Needs Space - Thesis, New Delhi
Villa Ecologique and Bamboo cafeteria, Nkok Capacity building and community engagement, Libreville
2013
Mapping built heritage, Shahjahanabad, New Delhi Urban design elements for Sabaramti Riverfront, Ahmedabad PMD Nuclear Research Center - Campus master plan and building design, Vadodara Bhuj Lake precinct redevelopment, Bhuj
2014
Vishwamitri Riverfront Development, Vadodara Aji Riverfront Redevelopment, Rajkot CBD Local Area Planning and Design, Ahmedabad
2015
CBD development control regulations, Ahmedabad
Sidewalk and street trees improvement, Atlanta GA
Development control regulations for Sabarmati Riverfront, Ahmedabad 2016
ULI Hines Student Design Competition, Atlanta GA Urban Interventions along proposed Lowline, Charleston SC Envisioning improvements along Memorial Drive, Atlanta GA Memorial Greenway community engagement, Atlanta GA Atlanta City Design, Atlanta City Studio Development and Conservation opportunities in Florida, Lake City FL Comprehensive planning proposal for NPU-O, Atlanta GA
2017
ULI Hines Student Design Competition, Chicago IL
Development and Conservation opportunities in North Central Florida Georgia Tech - Applied Planning Studio (2016) Weyerhaeuser
100 year vision for the region to evolve as a model for land conservation and develop diverse and sustainable economic growth spread between new and old communities
Prepared the final compilation and graphical output of the final project report as presented to the client. Involved in research, and developing frameworks for policies for the proposed zones.
Our studio was contracted by Weyerhaeuser, a real estate investment trust, to develop, within a 100-year time-frame, alternative strategies for formulating alternative strategies for managing its 113,000-acre Lake Butler Forest properties in North Central Florida. Our strategies would function as a decision-making aid to guide the future development of the area, taking into account the pros and cons of our final strategies and the potential implications for adjoining landholdings and jurisdictions. In examining future development possibilities and evaluating potential alternative strategies, our team was asked to consider land use, economic development potential, urban design, transportation, and environmental factors to assess current conditions in the study area and identify relevant constraints and opportunities moving forward. The land holdings also form a key linkage for the proposed Osceola to Ocala corridor for animal and species movement. The studio focussed at keeping land conservation and environment protection as a primary goal and made necessary proposals revolving around the same. The final outcome identified 7 distinct zones within the land holding which were characterised by either their conservation or urbanisation elements that were driven by economic opportunities available in the region. Owing to a 100 year time frame, the Studio didn’t identify specific tracts of lands as per the character zones, however a framework of policies and guidelines were provided to help demarcate such areas in future based on the trends that would be prevalent then. Certain economic growth nodes along existing cities and towns were also identified based on the current socio-economic trends and possible futuristic uses and developments in agricultural practices and industries. Maps created as a team
Protected and resilient Sustainable economic environment development
Land development opportunities
Preserve and enhance the abundant natural resources in Weyerhaeuser’s land holdings to create a resilient ecosystem for humans and nature.
Explore Weyerhaeuser’s opportunities to create new developments that bolster economic growth respecting existing communities, while encouraging environmental conservation.
Create a resilient regional economy that enhances quality of life while bolstering and diversifying Weyerhaeuser’s portfolio.
Climate resiliency
Resilient economy
Development opportunities
Water management
Workforce development
Sustainable development
Natural connectivity
Regional development
New communities
Create land models for conservation that establish and improve local, regional, and state climate resiliency.
Prioritize water quality and quantity, ensuring water remains an exceptional resource for the region.
Enhance connectivity across the region, linking conserved lands and habitats to mitigate fragmentation.
Invest in promising industries and innovations that leverage skills essential for an adaptive and resilient economy of the twenty-first century and beyond.
Support regional initiatives that seek to create a more competitive workforce.
Encourage proactive regulatory frameworks that support regional economic prosperity.
Regional infrastructure
Promote expansion of regional services and amenities, such as high-speed Internet.
Innovations
Create an innovative yet authentic identity for the region based on existing strengths and development forces.
Expand real estate development to support population and economic growth, and encourage development in existing communities.
Identify priority areas for new developments considering existing infrastructure, natural amenities, and vibrant local communities.
Determine form and character of new developments given projected population growth, demographics of surrounding communities, and anticipated economic opportunities in the region.
Policy framework and guidelines for character areas
Graphic created as a team
LAND USE & ZONING
CORE CONSERVATION CORRIDOR
DOWNTOWN
Density
-
4 units/acre
Permissible uses
Conservation and restricted recreational uses (e.g., hiking and camping)
Mixed-use
Forestry and Agriculture
Forestry activities managed to limit impact to environment; agriculture not permitted
Forestry not permitted; small-scale urban agriculture encouraged (e.g., hydroponics and aquaponics)
Industrial activities
Industrial use not permitted
Industrial use as permitted by local zoning
Commercial
Commercial use not permitted
Commercial/Office
Civic buildings
-
Civic buildings (e.g.: schools, hospitals, libraries)
-
Balance of greenspace, plazas, and gathering spaces
Restricted public access determined by seasonal migration patterns
Encouraged
NA
Parks, Greenspace, plazas, and squares
1000' (mandatory)
75'
Acquisition based on migration patterns of endangered species. - Minimum of half-mile corridor - Design management guidelines to regulate human activities in and adjacent to the corridor
-
Parks and open spaces Public access to water bodies and open spaces URBAN DESIGN
Open spaces Water bodies buffer Protected habitat/ Corridors to be acquired
Wildlife passages Building form
Structural wildlife crossings where core conservation land meets roadways (mandatory) -
Attached buildings
Building components
-
Stoops and storefronts
Setbacks
-
No setbacks
No off-site advertising
Paved roads, lanes, and streets with sidewalks, street elements, shared bike lanes, street lighting, raised curbs, dedicated parking; no off-site advertising
Road type and quality
Urban Interventions along proposed Lowline, Charleston Georgia Tech - Land Conservation (2016) Friends of Lowline
re-imagining the unused rail corridor of the city as a public space connecting the city with the historic downtown which acts as an alternative transportation route that bridges the communities on both sides of the corridor
Involved in research and site analysis for the assigned section. Final presentation to client and photo montages.
As a part of a class project, the Lowline was divided up into 3 distinct character stretches. The portion our team dealt with was the central stretch connecting the Downtown to the northern portions of the city. This stretch has the Interstate running parallel to it and has the widest ROWs for the Lowline. It is characterised by low income and minority households in the communities that have been disconnected by the corridor. Other concerns included homelessness, vacant buildings, and stormwater drainage issues in the city as whole. The study focussed understanding the character of the neighborhoods and identifying activity centers within them that can form connections on both sides and help in revitalizing the area.
Existing unused rail corridor North of Downtown Charleston.
The studies and discussions with the clients helped in identifying the key goals and objectives for this project:
Social Interaction • Offer an opportunity for social interaction and provide a sense of community. • Reduce crime and illegal activity through regular use and high visibility of users. • Identify vacant lots and spaces to develop as assets for the communities.
Economic Development • Equitable distribution of resources. • Supporting communities and businesses through eco-tourism. • Controlled development to protect historically valuable neighborhoods and low income communities. • Providing overall quality of life.
Environment and Public Health • Storm water management to mitigate the seasonal flooding issues. • The “trail” as a micro-climate buffer between the built environments for local ecology. • Positive relationship between well-being, health, and green space.
Greenspace and Accessibility • Provide accessibility and connectivity to parks, schools, shopping and other facilities. • Enhance urban ecology by providing pathways for species movement. • Encourage physical activities through nonmotorized and alternative transportation modes. • Identify and augment connecting corridors as complete streets.
Proposed usage under the bridge spaces and edge of the neighborhoods
Central Business District, Ahmedabad, India HCPDPM, Ahmedabad (2014- 15) Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority (AUDA)
a new identity for a city to make it global and world class by integrating present and future developments to create an commercial, institutional, transportation and cultural hub
Involved in developing Local Area Plans for the development areas, that can be easily reproduced and accessed by the public, and in preparing form based codes and development guidelines for inclusion in Ahmedabad Master plan 2021.Participated in meetings with stakeholders and representatives from AUDA, exhibition, and public outreach.
Driven by the proposed metro corridor linking Gandhinagar and Ahmedabad, the CBD aims at developments that are to be realised based on 7 planning principles, over two or three decades. A new transport system in the city would force at looking at changes in the land use, land prices and the usability of spaces between the buildings. The proposal for central business district in Ahmedabad is along the Sabarmati riverfront. Developments in either of the projects are dependant and related to the other. Both the riverfront project and CBD would eventually be interlinked to each other by means of BRT or public transport systems and pedestrian walkability throughout the central urban core of the city. Renders created by Visualisation team at HCPDPM
Existing view along main arterial road in CBD
1
2
3
4
FSI increases from 1.0 to 5.4
Ground coverage increases from 21% to 46%
Getting to the center of the city in 30 minutes
Public space increases from 22% to 40%
To respond to the demand of more floor space, it is essential to increase the Floor Space Index (FSI) for a high density development
Efficient of ground utilization shall help increase the building coverage and public realm and hence improve land use
To achieve a vibrant, mixed-use, business and tourist destination, it is essential that the Central Business District is pedestrian friendly and well serviced by public transport services.
Successful CBDs have to be great places to conduct businesses and for people to work, relax and interact. They must be also be pedestrian friendly.
Increasing Floor Space
Improving Land Use
Improving Accessibility
Improving Streets
5
6
7
8
Increases from 6% to 30%
From 25 processes to 6 regulations
Enabling densification from 13.7 to 57.5 million sqft
Preparing Local Area Plan
Increasing the tree cover within the public realm will contribute greatly to improving the walkability within the CBD
Simplified Development Control Regulations (DCRs) will ensure predictable outcomes which will result in orderly development, better utilization of ground and usable public open spaces.
Local Area Planning framework will enable redevelopment and re-densification with supporting infrastructure to take place over time in the envisioned manner.
Mechanisms such as sale of additional FSI, Transfer of Development Rights (TDRs), and air rights shall help in financing the infrastructure development of the proposed CBD.
Improving Green cover
Simplifying Bye-laws
Robust Infrastructure
Financially Sustainable
Series of prototype diagrams explaining the process of execution of development controls within the CBD, increased FSI, and TDR
Implementation of CBD by Local area plans integrating existing with proposed transport networks
The CBD has been envisioned as a pedestrian friendly, non-restrictive walkable zone. In comparison about 40% of the land under CBD is proposed to be pedestrian. The guidelines that have been formulated have been divided as ‘Planning Regulations’ and ‘Performance Regulations’. They cumulatively look at creation of a continuous obstacle free arcade along the major roads of the CBD. The size and volume prescribed by the proposed guidelines would lead to a formulated but haphazard street edge and urban character. In order to achieve a desired urban form that gives a character and identity to the stretch the development regulations were proposed in such a manner that they aren’t stringent yet, follow an order and give the flexibility to the architect to experiment with designs. The project was later curated as an exhibition titled ‘Center of Ahmedabad’.
Excerpt from General Development control regulations explaining the creation of a public realm within the CBD
Aji River Redevelopment, Rajkot City, India HCPDPM, Ahmedabad (2014- ) Rajkot Municipal Corporation
an environmentally, socially and financially sustainable river front that is diverse with context specific solutions, inclusive and integrated with the larger city development
Co-authored 4 stage feasibility and comprehensive master plan document, coordinated with stakeholders, elected representatives, from City of Rajkot offices, hydraulic and geo-technical consultants, and design team. Process included community engagement and outreach.
The 7 mile (approximately 11km) stretch of river flowing within the city limits of Rajkot is subject to industrial effluents and city wastes that are fed into it untreated. The river redevelopment project looks at aspects of cleaning the river and developing it as an asset for the city. It being seasonal river with a very high gradient of 25m in the stretch is a major concern for water management in the project. The river edge, existing road networks, infrastructure etc. shall be developed along with the proposed streets and bridges, parks, public spaces and the urban blocks with defined land use - with a well articulated development guidelines and regulations. Development of land banks and their sale will eventually fund the project making it financially sustainable. Renders created by Visualisation team at HCPDPM
Existing river bed of Rajkot
Existing Barrage 1 Bridge
Development as per special Regulations
Proposed pedestrian Bridge
Existing Infrastructure Bridge
Undeveloped areas along the downstream of river with dense vegetation shall be developed by proposing special development guidelines and integrating with proposed Town Planning schemes. The river edge would be planned as a natural edge with minimum interventions.
Bridge proposed in Development Plan Existing River ownership boundary
River Edge: Natural edge with deck
Riverfront Park
Riverfront Park
Central Barrage cum Prison Bridge
Development as per special Regulations
Railway Bridges
Existing Bridge
River Edge: Historic embankment wall
Pedestr Bridge
The river along the old city area had been ‘developed’ by the former rulers of the city. A 1km long stone embankment wall runs along both the banks of the river. This stretch of stone wall shall be preserved and wider walkway promenade shall be provided to accommodate informal activities like seasonal chilly markets etc. that are prevalent in the old city area.
Rajkot Railway station and precinct area Redevelopment
Riverfront Park
River Edge: Natural drain Pitched development surfaces
Access to Lower promenade
rian
Existing Bridge
In situ slum redevelopment
Barrage cum Bridge
In situ slum redevelopment
River Edge: River Edge: Pitching Retaining wall
Natural drain development
Aji River
Developments proposed shall integrate and redevelop existing infrastructure and service corridors of the city. Proposed barrages shall be integrated with the existing transportation network. Natural drains letting sewage into the river would be curbed and the area along the length shall be developed as public spaces
Existing temple, of historic importance, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is located in the middle of river bed forming an island, which is accessed by pedestrian bridges. The proposal includes redevelopment of the temple and adjacent areas by raising the plinth and redirecting the course of river around the temple
Proposed informal market
Check Dams Temple area River Edge: Natural drain Garden redevelopment Steps development Redevelopment
River Edge: Natural Edge
Existing Bridge
Urban Forest
Aji Dam 1
Aji Dam 1 is the first dam out of the 4 dams constructed over the river. It acts as a source of drinking water for the city and nearby areas. Areas lying in the immediate downstream of the dam shall be retained and developed as urban forest with almost zero intervention that would act as recreational zone for the citizens
Land available after relocation of slums that had encroached into the river boundary shall be developed into commercial and cultural districts of the city in coherence with the surrounding precinct areas. Revenue generated with the sale of land shall fund the project aiming for a financial sustainability.
Existing Bridge
Riverfront Natural drain Proposed Park development Vehicular Bridge
Proposed Pedestrian Bridge
Development as per special Regulations
Existing Bridge Tributary to Aji River
Due to water scarcity, a series of check dams and barrages have been proposed at strategic locations in order to retain water in them. They have been designed in such a manner that the city is protected from floods and when required the structures can be integrated with the transportation network and double up as vehicular or pedestrian bridges. Structures and buildings of heritage and cultural importance for the city have also been retained and integrated with the river redevelopment master plan. A temple structure and historic embankment walls have been retained and necessary preventive measures have been proposed to reduce further deterioration. Aji River Redevelopment Project, Rajkot - Feasibility Study: Part 04 - Schematic Master Plan
Longitudinal Section
Existing Longitudinal Section by Hydraulics 1250 Cumecs
Longitudinal section of Aji river showing bed gradient, HFL in natural and constricted condition for observed flood of Dt 8/08/2007 with HFL 116.29 at Kesar e Hind bridge.
Proposed Longitudinal Section
HCP Design Planning & Management Pvt. Ltd., Ahmedabad
The strategy of providing a series of barrages and check dams provides flexibility in phasing of the project and as well as in water replenishment strategies from the neighboring treatment plants (STPs). The water from these plants will address the evaporation losses of the water retained in the river, and will replenish the river in order to maintain water in the river throughout the year.
Vishwamitri River front Development, Vadodara City, India HCPDPM, Ahmedabad (2014- ) Vadodara Municipal Corporation
riverfront development as a catalyst for integrated socioeconomic growth of a city addressing flood mitigation, environment protection and historic preservation
Assisted in preparing 4 stage feasibility and comprehensive master plan document, interacted with stakeholders, elected representatives, and hydraulic and geo-technical consultants,
The 10 mile (approximately 16km) stretch of river flowing within the city limits of Rajkot is subject to industrial effluents and city wastes that are fed into it untreated. The river redevelopment project looks at aspects of cleaning the river and developing it as an asset for the city. It being seasonal river with a very high gradient of 25m in the stretch is a major concern for water management in the project. The river edge, existing road networks, infrastructure etc. shall be developed along with the proposed streets and bridges, parks, public spaces and the urban blocks with defined land use - with a well articulated development guidelines and regulations. Development of land banks and their sale will eventually fund the project making it financially sustainable. Renders created by Visualisation team at HCPDPM
Existing river bed of Rajkot
Maps created by the team
Master plan Integration, Sabarmati Riverfront Development, Ahmedabad, India HCPDPM, Ahmedabad (2013- ) Sabarmati River Front Development Corporation Limited (SRFDCL)
integrating urban infrastructures with one another, creating a better livable user friendly city by providing public spaces and amenities through sustainable practices
Involved in coordination with technical consultants for preparation of working drawings, preparing conceptual plans and sketches, deriving and writing volumetric bye-laws, and documentation and archiving.
Updated master plan of the Sabarmati riverfront development prepared as part of exhibition at Victoria Albert Museum in London.
Street design and urban design elements for upper promenade Bus Stop
Seating
Pedestrian Walkway
Typical road layout for Sabarmati Riverfront
Dedicated Cycle Track
The Sabarmati riverfront has two important elements to it, the continuous lower promenade walkway, and the upper promenade which is connected to the reclaimed areas and the city at large. The street elements proposed for the road along the river on the upper promenade, have been designed to have: •
Universal accessibility with disabled friendly elements like beepers etc.,
•
Better user connectivity in the form of bus stops and dedicated cycle tracks,
•
Well lit pedestrian walkways,
•
Improved parking bays to maintain a clear carriageway
•
Shaded seating, tactile flooring, kiosks etc..
Parking for Vehicles
Ramps & Bollards for universal accessibility
Well-lit walkways
Bus stop variants, designed to facilitate maximum users in a limited space. Hinged seats, display and announcement panels have been used.
Interactive bus shelter facilitating better transport systems
Central Verge
Access Road
Flower Garden
Sabarmati River
Upper Promenade
Proposed Wharf
Lower Promenade
The Flower Garden along the Sabarmati riverfront is aimed at creating a permanent venue for the annual ‘Flower Show’. This reclaimed land lies vacant along the year except the time when the show is hosted. This project aims at creating a ‘softer’ public space for the citizen to not only enjoy the river but also the greens.
Sabarmati River
Topiary
Lower Promenade
Flower Bed
Lily Pond
Upper Promenade
Pathways
Themed Court
Seating Plaza Flowering trees
Flower Garden
Access Road
The garden has been subdivided into four major zones: •
the tree grove (as a noise barrier),
•
the themed plaza,
•
the seasonal flower beds, and
•
the green lawns along the upper promenade.
Lawns
Flower Beds
Themed Courts
Tree Grove
Tree Grove
Main Road
Volumetric development control regulations Various land developments identified along both banks of the riverfront development have been categorized as commercial, institutional, and mixed-use. In order to preserve and maintain a distinct urban form of the city, special general and volumetric guidelines have been prepared for the 42 new plots. The factors taken into consideration for creating a ‘skyline’ include the immediate context both current and future, location, building heights based on the flight paths etc.. Parking requirements - surface and underground, infrastructure, and services have also been addressed in the regulations.
Bridge under-space Redevelopment, Ahmedabad, India HCPDPM, Ahmedabad (2013- 14) Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority (AUDA)
a negative unused urban waste space created by design itself to be redesigned as a community asset, by making the spaces commercially and publicly viable
Assisted in designing and detailing 2 out of 4 identified projects in the city. Coordinated with preparing 3D visuals and execution drawings based on inputs from various consultants.
Renders created by Visualisation team at HCPDPM
School
Existing graveyard
Improved sidewalk
Parking space for 2-wheeler vehicles
Hard surface play area
Children’s play area (Visualization below)
Seating area
Night shelter
Bridges and flyovers create vast continuous stretches of un-utilised spaces under them These ‘realms’ are generally unplanned and slowly end up as haphazard parking, encroachments and garbage dumps.
Proposed activities intended under an existing bridge
Revitalisation of few such spaces was proposed in Ahmedabad, keeping in mind the immediate context of the spaces, their existing (mis)use and traffic movement patterns. Each of the bays created by the columns have designated activities at the neighbourhood level. These re-vitalised spaces would be active and well lit that would consequently lead to creation of safer stretches especially for women and children. These stretches have been reclaimed by adding public facilities such as parking stands, toilets, parks and local vending opportunities through kiosks.
Residential
Jain Temple
Railway tracks
Residential
Seating area
Drawings prepared for construction of the Seniors’ activity area
Vending kiosk (Visualization on previous page)
Rickshaw parking
Seniors’ activity area
Gabon Special Economic Zone, Nkok Libreville, Gabon Olam Gabon, Olam International, Libreville (2012)
integrating community engagement, skill development, and environmental protection in achieving a holistic economic growth in a sustainable manner for the region
Involved in community participation and capacity building of workers for new jobs and techniques, coordination with contractors and site engineers, development of urban design and site beautification, client interaction, and sustainable environmental protection.
With an aim for economic and industrial growth in the country, the GSEZ predominantly includes industrial uses along with commercial, residential, and mixed uses. Land preparation on the site led to tons of unused mud exposed to unmanaged stormwater management. New techniques were introduced such as ‘Hydroseeding’ of sloped areas to prevent run off during heavy equatorial rains. Construction of mud structures using modern reinforcement methods were also introduced on the site and involved skill development and capacity building of the workers on site. Along with providing primary education and healthcare, extensive community participation measures were carried out in the neighboring villages and towns to facilitate the execution of such a large scale project.
Excerpts from article published in Journal ‘Indian architects Builders’ February 2013
Mapping built heritage, Shahjahanabad, New Delhi, India Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) Delhi Chapter, New Delhi (2013), Government of India
documenting the past glory of the Islamic Sultanates to the colonial British raj with an aim to recognize the past heritage in the current world
Conducted extensive site study and documentation for a dossier to be part of Delhi’s ‘Imperial Capital Cities’ nomination for UNESCO’s World Heritage City status for Delhi.
Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) is a leading agency in its field which is lauded by UNESCO and the Aga Khan Trust. The Delhi Chapter of the agency has been working around Delhi’s nomination as a UNESCO World Heritage City. A part of the nomination involves immense documentation exercise of the Mughal era walled city of Delhi - Shahjahanabad. Extensive site studies were carried out to list heritage structures in various forms of decay in the Old City area, and were later analysed based on their architectural styles and value. The inventories prepared have been compiled as a publication, and are a part of the municipal records as well as the nomination dossier to be sent to UNESCO.
Excerpts from final publications
People. Place. Time.
ABHISHEK BEHERA MCRP candidate, 2017
School of City and Regional Planning, Georgia Institute of Technology
William F. Kennedy Fellow
Atlanta City Studio, City of Atlanta beherabhishek@gatech.edu beherabhishek@gmail.com +1 (678) 467-1518
1270, West Peachtree Street NW, Apt. 19C Atlanta GA 30309
Policy. Placemaking. Resiliency