Ahmedabad consists of two distinct eastern and western regions which are physically separated by the Sabarmati River. The old city of Ahmedabad is characterized by bustling markets, the pols of closely clustered buildings and numerous monuments. With the coming of the railway around 1860, development began to spill over towards the northwest and southwest of the walled city. This also resulted in the industrial and residential development across the western side of Sabarmati River. Construction of 5 bridges accelerated this development.
During this period, the areas such as Thaltej, Bopal, Shilaj were nothing but small villages with large agricultural lands surrounding these villages.
Gradually new modern buildings and new business districts centered on roads such as Asharam road, CG road and SG highway located on the western side of Sabarmati River. The western part i.e. the areas such as Thaltej, Bopal, Shilaj started developing between 1951-1960.
As the developments was spreading and with increase in density, the ratio of agricultural land reduced from 60% to 30% approximately. The reason behind this
The focus of the project is to reform the three fabrics of the and social fabric .
was migration of people inBuilt searchfabric, of land forenvironmental residential purpose. fabric Thaltej including
THALTEJ AND ITS ENVIRONS A N U R B A N D E S I G N I N T E RVE N T I O N S T U D I O AT TH A LTE J , AH M E D A B A D Thaltej ward w.r.t Ahmedabad city
Methodology: Analysis, Inferences and recommendations through primary surveys, study of different layers of the area and compiling data formulating required drawings as a team work. Designing of master plan was based on a theme of ‘Reformation’ was under my scope of work. Also to analyze Commercial activities and typologies which ended into preparing commercial land use plans, built up plans and final report.
Existing Built vs. Open plan of Thaltej
Location : Ahmedabad / Gujarat Type / Year : Urban Design Project_ May 2016 An Axonometric view of master plan with proposed reformed areas in color other than grey
Informal settlements Lakes forming an environmental fabric Gamtal area holding a social fabric of the area Newly Development areas PVR Junction
Programmatic elements reformed in Master plan
1. ‘Chawk’ – Traditional Indian social gathering space
2. Development of Commercial street
VISION STATEMENT :
3. Relationship between lake, people and built
“Correlating different urban fabrics essential for people; through organization of heterogeneous public spaces.”
In comparison with current context the reformed plan and the reformation idea includes correlation of diverse urban spaces i.e. connection and organization of spaces having different function and character to make it act as a whole rather than parts. This vision of reformation results in making spaces more meaningful for people to connect amongst themselves as well as their connection with spaces and environment.
4. Lake edges
There are set of heterogeneous public spaces which have different function and character but come together as a whole because of its organization and interconnection establishing a strong Reformed jogging path around the lake in
relationship of spaces to other spaces. No-Built zone
5. Informal settlements
Public amenities around lake
Landscaped areas around lake
Reformed existing lakes