THE KOLSHET COLLECTIVE PROTOTYPE FOR REVIVAL OF SHARED SPACES IN THANE CITY
SURAJKUMAR NANDAKUMAR
POLITECNICO DI MILANO, FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE AND SOCIETY URBAN PLANNING AND POLICY DESIGN
MATRICOLA: 780544 THESIS SUPERVISOR: ANTONELLA BRUZZESE APRIL, 2014
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I
owe my profound gratitude to my parents and brother who made it possible for me to experience this master’s program and consequent thesis. Their support and unconditional trust made this journey a much cherished experience. Above all, I owe the most to Professor Antonella Bruzzese, the thesis guide for the master’s project. Clarity has been the norm from the moment she came onboard. She has been pivotal in driving order into the maze of critical issues that riddle Thane city. Her timely advice and diligent guidance has induced structured simplicity in my arguments. I also want to extend my gratitude to Joel Roy, my friend and my mentor, without him this book was a distant dream. His constructive feedback, attention to detail, frequent edits and perseverance were crucial in putting together this thesis. I am immensely grateful for the time and patience that he set aside for the project. The project was impossible without my loving wife Deepshikha Jain who gave me the courage and absolute priority above all else. Her contribution in photographs allowed me to convey the reality of the project gracefully and coherently. Her comments, edits and advice have been critical in framing the argument that forms the core of the thesis. I am deeply grateful to Namita Goel who always been there to refine and most often define my work. Her careful copy editing has held book together and I have no words to thank her for it. I heartily thank Professor Alessandro Balducci for helping me immensely in structuring my thoughts. I am deeply thankful for his guidance and suggestion during the initial phases of the thesis. I cannot forget Danny D’silva for his infectious energy and his pep talks that kept me motivated throughout the thesis. The success and final outcome of this project required a lot of guidance and assistance from many people and I am extremely fortunate to have got this all along the completion of my thesis work. All images unless mentioned are ©Deepshikha Jain. (www.deepshikhajain.com)
“What is the city but the people?� - William Shakespeare Coriolanus
FOREWORD
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his thesis looks at building a sense of community through public shared spaces, wherein the societal fabric is fractured by dearth of collective spaces, numerous gated communities and eroding life in Thane city. Proximity to now expensive and stifling Mumbai, coupled with availability of developable land and better transit infrastructure; once a heavy industrial and a small residential town Thane, has now emerged as a preferred residential destination, among neighbouring municipalities like Navi Mumbai (New Bombay) and Mira-Bhayandar. To assess the quality of life contributed by the recent developments, I have applied six principles of habitability designed to address the complex issue of housing conditions in Milan urban region as benchmark to improve the interaction between shared space and gated communities in Thane city. Importing process of pattern analysis used for planning in European cities to an Indian context enabled me to dismantle Thane city to its core elements. Through this process, I witness the remarkable semblance yet distinct divergences between European cities and Thane. For instance, the historic cores of Europe and the old city of Thane, both are organic in plan and offers similar building density but very divergent experiences. European cities accept informality and provide for them through squares, plaza and piazzas while in Thane city informal spaces manifest not only through the numerous lakes but also encroachments like street hawking. The modern planned districts exhibit
similar sense of fragmentation but the seamless relationship between the apartment buildings, streets and shared spaces in European cities is far superior to Thane. I analyze one example of gated community and shared space in each of the former patterns to argue the inadequacy of shared space within the confines of a gated community and showcase the shared benefits of proximity to public spaces. The above analysis aids me to converge on the rapidly developing Sector-5 (Majiwade-Balkum-Kolshet area) in Thane, which is a mix of shifting and closing industries, gated communities, many proposed public spaces and informal settlements. The main draw to select Sector-5 among the other 10 sectors of Thane city is that it is in the process of major transformation as industry is moving out to make room for large gated communities. I chose to intervene on Kolshet road, which is witnessing the highest concentration of residential development in Sector-5. Armed with the inputs of the analysis of gated communities and shared spaces through pattern analysis, and after careful analysis of the conditions on Kolshet road; I propose a strategic vision to create an alternate future that would enable enhanced community living and better neighbourhood interaction on Kolshet road. I conclude with recommendation to showcase that shared space should be integrated in the city fabric to improve the quality of life in Thane city.
INDEX ACKNOwledgementS FOREWORD
Introduction OBJECTIVES | THE SITE: KOLSHET ROAD LITERATURE CROSSINGS | METHODOLOGY CONNECTING THE DOTS SHARED SPACE GATED COMMUNITY CONNECTING TISSUE BORDER
2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16
THE CITY THANE ADMINISTRATIVE BOUNDARIES RAILWAY LINE GREEN & NATURAL RESOURCES ROAD NETWORK DEMOGRAPHIC CONVERGENCE LAND USE OVERVIEW
20 22 23 24 27 28 32 36
THE ELEMENTS PATTERN ANALYSIS TRANSIT CITY INNER CITY INFORMAL CITY NETWORK CITY ISLAND CITY CONCLUSIONS
52 54 56 72 92 100 114 127
THE SITE SECTOR 5 KOLSHET ROAD SITE STUDY
130 132 138 140
KOLSHET in PICTURES
150
THE PLAN
174
SITE STRATEGY & ACTIONS PROPOSED INTERVENTIONS
THE KOLSHET COLLECTIVE
CONCLUSION
175 177 179
188
Acronyms
191
BIBLIOGRAPHY
192
IMG. 01. Towering residential developments mushroom all across Thane city with improving road infrastructure.
Introduction The closure of many industrial plants in Kolshet Industrial corridor and advent of gated communities has created an opportunity to rethink the role of shared spaces in this area. Inspired by one big idea, the Collective shapes Cities, I propose The Kolshet Collective that will drive the corridor to play a central role in providing shared community spaces for Sector-5 (Majiwade-Balkum-Kolshet) in Thane city.
2
IMG. 02. Gated communities are fast displacing informal settlements in newly developed parts of Thane city.
3
“The smallest patch of green to arrest the monotony of asphalt and concrete is as important to the value of real estate as streets, sewers and convenient shopping.”
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- James Felt
hared spaces and gated communities have been in constant battle and most often the latter’s triumph is inevitable. With the ingress of gated communities in Thane’s urban fabric, the Municipal Corporation withdrew from actively developing public spaces. Access to shared spaces was entrusted to gated communities, which fulfilled their mandate by providing private shared space within their confines. Neighbourhoods with high concentration of gated communities were reduced to clustered islands, which is against the grain of community living. Absence of shared space in a neighbourhood has widened the divide between the natives and residents of newly built gated communities. The dearth of community space results in frictions. Many practices that predate the arrival of gated communities are often not tolerated by the new inhabitants and judged as nuisances. The paucity of shared spaces in the neighbourhood has deprived the residents a chance to mingle, accept each other and mend differences; rather left them no choice but to live in fear of the harmless unknown. Shared spaces are crucial in balancing newly developing parts of the city as they ease new inhabitant into the context and allow natives to accept the rapidly transforming neighbourhood that they still call home.
confined with the boundaries of the former. I aim to use shared space as the catalyst to broaden the mental perimeter of the gated communities. This action would have the following tangible objectives, beginning with uniting the disparate neighbourhood under one fold and help shed the uneasiness in communication that prevents collective action in the community. Enable developers to look beyond the limited amenities that can be provided within gated community and benefit from the shared abundance that lies untapped in the neighbourhood. Widen the perspective of local shops by outlining the merits of contiguous shared space and consequent high sale of goods. Most gated communities offer identical open spaces to dissimilar people. Diversification of shared space will not only add the imminent silent and slow spaces, designated space for community events and street markets currently absent in the neighbourhood, but also provide spaces for people with similar interest from disconnected backgrounds to bond. It is the sense of community that elevates the individual, as Ayn Rand rightly said, “His own happiness is man’s only moral purpose, opportunities where such emotions could spur for the individual and vitalize the collective.”
objectives
Previously, an industrial corridor and now an upcoming residential neighbourhood, Kolshet road is one of many industrial corridors of Thane city. Kolshet area is bordered
The advent of gated communities has fragmented the idea of the neighbourhood and the sense of community remains
The site: Kolshet Road
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KOLSHET ROAD LENGTH : 4KMS
SECTOR 5 AREA : 4517M2
THANE CITY AREA : 147 KM2
MUMBAI METROPOLITAN REGION AREA : 4,355 KM2
FIG. 01. Narrowing down to project location - Kolshet Road. 5
by Ulhas River, Eastern Express Highway extension Ghodbunder road and State Highway. Within the corridor are numerous abandoned industrial complexes, shifting and closing manufacturing plants, informal settlements and many under-construction residential projects. Kolshet road is an important part of Sector 5, which comprises Majiwade, Kolshet and Balkum neighbourhoods and is one among the ten sectors that combine to form Thane city. This sector is rapidly transforming into a residential quarter and will undergo complete overhaul in the next decade.
Literature Crossings
The origins of addressing gated communities and shared spaces as the thesis topic on Kolshet road in Thane city started out with readings on Strategic Planning for Contemporary Urban Regions, City of Cities: A project for Milan by Alessandro Balducci, Valeria Fedeli and Gabriele Pasqui. This reading enabled the construction of a broad agenda for the thesis. With reference to the above-men-
dential collective space written by Antonella Bruzzese was the trigger to further narrow the research to Kolshet road, which is currently in the transformation process with many proposed and under construction gated communities. Regional Planning for Open Space by Arnold Van Der Valk & Terry Van Dijk and Basic Urban Analysis by Gerrit Schwalbach enabled an in-depth study of the nuances that compose Kolshet road.
methodology
Interviews, newspaper research and pattern analysis was deployed to analyze and document the ongoing changes within the city’s landscape. Pattern Analysis facilitated in understanding the emergence of new complex urban and territorial patterns within the inner city (historical cores), the island city (planned districts), transit city (railway station), Network city (major road intersection) and the informal city (informal settlements). By naming the patterns with respect to the functions that they perform within the city, I am able to create a holistic picture of Thane city. I
Vision statement I envision a community-centric neighborhood where shared space is leveraged to transform the relationship between gated communities and cities. This innovation will facilitate the creation of a healthier and more resilient neighborhood.
tioned book, I analyzed driving forces that shaped the urban form, geographical, political, governance structures & distribution, organizational framework, administrative boundaries, relationship of population growth and landuse change and social construct of Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). All the analysis converged at the rapidly transforming Thane city, which was poised to be the next most populous suburban city after Mumbai in the MMR. Pattern Analysis methodology facilitated in narrowing down the research to the core components of Thane city. This analytical process made it possible to portray a clear picture of the various aspects of work in the city. This understanding resulted in focusing on Sector-5, which was the only sector that was transforming from an industrial area to the newest residential quarter in Thane city. The journal on urban issues named “Urbanistica� comprised an article on Brasilia: Changes and contractions in resi-
use this process to understand the roles performed by different parts of Thane city only to narrow my research interests down to Sector 5 and eventually Kolshet Road. Meanwhile I have analyzed one gated community and one shared space in each of the patterns to assess the performance of the same in different parts of the city. I analyzed gated communities for area of property, open space per person, amenities provided, presence and proximity to public spaces, cost per sq.mt and contribution in function to the community. I assessed shared spaces for type of open space, dimension of space, amenities provided to public, access to facility, proximity to other shared spaces and functions performed at different times of the day. I compare shared spaces and gated communities to arrive at key metrics of how they perform in and contribute to the urban context. 6
“Cities have the capability of providing something for everybody, only because, and only when, they are created by everybody.� -Jane Jacobs, The Death and Life of Great American Cities
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connecting the dots
SHARED SPACE
GATED COMMUNITIES
BORDER
CONNECTIVE TISSUE
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“You can neither lie to a neighbourhood park, nor reason with it. ‘Artist’s conceptions’ and persuasive renderings can put pictures of life into proposed neighbourhood parks “You neither lie to a neighbourhood park, nor reason with it. to 'Artist's or parkcan malls, and verbal rationalizations can conjure up users who ought appreciate them, but in real life only diverse surroundings have the practical power of inducconceptions' and persuasive renderings can put pictures of life into ing a natural, continuing flow of life and use.”
proposed neighbourhood parks or park malls, and verbal rationalizations - Jane Jacobs, The Death and Life of Great American Cities can conjure up users who ought to appreciate them, but in real life only diverse surroundings have the practical power of inducing a natural, continuing flow of life and use.” - Jane Jacobs, The Death and Life of Great American Cities
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SHARED
ATTRACT BUSINESS INVESTMENTS
ENCOURAGE VOLUNTEERISM
REDUCE CRIME
ATTRACT TOURISM
IMPROVE PEDESTRIAN SAFETY
PROVIDE CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES
IMPROVE USE OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT
BENEFITS
IMPROVE PUBLIC HEALTH
IMPROVE ENVIRONMENT
SUPPORTING LOCAL ECONOMIES
SHARED SPACE
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hared spaces are the quintessential parts of a city for collective, co-creating, leisure and recreational activities. Shared spaces manifest in the city and neighbourhood through the sides of road and rail transportation facilities, adjoining public spaces, offset from the street due to development regulation and private spaces let out for public use, intersections and many more.
Shared space is more a way of thinking than a design concept. I imagine shared space function as nerve centers where transportation network converge and diverge from only to connect other nodes and to bind a phenomenon called “the city”. The presence of shared spaces in a community helps strengthen the bond people have with the neighbourhood. 10
“Neighborhood is a word that has come to sound like a Valentine. As a sentimental concept, ‘neighborhood’ is harmful to city planning. It leads to attempts at warping city life into imitations of town or suburban life. Sentimentality plays with sweet intentions in place of good “Neighborhood is a word that has come to sound like a Valentine. As a sense.”
sentimental concept, 'neighborhood' is harmful to city planning. It leads to - Jane Jacobs, The Death and Life of Great American Cities attempts at warping city life into imitations of town or suburban life. Sentimentality plays with sweet intentions in place of good sense.” - Jane Jacobs, The Death and Life of Great American Cities
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DEMERITS
EXAGGERATED FEAR OF THE OUTSIDE WORLD
ISLAND PHENOMENON
EXCESSIVE HOMOGENEITY
HIGH PRICE
LACK OF CONTRIBUTION TO THE NEIGHBOURHOOD
GATED COMMUNITIES POTENTIAL OF SPRAWL
Gated CommunitY
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esidential complexes or neighbourhoods that are separated from surrounding areas by controlled access points. Most of these gated communities tout physical barriers, like walls, fences, and gates; some use security personnel to work as access guards. When asked why they self-select into gated communities, people cite safety, noise reduction, aesthetics, prestige, and protection of property value as reasons, with safety typically the
most common. I imagine gated communities in the neighbourhood similar to an archipelago. The presence of many gated communities close to each other has resulted in creation of island phenomenon where communities are surrounded by roads and do not talk to each other. The road is a residue that is most often deserted and serves no function more than transit. 12
“A street is a spatial entity and not the residue between buildings.”
“A street is a spatial entity and not the residue between buildings.”
- James Castle
- James Castle
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PRIORITIZE PEOPLE BEFORE VEHICLES
ENCOURAGES PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
ENCOURAGES SOCIAL INTERACTION
PROMOTES HEALTHY LIFESTYLE
CONNECTIVE GAINS
BUILDING & STREETS ARE THE RIGHT SCALE AND TYPE
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Connecting tissue
he interconnecting street in between gated communities can serve a higher purpose. The streets can serve more than only vehicular transit but service walkability in the neighbourhood. Walkable communities are dependent on neighbourhoods, communities, towns and cities based on pedestrian access. However, within the last fifty years public and private actions have often created obstacles to walkable communities. There are many benefits of slowing the street to walking speed. The benefits include lower transportation costs, greater social
interaction, improved personal and environmental health, and expanded consumer choice – many are calling upon the public and private sectors to facilitate development of walkable places. Land use and community design play a pivotal role in encouraging pedestrian environments. By building places with multiple destinations within close proximity, where the streets and sidewalks balance multiple forms of transportation, communities have the basic framework for walkability. 14
“A the the perimeter of a single stretched-out of territory forms “Aborder border perimeter of amassive singleormassive or use stretched-out usethe of edge terri-of an area of ‘ordinary’ city. Often borders are thought of as passive objects, or matter-of-factly toryas forms the edge of anexerts area 'ordinary' just edges. However, a border an of active influence.” city. Often borders are
thought of as passive objects, or matter-of-factly just as edges. However, a - Jane Jacobs, The Death and Life of Great American Cities border exerts an active influence.” - Jane Jacobs, The Death and Life of Great American Cities
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QUALITY OF LIFE
MOBILITY
ECONOMIC VITALITY
PUBLIC HEALTH
BORDER BLEND
ENVIRONMENT QUALITY
BORDER
A
border is defined as a threshold between the street and functions that resides along it. The street’s urban character is defined by the activities and the condition of the urban elements that compose the border. The urban elements are namely the sidewalk, street furniture, formal and informal activities along the street,
lighting, quality of infrastructure and overall experience. This fringe connects city transportation and economic development, improvements to city streets would enhance the potential of the border in economic opportunity for the neighbourhood. I imagine the border as a membrane that makes a neighbourhood livable and safe. 16
SHARED SPACE
The network of shared spaces in a city is similar to nerve centers in the human body that work in sync to build a cohesive city. Concentration of many shared spaces in a given place makes the area much more active. It also binds the community through a resilient environment for cocreation and collective activities to be performed. 17
GATED COMMUNITIES
This image of cellular automata gives clues to how gated communities behave like islands in a city fabric. The social exclusion opted by many residents for the fear of outside and privacy has eroded the city’s sense of communion, spaces for accidental encounters, informal activities and the many charms of a city life.
CONNECTIVE TISSUE
The venation of a leaf is comparable to the city’s circulation network. But with a crucial difference, streets have the capacity to add identities and differentiate parts of city from one another. Streets are public spaces that knit the city and bind gated communities, and have the potential to serve more than just as a connective tissue.
BORDER
Soap bubbles can be equated to the border between the street and functions along the street. This thin membrane is the most colorful part of a neighbourhood experience. The border changes with the function along a street that not only houses specific functions through the day but also adds character to the neighbourhood. 18
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The City
An analysis of the relationship of Thane city with MMR and studying the land-use plan of Thane city provided the needed context to begin to plan the industrial corridor. The issues of growing gated communities and shrinking shared space emerged as integral components to translate the big idea, the Collective Shapes Cities, into a plan with neighbourhood and city wide impacts.
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147 sq.km. Population 1.8 Million (2011) Density 12000 km Area:
2
21
THANE
34
km from the center of Mumbai city, Thane city is the administrative headquarters of Thane district. The city heritage finds mention in travelers’ stories dating back to 947 AD. New Bombay being the latest addition to MMR, Thane has been a steady companion since the very beginning of Bombay city with first railway line laid between Bori Bunder in South Mumbai to Thane in 1850. In the late 90s, major infrastructure overhauls in Thane enabled it to be a huge residential destination for affordable housing, though now the situation has changed considerably. Thane became an important industrial city in late 1960s. It had many advantages, the chief one being its proximity to Mumbai. Thane had good road and rail links to Mumbai and the rest of Maharashtra. Thane had large tracks of agricultural lands available for urban expansion. People living in Mumbai could easily travel to Thane for work using the suburban train service. Once the initial industrial activity was well grounded, in the 60’s, people were attracted to settle here. As a result, the population of Thane doubled between 1971-81, from 2.07 lakh to 4.32 lakh. Once again it almost doubled to 8.03 lakh in 1991 and it was 12.62 lakh by 2001.1 It has great connectivity via railways and roadways from Mumbai to the rest of MMR and areas beyond. Due to the overcrowding in Mumbai and ease of access offered by Thane, it has become a desired destination for many. The main additions to Thane city population are both offices and residents of Mumbai who desire to move to cheaper and larger spaces. This massive reverse migration has stressed the city fabric and the overall habitability. 1.
Census of India Series-28 Maharashtra, Provisional Population Totals Paper 2 of 2001, Rural Urban Distribution, Page 61 22
Vasai
Bhiwandi
MiraBhayandar
Kalyan Thane
Suburban Mumbai District
Arabian Sea
Ulhasnagar New Mumbai Panvel
Karjat Mumbai City
Uran
Alibaug
Khopoli
Pen
FIG. 02. Municipalities in Mumbai Metropolitan Region
M
Administrative Boundaries
MR occupies 4355 sq km and comprises of Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM), Thane, Kalyan, New Mumbai and Ulhasnagar; 15 municipal towns; 7 non-municipal urban centers; and 995 villages. Its administrative limits cover Mumbai City and Mumbai Suburban Districts, and parts of Thane and Raigad District. There are 40 Planning Authorities in the Region that are responsible for the micro-level planning of the different areas.1 Urban settlements are classified as Corporations, Municipalities or Nagar Panchayats (a hybrid designed for settlements in transition from rural to urban).2
Each Municipality in the MMR follows similar structure to the Mumbai Municipal Corporation. And also performs similar municipal responsibilities through smaller budgets. Mumbai Municipal Regional Development Authority (MMRDA) is primarily responsible to plan and develop the region with multiple municipalities. Together the Central Government and State government jointly fund urban development, which entails interacting with respective agencies that operate in the region.3 Secondly, to focus towards providing the necessary aid to Urban Local Bodies (ULB) other than MCGM, which require necessary support and training to evolve into sound functioning ULBs.
1. MCGM : Planning & Development Report (2009), Population and employment profile of Mumbai metropolitan region, Pg. 73 2. Urban Age (2007), Urban India: Understanding The Maximum City [internet] available at < http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/33348/1/Burdett_Urban_India_2007.pdf > accessed on 12th December 2013. 3 MCGM : Planning & Development Report (2009), Pg. 102
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Central Railway Line Western Railway Line Harbour Railway Line FIG. 03. Railway network of Mumbai Metropolitan Region
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Railway Line
he history of Mumbai changed forever on 16th April, 1853 through the induction of the railway services from Mumbai Railway Terminus (then called Bori Bunder, then Victoria Terminus now Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus) to Thana (now Thane City) completing the distance in 53 minutes. Railway came to England in the 1930s and was quickly imported to India. This 34 km railway line led to a 21,000 km comprehensive railway plan and the forming of Asiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first Railway Company named the Great Indian Peninsula Railway Company (GIPRC). What started as 34 km of railway line in 1853 now stretches to 61,000 km in 2003. The arrival of the railway meant boosting trade enabling quick transportation of goods from the Indian hinterland to England and
quicker transport for the locals within the country. The stretch between Mumbai and Thane had quadrupled by 1860 and later electrified in 1925.4 Expansion of this one line, lead to forming the Bombay Suburban Railway, serving the MMR. It is operated by Indian Railwaysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; two zones, namely, Western Railways (WR) and Central Railways (CR). The system carries more than 7.24 million commuters daily. It has the highest passenger density of any urban railway system in the world.5 The Suburban Railway has six lines clubbed into the following three main administrative bodies Western Line, Central Line and Trans-Harbor Line. The development and expansion of the built areas in the MMR region have been guided along suburban railway network.
4. An introductory paper on efforts to document relics of the first railway line in India , www.acadmia.edu 5.Wikipedia : Bombay Suburban Railway
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25
IMG. 03. Railways are the lifeline of suburban transportation in MMR and Thane is an important node in this network.
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3
5
1
6
7
2
4
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Sanjay Gandhi National Park Matheran Hills Tungareshwar Forest Reserve Karnala Bird Sanctuary Tansa Water Reservoir Mangroves Hill Range
FIG. 04. Diagram of green reserves in Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
M
Green & Natural ResourceS
MR has five sanctuaries namelyâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sanjay Gandhi National Park (103 sq km) in the heart of the city extending up to Thane, Tungareshwar (85 sq km) on the fringes of Vasai-Virar, Matheran , Karnala (12 sq km) and Tansa (320 sq km).6 The 167 km of coastline is indented creeks and rivers. Along the former exist mud flats, marshes, mangrove and salt-pans, these wetlands account for 360.03 sq km.7 Mumbai city developed along the reclaimed boundaries drawn during the British times, the creeks, rivers and estuaries and around the former mentioned five green sanctuaries designated during 1975, regional plan. The border conditions of each 27
of these natural reserves and resources are at high risk. Despite having policies for deforestation, land-use regulations, Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) and monitoring authorities for protection, most violation go unnoticed or are brought to book when it is too late. Rapid urbanization, insensitive encroachments, illegal settlements, new link roads cutting through protected areas and lack luster monitoring has taken a toll on these forests and natural reserves leaving about 1.1 sq m per resident in MMR. 6. Prashant Rangekar, Vanishing green cover of Mumbai, 2009, <internet>, available at http://southasia.oneworld.net/news/vanishing-green-cover-of-mumbai#.Upc8M9IW01w, accessed on 2nd Feb, 2014. Published by South Asia Institute. 7. Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development Plan(2011)
FIG. 05. Road Network in Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
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ROAD NETWORK
he major North-South arterial roads network of Greater Mumbai are the Western Express Highway, Eastern Express Highway, Sion-Panvel Highway and Eastern Freeway connecting Mankhurd to P. Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Mello Road. These principal roads extend and connect to important centers in the MMR and are therefore, also considered as backbones of the MMRâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s road transport system. And the major East-West cross links in Suburban Districts are
Jogeshwari-Vikroli Link Road (JVLR), Andheri-Ghatkopar Link Road, Santacruz-Chembur Link Road and Sion-Mahim Link Road. In general, there is insufficient East-West cross road links in Greater Mumbai. Street networks in Greater Mumbai are largely narrow in their Right of Way and their capacity is seriously reduced by lack of appropriate management of traffic and parking.8
8. Development Plan for Greater Mumbai 2014-2034, Preparatory studies, Prepared by Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai, Pg 131
28
29
IMG. 04. These principal roads extend and connect to important centers in the MMR and are therefore also considered, backbones of the MMRâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s road transport system.
30
500000
312348
1000
0
903
0 1971
1991
1971
2011
1991
700012
14 2500000
12.7
2238934
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6471
7000 6471
10.1
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2238934
5000 2000000 8
10
2011
7.7
6000
5000
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6
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4000
3193
3000 1104795
3000
4 1000000 2000
4
2000 500000 2
312348
10002 500000
1971 - 1991 1971
1991 - 1971 1991
2011
Thane : Population Growth Figures
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903
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2011
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6471
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7.7
8 68 3193
6
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6
4.1
4 4
2 1000
2 903
2 0
0 1971 - 1991 1971
1991 - 1971 1991
0 2011
Thane : Density Growth
1971
1991
1971 - 1991
1991 - 1971
10.1 10
1971
1991
2011
DEMOGRAPHIC CONVERGENCE
7.7
8
n 1971, more than three-fourths of the population in MMR lived in Greater Mumbai (Island city and Suburbs). In 1991, the share of population in this region came down to 69 per cent, which has declined further to 58 per cent by 2011. On the other hand, Thane, Kalyan, Uran, Bhiwandi, and Bassain are growing fast and the share of population in this region has increased from 4.1 per cent, 6.5 per cent, 1.2 per cent, 3.2 per cent and 2.6 per cent respectively in 1971 to 7.7 per cent, 9.5 per cent, 2.7 per cent, 4.3 per cent and 2.9 per cent, respectively in 1991, and 10 per cent, 11.4 per cent, 7.3 per cent, 5 per cent and 4.5 per cent, respectively in 2011. In 1971, the overall density of MMR was 1,989 persons per sq km. The population density of Island city was exceptionally high at a level of 42,060 persons per sq km. In contrast, suburban areas had a density of 7,340 persons per sq km. But in 1991, the overall density of MMR increased to 3,743 and in 2011 it was 5,774 persons per sq km. The population density of Island city in 1991 was 44,096 persons per sq km, while in suburbs it was around 17,087. The other regions which had high density (nearly 2000 or more) were Thane, Kalyan and Uran. By 2011, the population density in the Island city declined to around 39,236 and 6
4.1
4
2
0
1971
31
GR. 01. Population growth and density impacts 2 in Thane city.Data source : Mumbai Metropolitan 0 Plan, 2011, pg. 45 2011 Regional Development
Thane : Annual Growth Rate
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I
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12
8 4000
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1971 Thane : Population Growth1991 Percentage
1991
2011
in the suburbs it went up to around 25,578. The other regions which are expecting a very high density (more than 2,000) are Thane, Bassain, Kalyan and Uran. Very soon, Uran is going to be the next most congested place after the suburbs, with a density of more than 7,500. Table 3 presents the distribution of population growth and annual growth rate in different constituent units. The population growth rate in MMR declines from 4.4 per cent during 1971- 1991 to 2.7 per cent during 1991-2011. It may be noted that Greater Mumbai (Island city and Suburbs) observes a decline in its growth rate from 3.3 per cent in 1971-91 to 1.5 per cent during 1991-2011. The growth rate of the Island city becomes negative during the later period. Some of the areas of the region are growing at a dramatic rate. The annual population growth rate of Thane was 12.7 per cent during 1971- 91, which is reduced to 5.1 per cent during 1991-2011. Similarly, Bhinwadi and Kalyan had a growth rate of 8 per cent and 8.6 per cent in 1971-91, which is reduced to 3.9 per cent and 4.3 per cent, respectively in 1991-2011. The other area, which experienced an increased growth rate, is Bassain. The annual growth rate of Bassain grew from 5.5 per cent in 1971-91 to 6.9 per cent in 1991- 2011.
FIG. 06. Figure and ground diagram showcasing the density of built areas in Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
Of the total population growth in MMR during 1971 to 1991, 57 per cent population has been added only in the suburban areas of Greater Mumbai compared to only 1.5 per cent in the Island city. During this period 12 per cent and 13 per cent of the additional population has gone to Thane and Kalyan. For the period 1991-2011, share of population growth declined to 43 per cent in suburbs and increased to 15 per cent in Thane and Kalyan. The overall population of the Island city is declined during this period. However, the contribution of Uran went up in population growth from 4.4 per cent in 1971-91 to 15.7 per cent in
1991-2011.9 Through this summary it is clear that over the year from 1971-2011 the suburbs have been the highest gainer in migratory and inter-MMR population. The Island city and greater Mumbai have been losing population. Of the many municipalities that have expanded exponentially over the years Thane and Uran municipalities have been the highest gainers. Through this thesis, I wish to study in depth about the impacts of this population exodus on Thane municipality.
9. Arun Kumar Acharya and Parveen Nangia (2003), Population Growth and Changing Land-use Pattern in Mumbai Metropolitan Region [internet], available at < http://www.seer.ufu.br/index.php/caminhosdegeografia/article/download/15332/8631> accessed on 10th January, 2014. Published University College London.
32
33
IMG. 56. Thane city has been the highest gainer in migratory and inter-MMR population.
34
FIG. 07. Comprehensive land-use plan of Thane city, source : Thane development plan (2011).
Green Zone Industrial Zone Agriculture Zone Green Zone Forest
Others, Existing
Green Zone Industrial Zone Agriculture Zone Green Zone Forest
Others, Existing Others, Proposed
Existing
Green Zone Industrial Zone Agriculture Zone
35
Public Utilities, Proposed Educational, Existing
Commercial, Proposed
Educational, Proposed
Open Space, Existing
OtherPublic Utilities, Existing
Open Space, Proposed
OtherPublic Utilities, Proposed
Public Utilities, Existing
Public-Semipublic, Existing
Public Utilities, Proposed
Others, Proposed
OtherPublic Utilities, Proposed Public-Semipublic, Existing Public-Semipublic, Proposed
Residential, Existing Residential, Proposed
Commercial, Existing
Transportation, Existing
Commercial, Proposed
Transportation, Proposed
Public Utilities, Existing
Open Space, Existing
Commercial, Existing
OtherPublic Utilities, Existing
Open Space, Proposed
Commercial, Proposed
Assembly and Recreational, Proposed
Others, Existing
Open Space, Existing
Commercial, Existing
Public Utilities, Existing
Forest
Assembly and Recreational, Proposed
Assembly and Recreational, Proposed
Assembly and Recreational, Existing
Educational, Existing
Assembly and Recreational, Existing
Assembly and Recreational, Existing
Open Space, Proposed
Educational, Proposed
Proposed
Proposed
Proposed
Green Zone
Existing
Others, Proposed
Existing
Industrial Zone
Housing For Dishoused Residential General Commercial Zone
Public-Semipublic, Proposed
Residential, Existing Residential, Proposed Transportation, Existing Transportation, Proposed Industrial Zone
Housing For Dishoused Residential General Commercial Zone Nalla River Tank
Creek Congested Area Boundary
Industrial Conversion of Industrial to Residential
Public Utilities, Proposed
Nalla
Industrial Conversion of Industrial to Residential
Educational, Existing
River
Other
Educational, Proposed
Tank
OtherPublic Utilities, Existing
Creek
N
LAND-USE OVERVIEW
21% 25%
21% 25%
10%
10%
Residential Zone
10%
Industrial Zone
28%
10%
5%
28%
Road
Industrial Zone Reservation
Defence & Armed Forces 5%
1%
GR.02. Land use distribution in Thane city. Source : Thane city development plan (2011).
he total area of corporation is 12823 Ha. The broad categorization shows that 5930 Ha is developable, 3682 Ha is not, while 3211 Ha is under green zone. Thane city has 11 planning sectors where 804 are total
Road
Forest Area
Defence & Armed Forces
1%
T
ReservationResidential Zone
Green Zone Forest Area
Green Zone
reserved sites admeasuring to 1267.65 Ha. The area under road is 742.97 Ha, the area under residential zone is 2665.61 Ha while that under industrial is 1254 Ha.1
1. Thane Municipal Corporation, Development Plan Implementation, Status Report : 2009 [internet] accessed on 16th January 2014
36
IMG. 05. All local affairs of the Thane Municipal Corporation are administered by the ward office.
37
FIG. 08. Sectors in Thane City; source : Thane development plan (2011).
06
Sector 01 : Kopari-Chendani Sector 02 : Panchpakhadi-Thane City Sector 03 : Panchpakhadi-Majiwade-Manpada Sector 04 : Chitalasar-Manpada-Kolshet Sector 05 : Balkum-Dokhali-Kolshet Sector 06 : Kavesar-Vadavli-Ovala Sector 07 : Yeur Sector 08 : Kalva-Khari-Parsik-Vitava Sector 09 : Kausa-Mumbra Sector 10 : Mhatardi-sabe-Dativali Sector 11 : Dhomkhar
06
05
07 04
02
03
08 03
02 10 01 09
11
N
Administrative Boundaries
T
hane Municipal Corporation is one among the 26 Municipal Corporations in Mumbai Metropolitan Region. The area under each corporation is further divided into planning sectors / wards. Thane Municipal Corporation is divided into 11 planning sectors which
admeasure to a total of 12823 Hectares. Each of these planning sectors is sub-administered by a ward office that represents Thane Municipal Corporationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s locally and manages all the local municipal affairs. 38
IMG. 06. The island city of Mumbai and the rest of Maharashtra are connected seamlessly by the transit node in Thane city.
39
FIG. 09. Major national highways, state highways, express highways and arterial roads passing through Thane city.
Towards Mumbai & AhMEdabad
old delhi Agra highway state highway - 35
mumbai-nashik highway national highway - 3
lbs road
thane belapur road eastern express highway
national highway - 4
T
TRANSIT NODE
hane city holds an important position in connecting the island city of Mumbai to the rest of Maharashtra and India at large. Not only is Thane an important node for suburban trains but also a prominent halt for outstation trains. The transit node idiom emerges from convergence of numerous National and State Highways and road infrastructures leading to different parts of India. Thane city connects the Western and Eastern Express Highways, thereby completing the loop, connecting
N
to Gujarat state through Ghodbunder road, connecting Delhi-Agra through Bhiwandi road, connecting Nasik through extension of the Eastern Express Highway and lastly through the Thane-Belapur industrial corridor which culminates into National Highway 4 that leads to Goa and the Mumbai-Pune express highway at Panvel. Over the years, Thane city has witnessed enormous investment towards strengthening its road infrastructure owing to its key location advantage. 40
IMG. 07. The construction boom has been brought about by the Thaneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s locational advantage, increased migration and land availability due to shifting and closing of industries.
41
FIG. 10. Residential Land Use in Thane; source : Thane development plan (2011).
Residential Proposed Residential Existing
N
Land use: Housing
T
he conversion of industrial areas into residential areas in recent years has boosted the real estate industry in Thane. Given the strategic advantage in terms of its location and with the TMC focusing its attention on development of amenities in the city, there has been largeâ&#x20AC;?scale
construction in the city. Some of the biggest players in the real estate industry have set up their projects in Thane viz. Rustomjee, Lodha, Kalpataru, Runwal, Hiranandani and Akruti developers. The booming IT and BPO sector has also boosted the real estate industry.2
2. Model Environment Status Report prepared for TMC and The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (2010)Pg. 21, [internet] available at www.emcenter.com, accessed on 18th January, 2014
42
IMG. 08. Thane city shares its borders with Sanjay Gandhi National Park, one of the largest wildlife reserves within a metropolitan region in the world. copyright: Dinesh Valke
43
FIG. 11. Green and Open Areas in Thane; source : Thane development plan (2011).
Forest Zone Green Zone Agriculture Zone Assembly & Recreational River Creek Lake Canal
N
Land use: Green & Open Area Allocation
T
he major land use category in Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) is under forest and green zone (mangroves also fall under the green zone), together they occupy 52% of the total within administrative boundaries, 3,211.77 Ha falls in green zone and 3.682 Ha in for-
est zone.3 Thane city is actively pursuing an amenity and recreation development program, the municipality is currently procuring and developing about 35 different sites across the city.4
3. Model Environment Status Report prepared for TMC and The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (2010)Pg. 17, [internet] available at www.emcenter.com, accessed on 18th January, 2014 4. Thane Municipal Corporation, Development Plan Implementation, Status Report : 2009, Pg 29 [internet] accessed on 18th January 2014
44
IMG. 09. Previously a booming industrial town Thane is fast transforming into a predominantly residential city.
45
FIG. 12. Industrial Areas in Thane; source : Thane development plan (2011).
Industrial Zone Industrial Zone
N
T
LAND USE: INDUSTRIAL AREAS
he manufacturing belt has been the economic driver of the city since 1961. However, due to a change in classification of industrial areas in TMC to zone I, Thane has seen a steady decline of manufacturing units and the trend is moving towards establishment of service
industries and IT parks instead. TMC industrial area consists of Wagle Estate, Balkum and Kolshet. These industrial areas house mostly chemical, engineering, textile and electrical industries.5
5. Model Environment Status Report prepared for TMC and The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (2010)Pg. 21, [internet] available at www.emcenter.com, accessed on 18th January, 2014
46
IMG. 10. The lack of public space planning and increasing real estate prices has resulted in shrinking shared spaces.
47
FIG. 13. Reservations and Public Amenities in Thane; source : Thane development plan (2011).
Educational Public Utility Transportation Commercial Water works
N
T
Land use : Reservation & Public Amenities
hane city has 11 planning sectors and a total of 804 reserved sites covering an area of 1267.65 Ha. Out of these reserved plots, 67 were developed. About 268 reserved sites and roads have been encroached and the situation is being tackled by policy. Additionally, about 115 reserved sites have been affected by CRZ stipulation;
these sites require to be relocated in the appropriate area of the corresponding sector.6 As most of the sites deemed as reserved space, are privately held (in the year 2007), 10% reservations were acquired by TMC under reservations for entertainment facilities.7
6. Thane Municipal Corporation, Development Plan Implementation, Status Report : 2009, Pg 10 [internet] accessed on 18th January 2014 7. Model Environment Status Report prepared for TMC and The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (2010)Pg. 17, [internet] available at www.emcenter.com, accessed on 18th January, 2014
48
1.5
3.5
1.5
3.4
75.5
29.5 4.2
72.1
13.7 23.5
73.3 98
98
25.8
83.3 143 176 40.9
46.4
15 9.5 1971
1991
2011
BUILT - UP
INDUSTRY
AGRICULTURE
WETLANDS
WATERBODY
OTHER
FOREST
GR.03. Existing Land-use Distribution in Thane city from 1971, 1991 and 2011 ( Area in Sq. Km), Source : Draft Regional Plan for Mumbai Metropolitan Region, 1996, 2011, Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development Authority. 49
conclusion : Land use Change in THANE
I
n conclusion, it is clear that Thane city is an integral part of MMR. Owing to the prominent rail and road infrastructure and proximity to forest reserves, Thane city now is a dense urban metropolis. The land-use overview sheds light into the many urban process at work in the city. Forest and green zone occupy over 50% of Thane city, making it one of the few municipalities in MMR that have an immense growth potential. Though the story of Thane’s urbanization is rather grim; since 1971 to 2011 city’s urban growth has come at a loss of natural resources. The forest area has shrunk from 98 to 23.5 sq km, agriculture land reserve has diminished from 143 to 73.3 sq km, mangroves along Ulhas river have shriveled from 75.5 to 13.7 sq km and the water bodies that Thane is famous for has reduced from 75.5 to 13.7 sq km. These drastic losses have come in the face of heightened and haphazard built up, which has skyrocket from 9.5 to 176 sq km in a span of 40 years. This frantic development is only looking up as visible in the increase of ‘other’ component, which are pri-
marily roads, infrastructure upgrades and public utilities. Thane city now boast of state of the art transit infrastructure, proposed monorail, refurbished sewage and water systems, legalizing of forest land encroachments and convergence of many reputed construction houses. One of the main reasons of this spike in development is shifting and closing of industries in Thane city. In early 1971, 15 sq km of the city comprised of industrial areas, which in a decade nearly tripled to 40.9 sq km. Owing to the global shifts in economy most of the industries now lie abandoned and the industrial foot print has contracted to 25.8 sq km. Currently, over 10 sq km of industrial land situated in heart and other parts of urban Thane are up for sale. These land parcels are being clinched by large construction companies. These changes in urban dynamics have triggered a residential boom and the consequent domination of gated communities at the cost of natural reserves and public spaces. 50
51
THE ELEMENTS Research gained from land use analysis of Thane city was deepened by pattern analysis methodology. This process lead to identification of five different patterns namely Transit city, Inner city, Network city, Informal city and Island city. Each of the patterns were not only analyzed for their properties but also complement with assessment of one gated community and shared space within their respective boundary. This complex assessment process ultimately enabled identification of the site for the project, informed the strategic vision and was insightful in proposing various interventions that would become the core elements of the plan.
52
e d c b a
FIG. 14. Key map location; 5 samples of the pattern analysis namely 1-Transit city, 2- Inner city, 3-Network city, 4-Informal city and 5-Island city. ( Grid dimension is 1 Km X 1 Km). 53
PATTERN ANALYSIS
P
attern analysis developed by Patrizia Gabellini enabled in breaking down Thane city to its core elements. The main issues addressed through this methodology are the ongoing changes within the Thane cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s landscape, the emergence of new complex urban and territorial patterns. The patterns were chosen under the following heads beginning with historical Inner city, the planned Island city, the organic Informal settlements, multiple connections emanating from the Network city and mass transport hub Transit city. The process of analyzing these patterns begins with the extraction of buildings, open spaces, circulation, informal settlements, water bodies, railway lines and under construction sites from the Google Earth images. This process allows an uncluttered assessment of the urban form. This diagram is complemented with a narrative of the pattern and an appreciation of the various phenomenons at work. I have used this process to converge on the specific topic and area of intervention in Thane city. 54
FIG. 15. The drawing is a combination of all elements of the Transit City pattern.
55
INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS
ROAD NETWORK
OPEN SPACES
WATER BODIES
BUILDING BLOCKS
RAILWAY NETWORK
UNUSED / ABANDONED AREAS
INDUSTRIAL BLOCKS
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Transit City | A
02
01
IMG. 11. Aerial view of Transit City pattern. 01 is a Gated community : Subash Complex and 02 is a Shared Space : Hariyali Lake.
T
he rationale for selection of Thane railway station is that it is the first railway stop outside Mumbai city limits and hence, an important transit destination for the suburban settlements along the central railway line. Thane station is constantly evolving with infrastructure upgrades,
owing to an ever increasing commuter base, public and para-transit options. The functions in the vicinity of the station area offers versatility in commercial, retail and office spaces that work together to create an intense environment that is unique only to railway station precinct. 56
IMG. 12. New infrastructure upgrades of Thane station are working towards managing overcrowding during peak hours.
IMG. 13.
T
he railway line from Thane to Mumbai (then Bombay) was the beginning of the Indian railway story. Thane city forms an important node in the Central and Harbor railway line and is the most crowded in the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s suburban rail network with 653,928 passengers us-
57
ing this railway space to board or alight from 726 trains daily.1 Thane stations prominence increased since the new Thane to Navi Mumbai (New Bombay) railway line commenced, increasing connectivity. Many new service industries have mushroomed in Thane city, resulting in people
FIG. 16. The diagram displays the railway line, roads network , waterbodies, Thane creek, unused areas around the Thane railway station precinct.
FIG.17. The diagram displays the railway line, roads network , buildings and infromal settlements around the Thane railway station precinct.
from nearby municipalities coming to Thane to work. The railway station is one of the most congested and densest areas in the city. The railway station area came into existence in the early 20th century when planning rules were not framed, thereby most of the development has been organic and corrective measures are riddled in litigations hence indefinitely prolonged. Though during the tenure of municipal commissioner T S Chandrasekhar in the year 1998, the station area was cleaned up by evicting hawker and unauthorized establishments; short-lived order was brought to the premise. Due to weak authority, hawkers soon returned to both sides of Thane (East and West) station. In the year 2007, the Station Area Traffic Improvement Scheme (SATIS), a World Bank funded project, came into existence. SATIS was aimed to be a combination of flyovers, sky walks and bridges that has eased all traffic and pedestrian movement issues around the station area. It has also ensured that the citizens of the city now breathe easy, face lower risk of accidents and save time and fuel during commute. Recent addition of a pedestrian foot over bridge, ticketing counter, dormitory, food court and designated parking have been quite encouraging; not much has changed as the newer amenities have been
superseded by the number of people using them, though the gravity of the chaos is far lesser than before.
The Phenomena
Currently, the station premise is a mix of commercial establishments at street level and business enterprises on the floors above, street hawkers, eateries, suburban bus station, regional and inter-state bus station and auto rickshaws. The premise is multiplicity of many uses and functions and is in great demand for commercial enterprises primarily due to inflated number of footfalls that the place receives and proximity to the railway station. The recent SATIS projects in Thane West, took buses away from the chaos, by creating an elevated platform. Though provisions for the thousands of pedestrians and rickshaws that still share the same space under the SATIS project, which is dark due to the platform above, is both dangerous and inadequate. Thane East-front of the railway station is in equal distress and strained by over 5000 automobiles that are parked at grade, auto rickshaws, suburban buses and private buses that ply in the city on municipality license. Both East and West of Thane station are quite overwhelming during peak hours.
1. ApmelaRaghunathan (2013), Thane is the most crowded railway station [internet] available at <http://gulfnews.com/news/world/india/thane-is-mumbai-s-most-crowded-railway-station-1.1192542> accessed on 23rd January, 2014
58
HAWKERS VEHICULAR PARKING
170
APT-1
M
APT-2
EN E
NC
TRA
PARKING APT-3
APT-4
30 IDE
MW AD
RO
01
LANDSCAPE APT-7
APT-6
APT-5
100 M
LANDSCAPE 30 M
WID
E RO
AD
FIG. 18. Subash Colony is one of the oldest gated communities in Thane East. Though not lined by shopping arcades and commercial facilities the outer perimeter of the residential complex is lined by shaded urban furniture and free newspaper reading areas. This facility is housed on a widened pedestrian walkway and is used as a community gathering space all year round by both old and young people of the area. 59
01
RESIDENTIAL + COMMERCIAL
2M
30 M
3M
RESIDENTIAL AREA
LANDSCAPED AREA | 3965 SQ.MT. POPULATION | 800
+
LANDSCAPED GARDEN
PLAY AREA
OPEN SPACE PER PERSON
4.95
AMENITIES
COST PER SQM IN EURO
02
1200
*
PUBLIC SPACE PROXIMITY SARVODAY GARDEN
1500 M
500 M
DALMIA PARK
02
SUBASH COMPLEX
COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTION URBAN FURNITURE
COMMUNAL NEWSPAPER READING KIOSK
02
* Real Estate of Thane East <internet> available at www.magicbricks.com, accessed om 24th March, 2014 60
61
IMG. 14. The lines between public and private are being blurred by introducing urban furniture between walls of the gated communities and streets.
62
IMG. 15. The lines between public and private are being blurred by introducing urban furniture between walls of the gated communities and streets.
63
64
THANE RAILWAY STATION
HARIYALI LAKE ELEVATED PEDESTRIAN WALKWAY
TICKETING COUNTER
PARKING COMMUNITY HALL & GROUND
FIG.19. Hariyali Lake is located adjacent to the railway station and is one of the many lakes in disrepair in Thane city. Though visible from the railway station and passenger trains; accessing the lake is rather difficult as the entrance is tucked away in the by lanes of Thane East. The lake has very little developable space around it but for a three meter wide walkway. Though the lake boasts of a leisure boating facility, very few people visit it. 65
PLAY GROUND
SCHOOL
COMMUNITY SPACE
RAILWAY STATION EDUCATIONAL
GOVERNMENT PURPOSE
RESIDENTIAL
LAKE
ASSEMBLY & RECREATIONAL
COMMERCIAL
INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS
PUBLIC UTILITY 66
HAWKERS VEHICULAR PARKING
132 M
104 M
FIG. 20. Shared space analysis of Hariyali Lake. 67
LAKE
PROMENADE
+
PUBLIC SPACE AREA
2.39 ACRE
AMENITIES LEISURE BOATING
JOGGING TRACK
URBAN FURNITURE
SARVODAY PARK
SCHOOL GROUND 1200 M
TILAK GARDEN
700 M
10 M
15 M
03 ACCESS TIME
16 HOURS
COMMUNITY GARDEN
NUMBER OF PROXIMATE PUBLIC SPACES
20 M 1000 M COMMUNITY EVENT SPACE DALMIA PARK
06
68
69
IMG.Hariyali Talao: One of the many lakes in need of restoration in Thane City.
70
FIG.21. The drawing is a combination of all elements of the Inner City pattern.
71
INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS
ROAD NETWORK
OPEN SPACES
WATER BODIES
BUILDING BLOCKS
RAILWAY NETWORK
UNUSED / ABANDONED AREAS
INDUSTRIAL BLOCKS
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
inner City | B
01
02
03
IMG. 17. Aerial view of Inner City pattern: 01 - Gated community : Shreeji Ville; 02 & 03 - Shared Spaces : Green Buffer and Masunda Lake respectively.
I
n mid 1800, the railway line between Mumbai city and Thane paved way for a trade-based settlement around Thane railway station. This is 2 km radius from Thane railway station and functions as a city center. This area gradually grew organically with a high density of resi-
dential, commercial and institutional premises. The rationale for selection of this pattern as the Inner city is that the organic growth, high density and the two century old heritage value visible in this area is not witnessed in other parts of Thane city. 72
IMG. 18. Talaopali area was previously a sleepy town and is now the heart of Thane city.
73
FIG.22. The diagram displays the roads network, water bodies, unused areas and green areas.
T
his part of the city is called Talaopali, it is reminiscent of the sleepy town before the development boom came crashing Thane cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gates. This part of city was home to many old Marathi style villas called Wadis. With the appreciation of real estate; Wadis gave way to ugly four-storied concrete buildings. One can occasionally spot Wadis in the by-lanes albeit in dire need of restoration. This area is inhabited mainly by native Maharashtrians who made Thane home before cosmopolitan nature was awakened by development. Culturally, Talaopali is the only relevant place where the legacy of Marathi Manus (People of Maharashtra or previously Maratha region) continues. Located in Talaopali area is Masunda Lake; home to the floating Kopineshwar temple that was built in 1750 AD, which is an important landmark and of religious significance to many Maharastrians. Among the 31 lakes that are in the administrative boundary of Thane city, Masunda lakes is the most well kept and provided an ideal setting to Gadkari Theatre built in late 70â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. The theatre hosts many Marathi plays and cultural performances.
The Phenomena
FIG. 23. The diagram displays the roads network, buildings and informal settlements.
building density result from the organic development, which happened long before developments regulations and planning measures had been drafted. This city center is in its second and third wave of re-development so it is easy to witness the transformation. One can see fourstoried dilapidated buildings waiting to be redeveloped into seven to ten story apartments and / or commercial buildings. None of these building have open spaces within their compound and depend on the above mentioned public spaces for leisure and recreation. This activity of co-creating in public spaces builds a lot of character to this part of the city. However fragmented the inner city is visually, functionally and systemically, the presence of public spaces adds cohesion to the chaos and is a delight for most city dwellers. Due to the dearth of public spaces and lack of enthusiasm to add new public spaces, the former public spaces are immensely strained and have lost their sheen. Thus far only Talaopali area has this density of public spaces in close proximity to each other, unlike the rest of the city that is full of gated communities, which thrive in isolation and do not contribute to the city but in taxes and cars.
Talaopali area also has a sport stadium, Olympic size public swimming pool, fresh produce city market and many government institutions. The narrow roads and high 74
N
EX PR
ES
SH
IG
HW AY
FIG. 23. Shreeji Ville is one of the few gated community in the Inner City. Shreeji Ville has a very robust city interface with a shopping complex that houses banks, restaurants, retail outlets and also many local small and medium enterprises. The shopping complex offers about ten metres of shared space along the road though only used for thoroughfare. This gated community is a good example of efficient integration with the city and immediate context.
EA ST ER
140
M
01
30 3M
COMMERCIAL COMPLEX
MW
IDE
EN
12
TRA
RO
AD
NC
E
LOCAL SHOPS
LANDSCAPED GARDEN
APT-1
PARKING
APT-3
INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS
APT-3
15
M
SER
VIC
ER
OA
D
APT-2
PARKING
01
INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS
HOUSING
HAWKERS
RETAIL
VEHICULAR PARKING RESIDENTIAL AREA
75
10 M
8M
30 M
1M
RESIDENTIAL AREA
OPEN SPACE PER PERSON LANDSCAPED AREA | 6598 SQ.MT. POPULATION | 1536
KACHRALI LAKE
PARULKAR GARDEN
GARDEN
PLAY AREA
COMMUNITY HALL
CLUB HOUSE
SWIMMING POOL
GYM
500 M
1000 M
4.29 AMENITIES
PUBLIC SPACE PROXIMITY
02
06 COST PER SQM IN EURO *
1600 COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTION
SHOPPING COMPLEX
LOCAL SHOPS
02
* Real Estate of Thane East <internet> available at www.magicbricks.com, accessed om 24th March, 2014 76
IMG. 19. Shreeji Ville, a gated community, interacts with the city through commercial storefronts, pedestrian and underground walkways.
77
78
ST. JOHNS SCHOOL
THEATRE
SWIMMING POOL
MASUNDA LAKE
FIG. 24. Masunda Lake precinct serves as city center and downtown area of Thane city. This lake is a host to many religious festivals, recreational events and is regularly used by varying age groups during various times of the day. Masunda Lake provides an interesting break out place for the plethora of different public and private functions that dot its perimeter. This area has the highest density of public spaces in close proximity and is a perennially vibrant and resilient part of Inner Thane city. 79
SATIS PROJECT
EDUCATIONAL
GOVERNMENT PURPOSE
RESIDENTIAL
LAKE
ASSEMBLY & RECREATIONAL
COMMERCIAL PUBLIC UTILITY
MUNICIPAL GROUND
FARMER’S MARKET
CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND
WOMEN’S GARDEN
SPORT STADIUM PARK
80
FIG. 25. Shared space analysis of Masunda Lake
HAWKERS
309
VEHICULAR PARKING
M
03 SPACE FOR IDOL IMMERSION
TEMPLE PARK
01 326 M 01 AMPHITHEATRE 02
8M
LEISURE BOATING
10 M
LAKE PROMENADE
2M
10 M
1M
SATIS PROJECT
21 M CHILDREN’S PARK
02
commercial
01 8M 81
LAKE PROMENADE
10 M
2M SATIS PROJECT
10 M
1M
21 M CHILDREN’S PARK
02 6M
03
LAKE PROMENADE
15 M
2M COMMERCIAL PROPERTY
LAKE
PUBLIC PUBLIC SPACE SPACE AREA AREA
PROMENADE
+ +
22 22 ACRE ACRE
01
AMENITIES AMENITIES
BOATING BOATING TEMPLE TEMPLE
AMPHITHEATRE AMPHITHEATRE PARK8 PARK M
10 M
LAKE PROMENADE
2M
10 M
IDOL IDOL IMMERSION IMMERSION SPACE SPACE
1M
21 M
SATIS PROJECT
CHILDREN’S PARK
MUNICIPAL MUNICIPAL GROUND GROUND
CHURCH CHURCH
02
18M 18M
THEATRE THEATRE
SWIMMING SWIMMING POOL POOL RAILWAY RAILWAY STATION STATION
03
100 M100 M
18M 18M 18M 18M
18M 18M
18M 18M
800M 800M 6M
05 05
15 M
2M
LAKE PROMENADE
18M 18M COMMERCIAL PROPERTY
FARMERS’ FARMERS’ MARKET MARKET
CHILDREN’S CHILDREN’S GARDEN GARDEN
10 10
LADIES’ LADIES’ GARDEN GARDEN
ACCESS ACCESS TIME TIME
ELDERS’ ELDERS’ GARDEN GARDEN
24 24
18M 18M
commercial
NUMBER NUMBER OF OF PROXIMATE PROXIMATE PUBLIC PUBLIC SPACES SPACES
HOURS HOURS
theatre
03 2M RESIDENTIAL
15 M
2M
10 M LAKE FRONT
20 M THEATRE
2.5 M LAKE FRONT
82
309
M
3
5 4 326 M
1
2 1 2 3 4 5 6
6
83
1
2
3
4
Leisure boat ride. (IMG. 20) Masunda Lake promenade. (IMG. 21) Thane Municipal Corporation public ground. (IMG. 22) Masunda Lake jetty entrance. (IMG. 23) Thane Municipal Corporation Farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; market. (IMG. 24) Senior Citizensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; park. (IMG. 25)
5
6
84
FIG. 26. The green buffer is a welcome retreat to the public space starved residents of Panchpakhadi area. Most of the residential apartments have no or little open space within their gated communities, as these projects is as old as 30 years. Back then, the development regulations and residential models did not deem the green buffer necessary. Currently, this buffer functions as a noise barrier to the Eastern Express Highway. Funding was received from few reputed developers, which was used to develop 20 m wide and about 1 km long parcel as a jogging park and open gym. This area has been very well received by the residents and has increased the quality of life in this area manifolds.
FOOTOVER BR
IDGE
ERN EXPRESS HIGHWAY
EDUCATIONAL
GOVERNMENT PURPOSE
RESIDENTIAL
COMMERCIAL
ASSEMBLY & RECREATIONAL
PUBLIC UTILITY
PIPELINE
INDUSTRIAL
SLUM 85
60 M WIDE ROAD | EAST
FLYOVER
86
HAWKERS VEHICULAR PARKING
20 M
01 920 M
OPEN GYM
PARK
JOGGING TRACK
02
FIG. 27. Shared space analysis of Green Buffer. 87
PUBLIC SPACE AREA
GREEN BUFFER
4.2 ACRE
AMENITIES PARK
OPEN GYM
JOGGING TRACK
2500 M
PARK
2000 M
PARK
NUMBER OF PROXIMATE PUBLIC SPACES
02
01
RESIDENTIAL
03
1M
15 M
1M
20 M
60 M
20 M
1M
15 M
1M
RESIDENTIAL
ACCESS TIME
24
02
HOURS RESIDENTIAL
1M
15 M
1M
20 M
60 M
20 M
1M
15 M
1M
INDUSTRIAL
RESIDENTIAL
1M
88
IMG. 27
7 :00 AM IMG. 28
5 :00 PM 89
IMG. 28. An open gym and jogging track part of the green buffer, between the service road and the Express highway, provides a breather to an area starved of open spaces.
90
FIG. 28. The drawing is a combination of all elements of the Informal City pattern.
91
INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS
ROAD NETWORK
OPEN SPACES
WATER BODIES
BUILDING BLOCKS
RAILWAY NETWORK
UNUSED / ABANDONED AREAS
INDUSTRIAL BLOCKS
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Informal City | c
01
IMG. 29. Aerial view of Informal City pattern. 01 is an example of Shared Space
M
anorama Nagar is one of the largest informal settlements in Thane city. Previously, this area was home to many industries and the adjoining informal settlement functioned as a humble abode to the many blue-collared workers. The recent infrastructure upgrades
in the vicinity, many developers are buying land parcels in and around Manorama Nagar to build plush residences. The rationale for selection of this pattern is because such case of rampant redevelopment of an informal settlement is currently witnessed only in this part of Thane city. 92
IMG. 30. Manorama Nagar has one of the highest concentrations of informal settlements in Thane city.
H
igh rate of migration coupled with the dated fear of Rent Control Act, the shoddy implementation of Urban Land Ceiling and Regulation Act, and the high deposits required to enter the rental market, has denied access to good quality housing to millions in Thane city. Housing options for poor in Mumbai and Thane are: Chawls; Patrachawls (consisting mainly of semi-permanent structures, which can be both authorised and unauthorised); Zopadpattis (squatter housing); and pavement dwellings. Although pavement dwellings and chawls have poor slum-like conditions, these do not fall under legal definition of slums.1 Tenure arrangements and tenure security in slums vary considerably. The most insecure group are the pavement dwellers, un-notified slums, and squatter settlements built after 1995. Slums on central government land are not entitled to tenure security as these are excluded from the ‘Slum Redevelopment Scheme’. Attempts to evict areas ‘unfit for human habitation and dangerous to health’ were made by the Municipal Corporation under the provisions of municipal acts as early as 1954. During the first decade after independence in 1949 the government adopted the policy of slum clearance and re-housing in permanent buildings on a rental basis. The scheme was not successful because the pace of construction could not keep pace with the increasing demand, rents were unaffordable and houses were sold off by beneficiaries in several cases (Jha, 1986 p 23). With 93
government investments in infrastructure provision under the Central Scheme of ‘Environmental improvement of Urban Slums’ since 1972, slum dwellers have perceived some tenure security. Similarly slum families in possession of photo passes also perceive some security. Communities in the majority of slums (93 per cent) in the city perceive that their slums are notified and hence perceive some security. However 137 slum pockets are not notified and hence are more vulnerable (YUVA & Montgomery Watson Consultants, India 2001).2 Thane has been one of the frontrunners in implementing a sustainable community development programme for the urban poor. In the city of Thane, 35% of the total population lives in the slums. TMC has identified a total of 211 slums, with an estimated population size of 5, 49,775. TMC is implementing slum and settlement upgrading, improvement and redevelopment programme successfully over the years. Various services and civic amenities have been provided in the slums. The corporation is receiving overwhelming response for the Slum Redevelopment Schemes (SRD) schemes. Till now plane table survey of 60 slums has been completed and 45 proposals have been submitted out of which the state committee has cleared 38 proposals and corporation has given commencement certificate to 24 such schemes. Total 16 schemes are completed and 45000 slum dwellers have already been rehabilitated. Remaining 19 schemes are on the verge of completion.3
FIG. 29. The diagram displays the roads network, canal, unused areas.
FIG. 30. The diagram displays the road network , buildings, industrial buildings, under-construction projects and informal settlements.
The Phenomena
removal of solid waste in Mumbai. The prevalent system in slums is limited to placing portable refuse receptacles or constructing garbage bins in or near the slums, accessible to the municipal vehicles for clearance. There is no organised system of solid waste collection and slum residents generally dump garbage in any open place, including lanes and railway tracks. Only in 36 slums is there an organised system of collection and clearance. Inadequate numbers of garbage bins/receptacles, lack of awareness amongst people about ill effects of indiscriminate dumping and inefficiency of local bodies are some of the reasons for poor solid waste management in slums. Most of the settlements (98.6 per cent) have some form of drainage system. However, many drains get blocked and become non-functional. Dumping of garbage in drains is the main cause for blocking. Slums located in low-lying areas or in the tidal range face serious problem of flooding during the monsoon. Poor sanitation is due to low levels of awareness among slum dwellers about its impact on their health.4
Slum form the lower rung of the society and the city. About 49 per cent of slums have access to water supply from shared standpipes, while 38.3 per cent have a supply from more than one source. Remaining slums get their water from tube wells or community standpipes. Only 5 per cent of slums have individual taps whereas 17 slums with approximately 0.1 million inhabitants (0.87 per cent of the total) have no water supply and have to depend on adjoining settlements. Slum communities are clearly in favour of individual water connections. Women and children have to make several trips daily to collect water. Sanitation in slums is very poor as 73 per cent of slums depend on community toilets provided by the government, 28 per cent defecate in the open, 0.7 per cent slums have pay to use toilets managed by NGOs and only 1 per cent of slums have individual toilets. Others have mixed provisions or use toilets in other slums or mobile toilets. Inadequate numbers of toilets lead to long waiting times. Overuse and poor maintenance makes them unhygienic especially in areas where the user group is undefined. Inadequate water supply and the absence of electricity connections further limit the use of public toilets. Women and small children face great difficulties due to inadequate and poorly maintained toilets. This is in spite of the fact that 59 per cent of toilet blocks were constructed after 1995. TMC is responsible for collection and
1.
2. 3. 4.
Neelima Risbud (2010), The case of Mumbai India [internet] available at http://www.ucl.ac.uk/dpu-projects/Global_Report/pdfs/Mumbai. pdf accessed on 20th Jan, 2014. Published by School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi, India., Pg.5 Neelima Risbud (2010), The case of Mumbai, India, Pg.8 Thane Municipal Corporation City Development Plan, 2009, Pg. 78 Neelima Risbud (2010), The case of Mumbai, India, Pg.7 94
FIG. 31. Manorama Nagar is one of the largest informal settlements in Thane city. Manorama playground is an extension to the primary school. The playground is now a parking lot for local businesses and residents of space strapped slum. The playground is in absolute disrepair, encroached at places and the perimeter is lined with garbage.
INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS PRIMARY SCHOOL
MANORAMA NAGAR PLAYGROUND
95
EDUCATIONAL
GOVERNMENT PURPOSE
RESIDENTIAL
MUNICIPAL GROUND
ASSEMBLY & RECREATIONAL
COMMERCIAL
OPEN SPACES
PUBLIC UTILITY
PUBLIC SPACE AREA
2
ACRE
AMENITIES
00 NUMBER OF PROXIMATE PUBLIC SPACE
01 ACCESS TIME
24 HOURS
96
IMG. 31. Manorama Nagar school playground encroached by vehicular parking.
97
98
FIG. 32. The drawing is a combination of all elements of the Network City pattern.
99
INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS
ROAD NETWORK
OPEN SPACES
WATER BODIES
BUILDING BLOCKS
RAILWAY NETWORK
UNUSED / ABANDONED AREAS
INDUSTRIAL BLOCKS
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Network City | d 01
02
IMG. 32. Aerial view of Network City pattern. 01 is a Gated community : Highland Residency and 02 is a shared Space : Ravale Lake.
T
he rationale for selection of pattern of Majiwade â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Kapurbawdi area is that this is the only place in Thane city where convergence of many State, National and Express highways is witnessed. Previously, this area was mainly industrial but now is transforming into a
new and upcoming residential and commercial district in Thane city. This rate of rapid transformation is observed only in this part of the city as shifting and closing has made large tracts of land available for developers to build large gated communities and commercial centers. 100
IMG. 33. Majiwade witnesses the convergence of many networks namely road and water, resulting in high mixed-use density.
T
he area highlighted, namely Majiwade, is 8 km from Thane city center. Majiwade is an important piece of the puzzle that leads to Thane being a prominent city in Mumbai Metropolitan Region. The water pipelines that supply water to Mumbai city pass through Thane city. When the decision of laying water pipeline was conceptualized, a deal was struck by the TMC that in return for the land, it would be permitted to draw water from the pipeline for development of Thane City. These were the important keystones that lead to the
101
development of Thane city as it is today. Earlier Majiwade was a deserted, dangerous outskirt of the city and functioned as a predominant industrial area. The area constituted a range of small, medium and large national and international industries. The types of industries included paper industry, heavy machinery, car servicing centers, instrumentation and pharmaceutical industries and doubled as an important cargo route. The Network City idiom emerges from convergence of
FIG. 33. The diagram displays the roads network ,water bodies, canal, pipelines, unused areas and green areas in Majiwade area.
FIG. 34. The diagram displays the roads network , buildings, industrial buildings, under-construction project and informal settlements.
numerous National & State Highways and road infrastructures leading to different parts of India. Majiwade connects the Western and Eastern Express Highways thereby completing the loop, connects to Gujarat State through Ghodbunder road, connects Delhi-Agra through Bhiwandi road and connects Nasik through extension of the Eastern Express Highway. Lastly, though the ThaneBelapur industrial corridor, which connects Thane to Navi Mumbai (New Bombay) and further into National Highway 4 that leads to Goa and the Mumbai-Pune express highway at Panvel (the last node of New Bombay). These connections were further developed in the year 1998, a very important year in Thane cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history. Then municipal commissioner T S Chandrashekar brought about radical changes in Thane city. The erstwhile sleepy town was transformed into wide roads, demolishing illegal constructions and modern city amenities; paving way for the construction boom of the next decade and more to come.
plex transit node. Besides functioning as a networking transit-node, Majiwade is transitioning into residential and commercial area, with industries selling land to developers in lieu of the impressive land appreciation. This transition has been pushed to high gear due to recent investment by Thane municipality to build a complex flyover system that will rid Majiwade of the traffic jams that have riddled it for over a decade. Due to these major infrastructure additions to the city many corner plots in Majiwade area have been converted to large shopping malls, multi-screen cinema theatres and business centers. And many developers are in talks to upgrade the informal settlements using the SRS.
The Phenomenon
Majiwade leads to Ghodbunder Road towards which Thane city has rapidly expanded in the last decade. Currently, Majiwade is mix of informal settlements, completed and under-construction gated communities / townships, industrial area, speculative land and a com-
Recently, TMC inaugurated an art gallery, facilitated the commencing of a branch of Mumbai University and commissioned an Olympic- size public swimming pool in Majiwade area. A lot of stress is placed on decongesting traffic and conversion of industrial land-use to residential and commercial, but the same enthusiasm is not channelized towards upkeep and creation of new public spaces. Currently, the area is starved for playgrounds, parks and co-creating spaces. Entertainment, leisure and recreation in this area are manifested through the facilities provided by shopping malls which are privately held and are very expensive for the masses. 102
114 M HAWKERS PARKING
VEHICULAR PARKING
PARKING APT 4
APT 3
LANDSCAPED GARDEN APT 5
APT 2
APT 1
APT 11
APT 10
AD 20 M WIDE RO
APT 6
APT 7
LANDSCAPED GARDEN
APT 8
PARKING
APT 9
PARKING
FIG. 35. Built in 2001, Highland Residency is a typical layout of a gated community and is home to middle and lower middle class income groups. The residential complex interfaces with the street through high walls and offers no contribution to elevate the street experience. 103
01
197 M
OPEN SPACE PER PERSON
+
LANDSCAPED AREA | 2442 SQ.MT. POPULATION | 2016
GARDEN
PLAY AREA
1.21
AMENITIES
COST PER SQM IN EURO
02
1450
*
PUBLIC SPACE PROXIMITY PARK
600 M
1000 M
SENIOR CITIZENS’ PARK
02
01
COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTION
HOUSING
HOUSING
RESIDENTIAL AREA
2M
30 M
2M
RESIDENTIAL AREA
00
* Real Estate of Thane East <internet> available at www.magicbricks.com, accessed om 24th March, 2014 104
IMG. 34. Insufficient shared space inside gated communities. 105
106
FIG. 36. Ravale Lake is one of many undeveloped public spaces in Thane city. The lake was situated in once industrial area of Majiwade and Kapurbawdi area, which is now witnessing rapid transformation into a residential quarter. Currently, the lake is surrounded by informal settlements, a temple, low rise buildings and a very busy State highway. Otherwise inactive public space, Ravale lake and its surroundings come to life during religious festivals. The lack of Municipal owned land around the lake is the major hurdle that prevents it from becoming functional and efficient public space.
RAVALE LAKE
FLYOVER
FIRE STATION
107
WATER PIPELINES
20 M WID AD
E RO
MUNICPAL WARD OFFICE
15 M
E ROAD
ERVIC WIDE S
AD
IDE RO
60 M W
15 M
AD
ICE RO
ERV WIDE S
EDUCATIONAL
GOVERNMENT PURPOSE
RESIDENTIAL
LAKE
ASSEMBLY & RECREATIONAL
COMMERCIAL
PIPELINE
PUBLIC UTILITY
INDUSTRIAL
GATED COMMUNITY INDUSTRIAL
108
FIG. 37. Shared space analysis of Ravale Lake.
HAWKERS VEHICULAR PARKING 200
M
TEMPLE
LEISURE BOATING
210 M
01
SPACE FOR IDOL IMMERSION
01
ENTRANCE
LAKE
02 109
2M
10 M
1M
COMMERCIAL + RESIDENTIAL
PUBLIC SPACE AREA
+
LAKE
SIDEWALK
7.5 ACRE
AMENITIES LEISURE BOATING
IDOL IMMERSION SPACE
TEMPLE
NUMBER OF PROXIMATE PUBLIC SPACES
1000 M
PARK
250 M
02
ART GALLERY
02 ACCESS TIME
24
LAKE COMMERCIAL + RESIDENTIAL
03
3M
30 M
1M
10 M
FIRE BRIGADE
HOURS
110
IMG. 36. Ravale Talao: One of the many dysfunctional lakes in the city mainly due to the lack of public space around it.
111
112
FIG. 38. The drawing is a combination of all elements of the Island City pattern.
113
INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS
ROAD NETWORK
OPEN SPACES
WATER BODIES
BUILDING BLOCKS
RAILWAY NETWORK
UNUSED / ABANDONED AREAS
INDUSTRIAL BLOCKS
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Island City | e
02
01
IMG. 37. Aerial view of Island City pattern. 01 is a Gated community : Everest World and 02 is a Shared Space : Hiranandani Garden.
T
his area was once a mix of barren and agriculture land left unattended for decades. The transformation of this area was triggered by overhauling of Ghodbunder Road to an eight lane highway. The rationale for selection of this pattern is that this part of Thane city has
grown in the form of gated communities. No other form of residential model exists here but a series of isolated islands separated by wide roads and lined by retail outlets. The high concentration of gated communities is a distinct trait observed only in this part of Thane city. 114
IMG. 38. The dichotomy of gated communities and informal settlements.
T
he residential sector in Thane was growing at a snailâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pace all through the latter half of the 20th century. Through the 90â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, residential complexes starting blooming faster and post 1998, the then Municipal commissioner T S Chandrasekhar made radical upgrades to the city and the residential sector surged and reached a fever pitch in the first decade of the 21st century. The then cash strapped and tardy municipality and
115
its politicians had other city building priorities and hence could not provide for public facilities. It was the advent of the township (gated communities) which provided for manicured lawns, club houses and plethora of facilities at a marginal increase in payouts, which seemed very lucrative for a prospective buyer. The municipalityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s delight could not be refuted as a policy enabled citizens access to well maintained lawns through development
FIG. 39. The diagram displays the roads network, water bodies, canal, unused areas and green areas.
FIG. 40 The diagram displays the road network , buildings, industrial buildings, under-construction projects and informal settlements.
regulations, which required the developer to provide for 30% of the building plot to be open space without any encumbrances. Meanwhile the municipality was being reimbursed through property tax and many other taxes that are levied during the home buying process. Through this process municipality shared the responsibility of providing open spaces with the developers but did not lay a strategic vision for public spaces. Currently the municipality relies on reservation to provide public facilities made for particular uses in the Land use plan. Sometime the municipality funds the public facilities or enters into a deal with the developer to develop the property. In most such cases the developers do a shoddy job. The lack of holistic vision for public spaces has lead to ad-hoc development of public amenities and has not contributed to public spaces in the city fabric.
efficiency, convenient parking and amenities. Most township master plans have apartment towers that encircle a green space. One cannot relax in such spaces as thousands of eyes pry on from surrounding windows. Though the Thane Municipalityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s development regulation mandates 30% of the space be left aside for unencumbered open space, the developers finds ways to get around the guideline by siphoning some the former space to the ever increasing parking demand that cannot be accommodated under the building through stilt parking. Unreserved street parking within the township is a common sight. Recently strict enforcing of the regulation against street parking in townships; has forced most developers to resort to podium parking, which results in two master planning solutions. In some cases the central open space is elevated by two levels with car parking on the bottom two floors and landscape green cover on top, or the first three to four levels of the building is reserved for parking and the floors above are constructed as apartments. The story outside is the repetitive cacophony of shops that tend to furnish the day to day needs of the residents, each township has the same shops. Most restaurants and leisurely spaces are nested in the malls that appear every 500m. A decade of consistent building of townships without an equal measure of public spaces has brought about an excess of private islands eroding urban life from Thane city.
The Phenomenon
Now the newly developed parts of Thane city no longer feel like a city but a collation of gated communities tiled next to each other with store fronts facing the road that separate one township from the other. Within a decade of building these townships almost all of the available land has been rezoned and amalgamated by big construction conglomerates. They have built hundreds of similar townships, which are designed for space usage
116
HIRANANDANI PARK
FOREST RESERVATION
117
FIG. 41. Hiranandani Park is located in a luxury gated community called Hiranandani Estate. The plot on which the park lies is designated as a public resource and thereby, opens to masses. The park is managed by the private developer; it is one of the few well maintained public spaces in Thane city. The tennis court located inside the park is private and is accessible only to residents of the gated community though the children play area and the park in general is accessible to all.
WATER TANK
PRIVATE CLUB HOUSE
EDUCATIONAL
GOVERNMENT PURPOSE
RESIDENTIAL
PARK
ASSEMBLY & RECREATIONAL
COMMERCIAL
INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS
PUBLIC UTILITY
118
FIG. 42. Shared space analysis of Hiranandani Park.
HAWKERS VEHICULAR PARKING
53
1
12
1
M
M
01
02
01 HOUSING
ARK
119
10 M
121 M
PARK
02 VACANT AREA
3M
15 M
3M
PARK
HOUSING
PUBLIC SPACE AREA
PRIVATE TENNIS COURT
PARK
3.26 ACRE
CHILDREN’S AREA
URBAN FURNITURE
JOGGING TRACK
ELDERS’ PARK
AMENITIES
05
TENNIS COURT
NISARG GARDEN 300 M
220 M
HILL RANGE GARDEN
MIDDLE PARK
1000 M
400 M
CORNER PARK
07
ACCESS TIME
300 M 2500 M PRINCETON POLARIS GROUND
NUMBER OF PROXIMATE PUBLIC SPACES
700 M
CANOSA GARDEN
SURAJ WATER PARK
16 HOURS
120
IMG. 40.
121
IMG. 40. Hiranandani Park is a well maintained public park inside Hiranandani Estate, a large gated community.
122
FIG. 43. Built in 2005, Everest World is home to high and middle class gated community. Inward looking and with minimal contribution or interaction to streets around it, this residence isolates itself from the neighbourhood.
HOUSING
RESIDENTIAL AREA
HOUSING
HOUSING
2M
RESIDENTIAL AREA
HOUSING
40 M
2M
10 M 2 M
40 M
02
RESIDENTIAL AREA
2M
INDUSTRIAL AREA
01 HOUSING RESIDENTIAL AREA
2M
40 M
2M
RESIDENTIAL AREA
01
02 RESIDENTIAL AREA
123
10 M 2 M
40 M
2M
INDUSTRIAL AREA
AREA UNDER CONSTRUCTION
2M
40 M
2M
RESIDENTIAL AREA
GATED COMMUNITY ANALYSIS
*
* Real Estate of Thane East <internet> available at www.magicbricks.com, accessed om 24th March, 2014 124
125
IMG. 41. Typical layout of a gated community is a shared space surrounded by tall buildings on all sides.
126
Conclusion : Gated community analysis Open Space Per Person in SQM Open space available per person within the boundary of gated community.
4.95
4.29 1.21 6
Amenities The number of facilities available for the residents of the gated community.
Number of Proximate Public Spaces The number of public spaces in 2.5Km radius of the gated community.
Contribution to Community
6
2
2 2
2
2
2
2
The current cost per square meter in the gated community.
Nearest Public Space in Meters
2
1
The number of facilities present on the perimeter of gated community useful to the neighbourhood.
Cost per SQM in Euro
2.25
0 1600 1200
1450 900 900 600
500
500
Name of Gated Community
SUBASH COMPLEX
SHREEJI VILLA
HIGHLAND RESIDENCY
EVEREST WORLD
Name of Pattern
TRANSIT CITY
INNER CITY
NETWORK CITY
ISLAND CITY
Distance of nearest public space from the gated community.
CITY CENTER
CITY PERIPHERY
GR. 04. Summary of gated community analysis.
T
he above diagram is a summary of the analysis of gated communities in each of the five patterns 1. The open space ratio (OSR) keeps steadily reducing as we move from city centre to the periphery. 2. Amenities provided by gated communities are better in the periphery than in the city center. 3. Most Gated communities have access to two public spaces in 2500m radius. 4. Gated communities situated in and around the city center interact better with the surrounding than the ones located towards the perimeter of the city.
127
5. The Inner city commands the highest price than parts of the city. The density in the city center forces gated communities to provide for a varied program at the threshold between gated community and the street. The presence of better vehicular parking and modern amenities in the gated communities situated in the periphery of the city are compensated by the vibrancy and proximity to public spaces in the city center. In conclusion gated communities behave and interact very differently throughout the city and hold immense potential to make Thane city more livable.
conclusion : Shared space analysis Area of Shared Space in SQM Showcases the area analysed public space.
of
22
the
4.2
2.39
Amenities The number of facilities available for the public in the shared space.
2
7.5
3.26
5
5 3
3
3 0
Number of Proximate Public Spaces
10 7
6
The number of public spaces in 2.5Km radius of the shared space.
2
Access Time in hours The number of hours the facility remains open for the public.
24
24
1
24
2
24
16
16 2000
Nearest Public Space in Meters Distance of nearest public space from the shared space.
10
100
18
250
220
Name of Gated Community
HARIYALI LAKE
MASUNDA LAKE
GREEN BUFFER
MANORAMA PLAYGROUND
RAVALE LAKE
Name of Pattern
TRANSIT CITY
INNER CITY
INNER CITY
INFORMAL CITY
NETWORK CITY
CITY CENTER
HIRANANDANI PARK ISLAND CITY
CITY PERIPHERY
GR. 05. Summary of shared space analysis.
T
he above diagram is a summary of the analysis of shared spaces in each of the five patterns. 1. Masunda Lake in Inner city has the highest concentration of public spaces while Hiranandani Park has a mix of private and public recreational spaces in its vicinity. 2. Shared spaces in the city periphery are maintained by private developers and are better quality than those in the Inner city. 3. Thane city suffers from an acute shortage of shared spaces. As seen in the diagram the nearest shared space from the green buffer is 2kms, while in the city center is
10 to 18 m and averages to about 200 meters in the peripheral parts of the city. The addition of shared spaces has been very tardy in Thane city. The shared spaces that were developed three decades ago are being used by the public and are in a state of disrepair. All new additions in shared spaces are privately developed for public use of which some are accessible 24hrs. The ad-hoc development of shared spaces has left many parts of the city bereft of recreational spaces. In conclusion Thane city needs a strategic plan and a coordinated implementation strategy to develop its shared spaces. 128
129
THE SITE The converging process began with Mumbai
Metropolitan
Region
onto
Thane city. Pattern analysis enabled to direct the focus onto the transforming Network city. Only to arrive at Sector-5 and eventually Kolshet road where the phenomenon of isolating gated communities and shrinking shared space was most pronounced. This process is enriched by explaining the rationale for selecting Sector-5 over others parts of Thane city and is complemented with an in-depth analysis of Kolshet road, which enabled conceiving Kolshet collective.
130
131
SECTOR 5
7
km from Thaneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s city center, Sector-5 is one among the 10 sectors under the jurisdiction of TMC. Sector comprises the following areas of Thane city namely Majiwade, Chitalsar, Balkum, Kolshet and Dhokali. Sector is landlocked on three sides by the busy Ghodbunder road on the left side, National highway at the bottom and Ulhas River on the right side. Sector started out as an industrial area in mid 20th century during the industrialization of Thane city. As Industries began to flourish many workers set up homes in the nearby areas and this led to forming large informal colonies in the area. The armed forces also own a large parcel of land in sector which is out of bounds for civilians. Towards the end of the 20th century few low-rise apartments were constructed in Dhokali area once Thane Municipal Transport service started plying buses to these areas. The then municipal commissioner came through and provided Thane with much need infrastructure to propel it into the 21st century. Since early 2000â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sector-5 has witnessed the construction and completion of many small and large gated communities. Beginning from the mid 90â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, many industries in the area have closed down and many are on the verge of the same. Since large parts of Sector-5 are industrial, most roads are deserted both at day and night. It is common sight to encounter sidewalks lined by high walls protecting abandoned industries against encroachments and illegal activities. Sector-5 is now at cross-roads as its future will be shaped by the exiting industries and entering residential developers.
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GHODBUNDER ROAD KOLSHET ROAD
KOLSHET ROAD
STATE HIGHWAY -35 ULHAS RIVER
INDUSTRIAL
COMMERCIAL
FOREST
RESIDENTIAL
TRANSPORT
PUBLIC UTILITY
INDUSTRIAL LANDUSE
RECREATIONAL
EDUCATIONAL
PIPELINE
INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS
S
ector-5 is landlocked on three sides by the busy Ghodbunder road on the left side, National highway at the bottom and Ulhas River on the right. The landuse map clearly illustrates that Sector-5 has a high concentration of industrial land uses, followed by residential and a large parcel of the Sector-5 is owned by the armed forces and operates as an air force base. Though the land use plan shows a high number of recreational land uses, only three facilities have been developed, the rest are fenced and have not been made available to the residents of Sector-5. Owing the increase in the vehicular accessibility, many industrial lands are being converted for residential use.
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The transit network around Sector-5 has undergone massive overhaul with multi-armed intersections at completion, proposal for monorail being approved and many flyovers constructed. These infrastructure interventions have made Sector-5 more accessible than ever before. Most industries along Kolshet road have stopped manufacturing and production altogether and lie abandoned. The encircled land parcels have been recently sold to reputed residential developers to build yet another luxury gated community. In the next 5 to 10 years, most of the industrial enterprises would have left the Sector-5 to pave way for Thane cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newest residential neighbourhood along Kolshet road.
FIG. 46. Splicing land-use of Sector-5.
RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS RESIDENTIAL LANDUSE
INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS
RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
MILITARY BUILDINGS
Gated communities, informal settlements and closing industrial enterprises are the current construct of Sector-5. Until recently, all the Transfer Direct Rights (TDR) generated by land owners anywhere in Thane city could be only utilized in the development of Sector 4 and 5. Thereby, 45% of Sector-5 comprises of residential area.. In the next decade, about 500-1000 acres of land would be converted from industrial land use to residential within Sector-5 itself. This change would deeply strain the road networks, endanger the environment and cripple public utilities. Without a strategic vision to manage these driving forces the quality of life in Sector-5 would be considerably degraded.
The rationale for choosing Sector-5 to work among the other sectors in Thane city is that 1. Most parts are underdeveloped or are in development process and have caught the attention of many developers in Thane city 2. A part of the sector is the transit node 3. TMC owns considerable public land in this area 4. Kolshet road has direct access to Ulhas River 5. Sector-5 needs a strategic vision to deal with overcrowding crisis, which is looming in the horizon. 134
IMG. 42. One of the many industries that lie abandoned along Kolshet road. 135
136
137
KOLSHET ROAD
K
olshet road is the most important transit route in Sector-5 and is home to many new residential developments and industrial establishments. Currently, the entire stretch of industrial land-use is being converted to residential use. This high density of gated community development with lack of shared spaces and inadequate transit options will lead to massive congestion and loss of quality of life. Kolshet road provides the ideal conditions as many public and private projects are in the development phase; an intervention now could help shape the neighbourhood positively for years to come. 138
SITE STUDY : LAND-USE & SITE FUNCTION
T
his section delves into understanding the morphology of Kolshet road, which was previously an important industrial hub. The adjoining diagram is divided into three parts existing land-use, the current usages and functions, and temporary functions that crop up along Kolshet road. Through this diagram it is possible to deduce the following 1. Though land-use is defined by the TMC the real time functions along Kolshet vary on many levels namely commercial front, informal settlements, small and medium independent commercial enterprises, abandoned industrial land parcels, places of worship and many more.
LAND-USE
FUNCTION
TEMPORARY FUNCTIONS
2. Both sides of Kolshet road have land parcels assigned for public spaces, which vary in function but also differ in stage of development. 3. Many temporary functions mushroom along Kolshet Road on a daily, weekly and annual basis. Though large parts of the road are underused, some stretches where the density of housing is greater the vibrancy of the streets is greater too.
R ER
D OA
ND
BU
D GO
4. Through this diagram we can clearly witness that the previously industrial land uses are slowly being converted to residential and many gated communities have mushroomed along the stretch of Kolshet road. In conclusion, due to lack to accessible public space along Kolshet road, the residents use the road for different functions like street markets, religious celebrations, parades, performances and playing cricket at times. Kolshet Road is the spine of all activity in the neighbourhood. TEMPORARY FUNCTIONS
139
Residential
Retail Front Industrial Area
Public Utilities
Industrial
Retail Front Residential Area
Transportation
Recreational Area
Vacant
Air-force
Road
Informal Settlement
Education
Commercial
Retail Front Informal Area
Canal
Water works Dpt.
Annual Temple Street Festival
Weekly Street Market
FUNCTION
LAND-USE
ULHAS RIVER KOLSHET RO AD
FIG. 45. Landuse and site functions along Kolshet road. 140
SITE STUDY : STREET PROFILE
01 : UNDEVELOPED AREA
T
he diagram is oriented towards understanding the nature of the various facilities along Kolshet road. Through six basic sections the diagram showcases the functions, dimensions, border conditions and relationship of the context with Kolshet. The observations are as follows â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1. The pedestrian walks are very narrow at most places one cannot engage into a conversation without being a hindrance to other commuters. 2. Most informal encounters spill over onto the road posing a safety hazard for both the pedestrian and the vehicle driver.
VACANT 2 M AREA
2 M VACANT AREA
20 M
3. Many gated communities have store front but only few have the mandatory offset from road that allow for shared functions to be performed. 4. For most part, Kolshet road is lined by high compound walls belonging to industrial or gated communities, which provide very inert walking experiences.
R DE
AD RO
N
BU
D GO
02
5. The relationship between the residential apartments and the pedestrian walk are grossly disproportionate as the buildings are over 100 m tall and the sidewalks are one to two meters wide.
03
01
6. Weekly markets on the street are very hazardous as the vendors and people occupy the road in one direction. During peak evening hours both people and vehicles struggle to pass leading to traffic snarls and chaos. 7. The relationship between the sidewalk and shops is off as most often the pedestrian walk is encroached by the shops leaving no place to walk.
02 : TRANSFORMING AREA HOUSING
In conclusion, Kolshet road is not equipped to handle any informal activity in a safe manner and is designed solely for cars and not the pedestrian. Having designated breakout spaces at regular intervals will ease the tension and improve the experience of Kolshet road.
FIG. 46. Street profile and urban dynamics along Kolshet road. 141
RETAIL INDUSTRY
INDUSTRIAL RESIDENTIAL
RETAIL
2M
20 M
10 M
RETAIL FRONT RESIDENTIAL
03 : RESIDENTIAL AREA HOUSING
06 : FORMAL RESIDENTIAL AREA + INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS
WATER TANK
HOUSING RETAIL
RETAIL
RETAIL
RETAIL
RETAIL FRONT 10 M RESIDENTIAL
20 M
2M
PUBLIC UTILITY
RETAIL FRONT 2 M INFORMAL SETTLEMENT
20 M
2M
RETAIL FRONT RESIDENTIAL AREA
KOLSHET RO AD 06
05 04
ULHAS RIVER
04 : INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS
05 : INDUSTRIAL AREAS
HOUSING
INDUSTRY
RETAIL
VACANT 2 M AREA
20 M
2 M 2.5 M
INFORMAL SETTLEMENT
INDUSTRIAL AREA
2M
20 M
2M
VACANT AREA 142
SITE STUDY : OPEN SPACE ANALYSIS
T
he diagram itemizes and describes the different types of public and shared spaces along Kolshet road. The street elevation along both sides helps give a sense of the height of the buildings along the stretch, which helps deduce the developed and underdeveloped parts of the road. The observations are as follows â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1. Most earmarked public spaces are yet to be constructed and are fenced making public volunteering and participation impossible.
LEFTSIDE STREET ELEVATION: BUILDING HEIGHTS
This space is allocated for garden mandated by the landuse plan. The garden is built but has limited access.
This space has been allocated for municipal utility by Thane municipal corporation and is currently abandoned.
2. Most built projects are either inaccessible due to timing restrictions or not maintained well for public use. 3. None of the proposed and existing public spaces along Kolshet road are open 24 hours a day. Only the building offset from the road, mandated by development control regulations provide some landscaped, lit and safe respite for the otherwise dark and gloomy Kolshet road. In conclusion there is no consistency in size, opening and closing hours, quality of space and function of open space along Kolshet road.
R DE
AD RO
UN
DB
GO
Offset from road proportional to height of the building. This space is generally used for commercial purposes.
This area has been allocated for construction of a Fire Brigade, park and for additional municipal facilites the project is yet to be constructed.
Exisiting and proposed public spaces on Kolshet Road. RIGHTSIDE STREET ELEVATION: BUILDING HEIGHTS FIG. 47. Relationship between open space analysis and building heights along Kolshet road. 143
72m 60m 48m 24m 12m 00m
This area is reserved for recreational purposes. The property has been fenced and left vacant.
This parcel has been assigned for construction of municipal ward office. Land allocation construction is pending.
This parcel has been reserved for cremation ground. The project is construction and is a functioning public utility.
This parcel has been assigned for construction of park. This land is reserved under the Coastal Regulation Zone.
KOLSHET RO AD
ULHAS RIVER
The area has been proposed for mixed functions of garden around the exisitng lake, police station and public welfare library.
This parcel has been reserved for cremation identifies for a proposed public utility. The use is not mentioned.
The parcel is earmarked as a tranport reservation. Currently serves as parking for heavy vehicles and public transportation buses.
This parcel of land is reserved as public utilility and functions as a port for small and medium water transportation boats. The project is yet to begin construction. 72m 60m 48m 24m 12m 00m
144
SITE STUDY : HABITABILITY ANALYSIS
T
his diagram condenses the previous studies into a habitability assessment and graphically represents the quality of life along Kolshet Road.
The parameters that aid in qualifying a stretch into high, low and poor habitable zones are the following: access to public utility and shared space, perception of space, general lighting, green cover, walkability, activities and type and quality of functions along the street. Identification of zones was arrived after interviewing residents about the performance of the areas with respect to the above mentioned parameters. For most parts of Kolshet road the habitability is very poor but for some developed stretches it tad better that the rest. The central part of Kolshet road that cuts through Dhokali junction is the liveliest part of the whole stretch. This area has permanent street hawking, retail and restaurants. This part of Kolshet road is buzzing through the day, though the quality of the former is compromised but the energy is contagious.
HABITABILITY ALONG LEFTSIDE OF KOLSHET ROAD Among the many public spaces proposed on Kolshet Road, the highlighted area contains the built and functioning public & semi-public projects.
R ER
D OA
ND
BU
D GO
The area encircled on the diagram is the only safe zone during the night as it is has regular thoroughfare. As one moves forward towards Ulhas River, the street become dingy and deserted. In conclusion, there is dire need for a cohesive plan that consolidates the strengths, identifies rhythm and activates the functions along Kolshet road so that the residents can make full use of the otherwise deserted area.
HABITABILITY ALONG RIGHTSIDE OF KOLSHET ROAD High habitability zone Low habitability zone Poor habitability zone FIG. 48. Habitability profile and division of Kolshet Road in to zones for design development. 145
72m 60m 48m 24m 12m 00m
KOLSHET RO AD
ULHAS RIVER
72m 60m 48m 24m 12m 00m
146
TOWARDS THE PLAN ZONE-1
ZONE-2
PRESENT: Unsafe, deserted, un-walk able, danger perception, unlit, gated, unclean, disrepair, tree cover, street parking, haphazard driving, industrial, vacant, abandoned and high walls
PRESENT: Industrial, residential, poorly lit, partially walk-able, disrepair, interactive, vibrant, crowded, no self space, chaos, vehicular interference, gated communities, no shade, inconsistent sidewalk, encroachment, hawkers, semi public spaces, commercial store fronts, street parking, narrow sidewalk, closed park, temple crowding, gated public sports complex and misused street corners
NEEDS : feel safe, activity, urban furniture, all day night accessibility, maintenance, pedestrian visibility, wide un-encroached sidewalks and street lighting, road divider LOCAL STRATEGY : Interaction between pedestrian walkway and high walled gated functions.
NEEDS : street lighting, urban furniture, maintenance, un-encroached sidewalks, break-out spaces, community space, crowd separators, cleanliness, vehicular organization, provision for temporary functions, activity space, leisure and recreational space, consistent tree cover LOCAL STRATEGY : Proportion streets with towering context, breaking up street parking for other shared functions, activation of street corners.
D OA R R
E
ND
U DB
GO
PRESENT: Unsafe, deserted, un-walk able, danger perception, unlit, gated, unclean, disrepair, tree cover, street parking, haphazard driving and high walls, industrial and abandoned NEEDS : feel safe, activity, urban furniture, all day night accessibility, maintenance, pedestrian visibility, wide un-encroached sidewalks and street lighting, road divider
PRESENT: Residential, wide building offsets creating buffer between street and commercial enterprises, motorbike repair, inconsistent sidewalk, encroachment, street hawkers, interactive, local store fronts, narrow pedestrian walks, encroachments, gated communities, semi-public spaces, vacant plots, water tank, street parking, retail chain, informal settlements and misused street corners NEEDS : Consistent side walk width, add urban furniture to buffer spaces, include semi public spaces into sidewalk, create provision for street parking, cleanliness, proportion sidewalk with context, improve lighting, community space and inclusion
LOCAL STRATEGY : Interaction between pedestrian walkway and high walled gated functions.
LOCAL STRATEGY : Create distinction between encroaching functions and sidewalk, add layers to existing singular activity which is store fronts and commerce, Inclusion of informal community into neighbourhood.
ZONE-5
ZONE-6
147
FIG. 49. Consolidation of analysis of Kolshet Road into present condition, future needs and local strategies.
ZONE-3
ZONE-4
PRESENT: walk-able, well lit, shaded, clean, gated, mostly deserted, undeveloped, abandoned, perceived danger, village like, morning walks, informal settlements, industrial, excluded from the neighbourhood, long line of bus parking obstructing pedestrian visibility and safety, street hawking, urban poor and weekly street market
PRESENT: Walkable, peaceful, seasonal crowding, religious, youth hangout, weekend family leisure, evening walks, river, playground, learning driving, final stop for public bus, getaway, fishing boats, deserted, perceived danger, unsafe, crematorium, undeveloped, barren, unlit, sand mafia, stray dogs, coastal regulation zone
NEEDS : Urban furniture, activity space, creatively block abandoned spaces, community center for informal settlements, public infrastructure and amenities, community inclusion, wider pedestrian infrastructure, provision for temporary functions, making pedestrians visible
NEEDS : Safe 24hrs access, lighting, landscape, parking provision, landmark, urban furniture, trees and shade, permanent activity, LOCAL STRATEGY : Activation of premise of diverse audiences.
LOCAL STRATEGY : Major draws that make people stay, add layers to existing singular activity which is industrial, Inclusion of informal community into neighbourhood.
KOLSHET RO AD
ULHAS RIVER
PRESENT: Unsafe, deserted, un-walk able, danger perception, unlit, gated, unclean, disrepair, tree cover, street parking, industrial, vacant, abandoned, informal settlements, long line of bus parking obstructing pedestrian visibility and safety, lack of public space and high walls
PRESENT: Municipal ground, temple, road encroached for festival / religious celebrations, street hawking, haphazard traffic, abandoned land, informal settlements, deserted towards the lake, perception of danger, unlit, urban poor, unclean, river, walkable, unclean, stray animals
NEEDS : Street lighting, activity, connection between industries and high walls to the streets, provision for a larger area for bus stop which currently encroach sidewalk, more eyes on the street, congregation spaces, include canal into usable space, parking strategy
NEEDS : Street lighting, activity, disrepair, connection or disconnection from abandoned places, provision for a larger area for bus stop which currently encroach sidewalk, break out spaces, urban furniture, inclusion into neighbourhood, community space, link to connect proposed public spaces
LOCAL STRATEGY : All season usability by creating weather proof spaces, regulate visual widths on pedestrian walkway, creative fencing along industrial and abandoned spaces.
LOCAL STRATEGY : Street language for urban identity and provision for community welfare.
ZONE-7
ZONE-8 148
149
KOLSHET IN PICTURES
A photo essay of the various phenomena at work on Kolshet road; begining at the inlet from Gobunder road and culminating at the banks of the Ulhas river.
150
IMG. 43. Garbage strewn across the Water Pipeline on Kolshet road
151
152
IMG. 44. Street encroached upon for temple festivities. 153
154
155
IMG. 45. Community fair organized for the annual temple festival.
156
157
IMG. 46. An Informal street market takes place on the sidewalk along the gated communities.
158
IMG. 47. Vast tracts of undeveloped industrial land are now available for residential development. 159
160
IMG. 48. Semi-public spaces are offset from the main road as a measure for future road widening. 161
162
IMG. 49. Abandoned industrial building along Kolshet road.
IMG. 50. A derelict canal cuts through Kolshet road. 163
IMG. 51. Deserted stretch along the Kolshet industrial corridor
164
IMG. 52. Though in disrepair, Kolshet Municipal Grounds is very popular among locals. Lack of a defined boundary has led to illegal parking along the perimeter.
165
166
167
IMG. 53. A well maintained community garden with adjoining temple complex.
168
169
IMG. 54. Kolshet Road terminates into the Ulhas River, which has immense scope for river front development.
170
IMG. 55. Garbage strewn on the banks of the Ulhas River. 171
172
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THE PLAN
Using a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;big ideaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; to inspire the proposal to develop the Kolshet Collective on the former industrial corridor along Kolshet road emerged with four key elements: The Green Mile, Community Generator and Border Activator. I outline projected impacts, present an implementation strategy, detail short and long term objectives and actions which will transform Kolshet road by 2030.
174
Site strategy gREEN CONNECTORS
The role of Green Connectors is to bind disparate gated and native communities by formalizing the informal. The program along the connector performs many functions – 1. To connect communities along Kolshet road safely to the Ulhas river. 2. To connect the many public functions that are lying abandoned due to lack of access. 3. To attract different audiences through the day to the connector; thereby making the neighbourhood active and safe through collective action.
bORDER aCTIVATORS
Border Activator would improve the interaction between Kolshet road and functions alongside. This strategy entails the following: 1. To create a strategy for Kolshet road by acting on parking, sidewalk, lighting, tree plantation and urban furniture. 2. To regenerate street corners along Kolshet road with urban furniture and street functions. 3. To add urban pockets along Kolshet road that would work as break out spaces to accommodate functions that exceed the ambit of the plan.
COMMUNITY GENERATORS
Creation of neighbourhood identity through places where people can congregate to revive the spirit of the community is the role of Community Generators. The role will bear fruition through the following measures1. To create spaces that help supplement urban life through functions like community kitchens and crèches. 2. Addition of diverse public spaces and utilities to the neighbourhood’s vocabulary aiding alternative recreational possibilities. 3. To compensate for the shortcomings of gated communities, informal settlements and old residential buildings thereby improving the overall quality of life of Kolshet Road. 175
actions LANDSCAPE PARK
CYCLING PATH
JOGGING TRACK
STREET MARKET
OPEN GYM
ART GALLERY
P
URBAN FURNITURE RECYCLING INFRASTRUCTURE
ACCIDENTAL SPACES
OUTDOOR EATERIES
WATER FOUNTAIN
LIBRARY
P
COMMUNITY LEARNING
BOAT LEISURE / TRANSPORT
LANDSCAPE PARK
BULLETIN BOARDS
WATER FOUNTAINS
RECYCLING INFRASTRUCTURE
AUTO RICKSHAW STANDS
PARKING
HANDICAP FRIENDLY
SPORTING GROUND
STREET GAMES
RESTAURANTS
STREET LIGHTING
MEETING ROOMS
BUSINESS INCUBATORS
IDOL IMMERSION AREA
PUBLIC TOILETS
HAWKING
RECYCLING INFRASTRUCTURE
CRECHE
ELDERS’ PARK
PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE
BARS
BUS STOP
PEDESTRIAN SAFETY
WATER FOUNTAIN
CAFES
URBAN FURNITURE
URBAN FARMING
HAWKING
WIFI
OPEN WORKING
CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA
TREE LINE
RELIGIOUS SPACES
AMPHI THEATRE
COMMUNITY KITCHENS
PERFORMANCE SPACE
AMUSEMENT PARK JOGGING TRACK
STREET FOOD CYCLING PATH
FIG. 50. Compilation of strategies, policies and interventions on Kolshet Road. 176
PROPOSED INTERVENTIONS
1. Art Gallery on Green Activator
2. Water Pipeline Park
3. Semi Public Spaces
4. Street Market on Green Activator 177
FIG. 51. Visualizations of various physical interventions on Kolshet road.
6. Street Corner
5. Municipal Ward Office + Community Parking
7. Landscape Park on Green Activator
2
3
Kolshet Road Key Plan
4
5
1
6
7
FIG. 51. Visualizations of various physical interventions on Kolshet road. 178
THE KOLSHET
CO L LE C T IVE H A R N E S S I N G
A
S H A R E D
F U T U R E
Nature of Community organization
K
olshet Collective will be a neighbourhood umbrella non-profit organization that would be created by the representatives of the diverse communities that inhabit Kolshet area. The aim of the organization would be to revitalize Kolshet area with collective action. Kol179
shet Collective will work as an intermediary between the municipality and private developers to realize the ambitions of the community. The organization would co-ordinate community projects, organize community events and maintain facilities to accommodate community functions.
functions of Community organization
Building Community Capacity
Building Sustainable Communities
Growth of Community Assets
Developing Local Partnerships
Understanding the Problems & Identifying Stakeholders
Leveraging Public Resources to Improve Public Health & Environment
Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing
Engaging in Ongoing Exchange
Knowledge of Community Resources
Recognition of Community Needs
Community Empowerment
Improvement of Quality of Life
FIG. 52. Roles and function performed by Kolsher Collective in Kolshet area. 180
Project priority 01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
Formation of Kolshet Collective Umbrella Non-profit Organization
Community Center Cost | € 200,00-250,000 Duration | 2-3 years
Kolshet Road Widening Project Proposed in Development Plan 20m to 40m Duration | 2-3 years
Park + Sports Complex Cost | € 2,500,00-3.000.000 Duration | 2-3 years
Municipal Ground Regeneration Cost | € 25,000-30,000 Duration | 6 months-1year
River Front Park Costs | € 200,000-250,000 Duration | 2-3 years
Border Activator Costs | € 125,000-100,000 Duration | 1-2 years
Green Connector Cost | € 500,000-550.00 Duration | 3-4 years
09
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
Civic Center + Police Station + Library Cost | € 1,000,000-1,500,000 Duration | 3-4 years
Water Pipeline Garden
Cost | € 50,000-75,000 Duration | 4-5 years
Municipal Ward Office + Community Vehicular Parking Costs | € 1,500,000-2,000,000 Duration | 2-3 years
Theatre and Cultural Center Costs | € 400,000-450,000 Duration | 4-5 years
Lake Garden
Cost | € 100,000-150,000 Duration | 6-7 years
Jetty
Cost | € 450,000-500,000 Duration | 5 years
Community Park
Cost | € 550,000-600,000 Duration | 7-8 years
Capital Improvements & Investment in community-centric growth in area Cost
| € 20,000-25,000 / year
FIG. 53. Priorities of projects along Kolshet road. The cost and time estimates are approximate and have been sourced from the previously executed projects of Thane Municipal Corporation in Thane city.
T
he diagram represents the priority of projects that need to be initiated in Kolshet area with cost and duration of the respective projects. Kolshet Collective is the umbrella non-profit community organization that would embark on the consensus building process within
181
the community and provide cognitive and logistical support to achieve the projects. Kolshet Collective will also liaison with the multiple actors that would contribute in land, economic, legal and political resources, which are vital to improve the quality of life in Kolshet area.
Social feasibility
T
he premises of the social feasibility are three community centric project themes namely Green Connector, Border Activator and Community Activators. The Method
Who | Participants
Green Connector
What | Issues to be solicited
How much | Public Authority Limit
Community Activator
Residents of Kolshet road and adjoining
Residents of Sector-5 and adjoining com-
commercial and industries enterprises.
commercial and industries enterprises.
mercial and industrial enterprises.
Seminars, information sessions and public
Information sessions, public meetings,
hearing.
community fairs and public hearings.
workshops, brain-storming sessions and public hearings.
When | Stage of Involvement
Border Activator
Residents of Kolshet road and adjoining
Public meetings, open houses, community How | Participation Method
social feasibility is run on a methodical approach of who, how, when, what and how much powers the consultation with public will be incorporated into the project.
From initial concept of project continuing all through the project.
Once the project is sanctioned by core
From initial concept of project continuing
actors and preliminary land development
all through the project.
is done.
Recreational Activities, program of space,
Encroachment, security, urban furniture,
Type of function & experience, priority of
cultural events, security and safety.
enhancing commerce and walk-ability.
projects, activities and program of space.
Citizens have higher stake in program
Municipality has higher stake in decision
Municipality has higher stake in decision
and activities of space and private &
process and citizen input would be
process and citizen input would be
municipality sets financial limits.
acknowledged.
acknowledged.
Table 01. Social feasibility of Green Connector, Border Activator and Community Activator.
Political feasibility
T
he goal of the project is to add diverse shared spaces in the form of Community Generators in the disparate Kolshet neighbourhood, which enable collective action in the community. Secondly enable developers to look beyond the limited amenities that can be provided within gated community and benefit from the shared abundance through Green Connectors that lies untapped Actors
in the neighbourhood. Thirdly widen the perspective of local commerce by outlining the merits of contiguous shared space in the form of Border Activators and consequent benefit from high sale of goods. All these measures will allow realizing the full potential of Kolshet as an upcoming residential quarter in Thane city.
Resources
Benefits
Kolshet Collective
Cognitive, Logistic, Economic
Collective action, people friendly and identity
Thane Municipal Corporation
Land, Legal, Political, Economic
Property tax, Stimulate Real Estate development, Improve Liveability and Civic pride
Private Residential Developers
Land and Economic
Property tax, Stimulate Real Estate development, Improve Liveability and Civic pride
UIDSSMT â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Urban Infrastructure Development Scheme
Economic and Legal
Improve Liveability and add civic pride
Jawaharlal Nehru Urban Renewal Mission
Economic and Legal
Better Urban quality and urban infrastructure
Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development Authority
Economic, Legal, Politcal
Economic, Stimulate Real Estate development, Improve Liveability and Civic pride
Industrial Plants
Land and Economic
Corporate Social Responsibility and high land appreciation.
Table 02. Political feasibility with itemization of actors, resources and benefits to realise projects along Kolshet road. 182
Existing condition Godbunder Road is the extention to Eastern Express Highway and one of the busiest roads in Thane City.
Presence of a landscaped garden maintained by the adjoining temple trust but often remains inaccessible.
This area designated for municipal utility but lies abandoned. The site is centrally located and has immense potential
The begining of Kolshet road is deserted and hosts no public functions. This stretch of road is surrounded by industries and abandoned lots.
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This highly dense part of Kolshet road hosts a weekly street market and many store fronts that tend to the day to day necessities of the surrounding gated communities.
Kolshet playground is the only public facility on this part of Kolshet Road. The playground is used by the youth to play cricket and is in a very bad shape due to illegal activities that line the perimeter of the playground.
1 kilometer span is an industrial area, which is deserted at most times. Owing to lesser traffic and development, people use the road for morning and evening walks.
This industrial complex admeasuring 200 acres previously owned by Bayer India Limited is sold to a reputed residential developer and will be home to a new gated community.
This area is owned by the armed forces and adjoining Kolshet road along this stretch remains deserted at most times.
Kolshet road ends into Ulhas river, which is popular public area among the locals. No urban furniture or lighting is provided to support this facility leaving it deserted at most times
FIG. 54. Showcases the current condition and phenomenon at work in Kolshet road. 184
future scenario The Water Pipleline park will act as catalyst in utilizing the vast stretch of water pipelines that run through Thane City.
The traffic island will bring order to the current traffic chaos and provide space for temple celebrations.
The placement of a market within the confines of the Green Connector will organize traffic and improve pedestrian safety.
The sports complex will bring the community in one fold and will revitalize the area with day and night acitivity currently missing.
185
Outdoor working spaces with community wifi will provide alternate co-working and collaborative spaces.
Community Park will add large open space making it a public attraction for the diverse communities inhabiting Kolshet area.
Refurbishing the playground and developing the lake and garden provide the much needed open space absent in the community.
Fair grounds and river front park will kickstart development and conservation of Thaneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vast river front that lies unused and abused.
Addition of Civic center, Police Station and Library will help achieve making public utilities available 24hrs to the community.
FIG. 55. Outlines the projects and future impacts of the proposed projects in Kolshet area. 186
187
CONCLUSION From the development of a big idea, to the details of the planâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s specific implementation of the priorities of the Kolshet Collective, the plan-making process has guided the creation of a substantive, feasible plan backed by analysis and sound arguments. The result of this process, as shown, is a vision of a future where Kolshet area and specifically Kolshet road serves as a platform for innovative community practices which ultimately will change the way gated communities and shared spaces, interact in Thane city.
188
conclusion
T
he proposal for the three main themes in Kolshet area namely Green Connector, Border Activator and Community Generators strikes a balance between the visionary and the practical, between what could happen in this neighbourhood through collective action and what must be done to ensure a sustainable and equitable community. It is important to acknowledge that transforming Kolshet Industrial Corridor from its current state to resilient neighbourhood is difficult to imagine. However, the goals presented in this plan are feasible and supported by urban theories and in depth research and analysis. At the very least, implementation of this plan will directly affect Kolshet Road and Sector-5 by creating diverse public recreational spaces, reduce inter-community tensions, create new jobs, spur economic development and offer new co-creating opportunities. While I hope this plan will be used to help re-envision the Sector-5 and Kolshet Industrial Corridor, I acknowledge that steps need to be taken to share this plan with those redeveloping the site. This being said, the ultimate purpose of the plan is to facilitate conversation that will serve to engage people of the Kolshet neighbourhood, Sector-5 and the City of Thane about the unsustainable state of the current city building processes, which involve high number of gated community and drastic reduction in shared spaces. If the plan is understood within this context, key people, business and organizations will better realize the potential positive impacts of the proposed plan. In summary, these four recommendations that is critical to the success of the plan and for improving the quality of life in Kolshet area.
1. A non-profit organization, Kolshet Collective Inc., will be created to help guide the development strategies through this plan. The board will comprise of key private and public partners such as: community members, residential developers, non for profit organizations, city officials, industrial houses, hospitals and educational institutions. Kolshet Collective Inc.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ultimate purpose will be to help establish a sense of identity around innovative, sustainable, healthy community practices in the area and will provide a platform for future community related developments throughout the city. 189
2. The Green Connector will help local residents gain safe access to abandoned and derelict recreational spaces that lie along Kolshet road. The provision for street market in the Green Connector will decongest the streets, improve overall safety and boost entrepreneurship in the area. 24 hour access to public space will result in increased interaction between different groups through the day in the community. The diverse program of activities along the strip will help attract people with different interests to converge and unleash creativity and help achieve a resilient neighbourhood. 3. To unite varied functions that exist along Kolshet road, Border Activators will enable consistent walkability, safety and security along the corridor. Border Activators will lead the effort with focus on Pedestrian friendly and contiguous sidewalk, innovative parking strategy, designating hawking zones and intermittent urban furniture. These actions would result in improved business for commercial entities, job creation, and appreciation in residential and retail property prices for private developers and enhance the retail experience manifold along Kolshet road. 4. Community Generators are critical to balance the access to open space in the community. The trend for the future of residential development along Kolshet road is through monotonous gated communities. Community Generators would diversify community assets by targeting different audiences; enable varied experiences for the neighbourhood by overcoming the shortcoming of gated communities. With the influence of Community Activators, Kolshet area will gain a city wide reputation for having led the way for building resilient neighbourhood and hence improved quality of life. Through the planâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s four core elements a new paradigm in community innovation will take root in Thane city. The plan outlines a practicable, 30 year implementation strategy complete with social and political feasibility. Ultimately, the plan will spur innovation in city life while also investing in the success of the current community.
COLLECTIVE SHAPES CITIES
CITIES SHAPE COLLECTIVE
the big idea
T
he rising fortunes and the advent of gated communities have led to many smaller inward looking neighbourhoods across Thane city. Over the past decade this island phenomenon has gradually eroded meaningful collaborations in the society. The big idea that drives
the project is the Collective Shape Cities and Cities Shape the Collective. This idea strives to harness the power of the masses to transform cities and relooks at cities as an enabler for diverse shared activities. 190
Acronyms 1. MMR – Mumbai Metropolitan Region 2. TMC – Thane Municipal Corporation 3. Sector 5 – Comprises of Majiwade Chitalsar, Balkum, Kolshet and Dhokali neighbourhoods 4. MCGM - Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai 5. MMRDA - Mumbai Municipal Regional Development Authority 6. ULB - Urban Local Bodies 7. GIPRC - Great Indian Peninsula Railway Company 8. WR – Western Railway 9. CR - Central Railways 10. CRZ - Coastal Regulation Zone 11. JVLR - Jogeshwari-Vikroli Link Road 12. SATIS - The Station Area Traffic Improvement Scheme 13. TDR - Transfer Direct Rights 14. FSI - Floor Space Index 15. OSR - Open Space Ratio
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6. Thane Municipal Corporation, Development Plan Implementation (2009) Status Report. 7. The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (2010), Model Environment Status Report prepared for TMC.
interviews 1. Azeem Afzal, Shop Keeper. Works in Kolshet Area 2. Devdutt Naik, Sales Executive, Lives in Kolshet Area 3. Hardik Chawla, Designer, Lives in Kolshet Area 4. Kewal Kumar, Student, Lives in Kolshet Area 5. Mrigank Chavan, Architect, Works in Kolshet Area 6. Nirmala Shastri, Home Maker, Lives in Kolshet Area 7. Raunak Gupta, Student, Studies in Kolshet Road. 8. Shalaka Desai, Lawyer, Lives in Kolshet Area 9. Shridhar Narayan, Doctor, Practices in Kolshet Area 10. Shashikant Mhatre, Retired, Lives in Kolshet Area 11. Sonal Basu, Media Professional, Lives in Kolshet Road 12. Sunil Sawant, Operations,Works in Kolshet Road 13. Sandeep Singh, Gatekeeper, Works in Kolshet Road
data sources 1. Census of India (2001) Series-28 Maharashtra, Provisional Population and Rural Urban Distribution.
2. Development Plan for Greater Mumbai 2014-2034,
Preparatory studies, Prepared by Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai. 3. Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (2009), Planning & Development Report, Population and employment profile of Mumbai metropolitan region. 4. Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development Plan, (2011). 5. Mumbai Mckinsey Economic Report, (2010), Pub192
List of images IMG. 01. Towering residential developments mushroom all across Thane city with improving road infrastructure. Page, viii IMG. 2. Gated communities are fast displacing informal settlements in newly developed parts of Thane city. Page 3 IMG. 03. Railways are the lifeline of suburban transportation in MMR and Thane is an important node in this network. Page 25 IMG. 04. These principal roads extend and connect to important centers in the MMR and are therefore also considered, backbones of the MMR’s road transport system. Page 29 IMG. 05. All local affairs of the Thane Municipal Corporation are administered by the ward office. Page 37 IMG. 06. The island city of Mumbai and the rest of Maharashtra are connected seamlessly by the transit node in Thane city. Page 39 IMG. 07. The construction boom has been brought about by the Thane’s locational advantage, increased migration and land availability due to shifting and closing of industries. Page 41 IMG. 08. Thane city shares its borders with Sanjay Gandhi National Park, one of the largest wildlife reserves within a metropolitan region in the world. Page .43 IMG. 09. Previously a booming industrial town Thane is fast transforming into a predominantly residential city. Page. 45 IMG. 10. The lack of public space planning and increasing real estate prices has resulted in shrinking shared spaces. Page. 47 IMG. 11. Aerial view of Transit City pattern. 01 is an example of Gated community : Subash Complex and 02 is an example of Shared Space : Hariyali Lake. Page 56 IMG. 12. 13. New infrastructure upgrades of Thane station are working towards managing overcrowding during peak hours. Page. 57 IMG. 14. 15. The lines between public and private are being blurred by introducing urban furniture between walls of the gated communities and streets. Page. 62 and 64T IMG.16. Hariyali Talao: One of the many lakes in need of restoration in Thane City. IMG. 17. Aerial view of Inner City pattern: 01 - Gated community : Shreeji Ville; 02 & 03 - Shared Spaces : Green Buffer and Masunda Lake respectively. Page 72 IMG. 18. Talaopali area was previously a sleepy town and is now the heart of Thane city. Page 73 IMG. 19. Shreeji Ville, a gated community, interacts with the city through commercial storefronts, pedestrian and underground walkways. Page 77 IMG. 20. Leisure boat ride. Page 84 IMG. 21. Masunda Lake promenade. Page 84 IMG. 22. Thane Municipal Corporation public ground. Page 84 IMG. 23. Masunda Lake jetty entrance. Page 84 IMG. 24. Thane Municipal Corporation Farmers’ market. Page 84 IMG. 25. Seniors Citizens’ park. Page 84 IMG. 26.27.28. An open gym and jogging track part of the green buffer, between the service road and the Express highway, provides. a breather to an area starved of open spaces. Page 90. IMG. 29. Aerial view of Informal City pattern. 01 is an example of Shared Space. Page 92 IMG. 30. Manorama Nagar has one of the highest concentrations of informal settlements in Thane city. Page 93 IMG. 31. Manorama Nagar school playground encroached by vehicular parking. Page 97 IMG. 32. Aerial view of Network City pattern. 01 is Gated community: Highland Residency and 02 is Shared space: Ravale Lake. Page 100 IMG. 33. Majiwade witnesses the convergence of many networks namely road and water, resulting in high mixed-use density. Page 101 IMG. 34. Insufficient shared space inside gated communities. Page 105 IMG. 36. Ravale Talao: One of the many dysfunctional lakes in the city mainly due to the lack of public space around it. Page 112 IMG. 37. Aerial view of Island City pattern. 01 is Gated community: Everest World and 02 is Shared Space: Hiranandani Garden. Page 114 IMG. 38. The dichotomy of gated communities and informal settlements. Page 193
115 IMG. 39.40. Hiranandani Park is a well maintained public park inside Hiranandani Estate, a large gated community. Page 121 IMG. 41. Typical layout of a gated community is a shared space surrounded by tall buildings on all sides. Page 126 IMG. 42. One of the many industries that lie abandoned along Kolshet road. Page 135 IMG. 43. Garbage strewn across the Water Pipeline on Kolshet road. Page 152 IMG. 44. Street encroached upon for temple festivities. Page 154 IMG. 45. Community fair organized for the annual temple festival. Page 156 IMG. 46. An Informal street market takes place on the sidewalk along the gated communities. Page 158 IMG. 47. Vast tracts of undeveloped industrial land are now available for residential development. Page 160 IMG. 48. Semi-public spaces are offset from the main road as a measure for future road widening. Page 162 IMG. 49. Abandoned industrial building along Kolshet road. Page 165 IMG. 50. A derelict canal cuts through Kolshet road. Page 165 IMG. 51. Deserted stretch along the Kolshet industrial corridor. Page 164 IMG. 52. Though in disrepair, Kolshet Municipal Grounds is very popular among locals. Lack of a defined boundary has led to illegal parking along the perimeter. Page 166 IMG. 53. A well maintained community garden with adjoining temple complex. Page 168 IMG. 54. Kolshet Road terminates into the Ulhas River, which has immense scope for river front development. Page 170 IMG. 55. Garbage strewn on the banks of the Ulhas River. Page 172 IMG. 56. Thane city has been the highest gainer in migratory and inter-MMR population. Page 33
List of figures FIG. 01. Narrowing down to project location - Kolshet Road, Page 5 FIG. 02. Municipalities in Mumbai Metropolitan Region, Page 23 FIG. 03. Railway network of Mumbai Metropolitan Region, Page 24 FIG. 04. Diagram of green reserves in Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Page 25 FIG. 05. Road Network in Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Page 26 FIG. 06. Figure and ground diagram showcasing the density of built areas in Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Page 32 FIG. 07. Comprehensive land-use plan of Thane city, source : Thane development plan (2011). Page 35 FIG. 08. Sectors in Thane City; source : Thane development plan (2011). Page 38 FIG. 09. Major national highways, state highways, express highways and arterial roads passing through Thane city. Page 40 FIG. 10. Residential Land Use in Thane; source: Thane development plan (2011). Page 42 FIG. 11. Green and Open Areas in Thane; source: Thane development plan (2011). Page. 44 FIG. 12. Industrial Areas in Thane; source: Thane development plan (2011). Page. 46 FIG. 13. Reservations and Public Amenities in Thane; source : Thane development plan (2011). Page 48 FIG. 14. Key map location the 5 patterns of the pattern analysis namely 1-Transit city, 2- Inner city, 3-Network city, 4-Informal city and 5-Island city. ( Grid dimension is 1 Km X 1 Km). Page 53 FIG. 15. The drawing is a combination of all elements of the Transit City pattern. Page. 55 FIG. 16. The diagram displays the railway line, roads network , waterbodies, Thane creek, unused areas around the Thane railway station precinct. Page. 58 FIG.17. The diagram displays the railway line, roads network , buildings and infromal settlements around the Thane railway station precinct. Page.58 FIG. 18. Subash Colony is one of the oldest gated communities in Thane East. Though not lined by shopping arcades and commercial facilities the outer perimeter of the residential complex is lined by shaded urban furniture and free newspaper reading areas. This facility is housed on a widened pedestrian walkway and is used as a community gathering space all year round by both old
and young people of the area. Page. 59 FIG.19. Hariyali Lake is located adjacent to the railway station and is one of the many lakes in disrepair in Thane city. Though visible from the railway station and passenger trains; accessing the lake is rather difficult as the entrance is tucked away in the by lanes of Thane East. The lake has very little developable space around it but for a three meter wide walkway. Though the lake boasts of a leisure boating facility, very few people visit it. Page 65 & 67 FIG. 20. Shared space analysis of Hariyali Lake. Page 67 FIG.21. The drawing is a combination of all elements of the Inner City pattern. Page 71 FIG.22. The diagram displays the roads network, water bodies, unused areas and green areas. Page 74 FIG. 23. The diagram displays the roads network, buildings and informal settlements. Page 74 FIG. 23. Shreeji Ville is one of the few gated community in the Inner City. Shreeji Ville has a very robust city interface with a shopping complex that houses banks, restaurants, retail outlets and also many local small and medium enterprises. The shopping complex offers about ten metres of shared space along the road though only used for thoroughfare. This gated community is a good example of efficient integration with the city and immediate context. Page 75 FIG. 24. Masunda Lake precinct serves as city center and downtown area of Thane city. This lake is a host to many religious festivals, recreational events and is regularly used by varying age groups during various times of the day. Masunda Lake provides an interesting break out place for the plethora of different public and private functions that dot its perimeter. This area has the highest density of public spaces in close proximity and is a perennially vibrant and resilient part of Inner Thane city. Page 79 FIG. 25. Shared space analysis of Masunda Lake. Page 81 FIG. 26. The green buffer is a welcome retreat to the public space starved residents of Panchpakhadi area. Most of the residential apartments have no or little open space within their gated communities, as these projects is as old as 30 years. Back then, the development regulations and residential models did not deem the green buffer necessary. Currently, this buffer functions as a noise barrier to the Eastern Express Highway. Funding was received from few reputed developers, which was used to develop 20 m wide and about 1 km long parcel as a jogging park and open gym. This area has been very well received by the residents and has increased the quality of life in this area manifolds. Page 85 FIG. 27. Shared space analysis of Green Buffer. Page 87 FIG. 28. The drawing is a combination of all elements of the Informal City pattern. Page 91 FIG. 29. The diagram displays the roads network, canal, unused areas. Page 94 FIG. 30. The diagram displays the road network , buildings, industrial buildings, under-construction projects and informal settlements. Page 94 FIG.31.Manorama Nagar is one of the largest informal settlements in Thane city. Manorama playground is an extension to the primary school. The playground is now a parking lot for local businesses and residents of space strapped slum. The playground is in absolute disrepair, encroached at places and the perimeter is lined with garbage. FIG. 32. The drawing is a combination of all elements of the Network City pattern. Page 99 FIG. 33. The diagram displays the roads network ,water bodies, canal, pipelines, unused areas and green areas in Majiwade area. Page 102 FIG. 34. The diagram displays the roads network , buildings, industrial buildings, under-construction project and informal settlements. Page 102 FIG. 35. Built in 2001, Highland Residency is a typical layout of a gated community and is home to middle and lower middle class income groups. The residential complex interfaces with the street through high walls and offers no contribution to elevate the street experience. Page 103 FIG. 36. Ravale Lake is one of many undeveloped public spaces in Thane city. The lake was situated in once industrial area of Majiwade and Kapurbawdi area, which is now witnessing rapid transformation into a residential quarter. Currently, the lake is surrounded by informal settlements, a temple, low rise buildings and a very busy State highway. Otherwise inactive public space, Ravale lake and its surroundings come to life during religious festivals. The lack of Municipal owned land around the lake is the major hurdle that prevents it from becoming functional and efficient public space.Page 107 FIG. 37. Shared space analysis of Ravale Lake. Page 109
FIG. 38. The drawing is a combination of all elements of the Island City pattern. Page 113 FIG. 39. The diagram displays the roads network, water bodies, canal, unused areas and green areas. Page 116 FIG. 40 The diagram displays the road network , buildings, industrial buildings, under-construction projects and informal settlements. Page 117 FIG. 41. Hiranandani Park is located in a luxury gated community called Hiranandani Estate. The plot on which the park lies is designated as a public resource and thereby, opens to masses. The park is managed by the private developer; it is one of the few well maintained public spaces in Thane city. The tennis court located inside the park is private and is accessible only to residents of the gated community though the children play area and the park in general is accessible to all. Page 118 FIG. 42. Shared space analysis of Hiranandani Park. Page 119 FIG. 43. Built in 2005, Everest World is home to high and middle class gated community. Inward looking and with minimal contribution or interaction to streets around it, this residence isolates itself from the neighbourhood. Page 123 FIG. 44. Splicing land-use of Sector-5. Page 134 FIG. 45. Land-use and site functions along Kolshet road. Page 140 FIG. 46. Street profile and urban dynamics along Kolshet road. Page 141 FIG. 47. Relationship between open space analysis and building heights along Kolshet road. Page 143 FIG. 48. Habitability profile and division of Kolshet Road in to zones for design development. Page 145 FIG. 49. Consolidation of analysis of Kolshet Road into present condition, future needs and local strategies. Page 148 FIG. 50. Compilation of strategies, policies and interventions on Kolshet Road. Page 176. FIG. 51. Visualizations of various physical interventions on Kolshet road. 178 FIG. 52. Roles and function performed by Kolsher Collective in Kolshet area. Page 180 FIG. 53. Priorities of projects along Kolshet road. The cost and time estimates are approximate and have been sourced from the previously executed projects of Thane Municipal Corporation in Thane city. Page 181 FIG. 54. Showcases the current condition and phenomenon at work in Kolshet road. Page 184 FIG. 55. Outlines the projects and future impacts of the proposed projects in Kolshet area. Page 186 FIG. 56. The program diagram is a complete description of the various interventions on Kolshet road. Page 177
List of graphs GR. 01. Population growth and density impacts in Thane city.Data source : Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development Plan, 2011, pg. 45, Page 31 GR.02. Land use distribution in Thane city. Source : Thane city development plan (2011). Page 36 GR.03. Existing Land-use Distribution in Thane city from 1971, 1991 and 2011 ( Area in Sq. Km), Source : Draft Regional Plan for Mumbai Metropolitan Region, 1996, 2011, Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development Authority. Page 49 GR. 04. Summary of gated community analysis. Page 127 GR. 05. Summary of shared space analysis. Page 128
List of tables Table 01. Social feasibility of Green Connector, Border Activator and Community Activator. Page 182 Table 02. Political feasibility with itemization of actors, resources and benefits to realize projects along Kolshet road.
194
Shared spaces and gated communities have been in constant battle and most often the latterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s triumph is inevitable. With the ingress of gated communities in Thaneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s urban fabric, the Municipal Corporation withdrew from actively developing public spaces. Neighbourhoods with high concentration of gated communities were reduced to clustered islands, which is against the grain of community living. Absence of shared space in a neighbourhood has widened the divide between the natives and residents. Shared spaces are crucial in balancing newly developing parts of the city as they ease new inhabitant into the context and allow natives to accept the rapidly transforming neighbourhood that they still call home.
Contact Surajkumar Nandakumar ar.surajkumar@gmail.com 195