public spaces - people's places by Meetali Gupta

PUBLIC SPACES - PEOPLE'S PLACES UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE AND PLANNING, DWARKA SEC16 RESEARCH PAPER 2015-16

GURU GOBIND SINGH INDRAPRASTHA UNIVERSITY

SUBMITTED BY : MEETALI GUPTA 06190701612 IV-A 2012-17

GUIDED BY : AR.VISHAL RAI

PUBLIC SPACES - PEOPLE'S PLACES UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE AND PLANNING, DWARKA SEC16 RESEARCH PAPER 2015-16

GURU GOBIND SINGH INDRAPRASTHA UNIVERSITY

SUBMITTED BY : MEETALI GUPTA 06190701612 IV-A 2012-17

GUIDED BY : AR.VISHAL RAI

UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE AND PLANNING Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University Dwarka Sec 16-C

APPROVAL Research Paper title: Public spaces - People's places

The following study is here by approved as a creditable work on the approved subject, carried out and presented in a manner sufficiently satisfactory to warrant its acceptance as a pre-requisite to the degree for which it has been submitted. It is to be understood that by this approval, the undersigned does not necessarily endorse or approve any statement made, opinion expressed or conclusion drawn therein, but approves the study for the purpose of which it is submitted and which satisfies the requirements laid down by the Research Paper Committee.

Date: 26th May 2016 Submitted by: Meetali Gupta Roll no.:06190701612

Guide : Ar. Vishal Rai

External Examiner :

Research Paper Co-ordinator : Ar.Sumant Sharma

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS My first and foremost gratitude is to my guide Mr. Vishal Rai for his guidance and support without which this research paper would not have been possible. His expertise in understanding the urban public spaces and approach towards looking at different spaces from various point of views has helped me broaden my perspectives about such places in India. I would also like to thank our dissertation co-coordinator Mr. Sumant Sharma for his guidance and support as well as Mrs.Archana Gupta for being able to understand my view point and helping me to direct my intentions towards the paper. Lastly , my utmost gratitude to my friends whose contribution can be seen in the case studies and Mr. Vijay Matange , Mr.Rajat Ray for conducting our urban issues studio in a way that helped me to view different lenses to look at such spaces in India. It was the process that will remain with me all through , along with the people who supported me throughout this journey and to whom I am thankful , of which my family will always be a huge part.

MOVEMENT ON STREET, SOUND OF MUSIC, ART AND COMMERCE MEET, EXPERIENCE IS MYSTIC.

CHANGING FRAGRANCES, VARYING TUNES, INVITING ENTRANCES, EVERY TIME NEW.

THE SERENITY, CALMNESS THE SUBTLE VIEW, THE VISUAL LIVELINESS, VEHICLES AFEW.

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE IT IS TRUE. WITH BEAUTY , ELEGANCE , GRACE URBAN PUBLIC SPACE â&#x20AC;&#x201C; AS A PLACE, ITS IMPORTANCE GREW AS TIME FLEW.

- Author

LIST OF CONTENTS 1. ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION NEED

2. HYPOTHESIS OBJECTIVES RESEARCH QUESTIONS METHODOLOGY

3. LIMITATIONS AND SCOPE

4. CHAPTER 1 TYPES OF PUBLIC SPACES - WHAT WE LEARN FROM THEM? 1.1 PLANNED SEMI -OPEN BUILT PUBLIC SPACES 1.2 PLANNED OPEN PUBLIC SPACES 1.3 BUILT PUBLIC SPACES 5. CHAPTER 2 SOME PARAMETERS GIVEN BY ARCHITECTS AND PLANNERS

2.1 KEVIN LYNCH - IMAGE OF CITY 2.2 RESPONSIVE ENVIRONMENTS 2.3 WILLIAM WHYTE - SOCIAL LIFE OF SMALL URBAN SPACES 6. CHAPTER 3 QUALITY OF A PUBLIC SPACE

3.1 CLEANLINESS 3.2 ENCROACHMENTS

3.3 ACTIVITIES

3.4 DEMOCRATIC QUALITY

7. CHAPTER 4 PLACEMAKING 4.1 OPPORTUNITIES OFFERED BY A PUBLIC SPACE

4.2 PLACEMAKING AND GENTRIFICATION

4.3 PLACEMAKING AND VALUE ASSOCIATION

8. CHAPTER 5 CASE STUDY 1 - CONNAUGHT PLACE , DELHI -PRIMARY STUDY 5.1 BACKGROUND 5.2 MOVEMENT PATTERN - PERMEABILITY 5.2A PHYSICAL , VEHICULAR , PEDESTRIAN PERMEABILITY 5.2B VISUAL PERMEABILITY

5.3 VARIETY 5.3A VARIETY IN FORM OF BUILDINGS 5.3B VARIETY IN ACTIVITIES / FUNCTIONAL VARIETY 5.3C VISUAL VARIETY AND PERSONALISATION

5.4 LEGIBILITY

5.5 ROBUSTNESS

5.6 RICHNESS

5.7 VISUAL APPROPRIATENESS

5.8 PRESENCE OF SEATERS

5.9 DEMOCRATIC QUALITY

5.10 SENSE OF BELONGINGNESS 5.11 VALUE ADDITION 5.12 ENCROACHMENTS

5.13 CLEANLINESS

5.14 JANPATH , CP - BACKGROUND 5.15 MOVEMENT PATTERN - PERMEABILITY

5.16 VARIETY

5.17 LEGIBILITY

5.18 ROBUSTNESS

5.19 RICHNESS

5.20 VISUAL APPROPRIATENESS

5.21 DEMOCRATIC QUALITY AND VALUE ADDITION

20 21

9. CHAPTER 6 CASE STUDY 2 - HAUZ KHAS , DELHI - PRIMARY STUDY 6.1 BACKGROUND

6.2 WHO VISITS HAUZ KHAS VILLAGE , WHY?

6.3 PERMEABILITY

6.4 VARIETY

6.5 RICHNESS

6.6 ROBUSTNESS AND PERSONALISATION

6.7 SENSE OF BELONGINGNESS AND VALUE ADDITION

6.8 PLACEMAKING ,TIMES SQUARE , NEW YORK BACKGROUND

6.9

DEMOCRATIC QUALITY AND VALUE ADDITION

6.10 PEDESTRIAN PLAZA

6.11 ART INSTALLATIONS

10. CONCLUSION

11. BIBLIOGRAPHY

RESEARCH PAPER AS PUBLISHED IN MADLAB JOURNAL (2016)

RECREATIONAL- COMMERCIAL URBAN PUBLIC SPACES

ABSTRACT All of us are same , yet different. Similarly though urban public spaces are found in all countries , their nature would differ from place to place. Pertaining to the huge social, economic and cultural diversity in India it is important to analyze the parameters which should be considered while judging the efficiency of such spaces in the Indian context. This research paper is an attempt to discover these parameters which would contribute in a better analysis of urban public spaces in India. INTRODUCTION Change is inevitable ; it is indeed how life functions. Without change development becomes stagnant and without development merely existence has no meaning. What actually is vital, is to evolve oneself with this change. The same holds true when talking about spaces. We in India have a very diverse heritage and culture. Our traditional cities evolved while embedding within their fabric the architectural marvels and heritage. They are an example of streets and chowks (public squares) forming the built mass (structure). Our so called, modern cities on the other hand focus on the built mass. They have not evolved in a way to respect the social environment. "Urban public spaces" thus seem to be in a state of "loss". Part of the reason why this maybe happening could be population pressure, which makes land a precious commodity . Although on the other hand it is due to this migration of rural to urban that imparts our cities versatility in terms of culture, religion, class, status and work ethics followed by people. Due to such variety and diversity it becomes important to look at the public realm which is the centre of interaction between people of different beliefs. The real challenge though is not to create these spaces but to carve out efficient public places which provide life and identity to the city. NEED A public space is a city's activity zone. It is a space that is free and available for the community for using and enjoying irrespective of their social, cultural and economic background. It is not only a breathing space but a platform to exchange ideas, communicate and interact. It helps us to define the Era we are in ; to represent the interest of our generation and to add value to the existing urban fabric. It instills in us a sense of identity and belongingness without which our existence seems bleak. Since ancient times public spaces have been the pulse of the city which a community needs as its symbol of existence. The fact that in today's time when talking about modern cities we talk about recreational, breathing spaces separately , points towards a seclusion of such spaces and their functions , in contrast to the traditional cities whose fabric itself would create them.

In a developing country like India, the factors leading to the efficiency of such spaces hence should be understood in detail to be able to design meaningful public spaces in the diverse Indian context. It is not only a physical need but also a psychological one which will help people to demand better spaces, thus instilling in them a sense of respect and belongingness for the city. HYPOTHESIS The parameters to analyze the efficiency/quality of recreational, commercial urban public spaces are context specific.

OBJECTIVES â&#x20AC;˘To study the existing physical and non-physical parameters which affect the popularity of an open planned recreational -commercial urban public space. (In India and abroad) â&#x20AC;˘To look at the positives and the negatives of the existing planned urban recreational commercial public spaces and discover the neglected parameters which may affect their efficiency in the Indian context.

RESEARCH QUESTIONS 1.In the Indian context , what are the physical and non-physical parameters to be considered while designing , planned open public spaces? 2.Are the parameters considered while designing such spaces context/place specific? 3.Are the public spaces better off without the designers intervening in them?

METHODOLOGY 1.The various types of public spaces were studied (through secondary sources)- natural , planned , built and open in order to understand their significance in our lives. 2.The parameters put forward by some planners and architects were understood based on primary and secondary sources and a link between them was established , to be applied in the case studies. 3.Some known but neglected parameters to understand the quality of the space in India, were put forward and understood through day to day experiences. 4.Case studies - Connaught Place , Delhi and Hauz Khas village , Delhi were taken to apply the parameters and answer the research questions framed for the study. 5.A part of Connaught Place , Janpath , commercial district was zoomed in to see the similarities and differences in parameters at two different scales . Times Square and Hauz Khas village were taken as examples to study the concept of place making and gentrification of public spaces respectively. 2

LIMITATIONS/SCOPE •The scope of the study is limited to Delhi , though the success stories of such spaces outside India will be studied theoretically - secondary sources •The research focuses on planned, open urban public spaces which are recreational as well as commercial. •Pertaining to the time constraint of the study , not all factors will be looked into in detail. The attempt would be to look for the configurations of the public spaces that would help us to define their efficiency in the Indian context.

CHAPTER 1 TYPES OF PUBLIC SPACES , WHAT WE LEARN FROM THEM?

Public spaces can be natural or planned. The feeling of belongingness and territorial identity since the tribal times was depicted through public spaces which came up naturally but later became planned with coming up of market spaces as open commercial public spaces. 1.1 PLANNED SEMI-OPEN BUILT PUBLIC SPACES The realisation of the need to plan public spaces can be seen in early Greek architecture. The Greeks believed in arête i.e. human achievement , which they displayed publicly in planned semi -open built public spaces. The Parthenon is an example of their portrayal of physical greatness and attention to detail towards scale , proportions and open-built ratio of public gathering spaces.

1.2 PLANNED OPEN PUBLIC SPACES Historically it is observed that Open planned public spaces, have held equal importance. For example- most of the activities took place outdoors resulting in the formation of the Agora or the market place and the open precincts around the temple thus became important public spaces. In Mesopotamia, due to the defence and agricultural needs , the open spaces were not within the city , as a result the open spaces of the temples and Ziggurats became the city's focal point. This area was a site for large social gatherings where city elders could meet and settle disputes. Therefore , open planned public spaces were given importance since ancient times . In today's scenario , in the design of contemporary cities like Jaipur , the chaupars, bazaars, streets and temples were the public spaces which were planned in a way that all the streets and markets (commercial spaces) would open up in the chaupar - the central gathering public space. The character of the streets was further enhanced by the elements like arches, brackets, lattice screens to cut the sun and glare.

1.3 BUILT PUBLIC SPACES When talking about built public spaces, Romans were the ones who contributed in enhancing their importance by responding to the need of gathering a large no. of people through their engineering skills. Introducing the Roman concrete , they started vault construction and built arches with huge spans , allowing an increase in the area of public gathering spaces .They introduced multiplicity of functions in public spaces. Roman public baths, amphitheatres, circus and thermae (space for exercising, weight lifting, wrestling , swimming etc) , also held a lot of importance in the way people lived their lives collectively. Thus, the concept of public spaces is centred around people’s way of living and interacting. With the public space acting as the city’s stage for social , economic, religious , cultural and technological display as well as an area for entertainment , where people could feel a sense of belongingness and pride to display their city’s development. Not only have our public spaces changed with time ,with changing living patterns but also culture and society’s beliefs have held the most importance in the design of these spaces. Due to this very difference, the factors affecting the efficiency of the public spaces cannot be constant around the globe or within a diverse country like India. 4

In today's time , creating meaningful public spaces, to give people their identity seems important. The problem though is that the parameters to make these spaces work are numerous and not constant. Though some like safety, cleanliness, affordability, accessibility and comfort are universal everywhere, others are more context specific. For example, looking at the case of Brasilia and Rio-De-Janeiro, the variation in the results of the same parameter can be noticed. While in Brasilia , the curved streets meant to slow the traffic and increase pedestrian safety and commercial activities, in Rio - De- Janeiro the most successful intervention in public spaces was simply closing the traffic lanes along waterfronts and in some commercial strips of the sub - urban neighbourhoods allowing people to jog , stroll and socialise. While traffic held some weight age in making Brazilian streets active , in Rio , it created a problem. The same aspect thus gave varied results in the two cities. Therefore , while looking at the parameters , the most important step is to look at it from the public's perspective.

CHAPTER 2 - SOME PARAMETERS GIVEN BY ARCHITECTS AND PLANNERS " A good public space is not an afterthought , nor is it simply a place where the shrubbery is pretty . Good public spaces require activities, and an abundance of things to do and see." -Lawrence O Houston (Ingredients of Successful Public Spaces) People give definition to public spaces. This definition may vary but at the end a public space is for the public , so their participation in deciding how the space should function and be planned is a must . As designers, to be able to see the effects of various physical and non-physical parameters on the public spaces is a task as these parameters when applied to different public spaces , may give different results. The parameters can either be design specific i.e. physical or may talk about the quality of the space i.e. non-physical aspects. Some of the physical or the designing parameters of the public spaces have been provided by various architects and planners . 2.1 KEVIN LYNCH - IMAGE OF THE CITY Kevin Lynch, in his book , Image of The City ,by taking the example of Jersey, Boston and Los Angeles tries to capture the aspects of designing which will help one to form a clear image of the city . These parameters increase the legibility of the place , thus helping in creating a mental map of the space for the people. Since, a public space symbolises the city's cultural, economic and social status and beliefs, therefore, it is important that it is designed in a way so as to enable a person to form its image ; the one which will speak about the city as a whole. Kevin Lynch's design aspects to increase legibility include the presence of - nodes, paths, edges, landmarks and districts at the city level. A public space may not have all of them , but part of the above may enhance the readability of the space. For example - Hauz Khas village , being a commercial street , has no specific node and landmark whereas a space like Connaught Place has various landmarks like the LIC building or the STC building. A district in terms of physical aspects like texture and density and functional aspects like commercial, residential etc helps one to define the area at different scales. These districts can be distinguished from each other by edges and the hierarchy of road networks would form the path to reach the space. Therefore, all the five elements thus proposed will help in framing a space's image in one's mind thereby , increasing its legibility . 2.2 RESPONSIVE ENVIRONMENTS ( IAN BENTLY , ALAN ALCOCK, PAUL MURRAIN, SUE MCGLYNN, GRAHAM SMITH) The concept of legibility has also been mentioned in the book, Responsive Environments. This book is a step ahead towards the designing and planning aspects of public spaces. It talks about permeability, variety, richness, robustness, visual appropriateness and personalisation of the space . Permeability can be physical or visual. Physical permeability may be called physical accessibility to the space whereas visual permeability is whether the physical pathway is visible or not. For instance - the road to reach Hauz Khas village is not easily visible but is physically accessible .

Variety , can be functional , sensory or visual . This design aspect adds to the richness of the space at various scales. In order to have a scope to provide variety , a space needs to be robust , both structurally and spatially . Therefore, more flexible is the space in its design , more opportunity it will provide to incorporate functional variety , thereby exhibiting richness to the space. Robustness also provides a scope for personalisation of the space. All the parameters mentioned above are linked to each other , but together they help in enhancing a space's quality. (FIG 1)

FIG1 Sometimes if the space is robust , people find their own ways to use them as per their needs. An activity node may thus be created by this use of space . A designer may or may not have thought about some ways in which a design can bring people together but if the design provides scope for flexibility in order to be occupied as per need , new space quality and place making can be observed in the design. (IMG 1) A cultural performance takes place around the tree with people using the stairs to the library as seaters.

IMG 1 The tree in GGSIPU, becomes an activity node

2.3 WILLIAM WHYTE - SOCIAL LIFE OF SMALL URBAN SPACES William Whyte , in his book , Social Life Of Small Urban Spaces, analyses the interaction aspect of the design. Looking into the designing of various plazas and parks , Whyte puts forward five main influences which make these urban public spaces active by attracting maximum number of people. These influences being - shade provided by trees , availability of food , sitting space and street furniture designing , corners and edges as the most occupied zones, water, fountains attracting people and people attracting people. These studies offer us with a layer in terms of designing . Though , the question still stands - Are these parameters applicable to every urban planned public space? How can one guarantee that these would enhance the quality of the space if taken into account by designers while designing?

CHAPTER 3 - QUALITY OF A PUBLIC SPACE An open public space in today's time maybe perceived differently by different people, pertaining to their needs , age and economic status. While some may look forward for a space to relax, others may want to interact with their surroundings. The sad part of the story though is , with the rising population and lack of open spaces, the very concept of real socialising is missing , with people living in their make believe worlds. Not only does this lead to the emergence of social anxiety in them but also hampers their mental and physical growth , especially of younger kids. People have adjusted to the public spaces supplied to them, to such an extent that they no longer demand a good quality public place. 3.1 CLEANLINESS Cleanliness in a public space is one of the most important parameter which imparts it a good quality . Though, The quality of public space ideally may not have anything to do with the socio-economic class or status of a person. Someone who throws garbage on streets maybe the same person who prefers to keep the wrapper in his pocket while inside a metro station. If the foundation is not strong enough, the structure is bound to be weak. Aspects like civic sense and responsibility are nutrients which are to be watered right from the root level. It is together as a community that this society is formed and the quality of public space reflects the attitude and awareness, behaviour and responses of the people of the society. Only gradually with time , people learn what is needed to be done by them to bring a change. For instance, there are no bins inside metro stations. As observed , the area around the bins also gets littered leading to unhygienic environment. This could be a reason which favoured towards implementation of this step. In a scale like that of metro, maybe this worked but at a macro level , law enforcement may become the agent of change. When imparted the same moral to the same set of children , while one child may take it seriously , the other doesn't. Enforcement of rules and regulations and gradual changes will thus, help in inculcating the civic sense amongst Indians. 3.2 ENCROACHMENTS In India, encroachments is yet another problem which hampers the quality of a public space.(IMG 2 ,3) With the coming up of the street vendors act of 2012, many restrictions are proposed to be put on the street vendors. With vendors not being allowed to make noise to grab public's attention and not being given electricity and water connection as well as a permit to cook. Some may say that this would take away the dynamics of our public areas which get an informal character due to these vendors. On the other hand, some believe that this may improve the quality of the space for the general public. Will street vending make our public areas more secure and safe?

IMG 2 IMG3 JOR BAGH ROAD(IMG2) , RAJENDRA PLACE (IMG3) - THE PRIVATE PARKING ENCROACHES THE PEDESTRIAN WAY AND THE FOOTPATH THUS MERGES WITH THE PRIVATE USE.

The street vendor's act has limited its scope as being an agent of generating employment only. Why couldn't it go beyond and make use of the vendors and hawkers in enhancing the public space's quality? Sometimes vendors encroach the public spaces but formal commercial functions like shops extend their boundaries too ,hampering the pedestrian movement. Though there are laws for ensuring this doesn't happen , still its enforcement seems to have failed. (IMG 5 , 6)

IMG 5 IMG 6 RAJENDRA PLACE - FOOTPATH BELOW METRO STATION ENCROACHED BY STREET VENDORS.

3.3 ACTIVITIES The kind of commerce and activities in a public space will also help in determining its quality and efficiency, imparting it a public commercial character . Indian bazaars have since ages ,been a focus of attracting people , with or without an open recreational space. The market itself has added the recreation factor to the public space. Robustness in design and variety , along with multifunctionality increases the popularity of the space. The multifunctional dimension, by increasing the active period of the space , makes it more secure ; an issue felt in many public spaces especially during certain times of the day. Though, it maybe affordability which maybe restricting people from different economic strata to get psychological accessibility to all the spaces. The term "public" shouldn't be defined keeping a particular group of people in mind but should be looked at from the perspectives of different people of the society. A public space which is efficient for a particular socio-economic group , may not be accessible to the other due to many reasons like finances. For instance, Hauz khas village has a specific gentry visiting it, which is determined by the income category of the people. Public spaces can thus depict gentrification too in which commerce plays a vital role.

3.4 DEMOCRATIC QUALITY Open public spaces may speak a great deal about a city's image and status but it's most important role is to bring people together , give them a space to connect physically and mentally, thus giving them a sense of belongingness by responding to their needs. A public space which doesn't cater to the needs of the people but rather puts forward more barriers like gating, ticketing, restriction on vendor entry etc ,makes one question the democratic quality of the space and furthermore the society's psychological development. In today's scenario we talk about the citizen's rights as the very root of democracy . While sometimes public spaces provide opportunities to gather, protest or start environment friendly drives. For example -a car free day and Rahigiri in Connaught place , a yoga day in Times Square. On the other hand , this democratic quality is sometimes questioned by the actions carried by few people. Aren't the rights of each citizen violated when the public footpath , road or pedestrian alley is encroached? The pedestrian areas despite having adequate width , hardly have any space to walk for the pedestrians due to the encroachments. Thus, pushing the pedestrians towards the unsafe vehicular road. Aren't the citizens in an unsafe and uncomfortable state then? Where does their right to equal access on the public area stand in such a scenario? (IMG 4)

IMG 4 RAJENDRA PLACE - BELOW THE METRO STATION THE FOOTPATH IS ENCROACHED BY HAWKERS AND VENDORS FORCING PEDESTRIANS TO WALK ON THE MAIN VEHICULAR ROAD.

This act of taking over the public land for private use should thus not be counted as a civil but a criminal law violation. Some people may say that it fulfils the daily needs in a neighbourhood which authorities may have failed to fulfil to some extent. The idea of pre-planning then,seems useless in this context. What guarantee does a designer has that the area he had designed for a particular public purpose will not be ruined by some, for their personal gains, thereby reducing the space's quality? To what extent law enforcement may work if people don't have ownership for that space and how can it be achieved through design, needs to be seen. There seems to be a need to strike a balance between prevention of public rights violation without affecting the people who violate them to earn their livelihood.

India is developing, we have parts of our built fabric following the old traditional typology , to serve bigger joint families and part of it is turning towards compact housing with smaller families. The traditional planning came up with a focus on open public spaces but the new one has no scope to provide such open areas. Creating an environment which forces children to turn towards virtual living due to lack of open playgrounds is putting our future in danger. Are private public areas, streets, markets, the only planned public spaces we can provide? Is making a space like a good quality public place, a prestigious commodity to find , the only way we can look forward to? Isn't a quality open-built environment the right of every citizen of the society? The questions are many but as designers the real question is - how do we plan public spaces in the Indian context, fulfilling the needs of not one but people of different socio-economic and cultural backgrounds? Is it only the designers who can create good quality public spaces? Are the parameters existing today to term a public space "efficient", sufficient and replicable in our diverse cultural and social geography?

CHAPTER 4 - PLACEMAKING The concept of placemaking as offered by projects for public spaces (PPS) ; an initiative to look into the needs of the public realm and realise the potential of unused spaces in order to convert them into usable public places. The parameters mentioned in chapters 2 and 3 , come into picture when placemaking techniques are applied ,as seen in the examples below.

4.1 OPPORTUNITIES OFFERED BY PUBLIC SPACES When a space attracts people , it is called a place. Small interventions can help in this process of placemaking , as experimented by the PPS. "When the site feels like it is no-one's, it has the potential to become everyone's" - From parking lot to hot spot in Milwaukee (article by PPS) Public space interventions need people's views and participation. Every space may have a potential of turning to a place . For instance - the city of Milwaukee now uses the two acre previously unused surface parking land as a gathering space for residents, to conduct performances (opportunity to display culture) and enjoy food by local vendors.( economic opportunity).This provides scope for creating employment opportunities as well as displays the democratic quality of the public space .( as mentioned in chapter 3). The interaction between different people is inculcated, something called as "triangulation" by William Whyte. (chapter 2) PPS was able to achieve this with their Lighter,Quicker,Cheaper (LQC) method. Their aim was to communicate to the users that it is a place for people , not cars. By Inco-operating street furniture like benches, chairs etc , the space called for people . Soon, it had rehearsals, storytelling events , cultural events etc being held. This sore lot slowly became a warm spot and is in today's time a hot spot.

IMG 7 THE SPOT 4MKE MILESTONE CELEBRATION, OCTOBER 29,2015 PHOTO BY PPS

4.2 PLACEMAKING AND GENTRIFICATION "Gentrification is conventionally defined as social , cultural and economic upgrading of neighbourhood , leading to displacement of existing residents and businesses as a result." (Ethics and Urban design - culture, form and environment- Gideon S.Golany, year of publishing - 1995) For instance , when highline in New York was unused , the nearby areas were occupied by low income groups who had their houses around the area. With the intervention of urban planners and architects , soon the highline became a public space calling for retailers and high end commercial activities to take place . This forced the low income groups to sell of their lands and leave the area. It is thus an example of psychological accessibility to a space , linked to the type of economic activities that it caters. ( as mentioned in 3.3).Some may say , the highline project caused gentrification but at the same time this method of placemaking provided the people with a public space accessible to all , irrespective of their social and economic status . Thus, placemaking is about inclusion and raising the standards of life , not of exclusion.

IMG 8 HIGHLINE BEFORE (http://gardenrant.com/2013/08/the-high-line-in-person.html)

IMG 9 HIGHLINE AFTER (http://gardenrant.com/2013/08/the-high-line-in-person.html)

4.3 PLACEMAKING AND VALUE ASSOCIATION A public space gives a city value . In the case of highline , the place around gained economic value . Some public places on the other hand may have historic value attached to them e.g. India Gate. The attempt of making a space , a place , can sometimes fail too, especially if the 'value' attached to the place is not understood. For instance - the red brick usage and incorporation of fake grass in Boston square, failed terribly because the historic character associated with the space was not understood. (IMG 8 , 9) The Boston city plaza came into being with knocking down of 20,000 residents to create a government centre , poorly connected civic buildings and bland public spaces. A space called ' red brick desert' because of little desire to move business downtown.

IMG 10 THE 'RED BRICK DESERT' IN THE 1970's PHOTO FROM BOSTON CITY ARCHIVES VIA FLICKR

IMG 11 EXPERIMENTS TO MAKE THE PLAZA MORE INVITING - SCREENSHOT FROM BOSTON CBS LOCAL (JULY 8 2015)

Thus, placemaking is about building the social capital . What we together retain in our memories as a community is reflected physically in a public space , which adds to its historic, cultural and economic value and makes it a place for the community.

CHAPTER 5 CASE STUDY 1 CONNAUGHT PLACE , DELHI (PRIMARY STUDY)

5.1 BACKGROUND Connaught Place , Delhi , is the only public space with which every Delhite can associate himself , irrespective of the socio- economic background and culture . Developed as a showpiece of Lutyen's Delhi, it became a prominent central business district over the years. Having a multiplicity of functions , this is one zone in Delhi which remains active for most part of the day . Constructed during the British Raj in 1933, the space has taken a new meaning for Indians today. Over the years trade , entertainment and various commercial activities have sprawled over the area , adding to which is the central park , which is the central recreation area , where the national flag stands tall ; instilling a sense of pride amongst anyone who sees it . 5.2 MOVEMENT PATTERN PERMEABILITY 5.2a PHYSICAL PERMEABILITY The pedestrian and vehicular movement of the area i.e. physical permeability , ease to approach the area is well defined. The radial plan offers numerous options to approach various blocks . ( FIG A , FIG B) VEHICULAR ACCESSIBILITY The place is accessible by various means of transport i.e. car, metro or bus . Being centrally placed it is physically permeable and has physical accessibility through public and private transports. Being Delhi's recreational and commercial centre , Connaught place invites people from all over Delhi. In such a scenario , the no. of private vehicles entering the space increases , especially during weekends. At the same time despite having accessibility by metro and local buses , people may prefer to approach the area by car when with their families and elders , for whom travelling in a public transport may be a task. PEDESTRIAN ACCESSIBILITY Physical permeability for pedestrians is well defined with clear shaded and non-shaded pathways which are continuous. While the symmetry offers a clear image of the paths and their visual accessibility , which is unhindered , it is only through some landmarks that one can orient oneself in this radiality.

FIG A

FIG B 18

5.2b VISUAL PERMEABILITY The similarity in facades decreases the readability of the space ,so though everything is visually permeable, one may not be able to find where he needs to go despite it being visible.(IMG A) Most of the pedestrians solve this mystery of locating themselves by forming their personal landmarks , to which the national flag in the central park is a recent addition. (IMG B)

IMG A SIMILARITY IN FACADES

IMG B

5.3. VARIETY 5.3a VARIETY IN FORM OF BUILDINGS Similar looking buildings reduce variety in form , except a few like LIC and statesmen building which form a backdrop to the otherwise symmetrical low height building typology.(IMGC , FIG C)

IMG C

FIG C LIC BUILDING ON THE LEFT SERVING AS THE ONLY LANDMARK 5.3b VARIETY IN ACTIVITIES / FUNCTIONAL VARIETY The coming up of offices was the primary function which acted as a magnet to attract the secondary ones like cafes, restaurants and bars .(FIG D) Due to the availability of a large open public space , the centralpark, this zone attracted the general public , further enhancing the public character of the space (IMG F) and encouraging commerce and retail to develop along with the hawkers and vendors who have designated areas all around the inner circle and parts of janpath area. .(IMG D) Thus Connaught place offers a range of activities from shopping to cafes to relaxing .(IMG E) This depicts an opportunity offered by a space for employment as well as a public space visited by a variety of people like students, office workers, tourists, shop owners, couples, families, old , young , beggars, rag pickers, hawkers and vendors.

FIG D

IMG D BEGGARS , HAWKERS , VENDORS ADD VARIETY TO TYPE OF PEOPLE . THIS ALSO SHOWS THE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY OFFERED BY THE SPACE ALONG WITH VARIETY IN AFFORDABILITY

IMG E HIGH END SHOPPING AREAS AND CAFES

IMG F CENTRAL PARK BEING USED BY CHILDREN FOR GYMNASTICS PRACTICE

Though the question is - Does the low income group like the hawkers and vendors , use this space for recreation? Is the commerce and types of functions developing around the public space leading to gentrification? Do all groups of the society feel a sense of belongingness to this space? Do they feel this space to be psychologically accessible? 5.3c VISUAL VARIETY AND PERSONALISATION Due to regulations on height and visual appearance , the degree to which one can see personalisation of space is less. The only scope of this is seen in terms of banners of various shops , whose sizes are restricted. Though at a micro scale the vendors and hawkers do personalise the space they occupy . In Janpath the blue awnings depict the personalisation added to the area by the hawkers. Due to limited personalisation the visual variety too gets restricted.(IMG G )

IMG G PERSONALISATION OF SPACE BY HAWKERS IN JANPATH

IMG G TREATMENT ON SHOP FRONTS - LIMITED SCOPE OF PERSONALISATION 5.4 .LEGIBILITY Legibility as put forward in Responsive Environments and elaborated by Kevin Lynch , includes aspects which will help a person to form a clear image of the space. It includes presence of path , edges , districts , nodes and landmarks. (FIG E) PATH - clear defined paths which are imageable EDGES - shaded and non-shaded colonnaded edges though present , but it is the character of activities taking place around these edges which helps one to form an image of the area. For example - the shaded colonnaded pathway is occupied by hawkers and vendors who use the columns as a back . On the other hand the non-shaded edge , corner of the blocks are used for sitting as well as occupied by vendors in the evening . These edges thus lead to formation of activity nodes DISTRICT - The edges of the various blocks divide the space into various districts functionally. The palika bazaar and janpath district has a different character as compared to that of Block A. While the former has more of an open street like public character , the latter is a mix of semi-open built commercial public space. NODES - Apart from the edges of the blocks which become activity nodes , central park is a huge node when seen at a macro level. LANDMARKS - The landmarks present can be called so , because of their scale . Buildings like LIC are highlighted in the otherwise low storied zone but due to the radial and circular approach of planning , these landmarks still become insignificant to locate oneself.

FIG E

5.5. ROBUSTNESS Earlier the ground floor of C.P was used for commercial activities , with the first floor being occupied by residences . Today , the terrace has become cafes ,with the first floor being used by offices and restaurants as well. (FIGF) Thus , the structure has a robust character so does the space. The initial huge green space surrounding the central park has been modified due to metro's intervention. (FIG H)

FIRST FLOOR : RESIDENTIAL

GROUND FLOOR : COMMERCIAL

FIG F STRUCTURAL USAGE EARLIER

TERRACE SEATING FOR CAFES FIRST FLOOR : CAFES AND OFFICES

GROUND FLOOR : COMMERCIAL (RETAIL, RESTAURANTS AND OFFICES)

FIG F STRUCTURAL USAGE TODAY

FIG H THE CENTRAL PARK - THEN AND NOW , HAS BEEN MODIFIED TO SUIT THE PARKING REQUIREMENTS AS WELL AS TAKING OUT SPACE FOR METRO

5.6. RICHNESS Due to lesser personalisation , the visual richness comes into picture only at the micro level through different banners and signage. Though a richness in smell is added by the street food, tea, smoke and flowering trees. Performances, hawkers playing flute and the noise of traffic add richness of sound (IMGH). Textures especially the flooring patterns give a visual richness and add to personalisation of the space. (IMGI)

IMG H STREET FOOD , CANDY ADDS RICHNESS IN SMELL WHEREAS SOUND IS ADDED BY HAWKERS PLAYING FLUTE

IMG I FLOORING PATTERNS DIFFER IN THE PEDESTRIAN ZONES ADDING RICHNESS TO TEXTURES

5.7 VISUAL APPROPRAITENESS Different people may have different perceptions about what feels visually appropriate to them . With functions , the facade of various buildings speak a different language despite the regulations applied at the macro scale. Functions like banking , religious areas etc are hard to not look in their conventional form. (IMG J)

IMG J ENTRANCES TO BANKS AND THE MOSQUE SEEM TO BE APPROPRIATE WHEREAS THAT OF PALIKA BAZAAR FAIL TO DEPICT WHAT IT STANDS FOR I.E. A MARKET 5.8 PRESENCE OF SEATERS The seaters are placed on the pedestrian non-shaded corner edges . The ones which are shaded by the trees are utilised during the afternoons in summers while others become occupied during late evenings. They have a comfortable height and width . The seaters provided on the Tibetian market in Janpath are not utilised due to their placements. They are provided directly in front of the shops and thus , lead to a sense of intervening to whoever occupies it. Though , the provision of seaters can be seen in the inner circle and the central park , the no. provided seems inadequate.(IMG K)

IMG K SEATERS IN CENTRAL PARK - STEPS USED AS SEATERS INNER CIRCLE - SEATERS ARE SHADED BY TREES WHEREAS THE ONES NEAR PLANTERS REMAIN UNSHADED.

5.9 DEMOCRATIC QUALITY The open central park is an area to hold concerts, festivals , cultural events . It unites people of all age groups . The inner circle has Raahgiri and street food festivals whereas a no car day is also observed in the zone. The space thus offers a democratic quality providing an opportunity to gather , protest, depict society's concerns and beliefs . (IMG L , M , N)

IMG K CULTURAL EVENT AT CENTRAL PARK

IMG L BRANDON STANDON'S VISIT TO CENTRAL PARK - ADDRESSING THE HUGE GATHERING

IMG M RAAHGIRI - AN ACTIVE EVENT HELD ON SUNDAY MORNINGS

5.10 SENSE OF BELONGINGNESS Sense of belongingness comes from psychological and physical accessibility. While some income groups may feel a psychological belongingness with Connaught place , others may not . On a whole everyone may not feel this for all parts of Connaught place but at least to some definitive zones. The national flag has added this feeling of pride and belongingness , making the space more psychologically accessible . Though the radius to which each group retains this essence ,varies. The low income group may hesitate to enter the branded showrooms. Thus the degree of publicness differs from one space to another even within one consolidated space like Connaught place. 5.11. VALUE ADDITION Connaught place already had a historic value attached to it . The functions like shopping and retail have provided it with economic value whereas the national flag has added a symbolic value of national pride. 5.12 ENCROACHMENTS " Encroachment new headache for Connaught Place traders , visitors" - an article published on 8th November , 2015 by press trust of India , talks about how vendors and hawkers are becoming reasons for traffic jams near the Palika Bazaar area of Connaught Place. While some are registered , most of the nuisance is caused by the unregistered vendors looking for employment in this popular zone. Though excessive encroachments may hamper movement, a public space creates employment for all . The character of Connaught Place is enhanced by the variety in terms of affordability offered by these vendors , which creates a sense of belongingness to the space. Although it is still difficult to strike a balance between quality of public space and encroachments as seen in Connaught Place.

The image above shows the traffic jam caused due to excessive hawkers and vendors in Connaught Place. (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/ indiahome/indianews/article-2121224/Illegal-street-hawkers-turnConnaught-Place-Choke-Point.html)

5.13 CLEANLINESS Being such a huge urban public space, Connaught Place , has portions which show the civic sense of the visitors. While in the inner circle shaded colonnaded areas are mostly clean , one can still identify litter, especially on the edges of the blocks . The areas near the bins become spots for gathering garbage due to over pouring of the dustbins . The middle circle and some secluded pockets too seem to be unhygienic and unclean. Under the swach Bharat Abhiyaan, a cleanliness drive was thus promoted in the middle circle , F and N blocks.

The above images from left to right show the filthy area near Hanuman mandir complex of CP and the edges of the blocks having tobacco spill marks on them. (https://www.google.co.in/search?q=CLEANLINESS+in+CONNAUGHT+PLACE)

JANPATH - CONNAUGHT PLACE , DELHI (PRIMARY STUDY) 5.14 BACKGROUND Janpath , in Connaught Place is a very famous market ( local commercial area of Connaught place) . The aim of zooming in , in this part of C.P. is to understand that scale plays a unique role in determining the presence of parameters mentioned in the study . Also , the focus being commercial recreational urban space , while central park fulfils the recreational part , Janpath is one of the commercial nodes we can look at. At a macro scale when entire Connaught Place forms our study area's boundary , it is easier to find all the parameters due to a large variety offered by the space. The question is - What happens when the scale of the urban space is reduced? If all of the parameters fail to exist when reducing the boundaries of the area in focus, does this mean that the space is not a good urban public space? It is not justified to compare two spaces of different scales , therefore, the intent here is not to compare but to see that despite the presence and absence of some parameters , an urban space holds some value to the user , which makes it important. In order to make an urban space efficient , existence of all parameters is not a measure , but the contribution made by the ones present in the space , is what needs to be analysed. 5.15 MOVEMENT PATTERN - PERMEABILITY

STRAIGHT MOVEMENT MULTIPLE ROUTES

IMG I 29

PHYSICAL PERMEABILITY - While multiple routes are offered to enter the Janpath area , the people who opt for a new route are the frequent visitors . New comers generally follow a straight movement pattern. This is because the visual permeability of the area is very less and it is due to the presence of hawkers that a movement path gets defined. (IMG I)

IMG I - THE ENTRANCES TO AREAS ARE NOT HIGHLIGHTED DUE TO LESS VISUAL PERMEABILITY , THESE AREAS ARE PHYSICALLY ACCESSED ONLY BY FREQUENT VISITORS

Physical and Visual permeability at 1. Macro scale , C.P. - physical permeability is well defined and due to clearly visible paths , access to areas becomes easier , though facades create a feeling of being lost and one feels dis-oriented. 2.Micro scale , Janpath , CP - physical permeability cannot be judged in terms of vehicular movement as the area is accessed on foot . The entrances to areas are not clearly visible and are thus visited often , only by local people. Both of the above parameters i.e. physical and visual permeability are thus linked together , as mentioned in chapter 2. Greater is the visual permeability , more will be the physical permeability of the area. Only when one sees a path , can he access it physically. 5.16 VARIETY Being a commercial area, the variety in terms of functions and form , offered by Janpath is lesser when compared to entire Connaught Place . Having only one function, of shops selling accessories , clothes , jewelleries etc and an office building L.I.C which forms the backdrop of the area , the functional variety is not huge. (IMG II)

IMG II-FROM LEFT TO RIGHT , THE UNSANCTIONED HAWKERS , LIC BUILDING AND SANCTIONED SHOPS

VARIETY AT 1. Macro scale , C.P. - The functional variety is more , due to presence of commerce, cafes, recreation etc. Due to restriction in the facade development , the visual variety is offered only by shop front treatments . 2.Micro scale , Janpath , CP -The functional variety is less , due to singularity of function. The visual variety is offered by hawkers who personalise the space by squatting , as well as the moving vendors selling a variety of products. Less restrictions promote more visual variety by providing a scope for personalisation. The visual and functional variety , thus hold a different meaning at both scales. The multiplicity of functions shouldn't be compared with the functional singularity of Janpath as both are in a different setting , fulfilling their own purpose. The notable point though is the scope of personalisation, offering visual variety at both scales. While at a macro scale , it is signage which offers visual richness , at a micro scale the vendors and hawkers lend a different character to the zone. As mentioned in chapter 2 , the visual variety thus lends richness to the area.

5.17 LEGIBILITY

IMG III

As mentioned in chapter 2 , more the legibility i.e. easier the mental mapping of an area, more will be the permeability of the space. Due to the continuous radial plan , it becomes difficult to orient oneself in the area. Same is true for Janpath. Thus, absence of landmarks reduces legibility of the zone both at macro and micro level , leaving parts of the space to be unexplored by the visitors. On the other hand well defined paths exist at both levels. C.P. has many activity nodes , of which Janpath is a part. Janpath may even be called as a separate district of C.P pertaining to its unique commercial character. Though , Janpath district can be further divided into different districts , depending on the type of shops that exist in the area. (IMG III) 5.18 ROBUSTNESS Robustness in terms of function , seems to be less in Janpath . Being a commercial zone , the area is being used only for temporary , permanent shops. Though it is the spaces in between these shops that hold more robust character . For instance , the pavement , where squat vendors personalise the space , have curbs being used as seaters. (IMG IV) The trees are being used as support in many areas , by either the people or by the shop keeper. At macro scale , structural robustness could be seen with residences getting converted to cafes and terraces. On the other hand , at micro scale , spatial robustness provides scope for personalisation , adding visual variety which leads to richness. (as mentioned in chapter 2)

IMG IV 5.19 RICHNESS As stated earlier , scope of personalisation offered by spatial robustness adds visual variety to the zone, thereby increasing visual richness . This seems to be missing at the macro scale. Though sensory richness adds to the overall experience of the space. (IMG V)

IMG V - SMELL OF FOOD ADDS TO THE SENSORY EXPERIENCE OF THE SPACE

5.20 VISUAL APPROPRIATENESS Being a commercial zone of C.P., Janpath's visual appropriateness speaks for itself. As soon as one enters this area , it is the hawkers and vendors along with the sanctioned shops , which make the area look like a shopping space. (MG VI)

IMG VI - SANCTIONED SHOPS AND LOCAL VENDOR SPACES

5.21 DEMOCRATIC QUALITY AND VALUE ADDITION Psychological accessibility and sense of belongingness of one and all , seems to be there with Janpath . While some people may hesitate to pass through high ended branded stores, some may see these streets of Janpath as an Indian market. Not everyone may relate to every part of Connaught Place , but most of the Indians may relate to Janpath. The encroachments on the pavements by vendors and hawkers , as well as moving vendors are the people who offer this area , a sense of belongingness. Though as one moves towards the Tibetian edge of Janpath , the sense of ownership by the shop owners increases , thus reducing the democratic quality of the space , an indication towards gentrification as mostly foreigners visit this part of Janpath. (IMG VII)

IMG VII - FROM LEFT TO RIGHT - TIBETIAN ZONE AND ENCROACHED AREAS OF PAVEMENT Lastly , it is not only the economic but cultural value too , which Janpath displays . It talks about the free flowing market space of India along with a restricted commercial zone . All this in the central Business district. The fact , that CP holds this diversity , speaks a great deal about its democratic quality and the value it adds as an urban space .

CHAPTER 6 CASE STUDY 2 HAUZ KHAS VILLAGE , DELHI 6.1 BACKGROUND Hauz Khas village , is a part of south Delhi , which has gained immense popularity over a period of time . From a village, having Deer park and Hauz Khas monument in its vicinity , Hauz Khas village transformed itself to be an amalgamation of art and commerce. A street celebrating life but with an artistic touch. The ground floor of the residences got converted to studios and boutiques , which were the magnets to attract other activities like food, cafes etc. The Hauz Khas monument area adds to the recreation factor of this entire commercial hub. The aim of taking up this study is to understand an urban public space from the lens of different users, people belonging to different socio-economic background. This is also an example to see , how a regular street can be transformed into a popular urban space . Placemaking in Hauz Khas village , though happened by chance , the concepts of it can be analysed to see its efficiency when applied elsewhere.

RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT

MARKET DISTRICT

HISTORIC DISTRICT

IMAGE SHOWING THE THREE DISTRICTS WITHIN HAUZ KHAS VILLAGE 6.2 WHO VISITS HAUZ KHAS VILLAGE, WHY? A. PEOPLE WORKING THERE Purpose - definitive Placemaking for them -

Employment MARKET DISTRICT - WORK + FOOD (FORMAL +INFORMAL OUTLETS) IMG VIII HISTORIC DISTRICT â&#x20AC;&#x201C; RELAXATION, INTROSPECTION,RECREATION IMG IX

IMG VIII

IMG IX B. YOUNGSTERS (GROUPS , COUPLES) Placemaking for them MARKET DISTRICT + MAIN STREET - FOOD- FORMAL , INFORMAL SHOPS , FACADE TREATMENT , INVITING SHOP ENTRANCES - IMG X HISTORIC DISTRICT

- MONUMENT , AREA FOR SITTING , GATHER RELAX , PHOTOGRAPHY ,MUSIC - IMG XI

IMG X - FACADE TREATMENT IS DYNAMIC ALONG WITH INVITING ENTRANCES

IMG XI - MULTIPLE OPTIONS TO SIT AND RELAX - STRUCTURAL ROBUSTNESS 36

C. FOREIGNERS Placemaking for them HISTORIC DISTRICT + MAIN STREET + MARKET DISTRICT - PHOTOGRAPHY , ETHNIC TOUCH FACADE TREATMENT FOOD ,INDIAN ART + CRAFT - IMG XII

IMG XII - BASEMENT BOUTIQUES CAN BE SEEN FROM GROUND FLOOR . HISTORIC DISTRICT IS USED FOR RELAXATION

D. VILLAGE RESIDENTS Placemaking for them -

HISTORIC DISTRICT â&#x20AC;&#x201C; RECREATION , RELAXATION , GATHERING - IMG XIII

IMG XIII - FOR THE RESIDENTS , THE HISTORIC DISTRICT SERVES AS A NEIGHBOURHOOD PARK

6.3 PERMEABILITY In Hauz Khas village , visual permeability is seen in terms of entrances . 1. Fort entry 1a. main fort entry - accessed by visitors 1b. peripheral fort entry - known by locals 2. Market entry 2a. market entry at macro level 2b. market entry at micro level 2c. inner lanes entry 1. FORT ENTRY 1a. Main fort entry is part of the flow of walking on the main street and becomes visible , gradually as shown below.

1b.Peripheral fort entry is not visually permeable and thus, used by locals. (Refer to picture below.)

2. MARKET ENTRY 2a. There is no provision of multiple routes to enter the market district. The route followed is as shown-

MARKET ENTRY (MACRO LEVEL) PRIMARY ROUTE AUROBINDO MARG CO

DIFFICULT TO RECOGANISE NO LANDMARK CO

REALISATION OF MARKET AREAROADSIDE PARKING

SINCE LESS LEGIBILITY SO LESS PERMEABILITY

2b. At micro level , smaller blocks provide multiple entrances which can be seen from the street. ( Refer to image below.)

MARKET DISTRCT

ENTRY

MONUMENT DISTRCT

RESIDENTIAL DISTRCT

2c.Entry to inner lanes The entry to most of the inner lanes are not clearly visible and are thus visited by people who either know of their existence or by women who wish to shop in these inner lanes. Thus visual permeability defines the amount of people visiting the area thereby affecting the physical permeability.

•TOO NARROW •NON- INVITING •LESS VISIBLE

6.4 VARIETY Variety in Hauz Khas village can be looked at in terms of function , senses and visual variety. Variety allows different users to look at the same space differently . FUNCTIONAL VARIETY - The village is now a hub for boutiques , studios, cafes and residences IMG XIV HISTORIC DISTRICT – RELAX, RECREATION

RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT – RESIDENCES RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT

MARKET DISTRICT – FOOD BOUTIQUES+ CAFES

IMG XIV

SENSORY VARIETY - Hauz Khas , due to multiplicity of functions adds to sensory variety through fragrances and music. IMG XV

FRAGRANCES CAFES FOREST

MUSIC – MONUMENT DISTRICT – BIRDS CHIRPING , PEOPLE SINGING (INSIDE THE STRUCTURE) CAFES - BANDS

IMG XV

VISUAL VARIETY - The facades add an artistic touch to the street's character making the walk more interesting and enriching . IMG XVI -OLD AND NEW -TRADITIONAL AND MODERN •CLADDING OF VARIOUS CREATIVE MATERIAL •VARIETY IN COLOUR SCHEMES •VARIETY IN ELEMENTS – STAIRS/WINDOWS ETC. DEPICTING THEIR OWN CREATIVITY AND STYLE

IMG XVI

PERMEABILITY AND VARIETY PRIMARY BOUTIQUES + STUDIOS (MAGNET)

SECONDARY

PULLED

CAFES, SHOPS, - FOOD VENDORS

INTERDEPENDENCE TO OPEN 24 X 7 SECONDARY NEEDS PRIMARY

ADDS FUNCTIONAL VARIETY

PLACEMENT INCREASES VISUAL PERMEABILITY CAFES- MORE FOOTFALL NEEDEDENTRANCE ON STREET

The graphic above shows that multiplicity of functions makes the place active throughout the day. The placement of such functions should be visually permeable in order to increase physical permeability.

6.5 RICHNESS The visual and non-visual richness is linked to variety . The robust nature of the structures allowed for functional variety and personalisation , thereby adding visual richness . Whereas, sensory variety adds to non - visual richness. VISUAL RICHNESS FACADESCONTRAST 2D, 3D ELEMENTS PATTERNS PROJECTIONS SETBACKS

NON - VISUAL RICHNESS The cafes , flowering trees of monument area, acoustic environment of bands rehearsing , all adds to the non - visual richness.

SCALE – FROM A DISTANCE – ELEMENTS ADDING RICHNESS

COLORS- CONTRASTS

SIGNAGES - BOARDS

AT MICRO LEVEL – DETAILS ADD TO RICHNESS

DESIGNING OF BOARDS ENTRANCE DESIGN

The graphic above shows how variety adds to richness. At a macro scale colors , signage are the elements contributing to visual richness whereas at a micro scale the designing of the boards and entrances get highlighted. 42

6.6 ROBUSTNESS AND PERSONALISATION Since Hauz Khas village was initially residential , the transformation of the village thus tells about the structural robustness which added to functional robustness too , thereby providing variety and richness. Market District has shops , boutiques , restraunts , cafes Historic district provides greater robustness - multiple sitting spaces , flexibility to use the structure for relaxation , view , photography . It is also used for performances and is an area which often becomes an artist's subject to paint.

MONUMENT COMPLEX PRIMARY STREETS

The images show structural and functional robustness of the historic and market district

SECONDARY STREETS

DECREASING ORDER

DEGREE OF ROBUSTNESS

TERRACES AND BALCONIES OF RESIDENCES (PRIVATE)

CAFE AREAS (LESS PRIVATE)- ABLE TO ALTER FAÃ&#x2021;ADE - VISUAL VARIETY

The above image and graphic depict how the terraces of residences are now converted to cafes

It is this robust feature of the structure which allows scope for personalisation by different shop owners in the market district . This personalisation can be seen in the way the shop entrances and billboards are designed . The artistic touch speaks of the function the shops hold and make them visually appropriate .

The designing of the boards and facade treatment talk about the function they stand for

6.7 SENSE OF BELONGINGNESS , VALUE ADDITION Hauz Khas may have something for everyone but when it comes to psychological accessibility , many may refrain from going to this public space. Being an artistic high end commercial zone, the sense of belongingness to this market street is definitely less as compared to any other local Indian market . Economics here play a role as most of the cafes, boutiques etc go beyond the reach of majority of low income groups , for whom the historic district then , is the only area they feel comfortable in. Sense of ownership directs this street and Hauz Khas thus stands as an artistic commercial urban public space.

PLACEMAKING TIMES SQUARE , NEW YORK 6.8 BACKGROUND Times Square is the commercial intersection at the junction of Broadway and seventh avenue from west 42nd to west 47th streets. It is the world's busiest pedestrian intersections and hub of Broadway Theatre district , as well as a centre for world's entertainment industry. One can say it is like Connaught Place and Hauz Khas village put together - art , commerce , recreation and drama meeting at one platform. The purpose of studying this area is to see how PPS (project for public works) has intervened in such an urban public setting to apply the concept of placemaking . Though Times Square is to New York what Connaught Place is to Delhi , the parameters now speak of a different context all together . Due to Times Square being a secondary case study , the design parameters are not taken as the focus here .It is the placemaking techniques and factors like value addition , democratic quality , sense of belongingness which can be analysed. 6.9 DEMOCRATIC QUALITY AND VALUE ADDITION A public space speaks a great deal about the belief's of the society . It provides opportunities to look forward towards an environment friendly collective future. Times Square has been a gathering space for the New Yorkers on every New year's eve , marking the beginning of yet another year. In 2008 the eve ball was replaced by LED lighted ball along with all the signage and boards , which used LED lights to promote environment friendly sustainable approach.(IMG XVII) Apart from this , in 2002 , Times square held a mass yoga event called " mind over madness" , involving 15,000 people.-IMG XVIII (similar to Raahgiri event in Connaught Place) Thus , the square not only adds to the commercial economic and artistic value but is a democratic space depicting the culture of the people.

IMG XVII TIMES SQUARE AT NEW YEAR'S EVE ALONG WITH THE LED BALL INTRODUCED IN 2008

IMG XVIII - A MASS YOGA EVENT AT TIMES SQUARE 45

6.10 PEDESTRIAN PLAZA

The above pictures show an effort done by project for public spaces to relook at the Broadway streets of Times Square, increasing its pedestrian space. From left - the image shows the street as it looked before intervention as oppose to the high pedestrian environment seen in the image on right . (http://www.pps. org/projects/timessquare/) Yet another initiative was taken in Feb, 2009 when the traffic lanes were temporarily remapped and transformed to a pedestrian plaza to cut down pollution and reduce pedestrian accidents . ( A similar initiative is seen in Connaught Place to promote no car day) The initiative was successful and the pedestrian plaza was then made permanent. 6.11 ART INSTALLATIONS Art installations , in collaboration with local artists to make the public space more engaging .

In July and August 2014, ArlĂŠs del Rio breaks metaphoric cultural barriers with human silhouette installation, Nearness

Thus, PPS , realised the importance of " people's participation" in placemaking and could come up with new innovative solutions for effective , efficient use of the public space. Directing the traffic flow and giving importance to pedestrian movement and activities , along with engagement of the public with artistic installations have been some of its effective attempts. Once popular , the scope of public space could then further increase to promote environment friendly and fitness drives as well. However , some issues like that of encroachments and cleanliness as seen in Connaught Place , hardly exist here and psychological accessibility of Times Square seems to be equal for all the locals , as opposed to the scenario in Connaught Place.

CONCLUSION 1.In the Indian context , apart from the various physical and non-physical parameters , it is the neglected ones like space quality due to encroachments, cleanliness, commerce and activities , affordability , psychological accessibility and democratic quality that holds importance.

2.Though all of the studied urban public spaces have similarities and are popular in their own way but their differences from each other impart a unique character to them and the parameters of such differences and similarities cannot be generalised. They are scale, function and context specific. SCALE SPECIFIC •Not all factors may exist in all urban public spaces but this doesn't make a public space less efficient . What is important is the scale at which the factors exist . Connaught Place may have most of the parameters present (Chp -5, pg 17-30) , but Janpath(Chp 5 , pg 31-36) on the other hand , being a small scale public space, caters to a specific purpose and is successful in its own way. While variety plays a major role in making Connaught Place what it is today , Janpath gets its character not by variety but affordability offered by the commerce developing in the zone, though having a singular function. FUNCTION/CHARACTER SPECIFIC •Hauz Khas village (Chp 6 - pg 37-47) on the other hand talks about gentrification and psychological accessibility of an urban public space. This artistic commercial hub of Delhi attracts people of a certain socio-economic background. Still when looked as a public space , it is efficient for what it stands. The context of Hauz Khas village is a rich artistic setting with Deer park and Hauz Khas monument area in its vicinity , which led to the recreational , commercial development of the area. It is an urban public space which developed on its own with time and was not planned for before. CONTEXT SPECIFIC •Times square(Pg 48) , depicts the beliefs of its people as Connaught Place does for Delhi. It is an example of an urban public space which has transformed itself with time as has Connaught Place. Though , due to the huge socio-economic diversity in the Indian context , the sense of belongingness which every Indian feels with CP may vanish if the vendors, hawkers and markets like janpath are removed from the picture . This holds no importance in the context carried by Times Square.

3.A designer's intervention in a public space ( of the nature studied , as part of the research ) , may determine the placemaking quality of a space but despite the intervention , the extent to which the space becomes a place will differ when seen by different people and is subjective. For example : Hauz Khas village becomes a place due to the type of activities that developed with time whereas mere planning and location of Connaught Place plays a role in making it a place. Bringing together the various physical and non-physical parameters will though increase the chances of a public space being utilised efficiently but there is still no guarantee of this happening.

BIBLIOGRAPHY •Responsive Environments- Ian Bently , Alan Alock , Paul Murrain , Sue Mcglynn , Graham Smith •Image of the City - Kevin Lynch •The Hidden dimension - Edward T. Hall •Social Interactions In Public Spaces - Caroline Holland, Andrew Clark, Jeanne Katz, Sheila Peace •Street Vendors In The Global Urban Economy -Sharit Bhowmik •Asian Ethical Urbanism - William S W Lim •Social Life Of Small Urban Spaces - William H. Whyte •Ethics and Urban design - culture,form and environment- Gideon S.Golany, year of publishing - 1995 •science.jrank.org/pages/8346/Architecture-Overview-Antiquity-Egypt-Greece-Rome.html •www.quora.com/What-are-major-differences-between-Greek-and-Roman-culture-or-government •architecturalmoleskine.blogspot.in/2011/12/agora-of-athens-vs-roman-forum.html?m=1 •www.ancient.eu/article/695/ •www.pps.org/blog/brasilia-from-placeless-to-place-centred/ •Places and Place making in India - Shashi tindwani •https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Times Square •www.britanicca.com/topic/forum-ancient-rome •m.tribunesandtriumphs.org/roman-architecture/roman-buildings.htm •http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Brasilia,_Brazil •ALL IMAGES AND FIGURE CREDITS FOR THE PRIMARY CASE STUDY ( C.P) - SRITOMA BHATTACHARYA AND MUKUL GUPTA OF BATCH 2012-2017 WHILE FOR JANPATH - DIVYA JHANJEE AND DIVYA OF BATCH 2012-2017 •http://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20130621/times-square-theater-district/giant-yoga-class-timessquare-draws-16000-for-first-day-of-summer# The previous year dissertations/research papers •Delayering of urban public spaces - Harjas Kaur Makkar •Design of urban public space - Priyanka Mahajan •Creating a public realm - Anup Krishanvirdi •A study of open spaces - Saloni Wadhwa

PUBLIC SPACES - PEOPLE'S PLACES BY : MEETALI GUPTA UNIVERSITY : GURU GOBIND SINGH INDRAPRASTHA UNIVERSITY ADDRESS : GGSIPU, SECTOR 16, DWARKA, NEW DELHI 110078 ABSTRACT A public space is a city's activity zone. It is a space that is free most of the times and available for the community for using and enjoying irrespective of their social, cultural and economic background. It is not only a breathing space but a platform to exchange ideas, communicate and interact.ÂŹ The so called modern cities have not evolved in a way to respect the prevailing social environment and deal with problems like cleanliness, encroachments and democratic quality of a space. "Urban public spaces" thus seem to be in a state of "loss". Due to the social, economic and cultural diversity in India, it becomes important to look at the public realm. The real challenge though is not to create these spaces but to carve out efficient public places.This paper is an attempt to discover the parameters which would contribute in a better analysis of urban public spaces in India and highlight the role of scale, placemaking and context in making a public space efficient, when viewed from the lens of different groups of people. The parameters discovered were applied to public spaces like Connaught Place, Hauz Khauz village, Janpath (Delhi) and Times Square (New York) to understand placemaking and gentrification in such spaces. Key words - Urban Public spaces, public realm, public places, placemaking, context, gentrification INTRODUCTION A public space helps us to define the Era we are in; to represent the interest of our generation and to add value to the existing urban fabric. The traditional Indian cities are an example of streets and chowks (public squares) forming the built mass (structure) whereas the so called, modern cities focus only on the built structure. The fact that in today's time when talking about modern cities we talk about recreational, breathing spaces separately, points towards seclusion of such spaces and their functions, in contrast to the traditional cities whose fabric itself would create them. In a developing country like India, understanding the factors leading to the efficiency of such spaces is thus a physical and psychological need as it would help people to demand better spaces, instilling in them a sense of respect and belongingness for the city. TYPES OF PUBLIC SPACES Public spaces can be natural or planned. The realisation of the need to plan public spaces felt by the Greeks , who believed in arĂŞte i.e. human achievement , is seen in Parthenon ; the planned semi-open public space that portrays physical greatness and attention to detail towards scale , proportions and open-built ratio of public gathering spaces. Romans on the other hand contributed towards enhancing the importance of built public spaces to gather a large number of people through the introduction of Roman vault construction. Open planned public spaces held equal importance with most of the activities taking place outdoors resulting in the formation of the Agora or the market place which was later seen in the design of contemporary cities like Jaipur where the streets and markets (commercial spaces) would open up in the chaupar - the central gathering public space. PUBLIC SPACE QUALITY (neglected non-physical aspects) There are many neglected dimensions which contribute towards the quality of a public space today. Cleanliness in a public space is one of the most important parameter which ideally may not have anything to do with the socio-economic class or status of a person. As observed, the area around the bins also gets littered leading to unhygienic environment which could be the reason to have no bins inside metro stations. In Connaught Place, the central business district of Delhi, the block edges and areas around bins along with the middle circle seem to be under unhygienic conditions.

In India, encroachments are yet another problem which hampers the quality of a public space. With the coming up of the street vendors act of 2012, vendors are not allowed to make noise to grab public's attention, not given electricity and water connection as well as a permit to cook. (Times of India, Oct5, 2015).The street vendor's act has limited its scope as being an agent of generating employment only. Why couldn't it go beyond and make use of the vendors and hawkers in enhancing the public space's quality? It isn't only these vendors who encroach the public spaces but also people who own shops who try to extend their temporary structures onto the road or foot path hampering the pedestrian movement. Aren't the rights of each citizen violated when the public footpath, road or pedestrian alley is encroached? Where does their right to equal access on the public area stand in such a scenario?

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT-RAJENDRA PLACE , (IMG1, IMG2) THE PRIVATE PARKING ENCROACHES THE PEDESTRIAN WAY AND THE FOOTPATH THUS MERGES WITH THE PRIVATE USE. BELOW THE METRO STATION THE FOOTPATH IS ENCROACHED BY HAWKERS AND VENDORS FORCING PEDESTRIANS TO WALK ON THE MAIN VEHICULAR ROAD. The kind of commerce and activities in a public space will also help in determining its quality. The market itself has added the recreation factor to the public space in India. Hauz Khauz village, a street celebrating life with artistic touch in- residences converted to studios and boutiques, acted as a magnet to attract food joints and cafes. The multifunctional dimension, by increasing the active period of the space, makes it more secure; an issue felt in many public spaces especially during certain times of the day. Connaught Place, having a functional multiplicity remains active most of the time. It maybe affordability which may restrict people from different economic strata to access all the spaces. As in the case of Hauz Khauz village, the psychological accessibility of low income group seems to be less and the vendors along with the open green monument area help in breaking the wall of gentrification to a certain extent. Not everyone may relate to every part of Connaught Place but most Indians do relate to Janpath (a commercial district of CP). In this case, the encroachments and vendors offer a sense of belongingness to the area which reduces again towards the Tibetian market. The highline project in New York is another example of gentrification, where with the development of the highline as a public space, the low income group was forced to leave the vicinity that was taken over by market driven functions.

A public space which doesn't cater to the needs of the people but rather puts forward more barriers like gating, ticketing, restriction on vendor entry etc ,makes one question the democratic quality of the space and furthermore the society's psychological development. At the same time public spaces do provide opportunities to gather protest or start environment friendly drives. For example -a car free day and Rahigiri in Connaught place, a yoga day in Times Square. People seem to have turned a blind eye towards all of the above factors. The question though is- is it only the designers who can create good quality public spaces? Are the parameters existing today to term a public space "efficient", sufficient and replicable in our diverse cultural and social geography? DESIGNER'S LENS (physical aspects) Some of the physical or the designing parameters of the public spaces have been provided by various architects and planners. Kevin Lynch, in his book, Image of The City tries to capture the aspects of designing which will help one to form a clear image of the city. His design aspects to increase legibility include the presence of - nodes, paths, edges, landmarks and districts at the city level. All of which increase the mental imaging of an area. Responsive Environments (Ian Bently, Alan Alcock, Paul Murrain, Sue Mcglynn, and Graham Smith) is a step ahead towards the designing and planning aspects of public spaces. It talks about permeability, variety, richness, robustness, visual appropriateness and personalisation of the space. The radial plan of CP, may offer numerous approach options through public and private conveyance but the similarity in facade decreases its readability. Being visually and physically permeable, the lack of landmarks seems to be a problem. Though, Janpath on the other hand, due to undefined entrances to spaces, has less visual permeability leading to zones left unexplored by the locals. Thus, greater is the visual permeability, more will be the physical permeability of the area. More the legibility more will be the permeability of the space.

SIMILARITY IN FACADES IN CONNAUGHT PLACE (IMG3) Robustness in design and variety, along with multifunctionality increases the popularity of the space. CP shows structural robustness with residences converted to cafes, whereas Janpath provides spatial robustness where squat vendors personalise the space and people use curbs as seaters. Similar looking buildings reduce variety in form in CP. The restriction to height along with visual appearance reduces the degree of space personalisation, minimising visual richness which can then be seen only at the micro level like Janpath. Therefore, Personalisation of space adds to the visual and physical variety as well as richness to the space at both scales.

PERSONALISATION OF SPACE BY HAWKERS IN JANPATH (IMG4) William Whyte, in his book, Social Life of Small Urban Spaces, analyses the interaction aspect of the design. Looking into the designing of various plazas and parks, Whyte puts forward five main influences which make these urban public spaces active by attracting maximum number of people. These influences being - shade provided by trees , availability of food , sitting space and street furniture designing , corners and edges as the most occupied zones, water, fountains attracting people and people attracting people. All of these factors point towards the concept of placemaking. For different people, different aspects make a space, a place. For a person employed in the studios, the Hauz Khauz monument area is a recreation zone while for a visitor it is a high end commercial recreational hub. A regular street transformed into a high end commercial public space, the case of Hauz Khauz village is an example of placemaking, which as a concept is also offered by PPS (Projects For Public Spaces); an initiative to look into the needs of the public realm and realise the potential of unused spaces in order to convert them into usable public places. Like in the city of Milwaukee which now uses the two acre previously unused surface parking land as a gathering space for residents, to conduct performances (opportunity to display culture) and enjoy food by local vendors. (Economic opportunity).In this case too elements like street furniture highlighted by Whyte played a vital role. Another successful intervention of PPS has been in Times Square, New York. Sustainable approach of LED lighted ball, signages and boards on New Year's Eve, the mass yoga event (mind over madness) and the effort to increase the pedestrian area of Broadway streets. All depict the potential and importance of a public space for its city.

TIMES SQUARE AT NEW YEAR'S EVE ALONG WITH THE LED BALL INTRODUCED IN 2008 (IMG5)

A MASS YOGA EVENT AT TIMES SQUARE (IMG6)

BROADWAY STREET - BEFORE AFTER. (http://www.pps.org/projects/ timessquare/) (IMG7)

These studies offer us with a layer in terms of designing. Though, the question still stands - Are these parameters applicable to every urban planned public space? How can one guarantee that these would enhance the quality of the space if taken into account by designers while designing?

CONCLUSION Not all factors may exist in all urban public spaces but this doesn't make a public space less efficient. What is important is the scale at which the factors exist. Connaught Place may have most of the parameters present, but Janpath on the other hand, being a small scale public space, caters to a specific purpose and is successful in its own way. While variety plays a major role in making Connaught Place what it is today, Janpath gets its character not by variety but affordability offered by the commerce developing in the zone, though having a singular function. Times Square depicts the beliefs of its people as Connaught Place does for Delhi. It is an example of an urban public space which has transformed itself with time as has Connaught Place. Though, due to the huge socio-economic diversity in the Indian context, the sense of belongingness which every Indian feels with CP may vanish if the vendors, hawkers and markets like janpath are removed from the picture. This holds no importance in the context carried by Times Square. Hauz Khauz village on the other hand talks about gentrification and psychological accessibility of an urban public space. This artistic commercial hub of Delhi attracts people of a certain socio-economic background. Still when looked as a public space, it is efficient for what it stands. Thus, though all of the above mentioned urban public spaces have similarities and are popular in their own way but their differences from each other impart a unique character to them and the parameters of such differences and similarities can therefore not be generalised.