Sabarmati Riverfront
Systems Study Design Process
Why Riverfront?
- The mechanical stretch - The potential of community engagement - Deep impact on the city eco-system - Heart of the city
Double Diamond Process
Secondary & User Research
Discover
Brainstorm & Problem Identification
Define
Ideation & Concept Generation
Design
Solution
Deliver
Secondary Research
- History of Sabarmati and Ahmedabad - Vision of Riverfront - Process of construction - Roadmap Ahead
History of Sabarmati & Ahmedabad
Riverbed Activities Photographed by Henri Cartier Bresson, 1966
Aerial Map Ahmedabad 1949
Flotsam in the river near Vadaj Dharmaj
Before the Riverfront Project
Banks of Sabarmati before the River front
Vision of Riverfront
Dharoi Dam
Catchment Area under control
Hatmati Dam
Guhai Dam
Catchment Area Ahmedabad
Gulf of Cambay
New York, 1930
London, 2010
Shanghai
Process of Construction
Reinforcement for the retaining wall
679 m
275 m
214 m
190 m
329 m
30 m
275 m
24 m
The Construction Process– Retaining Wall and Earth Fill
Lower Promenade Retaining Wall
Earth Fill
SRFD Land Private
Retaining Wall and General Earth Fill
Roadmap Ahead
Insights from Secondary Research
- Relationship of Sabarmati with Ahmedabad - Sensitized us on the magnum scale of construction - The Govt’s vision and approach for the Riverfront
Extensive User Research - Dip stick study of space and amenities - Over 45 interviews across diverse demographics - Expert interviews and feedback
First dip-stick research
- Drove across the two riverbanks of east and west - Briefly interacted with the locals at riverfront - Basic observation of space, amenities, people’s interactions with it
Immersive study Demographic of audience : young couples, families, children, security professionals, event organizers, older citizens that lived through the changing landscape.
Insights from User Research
- No provision for drinking water - No shelter, hot climate makes the place unusable during the day - Dustbins are less in number and not very visible - Signage is not effective - Rehabilitation of riverside dwellers - No system for parking and traffic build up at junctions along the riverfront
Insights from User Research
- Cycle lanes on the lower Prominade are not continuous - Low security measures, an unruly mob which overpowers them. - No provision in case of an emergency - Lovers point - Centre for drug distribution - Amenities like amphitheatre, gym, etc not being used effectively - Peaceful for walking during evenings.
Expert Interviews & Discussions
Director of Civil Construction (since inception) Sh. Thakkar
Director of Horticulture Department Sh. Jinesh Patel
Insights from Expert Discussions
- The Govt’s perspective on our problem identification - Their inputs on possibles concepts and designs
Problem Identification
Shortlisted problem
- No provision for drinking water - Ineffective signage system - Rehabilitation effect and problems - Users visiting only in the evenings or early in the mornings - No provision in case of an emergency - Lack of shelter and shade
Design Brief
To provide a non obtrusive solution for the lack of shelter on the banks of the sabarmati in order to make the riverfront more acessable during the day.
Constraints Existing plans Annual floods Water level
Obstruction of view Limitation of width
People chose to sit in shaded places
Possible Solutions
- The mechanical stretch - The potential of community engagement - Deep impact on the city eco-system
Concept 1
Easy to implement
Concept 2
Innovative solution
Concept 3
Futuristic solution
References
- Sabarmati Riverfront | Indian Urban Conference | Nov ‘11 - Sabarmati Riverfront | SRFDC - http://www.sabarmatiriverfront.com - http://www.pps.org/reference/10_qualities_of_a_great_waterfront - http://www.hcp.co.in/project-details/61/73/135/sabarmati-riverfront-development-project - http://architexturez.net/doc/az-cf-166149 - http://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/concerns-over-sabarmati-riverfront-development- project-5786
Questionaire
- Name - Age - Occupation - What was the river bank like before the riverfront was developed? (To localites) - Opinion of the riverfront now. - How often do you visit the riverfront? - Who accompanies you when you come here? - What time of the day do you visit the riverfront? Why? - What are your likes and dislikes about this place? - How do you think the riverfront can be changed for more people to like it?
Thank you.