Redevelopment of GCDA Shopping Complex, Marine Drive, Kochi
Submitted by Nishon C. Simon Register No:16056048 Semester X (2016 21 Batch)
A Thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the Degree of Bachelor of Architecture of the Mahatma Gandhi University
SCMS School of Architecture Karukutty
Mahatma Gandhi University Kottayam 2021
Redevelopment of GCDA Shopping Complex, Marine Drive, Kochi
SCMS School of Architecture Karukutty
THESIS REPORT
March 2021 December 2021
A Thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the Degree of Bachelor of Architecture of the Mahatma Gandhi University
Mahatma Gandhi University Kottayam
Guided by:
Ar. Madhushitha CA
Asst, Professor
SCMS School of Architecture
Submitted by:
Nishon C. Simon
Register No: 16056048
Semester X, 2016 21 Batch
SCMS School of Architecture
SCMS School of Architecture Karukutty CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that the thesis report titled “Redevelopment of GCDA Shopping Complex, Marine Drive, Kochi” is the original work of Nishon C, Simon, register no:16056048, under our guidance, submitted as Semester X subject during the term March 2021 December 2021 in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the award of “Degree of Bachelor in Architecture” during the term of 2016 2021 through Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam.
GUIDE PRINCIPAL
Ar. Madhushitha CA
Prof. Anil Ravindranathan
Asst. Professor SCMS School of Architecture SCMS School of Architecture Karukutty Karukutty
SCMS School of Architecture
SCMS School of Architecture, Karukutty 2020
SCMS School of Architecture Karukutty
DECLARATION
I, Nishon C. Simon, hereby declare that the thesis report titled “Redevelopment of GCDA Shopping Complex, Marine Drive, Kochi” is the outcome of research and study undertaken by me, under the guidance of Ar. Madhushitha CA, Asst. Professor at SCMS School of Architecture, Karukutty & SSA Thesis committee. It has not previously formed the basis for the award of any degree, diploma, or certificate of this Institute or of any other institute or University. I have duly acknowledged all the sources used by me in the preparation of this thesis report.
Nishon C. Simon
Register No:16056048
SCMS School of Architecture, Karukutty Date:30/11/2021 Place: Ernakulam
SCMS School of Architecture, Karukutty 2020
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
To my guide Ar.Madhushitha CA for being my constant source of inspiration right from the beginning and for all the support and encouragement, without which this dissertation would have never happened…
To the Principal Prof. Anil Ravindranathan and the Dean of Administration Dr. Meril George for the guidance and the entire faculty in the college for being pillars of support during all times...
To my father, mother & the whole extended family for their unconditional love, support and patience…
To my dearest friends, without whom I would not have been the person I am today, for their encouragement, understanding and criticism…
Last but not the least, the Almighty for the countless blessings and for providing me the strength to realize my dreams…
SCMS School of Architecture, Karukutty 2020
ABSTRACT
The GCDA Shopping complex being located right in front of the Marine Drive walkway and waterfront and also having the Broadway on the opposite side is already an area much visited by the people. The complex contains wide variety of shops mainly electronics, fashion, restaurants and also has offices on its upper floors. As Marine Drive grew to one of the landmarks of the city, the 214 room shopping complex is now a combination of abandoned shopping spaces and destroyed walls.
The solution adopted as design for the project is Redevelopment of the GCDA Shopping Complex as stated by the title of the Thesis. A redevelopment process will be adopted for the complex, building new construction on a site that has pre existing uses and renovating existing uses on a site.. The aim will be to convert the GCDA Shopping Complex into a Mixed Use building with redevelopment method and activating the complex for better use and to make it popular once again with various programs like Retail, Office, Public spaces, Hospitality & Recreation.
For the design process, various methods and procedures were used: It started of with the project brief, understanding the feasibility of the project and doing the background studies. Followed by site visits and its study along with a thorough documentation of the existing complex building was done. Then interviews and online surveys were taken from various individuals to know & understand the issues and get potential solutions for the complex redevelopment from the people. Case studies & analysis were done and a design brief was formulated. Followed by the process of conceptual development and formulating an area statement and finally coming up with the final design solution.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CERTIFICATE 2 DECLARATION 3
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 4
ABSTRACT 5 Chapter 1 1
SCMS School of Architecture, Karukutty 2020
Chapter 7 48
7.0 SPECIAL TOPIC 48
7.1 Introduction to Special Topic 48
7.2 Application of Special Topic 49 Chapter 8 50
8.0 CONCLUSION 50 Chapter 9 51
9.0 BIBLIOGRAPHY 51
LIST OF TABLES 52
LIST OF FIGURES 53
SCMS School of Architecture, Karukutty 2020
Chapter 1
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Introduction to the Topic
Kochi’s First Shopping Mall
The GCDA Shopping complex being located right in front of the Marine Drive walkway and waterfront and also having the Broadway on the opposite side is already an area much visited by the people. The complex contains wide variety of shops mainly electronics, fashion, restaurants and also has offices on its upper floors. It has a direct passage to the landmark hangout of the city the Marine Drive.
Table1: Statistics of GCDA Shopping Complex
Main highlights: Central location | Marine Drive walkway access | Circular ramp Chief Architect: Kuldip Singh along with Raj Rewal
As Marine Drive grew to one of the landmarks of the city, the 214-room shopping complex is now a combination of abandoned shopping spaces and destroyed walls. (EXPRESS 2011)
1.2
Project Brief
Initial Problems:
All the commercial structures built were inward looking buildings.
People at that time did not understand the ‘mall concept’ of shops being placed hidden inside a building.
They tried opening up shops at the front of the complex.
The complex did not take off like planned and it became hard to sell the shops.
Reasons for decline of the complex:
Lack of maintenance, cleanliness and basic amenities such as well maintained toilets.
Shops cornered by political groups, many of whom are not paying the rent.
Wrong allotment at low prices is another allegation. (EXPRESS 2011)
The parking rate in this community has been increased to Rs. 40 per hour. As a result ,
Shops have been shutdown and abandoned for better business areas.
‘Railings of staircases are rusting’.
‘The escalator, installed in the 80s, has been lying idle for years’.
‘Plastering on the ceiling has cracks and concrete pieces are falling down posing threat to customers’.
‘Lights in the complex are not working’.
‘GCDA is not utilizing the money collected every month as maintenance fee from the shop owners’.
Figure1: Issues at GCDA Shopping Complex
According to S Krishnakumar, former Ernakulam District Collector, was one of the brains behind the shopping complex and the Marine Drive next to it. ‘”That was a structure built with a vision of Kochi, 30 years in future. Today it is all in ruins,” he says. (EXPRESS 2011)
So the devised solution for all these issues is a redevelopment of the complex.
Redevelopment of the GCDA Shopping Complex
The solution adopted as design for the project is Redevelopment of the GCDA Shopping Complex as stated by the title of the Thesis. A redevelopment process will be adopted for the complex, building a new construction on a site that has pre existing uses and renovating existing uses on a site.
1.3 Aim
The aim will be to convert the GCDA Shopping Complex into a Mixed Use building with redevelopment method and activating the complex for better use and make it popular once again with various programs like Retail, Office, Public spaces, Hospitality and Recreation.
1.4 Objectives
In order to bring back those reminiscing memories of the complex.
To preserve the value and importance of the complex in Kerala’s history.
To make the complex more active and popular destination for the people.
To remove the bad image the complex currently is possessing.
To generate more revenue by providing better amenities & functions.
In short, to Conserve. Revitalize. Redevelop.
1.5 Methodology
Project Selection Synopsis Feasibility Relevance Declination
Background study History Project Concept Ideologies Site study Context & Surroundings Climatology
SWOT Analysis
Documentation Existing Plans Sections & Elevations 3D Model Activity study Land use Statistics Character Online Survey People's interview Finding function
Case Study Analysis Design Brief Concept Development Area Statement Final Design
Limitations: Due to the ongoing Covid 19 pandemic, the information & resources are limited to the possibility of findings.
Table2: Methodology for the project
SCMS School of Architecture, Karukutty 2020
1.6 Scope of the Project
We have lot of iconic landmarks and buildings in the cities of various parts of India. The Teen Darwaza at Ahmedabad, Gateway of India at Mumbai, India Gate at New Delhi and so on. These buildings create an image for their city.
The GCDA Shopping Complex being Kochi’s first shopping mall with its iconic features has the ability and scope to create an image for the City of Kochi. There are many factors which support this scope of the project.
Creating an entrance for Marine Drive & Kochi
Currently the Marine Drive at Kochi, Kerala has no distinctive entrance for the people to enter from. They enter from anywhere and everywhere. So creating a welcoming entrance to Marine from one end and to the City of Kochi from the other end will create a huge impact for the complex and the state of Kerala.
GCDA Complex as a transitional space
Another factor is that, the GCDA Complex already acts as a transitional space where people already use the complex entering through the doors of the complex to access the Marine Drive walkway at the other end. So this shows the complex is already accessed by people but for the purpose of accessing the Marine Drive walkway.
Opening to view the waterfront
The issue what people have been telling about the Marine Drive at Kochi is that it is covered with a stretch of tall high rise buildings acting like a barrier covering the views to waterfront. An entrance like opening if made can change that and create a view to the waterfront and Marine Drive.
Create a heritage identity for the complex & for Kerala And thereby all these factors in preserving the complex ,highlighting the importance of the complex and using the potentials of the redevelopment of the complex to the maximum will create a heritage identity for the complex for Kerala’s architectural history as well as an image for the City of Kochi.
1.7 Feasibility & Relevance of the Project
There are various project proposals being put forward to the government for the development at Marine Drive under the CMDS Scheme and area.
Entertainment Zone at Marine Drive
CMDS is considered a landmark project of GCDA. The projects envisaged here are tunnel marine aquarium, dolphinarium, helium balloon, laser shows & a dancing fountain.
Ropeway Project
The Rope Way is proposed Parallel to the Marine drive Walk Way above the Back Water Strip. The 1.5 km stretch Rope way will have its Drive station at Marine Drive GCDA
shopping complex and the return station will be at the North End of the CMDS project area. (GCDA n.d.)
Commercial Complex
The new commercial complex is proposed to be set up in the 25 cents of land near KINCO boat jetty and High court Jn. The bunk shops in the area will be relocated to the ground floor of the proposed building and the remaining space will be leased out to commercial establishments.
The question is : Why built a new complex when the existing remains abandoned?
Cochin Marine Drive Scheme: Cochin marine drive shopping complex owned by GCDA is built 34 years ago. In order to compete with the surrounding shopping complexes it is essential to do the renovation work of the complex, so as to renovate this building urgent maintenance works has started.
1) Structural repairs of shopping complex at CMDS in Ernakulam District work commenced on 18/03/21 (Completion period : 6 months).
2) Water proofing at CMDS complex, marine drive in Ernakulam work commenced on 26/02/21 (Completion period : 180 days).
3) Renovation of walkway from Gosree Bridge to Rajendra Maidan by CSML work commenced on 08/06/2020. (Completion period : 1 year). (GCDA n.d.)
These show that the GCDA Shopping complex and surroundings have been already going structural repairs but are not trying to devise a new solution in order for the redevelopment of the complex.
SCMS School of Architecture, Karukutty 2020
Chapter 2
2.0 DATA COLLECTION
2.1 Background Study
Early 1970’s
•Closeto50acresoflandacquiredwiththeCochinPort’spermission,was reclaimedtocreateMarineDrive.
•LandreclaimedincludedRajendraMaidan(smallground),aportionof SubhashBoseParkandextendedrightuptotheoldRailwayStationnear theHighCourt.
•Reclamationcompleted.
•One thirdofthereclaimedspacewastobededicatedtoopenspacesso wehaveRajendraMaidan,SubhashBoseParkandtheHelipadGround.
1974 1980
1980 ’
•Ferrystationsandthewalkwaybegantodevelop.
•Therestareawasassignedforcommercialandresidentialpurposes.
•AshokaApartments&TaranginiApartmentsdevelopedalongMarine Drive.
•GatewayHotelcurrentlyownedbyTajgroup.
•PioneerTowers
History of Marine Drive: Table3: History of Marine Drive
Gradually GCDA Shopping Complex was constructed at Marine Drive.
Ar.Kuldip Singh’s ideology for Marine Drive:
According to, Elizabeth Philip, Retired Chief Town Planner at GCDA. (1975 2004 ):
“He wanted to construct 6 storeyed buildings all along the Marine Drive backwaters with its Ground floors and First Floors of all buildings connected all along acting like a walkway from the High Court Junction till the Ernakulam Boat Jetty”.
2.2 Data Collection of Standards
Car Parking Requirements :
Commercial & Office Occupancy :
As per the KMBR, there should be 1 parking space for every 90 sq. metres of built up area for buildings having a total built up area upto 1260 sq. metres.
If the total built up area is above 1260 sq.m there should be 1 parking for every 60 sq. metres of built up area. (Rules n.d.)
SCMS School of Architecture, Karukutty 2020
Loading & Unloading Areas :
There should be a loading & unloading space of size 30 sq.metres within the plot. This is mandatory for buildings above 700 sq.m of built up area.
There should be 1 such space for every additional 1000 sq. metres of built up area.
Sanitary Requirements :
Commercial & Office Occupancy :
Occupant Load : 5.9 sq. metres per person
Water closet : 1 for every 25 males & 1 for every 15 females.
Urinals : 1 for every 25 persons
Wash basin : Preferably 1 on each floor.
Exit Width Calculation :
The unit of exit width is 50 cms.
The number of occupants per unit exit width of the stairway is 50.
Similarly the number of occupants per unit exit width of doors is 75.
Staircase Requirements :
High rise buildings : 16 metres or more, or with more than 4 floors excluding basement.
Every high rise building shall have at least 2 staircases, including fire escape staircases.
Height of handrail shall not be less than 90 cm and if balusters are provided , gap shall be more than 10 cm wide. (Rules n.d.)
Guard rails or parapets :
Every balcony overlooking any exterior or interior open space shall be provided with parapet walls or guard rails of height not less than 1.50 metres. (Rules n.d.)
Spacing between grill should be less than 10 cms.
2.3 Rules, Regulations and Bye Laws
The GCDA Shopping Complex being located at Marine Drive, Kochi falls under the CRZ II and has to follow the rules & regulations put forward by them :
Coastal Regulation Zone II : Category - II
Buildings shall be permitted neither on the seaward side of the existing road nor on seaward side of existing authorized structures. Buildings permitted on the landward side of the existing and authorized structures shall be subject to the existing local Town and Country Planning Regulations including the existing norms or FSI/FAR.
Reconstruction of the authorized buildings to be permitted subject with the existing FSI/FAR norms and without changing the existing use.
The design and construction of buildings shall be consistent with the surrounding landscape and architectural style. (Zone n.d.)
SCMS School of Architecture, Karukutty 2020
2.4 Online Survey
An online survey was conducted among the people of Kochi to understand what all are the issues the Marine drive and GCDA Shopping Complex was facing and how can those be solved with solutions & suggestions provided by the people. Around 200 responses were received for the survey.
If you answered “no” please say why.
Not safe to go with family or girls.
Lack of security or any patrol police.
Disturbance from beggars, astrologers, street vendors, pick pocketers, strangers etc .
Stray dogs
SCMS School of Architecture, Karukutty 2020
What facilities do you think should be introduced at Marine Drive in order to improve the experience of the space?
Better Shaded seating facilities / Hangout area.
Garbage disposals & Waste management system
Better Sanitation facilities ( Bio toilets )
Drinking water facilities
Surveillance & Security system
More street lighting at nights.
More parking facilities.
If you have any other suggestions to redevelop the complex and its precinct, please state them here.
Complex could be developed as focus of Marine Drive.
Modern Mall and leisure space experience with food courts rather than culmination of old age shops.
Opening up complex for more visibility to water edge.
Ground floors with public spaces & plazas with activities.
Performance areas, platforms for artists.
Elevated walkways for views.
Making it more people friendly.
Flexible spaces for all age groups.
New lifts & escalators.
Top requirements: Analysis
Opening up the complex
Visual connectivity to waterfront
Better function for the complex
Views from the complex
Create a more safer context
Access for the disabled
Table4: Online Survey
SCMS School of Architecture, Karukutty 2020
Chapter 3
3.0 LITERATURE CASE STUDY
3.1 Literature Case Study 1
Figure3: Select city walk mall
Select City Walk Mall, New Delhi
Architect : Tewatia Chauhan & Sharma Architects
Project Description : The mall is spread over 6 acres (24,000 m 2) and includes a 4 km long multiplex, serviced apartments, offices and public spaces. Select CITYWALK also blends tradition and modernity in a seamless way with its events and celebrations at its iconic plazas. (About n.d.)
Status : Completed 2007 Area : Retail space : 56000 m² Landscaped plaza : 9300 m²
Architect’s objective and concept of design :-
Figure4: Program Division
Planning Concept
Select Citywalk is spread over 6 acres and includes a multiplex, serviced apartments, offices and public spaces.
The planning of the Select Citywalk mall is divided into 4 categorization : 1. Family & tradition space 2. Celebration ( center stage) 3. High voltage ( youth ) 4. Open plaza / Landscaped area ( Ground Floor )
Highlights
There is also a 100,000 sq ft (9,300 m 2) outdoor open plaza, Sanskriti, for art festivals, fairs, exhibitions, performances, and al fresco dining.
Several countries projected and presented cultural programs and promoted their destination at Sanskriti.
The plaza is landscaped extensively in timber, water, stone and steel and has an open air amphitheater, along with specialised lighting, trees and water features.
Famous and local artists perform weekly at the amphitheatre of Select City Walk.
SCMS School of Architecture, Karukutty 2020
Dry fountain court & Open Air Theatre
Figure7: Elements of Plaza
3.2 Literature Case Study 2
City Centre Salt Lake, Kolkata
Architect : Late Shri Charles Correa
Project Description :
City Centre Salt Lake is the mall that became an extension of city streets, people and the overall social microcosm. A family hangout destination the mall is a mixed use commercial development, consisting of shopping mall, fountain plaza, food court, entertainment arena, cineplex, office tower etc. (Ambuja Neotia n.d.)
Status : Completed June 2004 Area : 50400 m²
‘Shopping malls bore me.’
Charles Correa
Figure10: Spaces at the mall
Integration of retail-with community creates a rich urban realm and attracts footfall for reasons more than just a retail.
Figure11: The Kund placed at the mall
The Kund
Central element of the mall.
The Kund acts as a common space for meeting, events, and displays.
Play with levels create a unique gathering and seating zone.
Statistically placed at the major entrance of the mall to increase public inflow.
Eatery stores placed around the kund providing view towards the kund area.
Figure12: The corridors at the mall Corridor
Grand corridor with provision for seating and gathering at ground floor.
Plantation along to corridor to enhance the quality of space.
Corridor at 1st floor creates a bridge over the ground floor corridor providing view to the public space.
3.3 Analysis and Inferences
Inferences:
Site should be well connected with different parts of the city. Should be concentrating on various user groups
Building bye laws shall be followed.
Based on context the footfall varies.
Site can have more exposure to roads for better visibility. Vehicular movements shall be well planned within the site.
No. of Anchor stores depends on the developers intent and context.
Table5: Analysis & Inferences
Inferences:
Anchor
Food courts are placed at higher floors to induce more circulation inside the mall. Theaters are placed at high floors so as to provide large span auditorium.
Table6: Analysis & Inferences
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Percentage of Spaces Services : 26 %
Anchor Stores : 20 % Retail Stores : 46 % Public Spaces : 8 %
USP The Kund area (Public Zone ) Special Arrangement Open Mall Concept
Facilities Theatre Gaming Zone Mall within mall Banquet Hall
Architectural Style
Plastered brick wall facade
Services : 13 %
Anchor Stores : 27 % Retail Stores : 52 % Public Spaces : 8 %
Form of the mall Public space (plaza) at the entrance.
Theater Health Club Entertainment Zone
Glass façade infused with Alco panel
Inferences:
Spatial distribution varies with respect to the context and developer’s intent.
Design interventions can be done to attract more public inflow in the most. Sustainable design interventions can be induced in the design.
Type of facilities provided in the mall can vary as per the context and developers intent.
Structure can be designed based on the character of the context.
Table7: Analysis & Inference
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5.0 REQUIREMENTS
5.1 Design Requirements
Aim : To convert the GCDA Shopping Complex into a Mixed Use building by redeveloping and activating the complex for better use and make it popular once again.
Type : Mixed Use Programs : Public Space, Commercial, Office, Hospitality, Recreation Requirements:
Plazas Sitting spaces
Cafes Restaurants
Street Cafe seating
Waterfront Deck
Retail Stores
Bandstands
Stepped seating
Bar Restaurant
Banquet Halls
Food court
Offices Co working spaces
Cable Car Station
Hotel rooms
5.2 Area Statement
Analysis of the Area Statement
The area statement has been generated from the case studies analysed and evaluating the existing areas of the complex.
The focus and aim is to retain the existing commercial stores at the ground floor and the offices at the top floors.
And combine the First floor & Second floor to create a double height public space with views to the waterfront.
SPACE PARAMETERS SALT LAKE CITY CENTRE
Public Spaces (Plazas & Open Air Amphitheatres)
SELECT CITYWALK INDIA HABITAT CENTRE
GCDA COMPLEX 2.0
Area 1586.4 SQ.M 9300 SQ.M 3937 SQ.M 6233.85 SQ.M Area
SPACE PARAMETERS SALT LAKE CITY CENTRE
Retail Space Area Stores Kiosks
25,704 SQ.M 297 16
SELECT CITYWALK
24,650 SQ.M 167 16
LULU MALL GCDA COMPLEX 2.0
33,300 SQ.M 231 40
3882.04 SQ.M Retail stores & kiosks
Offices Area 10,080 SQ.M 4840 SQ.M 7267.27 SQ.M (existing office floors)
Food Court Area 2090 SQ.M 930 SQ.M 4500 SQ.M 661.94 SQ.M (10 outlets facing waterfront at GF) Eatery Area Number 6100 SQ.M 2 7560 SQ.M 33
Parking 4 wheeler parking 2 wheeler parking
370 (covered) & 120 (open) 250 (open)
934 224 3500 2500 312 (car parking) 180 (2 wheeler parking)
Entertainment Name Area Hangout 2090 SQ.M Sparkys 5105 SQ.M Cable Car Station 710.8 SQ.M (at Roof top) Water Deck 1313.04 SQ.M )
Table8: Area Statement Design
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Area Analysis
Area
Retail stores Offices Parking Common Corridors
Percentage of Proposed Area
Retail stores Offices Parking Common Corridors Eatery Recreation Hotel Public Plaza
Table9: Area Analysis Design
SCMS School of Architecture, Karukutty 2020
5.0 SITE ANALYSIS & DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
5.1 Site Selection and Justification
Figure13: Location of GCDA Shopping Complex
Location:
GCDA Marine Drive Shopping Complex Near Federal Towers, Marine Drive, Ernakulam, Kerala 682031
The GCDA Shopping Complex is in close proximity to various zones Residential, Commercial, Recreational, Transportation, Public, Religious and so on making it easily accessible to the people of Kochi.
Institutional, Public, Religious
Maharaja’s College
St.Teresa’s College
Govt. Law College
CMFRI
Cochin Municipal Corporation
PWD Office
High Cour
Recreation
Subhash Park
Rajendra Maidan
Indira Priyadarshini Park
Marine Drive Ground
Commercial
Broadway
Baypride Mall
Penta Menaka
Pioneer Towers
Sealord Hotel
Kulki stalls & Shops
Indian Coffee House
Residential
Allianz Residency
KGL Marine Majestic
Purva Grandbay
Abad Marine Plaza
Ashoka Apartments
Abad Baypride Towers
Tarangini Apartments
Taj Gateway Hotel
Transportation
Boat Jetty KSRTC Stand
Ernakulam Boat Jetty
KSRTC Heritage Bus Stand
Ferry Service
Water
Vembanad Lake
Mullassery Canal
5.2 Site / Context Analysis
Climatology:
Climate of Ernakulam, Kerala
It has a humid tropical climate, with hot summers, a monsoon season and a cooler dry season.
SCMS School of Architecture, Karukutty 2020
The urban heat island effect caused by an increasing number of constructions and paved surfaces in the city has increased the maximum summer temperatures over the years.
The decrease in open spaces allows for water percolation leading to yearly flooding from the monsoon downpours, with many regions being inundated every year.
Pollution is also a major problem in the city, with poor air quality during heavy traffic hours.
Tide levels :
Figure14: Climatic data at Ernakulam
Figure15: Tide levels at Marine drive, Kochi
SCMS School of Architecture, Karukutty 2020
Connectivity:
The bustops in close context to the site are:
Menaka : 1 min , 400 m
High Court Jn : 3 min , 800 m
St. Teresa’s : 2 min, 650 m
General Hospital : 4 min , 1.4 km
Boat Jetty Bus Stand : 5 min , 1.4 km
Maharajas’s Ground : 6 min , 1.6 km
Figure16: Bustops in close proximity
The ferry stations & boat jetties in close context to the site are :
Ernakulam Boat Jetty : 3 min , 900 m
High Court Boat Jetty : 2 min , 650 m
Ernakulam Ferry Terminal : 2 min , 900 m
Bolgatty Ferry : 7 min , 3 km
Bolgatty Boat Jetty : 8 min , 3.4 km
Embarkation Boat Jetty : 23 min , 12.8 km
Fort Kochi Customs Jetty : 30 min , 14.6 km
SCMS School of Architecture, Karukutty 2020
Figure17: Ferry stations & boat jetties in close proximity
The metro and railway stations in close context to the site are :
Ernakulam Terminus : 4 min , 1.5 km
Ernakulam Town Railway Station : 6 min , 2.5 km
Lissie Metro Station : 5 min , 2.5 km
Kaloor Metro Station : 6 min , 3.0 km
JLN Stadium Metro Station : 8 min , 4.1 km
Maharajas College Metro Station : 6 min , 2.3 km
Ernakulam South Railway Station : 9 min , 4 km
Kadavanthra Metro Station : 9 min , 3.9 km
Figure18: Metros & railway stations in close proximity
Context Architectural Vocabulary: Most of the buildings in the context have been built in the last two decades: The following typologies found are:
1) RCC (Column-beam) Buildings
ThesebuildingsconsistsofRCCframedstructures withcolumnsandbeamsforsupport.Several buildingsfoundwiththischaracter.
Figure19: RCC (Column beam) buildings
2) RCC Apartment Buildings
RCCstructureswithseafacingterraces.Several residentialtowershavesimilarstructureswhichare locatedalongMarinetheDrive.
SCMS School of Architecture, Karukutty 2020
Figure20: RCC Apartment Buildings
3) RCC structures with vernacular elements (terracotta facades/roofs)
HybridstyleofbuildingwithRCCframedstructure andvernacularbuildingelementsliketerracotta roofs,corbellingandwoodenelements.
Figure21: RCC structures with vernacular elements
4) ACP cladded commercial buildings
FacadeswithACPcladdingfoundinvarious commercialbuildingsinvariouscolorsinorderto improveappearancesofthebuilding.
Figure22: ACP cladded commercial buildings
Macro Context Analysis: Figure23: Macro context analysis
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Micro Context Analysis: Figure24: Micro context analysis
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Figure25: Programs nearby
Figure26: Traffic analysis at Shanmugham Road
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Figure27: Sun path
Figure28: Wind path
Being a waterfront site, the complex gets cooled from the sea breeze from the west side.
Figure29: Pedestrian Circulation
Entries to the complex are from the front (Shanmugham road) and back (Marine Drive walkway) only. 4 entrances are present. (2 front, 2 back).
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Figure30: Vehicular Circulation
Vehicular entries are from the front of the complex only. 3 entries into the site are present with 2 open. There is one ramp entry to the basement parking and one circular ramp to the 2nd floor parking.
Figure31: Noise Pattern
Since the Marine Drive area is a happening place, there is various noises head from the complex from both side
Figure32: Views
The complex can be viewed from both the sides of the complex.
Swot Analysis:
Strengths
Weakness
•Central Location
•Active context
•Connectivity
•Analysis :
•Focusing on the GCDA Complex as the Entrance to the Marine Drive would benefit the complex and add a value to it.
•Noise from main road
•Odour from backwaters
•Inactive function
•Analysis :
•By creating spaces that could prevent these factors.
•Giving better functions to the complex.
Opportunities
•Integration Marine Drive
•Creation of Identity
•Increase value & economy
•Analysis :
•Bringing functions that can connect the Walkway with the complex.
•Taking the iconic features and highlighting them.
Table10: SWOT Analysis
Threats
•Abandoned & demolished
•Negative image
•Lack of demand
•Analysis :
•Redeveloping the complex with new functions.
•Giving the building an adaptive reuse and remove the negative image.
6.0 THE DESIGN PROPOSAL
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SCMS School of Architecture, Karukutty
SCMS School of Architecture, Karukutty
SCMS School of Architecture, Karukutty
SCMS School of Architecture, Karukutty
SCMS School of Architecture, Karukutty
SCMS School of Architecture, Karukutty
Chapter 7
7.0 SPECIAL TOPIC
7.1 Introduction to Special Topic
Importance of Urban Squares as Public Spaces
Public spaces play a greatest role as a catalyst for social change and provide a place for gathering different community groups.
Both Salt lake city centre and Select City walk have designed public spaces in the form of squares and plazas with their malls to invite more people to come into and gather.
GCDA Shopping Complex already being located in Marine drive is a public space.
Adding an urban square or plazas could pull in people to the complex for gathering and for shopping.
Figure33:
Factors
which lead to an effective public space
Why Public Spaces (Squares) are Important
In the urban design and urban planning discourse, one of the key questions that should be considered is precisely the question of importance of public spaces / squares and their contribution regarding preservation and development of social, economic and environmental fabric of the city. This can be summarized as:
Provision of appealing living, working and playing environment
Encourage people to have healthy lifestyle and well being through active and passive pastime(leisure), in a type of organized activities, walking and social interaction.
Destination for visitors and tourists
High quality public space attracts trade and investment
Commitment to scene and visual convenience
Opportunity for informal learning
Central location for events and activities
Opportunity for community preservation and participation, increased public awareness and upgrading. (Abbasian 2016)
7.2 Application of Special Topic
The main idea of studying about this topic was to implement a functional and aesthetic public plaza at the heart of Marine Drive. This has been effectively done through the design of this project. After various case studies done, I learned a lot about how other projects have used the design elements to effectively create active public spaces.
As part of the complex design, an elevated public plaza has been designed at the 1st floor level of the complex, with views to the waterfront and city at both ends. This particular floor serves as the ground floor of the complex for people to get direct views to the backwaters.
Various design elements have been included in the design of the plaza setting it up as a go to destination for the people of Kochi.
Figure34: Public Plaza at First floor of GCDA Shopping Complex
A welcoming plaza with elements like retail shops, kiosks, seating areas in the form of tented seating, bench seating were provided. Also spaces like a viewing gallery with telescopic views to the backwaters and a connection at both towards the water deck at the back and a stepped plaza in front of the complex were other design interventions for the public plaza.
Chapter 8
8.0 CONCLUSION
Redeveloping GCDA Shopping Complex at Marine Drive:
As the name of the project suggests the aim of the project was to redevelop the complex retaining and improving the existing facilities of the office floors and improving the retail experience for the shopkeepers as well as the people who come to shop. The proposed design of the complex has looked into these main factors and tried to bring a better experience for the people.
The parking has been relatively increased by taking the ground floor too for allotting parking spaces for the vehicles. The main concern of the people of Kochi was the view to the Marine drive and the waterfront was lost due to a stretch of buildings acting like a barrier. The new proposed design has changed that and has provided a welcoming entrance to the Marine drive by the elevated public plaza at the first floor of the complex.
The ropeway project proposal put forward by GCDA has been looked into and the facility to be provided at the rooftop complex has been designed. An additional hotel floor building has been added to the existing complex supported a cantilever core structure. This added function activates the complex more with a potential for tourists to come and stay and have an wonderful experience at this iconic complex of Kochi.
In short the redevelopment of the complex should bring back the importance and popularity of the complex back to the people and once again make the complex an active destination for the people to come, shop and gather. And the retaining of the existing structure of the complex can bring the importance of the architectural character and heritage, the complex has and should go down into one of the Kerala’s history of finest architecture buildings.
Chapter 9
9.0 BIBLIOGRAPHY
1)Abbasian, Armin. Digitala Vetenskapliga Arkivet. 08 16, 2016. www.diva portal.org.
2)About. Select CityWalk. https://www.selectcitywalk.com/.
Ambuja Neotia. www.ambujaneotia.com.
3)EXPRESS, THE NEW INDIAN. news18. 10 24, 2011. https://www.news18.com/news/india/gcda shopping complex a blot on greater kochi 412380.html.
4)GCDA. Greater Cochin Development Authority. http://gcda.kerala.gov.in/.
5)Rules, Kerala Municipal Building. Local self government department planning. https://townplanning.kerala.gov.in/.
6)Zone, Coastal Regulation. iLearnCANA. http://ilearncana.com/.
SCMS School of Architecture, Karukutty 2020
LIST OF TABLES
The List of Tables immediately follows the bibliography. Please follow the format shown as per the sample given below.
Table Page 1 Statistics of GCDA Shopping Complex 1
Methodology for the project 4
Marine Drive
SCMS School of Architecture, Karukutty 2020
LIST OF FIGURES
The List of Figures immediately follows the List of Tables and follows the same format. Please follow the format
Figures Page 1 Issues at GCDA Shopping Complex 2 2 Entertainment Hub at GCDA Shopping Complex 6 3 Select city walk mall 14 4 Program Division 14 5 Select City Walk in a panorama 15 6 The plaza during the Christmas Celebrations 15 7 Elements of Plaza 16 8 Elements of Plaza 17 9 The plaza at City Centre Salt Lake 18 10 Spaces at the mall 19 11 The Kund placed at the mall 19 12 The corridors at the mall 20 13 Location of GCDA Shopping Complex 26 14 Climatic data at Ernakulam 29 15 Tide levels at Marine drive, Kochi 29 16 Bustops in close proximity 30 17 Ferry stations & boat jetties in close proximity 31 18 Metros & railway stations in close proximity 31 19 RCC (Column beam) buildings 32 20 RCC Apartment Buildings 33
RCC structures with vernacular elements 33
ACP cladded commercial buildings 34
Macro context analysis 35
Micro context analysis 36
Programs nearby 37
Traffic analysis at Shanmugham Road 37
Sun path 38
Wind path 38
Pedestrian Circulation 38
Vehicular Circulation 39
Noise Pattern 39
Views 39
Factors which lead to an effective public space 48
Public Plaza at First floor of GCDA Shopping Complex 49
Existing GCDA Shopping Complex at Marine Drive 50
