Metamorphosis of Urban Morphology: A Paradigm of Mercantile Precinct by Panchal Vivek

METAMORPHOSIS OF

URBAN MORPHOLOGY A Paradigm of Mercantile Precinct

PG191147

METAMORPHOSIS OF

URBAN MORPHOLOGY A Paradigm of Mercantile Precinct

PG191147

Copyright Title book: Metamorphosis of Urban Morphology Author book: Panchal Vivek © [2019], Panchal Vivek Self publishing vivek.pg191147@cept.ac.in ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. All the graphics in the book have been delineated by the author under ‘Understanding The City’, Faculty of Planning at CEPT University Ahmedabad. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without express written permission from the author. Dedicated to CEPT Foundation Studio 2019

00 Preace & Acknowledgements

Understanding The City & Its Characteristics

01 Deciphering the Image of The Precicnt

02 Reinforcing of Urban Form

Interpreting Through Satellite Images & evolution.

Land Development & Built Form Comprehension.

Contents Metamorphosis of Urban Morphology A Paradigm of Mercantile Precinct

03 Socio Cultural & SocioEconomic Facet Bustling Streets Of The City & Its Social Impact.

Procreation of Commercial Hub

Analyzing Jobs & Livelihood Characteristics.

Determinants Of The Precinct

Present day Character Of The Precinct & Conjecture.

Dull, inert cities, it is true, do contain the seeds of their own destruction and little else. But lively, diverse, intense cities contain the seeds of their own regeneration, with energy enough to carry over for problems and needs outside themselves.

Jane Jacobs

city can be termed as layers of functional, psychological and agglomerative patterns which overlap

to and function. This city can be observed through many perspectives. Every region of the city differs from one another and functions in a different way. This leads to a very vibrant fabric of which cities are made up of. Ahmedabad is a city located in the

preface Metamorphosis of Urban Morphology A Paradigm of Mercantile Precinct

state of Gujarat, India. It is the only city in India to be declared as a heritage city. The Sabarmati River cuts Ahmedabad into east and west, as well as old and new respectively. Ahmedabad coexists with the old and the new settlement. Both the old and new have different typologies, densities, infrastructure etc. which was to be studied in the “Understanding the City” , MUP Foundation 2019 studio at CEPT University. Each student was given a square kilometer of land to be studied on these various aspects. The precinct documented in this publication lies in the proximirty of Iskon Crossroad; on the western fringe of Ahmedabad. The publication looks at the precinct from the lens of urban form , Infrastructure provisions, affordability & livelihood charcteristics two key aspects

observed in the neighbourhood. It also shows how this affordable precinct is undergoing the change and what may lie ahead for this kind of neighbourhood in the city of Ahmedabad. I would like to acknowledge everyone who played a role in my academic accomplishments. First of all, my parents, who supported me with love andunderstanding. Without you, I could never have reached this current level of success. Secondly, my mentors, each of whom has provided patient advice and guidance throughout the research process. Thank you all for your unwavering support.

Satellite imagery of the precinct Iskon cross road.

CHAPTER 1

DECIPHERING THE IMAGE OF THE PRECICNT Identifying Typologies Evolution Of Built Form Determinants Of Change Resident’s Perspective Of The Precinct

‘The areas around Iskon cross road have noticed modern architecture style, construction tecnologies and change in topography.’

ixed used development allows

of Gujarat makes it the top five populous

more than one function of the land parcels around the

cities of India based on the Census of India, 2011. Located on the banks of the Sabarmati

globe. Nestled on the urban periphery of Ahmedabad the precinct of ISKON cross

river The Manchester of East has noticed inevitable changes throughout the time

road has become a predominant factor

whether it be in terms of ruling dynasties,

for the ‘Ahmedabadis’ (a term used for the residents of Ahmedabad) in terms of

trade, economy, demography, ecology or cityscape which helped to extend the city

captivating activities. One can find varied

limits. With the increasing population, the

architectural elements such as promenades, religious and cultural spaces, the built environment and many more along with modern tech-nologies. The promenades and the streets have always played a vital role in the evolution of a city for revitalizing urban commons. Under the phase of transformation, the areas around ISKON cross road has noticed modern architecture style, construction technologies and change in topography. This offers a new sense of belonging to public participation by cultivating new values in day to day life through interactive dialogues, lifestyle, and emotions.

city has boosted to an urban agglomeration with the fast-growing infrastructure of the built environment. In 2010 Ahmedabad was ranked third Forbes list of fastestgrowing cities of the decade. In 2012, The Times of India chose Ahmeda-bad as India's best city to live in as per Times of India article published on 12th December2011.

In a fast-moving world, the 21st century has bound all of us with a work syndrome. How the character of the city responds to the built environment has become an essential tool

Selected under the flagship of Indian Smart Cities, Ahmedabad is under the phase of develop-ment. The Sabarmati divides Ahmedabad into two distinct eastern and western regions. The eastern part mainly known as of old city comprises of pol houses, closely clustered buildings and diverse religious places. Whereas the expanding western zone includes largely modern buildings, institutions, residential areas, shopping malls, commercial complexes,

today. Ahmedabad being the former capital

multiplexes, and business centres.

The node of Iskon cross road with never ending traffic load.

The satellite imagery shows the precinct built form evolution at the time interval of five years.

Identifying Typologies & Evolution of Built Form

Ecological Transformation

The precinct has primarily mixeduse development divided by the main artery of S.G highway. The western part constitutes more of commercial buildings than the eastern part which has a dense residential fabric. Along the periphery of arterial roads, there is a mixture of recreational zones which offers a sense of belonging to the people of Ahmedabad. The above images

manifest a different pattern of land use. The built form evolution constitutes of development and redevelopment of major events such as SG highway, Gallops Mall, Baleshwar square, Devarc Mall, Gulmohar Mall, JW Marriott & BRTS from 2000 to 2015 while high apartments, highend business centres & recreational zones towards west from 2016 onwards.

Determinants of Change The timeline represents the chronology of transformation in terms of spatial, social, cultural, demographic & real estate which leads to the determinants of the precicnt.

The cluster of retail and food joint on the street edge.

1 .0 Story of a Chaiwala on the promenade of S .G highway who witness the transformation character of a road along with his increasing business of more than 14years due to more public participation. 2.0 This story represents how Amul shows his intereset of expanding business with a duo of father and son noticing the growth of Ramdevnagar Road with chaotic neighbourhood. 3.0 Story of Real Estate business man who enjoys the evolution of the city since 10 years. How he wants to celebrate different transformed spaces along with his family facing a problem of traffic congestion. 4.0 tory of slum workers who are trapped inbetween the infrastructure of the city and experiencing problems due to evolution of the neighbourhood area by replacing part of their living spaces with high end buildings. 5.0 This story represents how a 54 year old NGO has lost its connectivity with some of the beautiful creatures due to im balance between ecology and transformation of a city.

CHAPTER 2

REINFORCING OF URBAN FORM Urban Structure Diagram Analyzing Land Use, Built Use & Population Density Built Form Matrix Infrastructure Systems 18

‘The infill of Iskon flyover and BRTS network along the arterial roads of the precicnt morphed the apartement typologies, low rise to highrise due to increased FSI.’

ndian cities are rapidly urbanizing

The rapid development of cities places an

with change in their physical and spatial characteristics. Ahmedabad’s

enormous strain on nowadays architects and planners to deal with urban sprawl

initial sprawl of human settlements was concentric along the edge of the river.

in an environment- friendly way. The accelerating growth of population has also

The built form of these settlements was

put the urban infrastructure and services

small, closely compacted and gave a character of old city which consists of

under severe pressure. Air, sunlight, water, electricity, sewers, waste matter, streets,

‘chawl’s’ and ‘pols’. It was in 1981, that

mass transit and many more are the

the influence of postmodernism was noticed when the city began to expand its boundaries towards the western part.

essentials elements of urban infrastructure which plays a pivotal role in the creation of a modern city. A city establishes itself through its architecture, its built form, characterizes its values and priorities. People demand high-quality homes, employment, public services and recreational facilities to be able to achieve economic firmness and live healthy meaningful lives.

During this period, the vicinity of the S.G highway pre-eminently changed which bloomed in the real estate and retail industry due to lower land prices. Along with this the house types with their typologies also changed from chawl’s and pols to apartments, semidetached and detached houses. Earlier in the absence of a transit network the housing types especially for apartments within the precinct where mostly low rise and midrise. The infill of Iskon flyover and BRTS network along the arterial roads of precinct morphed the apartment typpologies, low rise to highrise due to increased FSI. The rooms for the retail sector were also unlatched for furthermore development within the precinct.

The constant change in the physical and social environment seems fascinating but it affects us all, and in a rapidly evolving world, this is an issue which has never been more prevalent.According to the Ministry of Urban Development, ‘Urban Infrastructure’ should be equipped with all the necessary facilities. It should give a decent quality of life to its residents, promising clean and sustainable environment by applying smart solutions.

Photo montage of Eatern versus Westrn Ahmedabad.

Urban Structure Diagram

Area Analysis of Urban Blocks (SQ.MT)

Perimeter Analysis of Urban Block (MT.)

Land Use Map Residential Commercial Vacant Green & Open Spaces

Analyzing Land Use, Built Form & Poupulation Density

Land Ownership Map

Jantri Rates of Urban Block (INR/SQ.MT)

11 %

AMC

Other Public Institutes

Analyzing Land Use, Built Form & Poupulation Density

Population Density of Urban Block

LOW FAR, LOW DWELLING UNITS & HIGH DENISTY

Built Use Map

Building Heights (MT)

Population Density of Settlements

Residential typologies are predominantly Detached & Low Rise

85 %

Residential

Commercial

Mixed Use

83 %

Apartments

Detached & Gamthal

Built Form Matrix With the change in time the built form of the Iskon junction is morphed into a mixed-use character. The bottom of the housing complexes along the edge of streets are now developed as shopfronts whereas public utilities, commercial complexes, institutions, shopping malls, multiplexes, and business centres all are infused with the residential area. The increasing demands Aerial view of residential typologies in the proximity of precicnt.

of the people within the precinct have transformed it into a socio-cultural environment with access to diverse types of facilities.

Infrastructure Systems

Public Transport Map

Waste Bins Location Map

Secatibe runtum earum sincilla velenimus auta nob

bit raecus di omniet

Topography Map

Secatibe runtum earum sincilla velenim

Water Distribution The main source of water distribution is for the Iskon junction precinct is through Narmada River. From the reservoir water goes to Jaspur water treatment plant and then supplied to various elevated storage reservoirs (ESR). The precinct has three ESR each in different TP schemes respectively Bodakdev 1B, Vejalpur 6 & Ambli. These three ESR collectively distribute water daily to approximate 9000 household unit covering around more than 50,000 population. The water is major supply to all the household for 2-3 hours per day through AMC pipeline. Few of the apartments and bunglow units which have only 3-10% of water supply through AMC their primary source of relying water supply is borewell.

mus auta nobit raecus di omniet

Waste Management The door to door waste collection within the precinct falls under Route 9. The waste collection system in the precinct has an ideal situation as all the residential zone and commercial zone waste are deployed by four kinds of vehicles. There are various collection points in the proximity of residential zone. The collected waste is transfered to Sola Refuse Station and late to Pirana Landfill site after compression.

Storm Water Drainage 3% Road Edges Get Water Logged. The road networks within the precinct have adequate catchment pits of various sizes due to which the water drain out easily. Only the road edges where there is imbalance of slope and catchment pits are non working water logging is found.

Life on the streets

CHAPTER 3

SOCIO CULTURAL & SOCIO ECONOMIC FACET Streets & Node Densities Automobile Ownership & Non Motorized Modes Public Realm

“The bustling streets being an important character of cities within urban india is always under phase of transformation.”

ndia known for its cultural diversity

The statistical analysis signifies 2.48 as link

not only reflects the way people live despite of different castes and religions

node ratio for the precinct with 12% area under street cover. This ratio represents the

but also diverse cityscapes. The bustling streets being an important character

sublime level of connectivity to a destined location within the precinct. But, despite

of cities within urban India is always

having an established public transport

under a phase of transformation with the urbanization. With growing demands arise

and good networks the precinct areas lack connectivity in terms of physical and

the complexity of infrastructure. Hence it

healthy environment as it is only covered

is important to plan cities in developing countries with the best possible way ensuring the present built environment.

with 28 % of footpath and 0% of cycle track. With increase in population there is an increase in the use of motorized vehicles which lead to traffic congestion. Hence to ensure the future of cities the attention should be on implementing sustainable mobility solutions in the coming years as the streets and spaces between the building’s lifeblood of the city.

In 1980 when Ahmedabad began to expand its city boundaries towards western part one never imagined the artery of Sarkhej Gandhinagar bypass highway transforming into ‘culturalist’ perspective, which frames Indian streetscapes in terms of their unique rhythms and logic of practice.Today as a part of SJ highway the precinct of Iskon cross road has become a hub for business and entertainment. One finds largely modern buildings, institutions, residential areas, shopping malls, commercial complexes, multiplexes, and business centres along the streets. Spending time at eateries on the peripheral promenades, watching movies at multiplexes, shopping at malls or simply hanging out are people’s favourite activities,

Urban commons have historically been an identity of urban life. In retrospect-the agora in ancient Athens, Piazza San Marco in Venice, Trafalgar Square in modern London, Highline in New York have significantly contributed to the social life, bringing together people unknowingly as a community. Accessibility of the space, comfort of the space and creating sociability are one of the major factors which constitute a successful public space.

Figure Ground Map

Streets & Node Densities

Nodal Networks

Hierarchy of Networks

VEHICLE OWNERSHIP TREND ACROSS TYPOLOGIES Conjestion Level Map

35 %

Below 0.50

35 %

070-0.90

26%

Above 0.90

NO. OF VEHICLES

Cycle & Walk

Preferred up to 10 K Income Group

2 Wheelers

Maximum Ownership Between 20-80 K Income Group

Apartment

Detached bungalows

Gamtal

Row houses/ Attached (others)

Semi- detached

4 Wheelers

Slums

Maximum Ownership Between 90 K to 2.50 Lakh Income Group

HOUSING TYPOLOGIES VEHICLE OWNERSHIP ACROSS INCOME GROUPS

1750

PERCENTAGE DISTRIBUTION OF VEHICLES

100% 90%

2 Wheelers Ownership Per 1000 POP In comparison to 230/1000 POP in Ahmedabad

80% 70%

850

60%

4 Wheelers Ownership Per 1000 POP In comparison to 30/1000 POP in Ahmedabad

50% 40% 30%

Clogging!

20%

With Too Many Private Vehicles Ownership

10% 240000-250000

200000-209999

180000-189999

150000-159999

120000-129999

90000-99999

80000-89999

70000-79999

60000-69999

50000-59999

40000-49999

30000-39999

20000-29999

100000-109999

Automobile Ownership & Non Motorized Modes

10000-19999

0-9999

MONTHLY HOUSEHOLD INCOME (INR) 2 Wheeler (Scooter/Motor Cycle/Moped)

4 Wheeler (Car/Jeep/Taxi)

Three Wheeler

Cycle

Traffic congestion at Iskon cross road during evening

Streets : Impediments & Edge Conditions

Photo montage for the infill of non motorozide modes

Public Realm Public realms are an important asset to urban India. One of the metropolitan cities of urban India, Ahmedabad is an abode of public spaces. Pinpoint on the western periphery of the Ahmedabad city the street squares and building edges within the precinct of Iskon junction creates a character of public realm. As the buildings on the verge of the streets comprises of mixed used fabric, the potential public realm can be identified in Mondeal Retail Park plaza, edge of I Love Sandwich building junction, Rajpath Bungalow junction, Iskon Mega Mall complex edge, Mahakali garden, Iskon Temple complex with its edge, green buffer spaces on the edge of S.G. highway, Gulmohar Park Mall plaza, Ikon food courtyard and many more. Amongst all, the prominent realm which withhold rich and diverse qualities is the edge from Dev Arc commercial complex to the Wide-Angle Multiplex plaza.

The procession of Lord Krishna on the streets of precinct

The prominent edge demonstrates concentration of various activities which includes human behaviour, vending and vehicular movement. Whereas vehicular movement happens on road pedestrian and vending happen at different levels. People love to spend their leisure time watching movies, shopping, eating or just sit and talk. The realm commemorates socio cultural character through this bustle which is more celebrated during the evening time than day time.

Gathering of people at a tea stall on the edge of the street

CHAPTER 4

PROCREATION OF COMMERCIAL HUB Aanalyzing Jobs & Livelihood Characteristics

rban areas are the spots both for

analysing the employment scenario on the

both living and for working which is why cities have often been

urban periphery, the precinct of ISKON cross road is an agglomeration of numerous

described as labour markets and engines of economic growth. Ahmedabad is an

commercial job centres along the arterial roads. Whereas, the households are

emerging hub for the real estate which can

primarily job centres for domestic services

be observed with increased participation in land use and transportation in the

and home-based enterprises.

peripheral zones of the city. ‘The rapid

“Ahmedabad is an emerging hub for the real estate which can be obsereved with increased participation in land use and transportation.”

* Sarah Colenbrander, ‘Cities as Engines of Economic Growth: The case for providing basic Infrastructure and Services in Urban Areas’, October, 2016.

economic growth usually associated with urbanisation can be partially attributed to structural transformation, as labour moves from the agricultural sector to industry and services. It can also be attributed to agglomeration and scale economies, as proximity and density reduce the per capita costs of providing infrastructure and services, as well as creating knowledge spill overs and specialisation that hugely enhance the productivity of urban residents’ (Colenbrander, 2016)*.

‘Employment density is one of many measures or variables used by city planners

Usually a city with a growing population magnifies labour market too. Ahmedabad known as ‘The Manchester of the East’ is one of the major contributors to the nation’s economy with an estimated GDB of $68 billion. The city houses large, micro, small and medium scale industries and is

to examine the proportions of residents, jobs, and services in urban areas and to guide development planning for efficient city plans and transit networks’ (EnviroAtlas, 2014).On comparing the employment density with the jantri prices of land within the precinct one can identify that High Jantri Rates is proportional to High Employment Density along the arterial roads. These ranges in employment density for household, commercial and other job centres can be used by local government and investors to promote infrastructure development and job opportunities.In the increasing pace of urbanization, it’s a key challenge to create more and better quality of job opportunities in the urban areas as large number of residents in India make their living through informal employment,

eminent for its industrial economy.While

often under precarious conditions.

Peeking to the urban form of Iskon cross road

Built Use Map

Employment Density Map

Employment Density & Jantri Rates

HIGHER JANTRI RATES, HIGHER EMPLOYMENT DENSITY

Analyzing Jobs & Livelihood Characteristics

Casual job centres along the street

MONTHLY HOUSEHOLD INCOME DISTRIBUTION 100000

150000

200000

250000

100.00%

80.00%

60.00%

Count of Total HH monthly income (Rs)

CUMULATIVE

250000

200000

180000

150000

125000

90000

100000

85000

80000

74000

75000

70000

65000

60000

55000

50000

45000

42000

35000

30000

28000

25000

0.00% 20000

0 18000

20.00%

17000

8000

40.00%

13000

MONTHLY HOUSEHOLD INCOME (INR)

300000 120.00%

Dwelling Units

162

Total Population Among Dwelling Units CUMULATIVE PERCENT OF HOUSEHOLDS

CUMULATIVE INCOME FREQUENCY

50000

6000

NO. OF HOUSEHOLDS

₹65000

Average Monthly Household Income

₹50000

Median Monthly Household Income

₹25000

Average Monthly Net Income In Ahmedabad

57%

Earning Population

43%

Learning Population

CHAPTER 5

agglomeration of economy on the edge of S.G highway

75% major road networks dont have median & sidewalks

job opportunities due to commercial centres & business parks

precinct under the influence of TOD & R2 zone.

Urban morphology is the study of change in the physical form and shape of settlements over time – focuses on patterns and processes of growth and change. Differences in

DETERMINANTS OF THE PRECINCT

street and block patterns, plot patterns, the arrangement of buildings within plots and the shapes of buildings create very different environments – the different patterns are commonly referred to as ‘urban tissue’ (Caniggia & Maffel 1979, 1984). This dimension focuses on urban form and urban layout, highlighting contemporary preferences for urban block and interconnected street patterns. It has also focused on

Present Day Character & Conjecture

the public space network and the physical public realm – the physical setting or stage for public life.

Requires strenuous effort to buy a house due to high market value of land.

3 % road edges to be levelled and catch pits to be cleaned to lower water logging.

conjestion due to higher rate of private automobile ownership

20% use of public transport & non motorized modes.

Childrens finding way of happiness.