Ravi Thakker_Urban Design Portfolio 2024

RAVI THAKKER

// URBAN DESIGNER

// PLANNER

// ARCHITECT

PORTFOLIO

SELECTED WORKS 2017-2024

PROJECTS PROLOGUE

Urban state of mind

This portfolio delves into the captivating relationship between People, Spaces, and Design. Through a curated selection of projects, it explores the interconnectedness of urban design, planning, architecture, and landscape design, with a focus on specific thematic elements in each project. These works showcase a blend of analytical and professional skills, coupled with design thinking approaches and conceptualization. The overarching aim is to view these projects in a larger context, as they connect spatial, social, and sustainable approaches for the built environment. With a strong emphasis on urban design, urban research, and architectural design, this portfolio encapsulates the essence of these themes in a comprehensive and compelling manner.

OUR 35TH

An Urban Design Plan For 35th Street, McKinley Park Chicago, Illinois

01

URBAN WORKS

PROFESSIONAL URBAN DESIGN PROJECTS

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS PROJECT LOCATION :

ROLE : WORK :

CITY OF CHICAGO, DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT

URBAN DESIGNER - RESEACH, CONCEPT, DESIGN, DRAWINGS, RENDERS, GRAPHICS

As an Urban Designer in Chicago’s Central Region, I seamlessly align planning policies with urban design, meticulously reviewing and analyzing varied plan development projects. Proficient in compliance evaluation, I contribute to the city’s vision, crafting guidelines for projects spanning parks, open spaces, infrastructure, special districts, and masterplans. My work integrates sustainable urban strategies, ensuring compliance with building and planning codes. Through studies and developments, I strive for a harmonious urban environment that reflects innovation while upholding regulatory standards for a vibrant cityscape.

GIS, InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, SketchUp, Vray

Explore the evolution of Fulton Market, Chicago’s historic meat-packing district, into a dynamic live-work-play neighborhood. The City of Chicago’s ongoing planning ensures economic vitality and functionality while preserving historic charm. This tour covers the area’s history, development initiatives, design guidelines, landmark regulations, and infrastructure studies. Learn about zoning changes, density bonuses, and the Fulton Market Innovation District Plan, aiming to offer more affordable housing options for a sustainable urban future.

Crafted compelling graphic content and engagement boards for public communication. Played a role in shaping vision statements and contributed to the pivotal Central Area Plan (CAP) Update, integrating community feedback for Phases 1 & 2. Conducted meticulous analysis for the CAP report, transforming data points into insightful maps and illustrated diagrams.

Research and Studies

Conducted comprehensive research for the Equitable Transit-Oriented Development (ETOD) site, specifically for the upcoming railway station in the city. This involved surveying zoning amendments, identifying potential plan developments, and evaluating TIFs and other special zone regulations. Integrated elements of Urban Design standards to ensure a holistic approach to the development process.

Conducted research on city bus-station infrastructure, exploring options for multimodal and multiusable spaces. Explored the viability of public development or public-private development partnerships, envisioning the city’s first bus-station with mixed-use possibilities— residential, commercial, and small business ventures. Compared global options to create a blueprint, leading to re-zoning and re-coding of development standards. Applied urban design solutions to address transit, economic, and housing challenges.

Test Fits and Exploration

Conducted a thorough survey, iterated options considering diverse zoning and planning regulations for a site with a complex context. The objective was to explore combinations of land parcels and potential development types within city regulations and existing permits.

Performed comprehensive research on modular designs approved under the city’s plans for field house developments. The objective was to identify potential sites in the neighborhood that align with community expectations. This involved navigating through zoning changes, transferring developments, and upgrading structures to meet code requirements. The urban planning and design process focused on understanding community needs and tailoring the area to accommodate the desired facilities

02

CHICAGO’S NEW NATURE

THE ODD COMPROMISE BETWEEN HUMAN AND NATURE

ACADEMIC (GROUP)

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS PROJECT LOCATION : SEMESTER : ROLE : WORK : GUIDE :

RESEACH, CONCEPT, DESIGN, DRAWINGS, RENDERS, GRAPHICS

MCD - SPRING SEMESTER 23’

AR.PHIL ENQUIST (SOM)

DR.SEVIN YILDIZ

“The New Nature” is a conceptual framework plan for the Override Studio (MCD) that acknowledges the existing systems and redefines the region’s ecological framework strategies through a systems thinking approach. Chicagoland, being a complex and layered urban landscape, encompasses not only humanmade infrastructure but also natural systems. The studio’s aim is to map these relationships in order to explore new typological arrangements for Override confluences. The framework emphasizes an adaptive repurposing approach to urban design and planning that is climate-responsive.

GIS, InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, SketchUp, Vray

This studio we are expanding from one connection to address a larger conjunction of ecosystems and its impact on urban fabric, Situating chicago’s location in the larger canvas we see lake michigan (part of great lake) connecting mississippi through, chicago river, des plains and illinois.

The series of locks and dams that exist along the Chicago and Illinois Rivers reveals the past and present use of these rivers as engineered systems operational for the shipping and transportation of goods and people.

CHICAGO’S TIMELINE

The Sanitary District of Chicago (now The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District) was created by the Illinois legislature

Permanent reversal of the Chicago River was attained

The first lands were obtained—500 acres

The Lakefront Protection Ordinance Tthe Forest Preserves help found Chicago Wilderness

The Illinois and Michigan Canal completed Construction of the 28-mile Sanitary and Ship Canal

The Forest Preserve District of Cook County was established

The 16-mile Cal-Sag Channel was constructed Chicago Adopts the TARP (Tunner and reservoir Plan)

The Sanitary District of Chicago was renamed the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago

The Forest Preserves release the Next Century Conservation Plan (NCCP)

WATERWAYS PROFILE

Early 1800’s original river flow

Engineered Systems to reverse the flow

The island created due to system ‘C’ shaped imapcet zone

The mapping of Green and blue infrastructure indicate the major confluence points, fragmented and degradation of natural systems, the dispersing urban sprawl. The primary goal is to connected the broken links, allow the natural system to thrive and diffuse into the urban core.

Above map helps us analyze the topography of Chicagoland that shows how Chicago’s terrain shapes ecological systems in the region. Valleys cutting through ridges create a unique geomorphology of streams and gullies that eventually connect to the larger watersheds.

Wildlife move between aquatic, riparian and upland habitats making encroachment a pressing issue as habitat connectivity is lost. Mapping mammal richness along the river and open space networks give us a scope to create spaces that alow biodiversity to thrive by connecting the broken islands of habitat and migration.

This map details the areas where watersheds, rivers, wetlands, and flood prone zones are located. Understanding the flow between watersheds, rivers, and tributaries is vital to understanding where and what interventions should be pursued since these sites act as a funnel into bigger watersheds and ecosystems

The network of utilities that stretch across the city and connect the dense urban fabric to sub-urban and rural communities. these utility corridors allows us to understand how engineered and human made systems are layered on top of natural systems.

This map highlights the economic North- South divide in the Chicago region which shows a legacy of disinvestment on the south and west side. A high rate of housing vacancy is coupled with lower median household incomes between the two rivers (Chicago river and Cal-Sag river)

GREEN AND BLUE INFRASTRUCTURE

ECOLOGICAL OVERLAPS

UTILITY INFRASTRUCTURE

GEOMORPHOLOGY

WATERSHED AND FLOOD PRONE ZONE

ECONOMIC DEMOGRAPHICS

PLACETYPES

Natural

Built

Where

Ecological Corridor

VISION

Fragmented natural systems need to be restitched to restore the Chicago region’s legacy of rich natural systems, promote coexistence between humans and nature, and catalyze Chicago’s New Nature - an ecology that responds to historical degradation and is innovatively positioned for urban use and resilient climate adaptation - through design, planning, and governance.

CONNECT ADAPT RESTORE

Connect islanded communities to nature and fragmented natural systems to each other.

Adapt the built environment to be multipurpose, meeting the needs of people, wildlife, and natural systems.

Green Roof Masterplan

Opportunity areas for green roof development and financial and tax incentive recommendations.

Restore natural edges and remove physical barriers to improve and conserve natural functions

Guiding Principles and Place-types Connection

GOALS

REGIONAL STRATERGIES

Reimagined Infrastructure Waterway Adjacencies

Re-imagined infrastrucure connections along abandoned and exisitng railway corridors and utility lines.

Opportunities and challenges along the river corridor.

Proposed landscapes and design recommendations.

Reimagined Infrastructure

Our waterways connectivity plan repurposes the region’s waterways, including rivers, streams, and wetlands, into ecological hotspots that connect and protect wildlife and people. It also provides increased community access to these spaces, promoting a reconnection to the region’s nature. Using placetype-based prototypes, the plan addresses current challenges and creates a climate adaptation strategy for a stronger and more flexible Chicago region.

Continuous trail connection along the river corridor

Powerline right-of-ways repurposed as trail connections

Ecological restoration + conservation

Economic development: bluegreen industries + mixed-use development

Increased crossings for pedestrians + bikes

Climate mitigation zones

Green Roof Network

Our ecological green roof plan focuses on identifying suitable areas, such as industrial, institutional, and commercial buildings, for green roof installations. To maximize coverage, we set targets for the percentage of eligible roofs that should be covered by green roofs, considering their potential benefits such as reducing the urban heat island effect, improving air quality, and managing stormwater runoff.

Chicago’s industrial legacy has left behind a landscape with broken natural systems that were manipulated for industrial purposes. Infrastructure, particularly railways, divides both open spaces and neighborhoods. However, the interlaced systems of railways and power lines present an opportunity to create a 35-foot-wide green buffer that can be rewilded to connect wildlife and humans. This would utilize underutilized space within the right of ways and provide corridors of connectivity for both.

A vision for a resilient and vibrant chicago

The legacy of the Great Lakes Region is one of ecological abundance which has been challenged and disrupted by industrial and urban primacy. Fragmented natural systems need to be restitched to restore Chicago region’s legacy of rich natural systems, promote coexistence between humans and nature, and catalyze Chicago’s New Nature - an ecology that responds to historical degradation and is innovatively positioned for urban use and resilient climate adaptation - through design, planning, and governance.

Ecologically fragmented chicago

Chicago’s New Nature

Rewilding Nature

Improving Waterways

Restoring Wetlands

1.28 million people living in the ‘C’ impacted by Chicago’s New Nature

14,000+ acres

of new green space across the Green Roof Network

Building Green Industries

Connecting Trails

Increasing commumnity access

12,500+ acres

of remediated and rewilded land

2,000 miles

of newly connected ecological corridors

COMMUNITY DESIGN ENGAGEMENT

Urban Design

03

OUR 35TH

AN URBAN DESIGN PLAN FOR 35TH STREET, MCKINLEY PARK

MCKINLEY, ILLINOIS PROJECT LOCATION : SEMESTER : ROLE : WORK : GUIDE : DR. SEVIN YILDIZ

ACADEMIC (GROUP)

RESEARCH, CONCEPT, DESIGN, DRAWINGS, RENDERS, GRAPHICS

MCD - SUMMER SEMESTER 23’

DR.APRIL JACKSON

MERAV ARGOV

The 35th Street corridor is foundational to McKinley Park’s identity of community, culture, and resiliency. This project builds upon these values and fits within a larger, coordinated effort to make 35th Street better for all McKinley Park residents. In partnership with the McKinley Park Development Council (MPDC), Bridgeport Alliance, Coalition For A Better Chinese American Community (CBCAC), and international consulting firm Design Workshop, the UIC College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs Master of City Design program facilitated a community-led design process for a comprehensive corridor plan for 35th Street between Leavitt and Ashland.

GIS, InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, SketchUp, Vray

PROJECT PRINCIPLES

INCLUSIVITY:

Respect the neighborhood’s heritage and cultural identity

OUR 35TH

ENHANCED COMMUNITY INTERACTION and ENGAGEMENT:

Engage and collaborate with the local community

IMPROVED MOBILITY FOR WALKERS AND BIKERS:

Prioritize pedestrian and bikers safety through protected bike lanes, proper street lighting and active storefronts

LOCAL ENTERPRISE PROMOTION:

Create opportunities for diverse small businesses, local entrepreneurship, and cultural amenities

PROCESS

Through past planning efforts, the 35th Street corridor has been identified as a catalytic site for community and small business growth. In addition to conducting preliminary research on the corridor, our team organized engagement events at different neighborhood sites where community members gather, play, and work. These events led up to a design charrette, which brought together diverse community members to co-create ideas for improving the corridor. As the culmination of our research and community engagement, this project leverages existing assets, celebrates the neighborhood’s cultural diversity, and furthers connectivity and inclusivity.

CONCEPT

35th as a Neighborhood Main Street

The design concept conceptualizes 35th Street as McKinley Park’s bustling street with concentrations of activity at certain intersections from Archer to Ashland. Based on community feedback, the concept integrates elements of artactivated alleyways, a linear park, extended sidewalks, community spaces, pedestrian crossings, and food trucks. These strategic additions can help promote small business development and community well-being.

The 35th street will transform into the “Neighborhood Main Street”, becoming the go-to-destination for McKinley Park. The new street design promotes accessible and safe pedestrian mobility for pedestrians and cyclists. It expands dining and shopping options, as well as comfortable, outdoor spaces for people to gather and celebrate their community.

OUR VISION

The 35th Street corridor is McKinley Park’s vibrant, community-oriented main street anchored by strong local businesses, multimodal connectivity, and resilient infrastructure.

Pop-Up Event in McKinley Park (Front of Field House) Pop-Up Event in Playgarden

Pop-Up Event On Memorial Day Parade (35th Street) Visioning Workshop

‘The Portal’

35th and Archer

The 35th and Archer intersection connects McKinley Park to the city through the CTA Orange Line and other transit options. Based on community feedback, this transit oriented development is a potential portal into and out of the neighborhood. The view shows a part of the parking lot being repurposed into a linear park to improve walking and biking connectivity surrounded by grab-and-go businesses. The sidewalks at the junction are extended, and the paving is modified to facilitate traffic calming. These interventions also respond to safety concerns related to road accidents, improving mobility around the L station.

‘Social Hub’

35th and Wolcott Ave

Housing the McKinley Park Library and the Walgreens store, this intersection is frequently visited by community members. The junction is envisioned as a “Social Hub” with multiple small businesses and flexible gathering spaces.

It repurposes the Walgreens parking lot as a station for food trucks with an extension into the library’s landscaped space. Wolcott Avenue is utilized as the Festival Street, which can host small street markets and block parties spanning 2 blocks in either direction from the McKinley Community Play Garden.

‘The Heart’

35th and Wood St

Adjacent to the Nathanael Greene Elementary School, the 35th and Wood intersection becomes an essential community space hosting a seasonal pop-up playground for all ages and a temporary performance area. Displaying the neighborhood’s diversity through public art on empty facades and providing space for cultural celebrations, the intersection embodies the heart of McKinley Park. Also, the bike lane on 35th Street links to the proposed bike network on Wood St, which stretches to the large park through 37th St. This redesign encourages casual meet-ups and community connections, while becoming a platform for cultural expression.

URBAN DESIGN

04

MADISON FOR EVERYONE

BLURRING EDGES

OAK PARK, ILLINOIS PROJECT LOCATION :

SEMESTER : ROLE : WORK : GUIDE :

ACADEMIC (GROUP)

RESEARCH, CONCEPT, DESIGN, DRAWINGS, RENDERS, GRAPHICS

MCD - FALL SEMESTER 22’

Prof. SANJEEV VIDYARTHI

Prof. VINAYAK BHARNE

This design project aims to propose solutions for revitalizing the commercial corridor of Madison Street in Oak Park, characterized by high vacancy rates and a drive-thru economy. The focus is on a 1.5mile stretch of the street between Harlem and Austin in a metropolitan region with diverse urban edges and socio-economic disparities.The goal is to blur the hard edge between Oak Park and Austin and activate the street’s commercial activities and character. Madison presents a unique opportunity to serve as a “community connector” between neighboring communities and within Oak Park itself. The project explores creating new identities for Madison, such as Madison-Med, Mix, and Made.

GIS, InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, SketchUp, Vray

The approach involved a research-informed methodology, with community input informing the direction of the project. Statistical data was utilized to support tangible design approaches, while experts in specialized fields were consulted to gain a better understanding of the area

Initial Insights 01

Data gathered through a self-guided tour of the communinty, helped us guide investigations into local histories and people that animate madison.

Community Profile 02

It revealed the development trends, housing patterns, and transportation connections for considerations on Madison

Spatial Analysis 03

A closer look at Madison revealed additional asserts, opportunites and spatial charateristics to be addresses on the corridor.

Concepts, Criteria, and Constraints 04

By defining the problem, identifying opportunities for design repairs and setting a scope of work, the studio laid the groundwork for a comprehensive design

Design Proposal 05

Work for the design proposalbegan by establishing collective design values and vision. “Madison for Everyone Else” came together.

MADISONSTREET

Community Profile

An analysis of the census tracts surrounding Madison reveals that they have the lowest median household incomes, highest poverty rates, and highest unemployment rates in the community. Additionally, the western end of Madison is characterized by the lowest housing values, moderate rents, and high residential density.

Oak Park is headed towards a lack of affordability shown through high property taxes and increasing rents.

Lack of concentration of retail on Madison Street contributes to its status as a stagnant economy.

Oak Park is headed towards a lack of affordability shown through high property taxes and increasing rents.

OAKPARKAVENUE

Key Takeaways

The absence of a historic district and preservation sites along Madison Street results in a lack of identity for the corridor

MADISONSTREET

MADISONSTREET

MADISONSTREET

Transect Analysis

Zooming out from Oak Park, the transect analysis shows how the Madison corridor transforms from a downtown urban artery (and the start of Chicago’s North/South numbering system), to a newly developed commercial and office strip in the West Loop, and eventually transitioning into a neighborhood corridor.

Lack of concentration of retail on Madison Street contributes to its status as a stagnant economy.

Vision: Madison for Everyone else

Madison Street has a lack of pedestrian infastructure, the streetscape doesn't as to support community building.

Oak Park is headed towards a lack of affordability shown through high property taxes and increasing rents.

The absence of a historic district and preservation sites along Madison Street results in a lack of identity for the corridor

Lack of concentration of retail on Madison Street contributes to its status as a stagnant economy.

Madison Street has a lack of pedestrian infastructure, the streetscape doesn't as to support community building.

Oak Park is headed towards a lack of affordability shown through high property taxes and increasing rents.

The absence

Macro Planning

Madison Street differs from Oak Park in terms of racial and economic demographics, architecture, housing patterns, and retail options. Instead of presenting Madison as a problem that needs fixing, the ideas proposed in this report aim to celebrate and cherish the unique and diverse mix of people, places, and properties that already exist within the corridor. If Oak Park is for “everyone,” then Madison can be for “everyone else.”

What are we designing

In examining Madison Street within a broader context, we have identified its relationships with the surrounding urban realm. The diagrams specifically highlight the existing downtowns and open space systems that shape the edges of Forest Park and Austin, as well as the impact of Madison’s distance from the CTA Green and Blue Line stations. Additionally, we have identified specific notable assets on the corridor, such as blockchain retail, public institutions, and senior living facilities.

Building Typologies- Form Based Codes

These proposed building typologies respond to different parcel sizes and building heights, in line with the project goals. Each proposal is based on an average of three parcel sizes commonly found on Madison: 50’x120’, 120’x100’, and 200’x120’. The northern and southern blocks adjacent to Madison have distinct building characteristics, with 45’ multifamily housing zoned to the north and 30’ single-family homes zoned directly to the south.

MADISONST MADISONST

ALLEY <15 ft

ALLEY ALLEY ALLEY <15 ft 30 ft 50 ft

MADISONST MADISONST

<25 ft 30 ft

80 ft 20 ft ~60% ~60% ~60%

ALLEY ALLEY

ALLEY ALLEY

MADISONST MADISONST

<25 ft 30 ft

<15 ft

<15 ft 50 ft <15 ft 30 ft 50 ft

<15 ft 50 ft

~25% ~20% ~20% ~15% ~15% ~10%

80 ft 20 ft ~60% ~60% ~60%

~25% ~20% ~20% ~15% ~15% ~10%

Med draws inspiration from the RUSH Oak Park hospital, on the western edge.

On Madison Med, design interventions like public handrails, tactile crosswalks, outdoor fitness equipment, and information kiosks serve aging residents and pedestrians with specific mobility and safety needs.

Mix is in reference to the wide range of parcel sizes, land uses, and building types in the center of the corridor.

On Madison Mix, design interventions like group seating, playful social spaces, waiting spaces for school children, and patterned crosswalks help bring a diverse range of people and activities together to strengthen community and infuse a sense of dynamism into the corridor.

Made honors the significant number of small, historically Black-owned businesses on the eastern edge.

On Madison Made, expanded sidewalk space for outdoor retail amenities, parking spots at bus bulbs, popup market spaces along buffer zones, color-coded signage, and patterned crosswalks that bridge north and south sides of the street invite foot traffic to promote local businesses.

URBAN ANALYSIS

05

20 MIN DOWNTOWN

URBAN TISSUE ANALYSIS

PROJECT TYPE :

PROJECT LOCATION : SEMESTER : DATE :

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

ROLE : WORK : GUIDE :

Urban Analysis

Research

RESEARCH, DOCUMENTATION AND ANALYSIS

ACADEMIC (INDIVIDUAL)

RESEACH,CONCEPT,DESIGN,DOCUMENTATION, GRAPHICS

MCD - FALL SEMESTER 22’

DEC, 2022

DR. SEVIN YILDIZ

This analysis focuses on the ‘20 MIN DOWNTOWN’ concept as a way to evaluate the livability and accessibility of a city’s downtown core. The study aims to determine if the core has been designed to be a successful model of livability and if it enables pedestrians to access all the amenities and activities of the dense urban fabric. Through a three-level analysis (macro, meso, and micro), the investigation found that Chicago’s downtown core, ‘The LOOP,’ is accessible in under 20 minutes and offers a diverse range of experiences. The analysis used visual guidance for walking exploration, creating a layout that can be applied to any downtown area in any city.

GIS, InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Lightroom

METHOD 1

INTRODUCTION

Cities are dynamic systems made for people to inhabit and generate unique experiences. Walking is the most common and accessible mode of experiencing a city. We focus on Downtown and its core to analyze livability through walking.

METHOD 1

METHOD 2

METHOD 3

We shall look at the whole site that is the ‘LOOP’ and create a matrix for all the major type of activites that are present and the rate them on the basic of how accessible they are from this area and how much footfall does each section experience.

We shall look at the Streets individually. Here we will mark the type of path and analyis the charater of the street North- South and East-West Streets will be analyzed differently.

We shall look at the street level visual guidance for the pedestrian that helps them to navigate and walk toward the desired destination or activity, adding to the Walkability aspect of the space.

The major types of activities in the downtown area are divided into seven zones, and their percentage impact is represented in a radial graph by the area they occupy, corresponding to their actual percentage area in the downtown.

ACCESSIBILITY LINK

Direct

The direct link examines the immediate or neighboring use spaces that are associated with one another, revealing how their movement patterns affect the use of the space and how different zones connect to one another.

- Level of the Street

- Movement pattern - Time to travel

- Street Edge Condition - Vibe

- Crosswalk - Signals - Signages - Sidewalks

The Street Character Analysis examines the relationship between building edges and streets/sidewalks to provide insight into the walkability of the area.

Matrix Indicator

- Linear - Non-linear

Level of the Street - Underground - On ground - Above ground - Good - Average - Poor

Chicago has multiple levels in the city and downtown you can only expect it to be more layered. So indicating the layer of street interacted is important.

Movement pattern

Chicago downtow is layed out in grid so there is no much non-linear movement. One can still move diagonally is the subject of intrest is such.

Condition Vibe P A G 9

Chicago’s conditions are measured on the basis of the porosity,materiality and the offset spaces created on the building edgeline where the space is being used for public

The vibe of the street is a intangible but its measure in relation to Street Condition, Time and Legibility of the space.

of the Street On ground

W

WEST - EAST direction streets in downtown core area for walkability measurement of 20 min and activities.

METHOD

2 3

Street Walkability Element Analysis

The Street Walkability Element Analysis focuses on the streets and sidewalks in terms of the placement of elements that guide pedestrians visually and aid in their navigation from one location to another. This analysis is crucial for forming a comprehensive understanding of the streets and their legibility for the purpose of walkability.

Departments

Crosswalk Signal Signages

All Rating in each department

Low

Moderate Moderate

High High

9

9

A

9 9 9 4

Blue Line- Inclusion of Transit facilities onto the sidewalk and merging the on-ground and underground levels of the city.

URBAN RESEARCH PUBLICATION

06

(RE) CODING MUMBAI

RESEARCH AND DOCUMENTATION OF MUMBAI STREETS AND BUILD TYPOLOGIES

PROJECT TYPE :

ROLE :

PROJECT LOCATION : DATE :

MUMBAI, INDIA

RESEARCH AND DOCUMENTATION

MEMBER : FIRM :

RAVI, NIRAV, SHAIBA. RAHUL, RIKUNJ

RESEACH, DOCUNEMTATION, GRAPHICS.

MAY-JUNE, 2017.

sPare. (Sameep Padora and associates).

The research and documention was done at firm sP+A under the research wing sPare for publication.

The DCR (Development Control Regulations) primarily prioritizes road widening codes and overlooks pedestrian needs. While automobiles are important, we cannot overlook the importance of pedestrians. Instead we should reconsider their potential and create some space within the DCR to facilitate their revival where necessary. We need to make room for streets once again, giving equal consideration to pedestrians and automobiles, in order to ensure a balanced and sustainable urban development.

I participated in a research and documentation project with sPare, which divided volunteers into teams to document different types of structures and roads in Mumbai that have unique typologies and reflect the city’s urbanization. These structures and roads serve as markers in time and space, recording anomalies and slippages in the general set of logics operating within the urban field. They also present potential ideas or types that can be deployed within contemporary urban contexts.

These five streets were surrounded by different neighborhoods and cultural contexts, yet they were part of the same area. Therefore, the complexity of the streets’ nature was key to making further analysis possible. Each street already had a unique established character in the urban fabric, combined with its neighborhood. My role in this project was to document these relationships and different types of streets in Bandra, Mumbai. This documentation involved representing them with different styles of drawing such as plans, sections, isometric sections, and creating a comparative analysis between them to understand and enhance their characteristics.

STREET DOCUMENTATION ANALYSIS

Photodocumentation higlighting street infrastructures and areas of concern, regarding re-planning and arrangements.

1. Informal shops on footpath

2. Under utilized edge condition

3. Absence of footpath

4. Absence of zebra crossing

5. Degenerated median condition

6. Reduced effective street width due to encroachment, hawkers and parking

Dinanath Mangesh Hall, Vile Parle

Candies, Bandra

STATION ROAD

LINKING ROAD

CARTER ROAD

CHIMBAI ROAD

PALI VILLAGE

Isometric View of the streets

The

The

The street is characterised by the commercial shops which are present on the edge of the road

The street is a two way vehicular road with heavy traffic as it recieves traffic from adjacent collector road

LIKNKING