The Everyday Convergence by Ruju Joshi

PORTFOLIO Ruju Joshi | UD4516

UR3002 : HUMANISING URBAN SPACES : Social Production and speculative design of neighborhood place L3 BUD Studio Faculty : Rajiv Kadam, TA : Bhagyasshree R. Faculty of Planning, CEPT University, Spring 2020

About Indian cities are acknowledged for its socio - cultural values and the kind of environment that it creates to offer numerous opportunities for series of activities to be performed in a public realm. There is a loss of quality and character in current Indian Urban spaces in cities. They fail to respond to the life of the community as they are purely reduced to quantitative definitions enclosed by dead urban edges. To Humanise urban spaces, the production of qualitative aspects need to be derived from the social and cultural patterns of the community life that integrates with a more interactive urban edge. The studio focuses on Speculative Design Intervention for Neighborhood level existing urban space to create a community place in new urban development of Ahmedabad city. The context of study is communities of all the neighborhoods in immediate physical context. The design intervention focuses on humanising and redeveloping the urban space and the built edge using the place making theories of Christian Norberg Schulz and Jan Gehl to construct the character of the place. Every day life practices and event based activities are decoded, as manifested in a neighborhood level existing urban space of the given site. It further helps in defining strategies to construct a speculative design intervention plan for the urban space and contemporary interactive urban edge exploiting the maximum potential of the land. Current urban policy on residential redevelopment of old existing neighborhoods provides opportunities to explore the critical issue of humanising urban space. The intervention attempts to create an ideal place to enhance new human experience in neighborhood public place while retaining the existing community and exploring potential densification.

Content 01 Theoretical framework

02 Site documentation and analysis

03 Design time problem

04 Case studies

05 Master plan development

06 Central space development

07 Urban edge development

08 Urban design guidelines

100

01 THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

Theories

CRISTIAN NORBERG - SCHULZ

Christian Norberg Schulze what is an existential space?

Genius Loci Towards a Phenomenology of Architecture The reading talks about three major aspects that define a ‘place’ Phenomenology of the place Structure of the place Spirit of the place The writer starts with explaining the essence of a place by using terms like existential foothold and dwelling. The place should satisfy a man’s both physical and psychic needs and should be made to impress the populace. He talks about how symbolism representing life situations, help people orient in a place. Basically, a place should be equipped enough to be able to inhabit, orient, identify and experience within an environment as meaningful for a man, what he calls a dwelling. The concept of existential space is divided into two complementary terms - space and character, in accordance with the basic psychic functions - identification and orientation. The reading deeply explains about the understanding of the qualitative aspects of a place.

three dimensional organisation of space

the character created by the atmosphere of three dimensional space

physical

psychic

identiﬁcation (particularity)

The phenomenon of a place is conceived as a return to things as opposed to abstractions and mental constructions. A poem by George Trakl talks about how spaces with several elements (both natural and man made) create experiences. He also mentions about how a place becomes an inside or an outside. In general, nature forms an extended comprehensive totality called place which according to local circumstances has a particular identity. Phenomenon of place lead to the conclusion that the structure of place should be described in terms of landscape and settlement and analysed by means of the categories - space and character where space becomes a three dementional organisation and character denotes the atmosphere. The writer mentions Kevin Lynch’s five elements - path, node, district, landmark and edge which play a major role in structuring of any place which eventually help people orient. He also mentions that Paolo portoghesi describes the space as a system of places.

phenomenon of place (the experiential aspect of any place generated through individual abstractions and mental construction)

If we talk about inside and outside spaces, old buildings in CEPT University are a classic example. The orientations of the buildings and transitional elements that open into the outside spaces are such that even if the students are working in the built (the inside space) it still connects to the green or the landscape (the outside space). Indian palaces also have such open spaces built within, which gives the sense of an outside but actually is an extension of the inside. Chowks in pol also give similar sense of the place where it gives the sense of belongingness to certain number of houses and lot of everyday activities take place in the same space at different times which creates opportunities to interact and get involved in the social and cultural communications.

the idea of inside and outside

orientation

ﬁve elements of Kevin Lynch path, node, edge, district, landmark

experientially habitable environment a ‘dwelling’

space as system of places

The important part here is to have spaces which have character and are not just blindly mass produced. Which apparently is exactly the case right now if we see cities today. The cities are fighting for open spaces and public spaces which can act as an extension of the private (inside space) spaces, where the shelter becomes a dwelling and the city just doesn’t feel like bland boxes but also has enough amount of space to breathe be it open spaces, inside space or outside spaces! 8

Humanising Urban Spaces

BUD Portfolio

JAN GEHL

Theories

Christian Norberg Schulze

Jan Gehl

The Human Dimension

what is an existential space?

what are human centric spaces?

The writer talks about the human dimension of the city as rightly stated in the title. He talks about how neglected human centric approaches and planning ideologies have led the cities to become disastrous and non livable for humans overtaken by buildings and cars! He mentions four objectives that should be considered to make a city throbbing and habitable for people which are as following three dimensional 1- a lively city - where inviting public spaces encourage people to walk, bike and stay the character created by 2 - a safe city - where ‘eyes on the street’ concept isorganisation in focus of space the atmosphere of three 3 - a sustainable city - where public transportation system is efficiently in use dimensional space and large part of overall transportation system focuses on ‘green mobility’ 4 - a healthy city - where walking and biking is part of an everyday activity Gehl by and large refers to the measurable aspects of the city which creates experiences in a place in the city. He physical psychic questions the city planning and patterns of use where the physicality of the space is given the utmost importance and the human dimension is conveniently ignored. Cities should be looked at as multifaceted meeting places. The spaces should be designed as such that they cater to both necessary (everyday) as well as optional activities. The versatility of the city depends largely on invitations. Diverse city life lies in an interplay between city life and the quality of space. Modernism has killed the essence of ‘man is a man’s greatest joy’ as cities today are fighting for humane spacesidentiﬁcation over parkings and orientation vehicular accessibilities in the pubic spaces. Opportunities to create public spaces are conveniently(particularity) taken over to build private spaces. For example, Sheikh Zayed road in Dubai is constantly being widened until it reached its saturation, the existing building edge. Now they are building yet another parallel phenomenon road to distribute flow of traffic! The publicﬁve transportation ofthe place elementssystem of Kevin Lynch in Dubai is constantly developing but is not yet completely efficient in last mile connectivity. Thus, people prefer to (the experiential aspect of any place path, edge, district, landmark use private vehicles more than public transport where both the climate and infrastructure are notnode, sufficiently inviting generated through individual abstractions and encouraging for people to walk. The settlements are also such that you feel lost in the space be it in a multi storey mental construction) apartment building or in low rise apartments in and the outskirts of the city. New York has only 28% of open land which includes vehicular roads, parking spaces and public open spaces according to a survey. Such initiatives of introducing one ways, laying high amount of parking charges, creating street cafes, concept of parklets, no vehicle zone or shared lanes create chances of encounters in a public space where people would want to go and stay! One of the major reason for most of the world to travel to Europe is because those cities have somewhat achieved and maintained the human scale, where while being in the place you feel alive. Streetscapes plazas filled with people encourage you to be in their shoes the idea ofand inside and outside experientially habitable environment and experience the joy of being. Trafalgar Square in London is a very fascinating example. The square acted as an island a ‘dwelling’ earlier, sitting in front of the majestic national library in Central London. An analysis was conducted and just by diverting the flow of traffic on one side of the island and by introduction of simple steps connecting the fourth plinth of the national of places library to the square, it completely changed the dimension of the space. Itspace is usedas forsystem community gatherings and public demonstrations. Occasionally, it acts as a celebration place and in normal days it is a major attraction for people to just go, sit back and relax. It holds numerous activities and attractors for people to be constantly entertained. The space is such that it offers reasons to STAY! 10

Humanising Urban Spaces

BUD Portfolio

liveliness inviting public spaces that encourage to walk bike and stay

safety eyes on street

sustainability (green mobility) everything in the vicinity walkable neighbourhood with necessary public amenities fulﬁlling everyday needs

health walking and biking incorporated in everyday activities that it balances physical and mental health of people

physical forms of spaces emerging from everyday experiences of people multifaceted meeting places the ‘human dimension’ | street section, site section, built vs open ratio public spaces that offer reasons to stay for both everyday and optional or occasional activities

02 SITE DOCUMENTATION AND ANALYSIS

VIJAY NAGAR, AHMEDABAD Vijaynagar is a housing society introduced by Gujarat Housing Board in 1971 in Naranpura area of Ahmedabad. It holds more than six hundred families. It is a scheme of low rise apartments and a very peaceful place to live. It has a common plot in the centre of the society which we can say is under-utilised. There several community centres, religious centres, school and a public library on the periphery. Lot of incremental changes and extensions are made in the primitive design form of the building considering factors of ownership and space crunch. It is well lit at night and mostly shaded throughout the day. Stray animals are also given equal importance. It lacks in terms of common amenities and public infrastructure. There are few benches on the periphery of the ground which are the only public gathering spots available. Edges of the roads are paved but are insufficient and non-pedestrian friendly. In most of the places they are used for street side parking. Lot of marginal open spaces on the ground floor are compounded or gated/ fenced and used for parking as a mutual consensus of particular blocks. 14

Humanising Urban Spaces

BUD Portfolio

Shri Verai Mata Mandir

Jain Upashray

Vijaygar Derasar & Upashray

Rupal Park

Kidzee pre-school

Vijaynagar Ground

Jain Upashray

Kidzee pre-school

Shri Verai Mata Mandir

Vijaygar Derasar & Upashray

Rupal Park

Vijaynagar Ground

Vijaygar Derasar & Upashray

Rupal Park

Vijaygar Derasar & Upashray

Rupal Park

Ground Religious Institution Educational Instituion Utilities Repair shops + Garage Offices + Shops + Banks Food stores Ground Entry Society Boundaries Vijaynagar Society

VIJAYNAGAR | BASE PLAN

Residential Vijaynagar School

Mix (Residential + Shop/Office)

Primary, Secondary & Higher Secondary

Parking Zones 0

50m

When Vijaynagar was built by Gujarat Housing Board it was divided into three parts â&#x20AC;&#x201D;(LIC colony, Patrakar society, and Vijaynagar itself) and adjoins two other societies, without any territorial restrictions like walls or fences. Hence, the central common ground can be easily acted by all.

VIJAYNAGAR | BUILDING USE

Vijaynagar School

Primary, Secondary & Higher Secondary

G+2 0

50m

Total area of vijaynagar is 97,890 sq. m. The ground of vijaynagar is 6,550 sq. m. where most of the vijaynagar school events take place. The neighbourhood has a commercial edge on the outer periphery of which the activities complement the users for their daily utility access.

Humanising Urban Spaces

VIJAYNAGAR | BUILDING HEIGHTS

Vijaynagar School

Primary, Secondary & Higher Secondary

Predominently Jain Community 0

50m

All the housing blocks on site have the height of G+2, which is considered ideal in terms of human scale. The building orientation and height along with presence of trees help keep the streets shaded at most of the time of the day.

BUD Portfolio

VIJAYNAGAR | COMMUNITY MIX

Primary, Secondary & Higher Secondary

50m

Vijaynagar predominantly comprises of Jain community, with a few Patels, Vaishnavâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, and Brahmins. There are two types of Jains on site, Deravasi and Sthanakvasi , with two different types of religious spaces to attend to. People follow daily rituals for which they wear a certain attire and go to those religious spaces barefooted. There are two to three events in the month which happen in the derasar.

Jain community

penings

ession

by GHB 1971

Vijaynagar Derasar

conies

shifted 1972

Built typologies

Ground Entry derasar ground gated late 80sSociety Boundaries 2017

school 1975

Religious Institution - 4%

Vijaynagar School

Utilities - 1%

Vijaynagar School

Mix (Residential + Shop/Office) - 10%

TheVijaynagar basic type includes a single building block to have six units Society Primary, Secondary & Higher Secondary

Repair shops + Garage - 2%

Ground Ent

Residential - 65%

ideal walk / day ~ 6,000-10,000 steps

Educational Instituion - 8%

Parking Zones - 27%

600+ units patrakar colony increase in Jain due to increased for housing, WZR XQLWV RQ HDFK Ă RRU and a terrace. All the houses There are two types of Jains on site,2 BHK Deravasi and Sthanakvasi , with twopopulation 0 10 20 LIC colony of ground VIJAYNAGARusage | BASE PLAN Vijaygar Derasar &which Upashray have now been originally comprised of boxed balconies different types of religious spaces to 85 attend to. People follow daily rituals for sq.m. army personnels by non residents Rupal Park Rupal Park as openwas balconies. is observed that Board to reduce heat mix community which they wear a certain attire and go to those religious spaces barefooted. extended When Vijaynagar built byItGujarat Housing it was divided into

Vijaynagar School

Primary, Secondary & Higher Secondary

Predominently Jain Community

Offices + Shops + Banks - 5%

Mandir

Ground Entry

Built typologies

Residential - 65%

Vijaynagar School

Society Boundaries

Vijaynagar School

Mix (Residential + Shop/Office) - 10%

Primary, Secondary & Higher Secondary

Parking Zones - 27%

Derasar & Upashray

Vijaynagar

VIJAYNAGAR | BASE PLAN community

50m

map

0 " " 10 20

50m

Vijaygar Derasar & Upashray

Vijaynagar School

Society Boundaries

Primary, Secondary & Higher Secondary

VIJAYNAGAR Usehot absorption| Building during

VIJAYNAGAR BASE PLAN There are two to |three events in the month which happen in the derasar. 0

50m

Predominently Jain Community

Rupal Park

50m

Jain Upashray

Kidzee pre-school

Educational Instituion - 8%

Kidzee pre-school

Vijaynagar Ground

Utilities - 1%

Vijaynagar Ground

Offices + Shops + Banks - 5% Food stores - 0%

Ground Entry

Residential - 65%

Shri Verai Mata Mandir

Vijaynagar School

Society Boundaries

Primary, Secondary & Higher Secondary

the more the chances of increased interaction.

Vijaynagar School

Shri Verai Mata Mandir

Mix (Residential + Shop/Office) - 10%

Vijaynagar School

Primary, Secondary & Higher Secondary

Vijaynagar was made 99 blocks with the same building typology thesociety more the chances of with increased interaction. was made with 99 blocks with the same building typology 0 10 windows 20 50m and balconies 0 10 20 50m 0 10 20 50m at the time. Fifty years hence, generations have changed, peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s windows and balconies y years hence, generations have changed, peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s VIJAYNAGAR | BASE PLAN VIJAYNAGAR | Building Use VIJAYNAGAR | BASE PLAN community map e changed and so have the building typologies. requirements Families 1 have changed and so have the building typologies. Families 1 Verai Mata Mandir m eir houses wherever and however possible according and doors m havetoextended 80their houses wherever andgates however possible according to gates and doorsTotal area of vijaynagar is 97,890 sq. m. The ground of vijaynagar is 6,550 sq. m. 80 When Vijaynagar was built by Gujarat Housing Board it was divided into three Vijaynagar predominantly comprises of Jain community, with a few Patels, desires. The built typologiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; diagrams show varied types their needs and desires. The built typologiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; diagrams show varied types he basic building form. It is observed that such extensions 1 35% 2 28% parts â&#x20AC;&#x201D;(LIC colony, Patrakar society, and Vijaynagar itself) and adjoins two where most of the vijaynagar school events take place. The neighbourhood has Vaishnavâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, and Brahmins. A Jain Derasar was built by the society, such that ofofextensions of the basic building4 form. It is observed that such extensions d in increasing interactions between the inhabitants the 1 35% 2 28% 1 2 15% 5% other societies, without any territorial restrictions like walls or fences. Hence, the a commercial edge on the outer periphery of which the activities complement people can conduct their daily religious rituals within the neighbourhood. 4 have in turn helped in increasing interactions between the inhabitants ofDerasar the e neighbourhood to have more lively environment. Vijaynagar ix units 1 15% 2 5% society, helping the neighbourhood to have more lively environment. central ground ground can be easily acted by all. the users for their daily utility access. 3 42%common 4 51% houses 2 4 ews we also found out that as a common understanding w been 42% 51% 3 4 3 4 40% 45% QKDELWLQJ WKH EORFN WKH JURXQG Ă RRU XQLWV KDYH RFFXSLHV 2 e heat During our interviews we also found out that as a common understanding k RI WKH EXLOGLQJ ZKLOH WKH XSSHU Ă RRU KRXVHV KDYH DOVR ated a 3 40%1 4 45% EHWZHHQ IDPLOLHV LQKDELWLQJ WKH EORFN WKH JURXQG Ă RRU XQLWV KDYH RFFXSLHV 3 ir rooms and balconies. nce for the entire setback RI WKH EXLOGLQJ ZKLOH WKH XSSHU in Ă RRU KRXVHV KDYH DOVR All the blocks Vijaynagar face in theVIJAYNAGAR same direction, hence only | BASE PLAN VIJAYNAGAR | Building Use VIJAYNAGAR | BASE PLAN VIJAYNAGAR | BASE PLAN heights community map building Vijaynagar School Vijaynagar Society

First impression

Parking Zones - 27%

The built typologiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; diagrams show varied types of extensions of the basic building form. It is observed that such extensions have in turn helped in increasing interactions between the inhabitants of the society, helping the neighbourhood to have more lively environment. The basic type includes a single building block to have six units for housing, two Analysis units on each floor and a terrace. All the housesFacade originally comprised of boxed balconies which have now been extended as open balconies. It is 3 extended it as their rooms and balconies. two the four adjacent blocks face the ground. Facade observed that to reduce heat absorption during hot of summers most of building the When Vijaynagar was built by Gujarat Housing Board it was divided into three 2 Vijaynagar Vijaynagar Vijaynagar ple parts â&#x20AC;&#x201D;(LIC towards colony, Patrakar and Vijaynagar itself) and adjoins two analysis calculates the number of openings thesociety, ground, school derasarcreated ground gated d blocks have a tin roof structure on the terrace. These roofs are a other societies, without any territorial restrictions like walls or fences. Hence, the 1975 late 80s 2017 which helps increase the eyes on street. The more the openings central common ground ground 2 can be easily acted by all. built peoplelike Uttarayan. Vijaynagar Vijaynagar Vijaynagar for celebrating festivals akar colony hinderance increase in Jain due to increased ety was made with 99 blocks with the same building typology the more the chances of increased interaction. Vijaygar Derasar & Upashray

Rupal Park

Jain Upashray

Ground Entry

Vijaynagar School

Society Boundaries

Kidzee pre-school

Vijaynagar Ground

usageby of GHB ground

shifted

ideal walk / day ~ 6,000-10,000 steps

population

Kidzee pre-school

Primary, Secondary & Higher Secondary

Vijaynagar Society

Vijaynagar Ground

derasar

school

ground gated

50m

Vijaygar Derasar & Upashray

Facade analysis Rupal Park

Ground -15%

Religious Institution - 4%

Educational Instituion - 8%

Jain Upashray Utilities - 1%

Repair shops + Garage - 2%

Offices + Shops + Banks - 5%

Food stores - 0%

Residential - 65%

Vijaynagar School

Mix (Residential + Shop/Office) - 10% Parking Zones - 27%

Vijaynagar School

Primary, Secondary & Higher Secondary

" ! Predominently Jain Community

Vijaynagar Ground

Rupal Park

Primary, Secondary & Higher Secondary

Vijaynagar Society " !

Vijaynagar predominantly comprises of Jain community, with a few Patels, Vaishnavâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, and Brahmins. A Jain Derasar was built by the society, such that people can conduct their daily religious rituals within the neighbourhood.

50m

All the housing blocks on site have the height of G+2, which i in terms of human scale. The building orientation and height ence of trees help keep the streets shaded at most of the tim

" "

Vijaygar Derasar & Upashray

Rupal Park

Educational Instituion - 8%

Utilities - 1%

Repair shops + Garage - 2%

Offices + Shops + Banks - 5%

" " " "

Food stores - 0%

Ground Entry

Residential - 65%

Primary, Secondary & Higher Secondary

Predominently Jain Community

50m

Vijaynagar school 1975

Vijaynagar derasar late 80s increase in population

built people Vijaynagar Vijaynagar byVijaynagar GHB shifted school derasar 1971 1975 late 80s ground 1972 gated ideal walk / day ~ 6,000-10,000 steps 600+ units patrakar colony increase in Jain 2017 2 BHK LIC colony population sq.m. to increased army personnels Jain 85due mix community

0m 8Vijaynagar

open extensions 860% 2

2 ground gated

50m

" " "

street hierarchy

The opening up of local streets onto arterial streets along with the grid structure of the local streets, make the society more accessible to the non residents.

parking zones

4 Vijaynagar is a very good site. Vijaynagar is a very good site. Vijaynagar is a

ence of trees help keep the streets shaded at most of the time of the day.

box balconies 15% 3 Chhajja

100%

ideal walk / day ~ 6,000-10,000 steps

2017

due to increased usage of ground by non residents

usage of ground

Jain community by non residents

Built typologies The basic type includes a single building block to have six units for housing, WZR XQLWV RQ HDFK Ă RRU and a terrace. All the houses originally comprised of boxed balconies which have now been extended as open balconies. It is observed that to reduce heat absorption during hot summers most of the blocks have created a 4 tin roof structure terrace. These roofs are a hinderance for building blockon tothehave six units celebrating festivals like Uttarayan.

There are two types of Jains on site, Deravasi and Sthanakvasi , with two different types of religious spaces to attend to. People follow daily rituals for which they wear a certain attire and go to those religious spaces barefooted. There are two to three events in the month which happen in the derasar.

types of Jains on site, Deravasi and Sthanakvasi , with two of religious spaces to attend to. People follow daily rituals for ar a certain attire and go to those religious spaces barefooted. o three events in the month which happen in the derasar.

Built typologies

The basic type includes a single for housing, WZR XQLWV RQ HDFK Ă RRU and a terrace. All the houses built extensions 50% box balconies 15% originally comprised of boxed balconies which have now been open extensions Chhajja 100% extended as open balconies. It is observed that to60% reduce heat absorption during hot summers most of the blocks have created a tin roof structure on the terrace. These roofs are a hinderance for celebrating festivals like Uttarayan. built extensions

mmunity

a commercial edge on the outer periphery of which the activities extended it as their rooms complement and balconies. people can conduct their daily religious3 rituals within the neighbourhood. the users for their daily utility access. built extensions 50%

Primary, Secondary & Higher Secondary

Vijaynagar Society

Vijaynagar School

Society Boundaries

Parking Zones - 27%

Vijaynagar School

Mix (Residential + Shop/Office) - 10%

Vijaynagar School

50%

open extensions 60%

box balconies 15% Chhajja

100%

Humanising Urban Spaces

BUD Portfolio

Vijaynagar School

Society Boundaries

50m

Ground Entry

Primary, Secondary & Higher Secondary

Religious Institution - 4%

atrakar colony balconies C colony ors my personnels ix community

e six units he houses

Vijaygar Derasar & Upashray

Rupal Park

Ground -15%

s or fences. Hence, the y all.

ence only eople d. Facade ifted e ground, 972 openings

Vijaygar Derasar & Upashray

Rupal Park

ideal walk / dayAnalysis ~ 6,000-10,000 steps Facade

Vijaynagar School

Vijaygar Derasar & Upashray

Predominently Jain Community

Rupal Park

1 personnels by non residents windows and balconies 1971 1972 1975 late 80s 2017 Fifty years hence, generations have changed, peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s All the blocks in Vijaynagar face in the same direction, hence only ommunity 600+ unitstypologies. patrakar colony ave changed and so have the building Families 1increase in Jain due to increased two of the four adjacent building blocks face the ground. Facade munity Built 2 BHK possible LICtypologies colony population usage of ground analysisgates m calculates thedoors number of openings towards the ground, d their houses wherever and however according to and 80 85 sq.m. The basic armytype personnels by non residents which helps increase the eyes on street. The more the openings includes a single building block to have six units d desires. The built typologiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; diagrams show varied types Vijaynagar society was made and with 99 blocks with thehouses same building typology the more the chances of increased interaction. mix community WZR XQLWV RQ HDFK Ă RRU a terrace. All the pes of Jains on site, Deravasi and Sthanakvasi , with two for housing, Allbuilding the blocks face the direction, hence only two peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 1 35% 2 28% feligious the basic ItinisVijaynagar observed such windows and balconies at in theextensions time. same Fifty years hence, which generations have changed, originally comprised of boxed balconies have now been spaces to attend to. form. People follow daily rituals for that requirements have changed and so have the building typologies. Families 1 Jain community Built typologies extended as open balconies. It is observed that to reduce heat 4 certain attire and go to those religious spaces barefooted. ped in increasing interactions between the inhabitants of the of the four adjacent building blocks face the most ground. Facade analysis haveduring extended their houses wherever andhave however possible according to gates and doors absorption hot summers of the blocks created a events in the month which happen in the derasar. 1 15% 2 5% ghree the neighbourhood to have more lively environment. their needs and desires. The built typologiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; diagrams show varied types The basic type includes a single building block to have six units tin roof structuretowards on the terrace.the Theseground, roofs are a hinderance for calculates the number of openings which helps extensions of the basic building form. and It is observed that such extensions festivals like Uttarayan. 1 35% and2 a28% terrace. All the houses There arecelebrating two oftypes of Jains on site, Deravasi Sthanakvasi , with two for3 housing, 42% WZR XQLWV RQ HDFK Ă RRU 4 51% 4 have in turn helped in increasing interactions between the inhabitants of the increase the eyes on street. The more the openings the more the chances 2 have now been built extensions 50% box balconies 15% originally comprised of boxed balconies which different types of religious spaces to attend to. People follow daily rituals for rviews we also found out that as a common society, understanding 1 15% 2 5% helping the neighbourhood to have more lively environment. extended as open balconies. It is observed that to reduce heat 3 4 40% 45% which they wear a certain attire and go to those religious spaces barefooted. VIJAYNAGAR | Building Use VIJAYNAGAR | BASE PLAN VIJAYNAGAR | BASE PLAN heights of increased interaction. HV LQKDELWLQJ WKH EORFN WKH JURXQG Ă RRU XQLWV KDYH RFFXSLHV community map building 3 42% 4 51% open extensions 60% Chhajja 100% 2 a There are two to three in the month which happen in the derasar. During ourevents interviews we also found out that as a common understanding absorption during hot summers most of the blocks have created ack RI WKH EXLOGLQJ Total ZKLOH XSSHU Ă RRU KDYH DOVR is 6,550 sq. m. was divided into three area WKH of vijaynagar is 97,890 sq.KRXVHV m. The ground of vijaynagar Vijaynagar predominantly comprises Jainstructure community, Patels, the housing blocks on site have the height of G+2, which is considered ideal 3 40% 4All45% EHWZHHQ IDPLOLHV LQKDELWLQJ WKH EORFN WKH JURXQG Ă RRU XQLWV KDYH RFFXSLHV tinofroof onwith thea few terrace. These roofs are a hinderance for elf) and adjoins two where most of the vijaynagar school events take place. TheRI neighbourhood has WKH Vaishnavâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, andKRXVHV Brahmins. A Jain was built by the society, such that in terms of human scale. The building orientation and height along with pres3 ZKLOH the entire setback WKH EXLOGLQJ XSSHU Ă RRU KDYH DOVR Derasar their rooms and balconies. celebrating festivals like Uttarayan. Vijaygar Derasar & Upashray

Repair shops + Garage - 2%

Vijaynagar School

Jain Upashray

Kidzee pre-school

Vijaynagar School

Shri Verai Mata Mandir

Jain Upashray

Kidzee pre-school

olony

VIJAYNA

Primary, Secondary & Higher Secondary

Vijaynagar Society

Jain Upashray

Vijaynagar Ground

Shri Verai Mata Mandir

Vijaygar Ground Entry

Vijaynagar School

three Total area of vijaynagar is 97,890 sq. m. The ground of vijaynagar is 6,550 sq. m. Vijaynagar predominantly comprises of Jain community, with a few Patels, All the h VIJAYNAGAR | BASE PLAN VIJAYNAGAR | BASE PLAN heights summerssociety, most of the blocks have created a adjoins community map building street hierarchy parts â&#x20AC;&#x201D;(LIC colony, Patrakar and Vijaynagar itself) and two Vaishnavâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, and Brahmins. A Jain Derasar was built by the society, such that where most of the vijaynagar school events take place. The neighbourhood has in terms Jain community BuiltThese typologies tin roofsocieties, structure without on the terrace. roofs are a like hinderance for other any restrictions orsq. fences. Hence, the a commercial the outer periphery of which the activities complement people conduct their dailyideal religiousThe rituals within the neighbourhood. ence When Vijaynagar was built by Gujarat Housing Board it was divided into three Total area of vijaynagar is 97,890 sq.territorial m. The ground of vijaynagarwalls is 6,550 m. Vijaynagar predominantly comprisesedge of Jainon community, with a few Patels, All the housing blocks on site have the height can of G+2, which is considered opening up of local streets onto arterial streets along withoft The basic type includes a single building block to have six units celebrating festivals like Uttarayan. parts â&#x20AC;&#x201D;(LIC colony, Patrakar society, and Vijaynagar itself) and adjoins two where most of the vijaynagar school events take place. The neighbourhood has Vaishnavâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, and Brahmins. A Jain Derasar was built byaccess. the society, such that in terms of human scale. The building orientation and height along with presof the local streets, make the society more accessible to the no central common ground ground can be easily acted by all. the users for their daily utility -15% All the houses for housing, WZR XQLWV RQ HDFK Ă RRU and a Ground terrace. There are typesoroffences. Jains on site, Deravasi Sthanakvasi with 4 the activities made with 99 blocks with thetwo same building other societies, without any territorial restrictions like walls Hence, the a and commercial edge, on thetwo outer periphery of which people can conduct their daily religious rituals within the neighbourhood. ence of trees help keep the streets shaded at most of the time of the day. built extensions 50% box balconies 15%complement Religious Institution 4% originally comprised of boxed balconies which have - now been Vijaynagar Society

Vijaynagar society was different types of by religious People daily rituals Vijaynagarground Derasar ground can central common be easily acted all. spaces to attend to.the users follow for their daily utilityfor access. Facade Analysis which they wear a certain attire and go to those religious spaces barefooted. extended as open balconies. It is observed that to reduce heat typology at the time. Fifty years hence, generations have changed, 1 open extensions 60% Chhajja 100% absorption during hot summers most of the blocks have created a There are two to three events in the month which happen in the derasar. Facade Analysis All the blocks in Vijaynagar in the same hence 1 tinface roof structure on thedirection, terrace. These roofsonly are a hinderance for peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s requirements have changed and so have the building typologies. All the blocks in Vijaynagar face in the same direction, hence only two of the four adjacent building blocks face ground. Facade celebrating festivals like the Uttarayan. Families have extended their wherever and possible two ofhouses the four adjacent building blocks facehowever the ground. Facade analysis calculates the number openings50% towards thebox ground, builtof extensions balconies 15% analysis calculates the number of openings towards the ground, which helps increase the eyes on street. The more the openings according to their needs andwhich desires. helps increase the eyes on street. The more the openings open extensions 60% Chhajja 100%

| Building Use

VIJAYNAGAR

50m

Food stores - 0%

Society Bou

Primary, Secondary & Higher Secondary

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Dot Maps

Dot maps are used as a tool to capture the everyday activities happening on site. These maps show all existing activities taking place at different times of the day by different user groups in different scales of spaces on site.

Walking, washing and drying clothes, stray animal feeding, playing cricket in the ground, going to derasar, vending, resting under a tree, cleaning vehicles etc. are the most observed activities on site throughout the week. # #

Dot maps

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Vijaynagar is a very good site.Vijaynagar Vijaynagarisisaavery verygood goodsite. site.Vijaynagar Vijaynagarisisaavery verygood goodsite. site.Vijaynagar Vijaynagarisisaavery verygood goodsite. site.Vijaynagar Vijaynagarisisaavery good Vijaynagar site. Vijaynagar is a very isgood a site.Vijaynagar Vijaynagarisisaavery verygood goodsite. site.Vijaynagar Vijaynagarisisaavery verygood goodsite. site.Vijaynagar Vijaynagarisisaavery verygood goodsite. site.Vijaynagar Vijaynagarisisaavery good Vijaynagar site. Vijaynagar is a veryis good a site.Vijaynagar Vijaynagarisisaavery verygood goodsite. site.Vijaynagar Vijaynagarisisaavery verygood goodsite. site.Vijaynagar Vijaynagarisisaavery verygood goodsite. site.Vijaynagar Vijaynagarisisaavery good Vijaynagar site. Vijaynagar is a veryis good a site.Vijaynagar Vijaynagarisisaavery verygood goodsite. site.Vijaynagar Vijaynagarisisaavery verygood goodsite. site.Vijaynagar Vijaynagarisisaavery verygood goodsite. site.Vijaynagar Vijaynagarisisaavery good site. Vijaynagar is a M F M F M F M F M F M F M F M F M F M F F M F M F F M F M F M F M F M M F M F M F M very good site. Vijaynagar is avery verygood goodsite. site.Vijaynagar Vijaynagarisisaavery verygood goodsite. site.Vijaynagar Vijaynagarisisaavery verygood goodsite. site.Vijaynagar is a very good site. very good site. Vijaynagar is avery verygood goodsite. site.Vijaynagar Vijaynagarisisaavery verygood goodsite. site.Vijaynagar Vijaynagarisisaavery verygood goodsite. site.Vijaynagar is a very good site. very good site. Vijaynagar is avery verygood goodsite. site.Vijaynagar Vijaynagarisisaavery verygood goodsite. site.Vijaynagar Vijaynagarisisaavery verygood goodsite. site.Vijaynagar is a very good site. very good site. Vijaynagar is avery verygood goodsite. site.Vijaynagar Vijaynagarisisaavery verygood goodsite. site.Vijaynagar Vijaynagarisisaavery verygood goodsite. site.Vijaynagar is a very good site.

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Vijaynagar is a very good site. Vijaynagar is a very good site. Vijaynagar site. Vijaynagar is a very good site. Vijaynagar is asitting sitting sitting sitting is a very good sitting playing playing playing swinging swinging swinging swinging swinging very good site. Vijaynagar is a very good site. Vijaynagar is a very good site. Vijaynagar is a very good playing site. walking standing

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Humanising Urban Spaces

cleaning

Kid Standing Standing Kid

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Vijaynagar Vijaynagar is a very is a good very good site. Vijaynagar site. Vijaynagar is a very is a good very good site.sitting Vijaynagar site. Vijaynagar is a very is a good very good site. Vijaynagar site. Vijaynagar is a very is a good very good site. Vijaynagar site. Vijaynagar is a is a sitting sitting playing playing playing playing swinging swinging swinging very good very good site. Vijaynagar site. Vijaynagar is a very is a good very good site. Vijaynagar site. Vijaynagar is a very is a good very good site. Vijaynagar site. Vijaynagar is a very is a good very good site. site. walking walking standing standing

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BUD Portfolio

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Vijaynagar ground

Open space outside kidzee and the Peepal tree

System and spot activities

Going to Derasar

Shri Verai Mata Mandir

Jain Upashray

Kidzee pre-school

2 Vijaynagar Ground

1 Vijaygar Derasar & Upashray

Rupal Park

Ground Entry Vijaynagar School

Society Boundaries

Primary, Secondary & Higher Secondary

Vijaynagar Society

VIJAYNAGAR | BASE PLAN

50m

walking

System Activities Edge of the playground

$FFRUGLQJ WR 2[IRUG GLFWLRQDU\ WKH GHĂ&#x20AC;QLWLRQ RI V\VWHPV LV D VHW RI WKLQJV ZRUNLQJ WRJHWKHU DV SDUWV RI D PHFKDQLVP RU DQ LQWHUFRQQHFWLQJ QHWZRUN D FRPSOH[ ZKROH 7R WKLV FRQWH[W Vijaynagar comprises of lot of activities with a lot of people involved, creating a complex structure of its own.

Edge of the playground Playing cricket

With Jains as its predominant community, its people diligently follow the culture of going to the Derasar everyday. Depending upon their daily routine people visit the Derasar once or twice a day.Derasar opens at 7 am and closes at 8pm at night. It is observed that people of old age both men and women come to Derasar, generally on foot, twice a day. They follow a single route everyday, calling their friends to accompany them on the way. They leave together, pray and sit on the benches outside. While they are sitting and resting before they leave for home again they encounter with a lot of other people from the neighbourhood. They meet and greet people, sometimes talk for so long that they loose the sense of time. The benches are located under trees and provide for shade and cool temperature. This provides them with a comfortable environment such that they can do such activities on a regular basis.

Going to Peepal tree

After an exhaustive mapping of activities through dot maps, interviews and documenting the site, a set of activities were identified as a system and were deconstructed to learn about how everyday social life patterns occur and interact with each other in public realm. Five most prominent activities were taken into consideration namely, walking, vending, going to derasar, going to peepal tree and playing. Walking is prominently observed activity on site with limited or probably no supporting infrastructure such as adequate space to walk. The activitity is observed being practiced in the morning and evening time, repetitively in a loop around the central space irrespective of time. User groups involved in this activities are mostly elderly and young. Residents of the society are health conscious and many of them follow a routine for walking to stay healthy and fit. One such most used route is mentioned here in the diagram. It also acts as an anchor to bring people out of their everyday life and interact socially as it happens on both individual and group basis. People often gather around the benches for resting after finishing several rounds of the loop. Vending is another activity that happens everyday in Vijaynagar. It involves all kinds of vendors from fruits and vegetables to kabadiwala and pastiwalas. There are fixed vendors for particular activities. Entry to the society is not restricted hence makes the movements of vendors much easier. They walk through the site and are often observed resting under trees on one corner of the benches or near them. Vendors are another attractors to bring people out of their houses and they also provide an opportunity to interact with people.

There is a huge population of children and youngsters in Vijaynagar, and playing becomes an integral part of their routine. The central ground is occupies by the students of Vijaynagar school in the day time on week days, it is occupied by kid of Vijaynagar in the evenings (but not after it is dark), by the youth forum of Vijaynagar on sunday mornings, as well as kids coming down from wadaj play cricket on this ground on sundays. Few streets of vijaynagar become active again in late evening by children playing on the streets post dinner.

vending

going to derasar

Watering Peepal tree holds prominent cultural value in the Hindu religion, as Lord Vishnu recites in the tree. It is observed that between 8-10 in the morning old and retired men and women come to water Peepal tree.

Going to derasar is a religious belief. Eventhough there is the same God, sitting in your houseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s temple, people tend to go to religious centres as they not only offer peace and gratitude but also acts as an interaction spot to extend your interests socially. It gives an opportunity to interact with different people who come to the same place, maybe from different backgrounds. Few residents of the site practice strict Jainism which includes going to derasar barefoot everyday and not talking to anyone while going. They do not even touch anything when they are in a particular clothing attire while going to the derasar and coming back. The site provides multiple options in terms of routes as it follows a grid pattern, but walking barefoot on a tar road in hot climate of Ahmedabad on everyday basis is a task. The system was taken into consideration to find out more about such interesting anticipations of a religious practice on everyday social patterns. Going to peepal tree is another religious belief and a practice that has been being followed since the very inception of Hindu religion. Most likely old age people are observed doing this activity in the morning time. Few vendors also come around the same time everyday hence such overlaps of activities makes multiple reasons available for people to come out of their houses and socially get involved with their neighbours and surroundigs. Playing is another prominent activity on site. The central ground is occupies by the students of Vijaynagar school to come and play in free lectures or PE lectures in the day time on weekdays. It is occupied by kids of Vijaynagar in the evenings (but not after it is dark) to play different games like cricket, football, cycling etc., by the youth forum of Vijaynagar on Sunday mornings for pre-organised cricket matches as well as kids coming down from Vadaj to play cricket on Sundays. The liveliness index of the site is increased significantly due to this activity. 22

Humanising Urban Spaces

going to peepal tree BUD Portfolio

playing 23

The streets are lit at n to stay even after it benches , as well as ters during the journ back becomes a pa

Going to Derasar With Jains as its predominant community, its people diligently follow the culture of going to the Derasar everyday. Depending upon their daily routine people visit the Derasar once or twice a day. Derasar opens at 7 am and closes at 8pm at night. It is observed that people of old age both men and women come to Derasar, generally on foot, twice a day. They follow a single route everyday, calling their friends to accompany them on the way. They leave together, pray and sit on the benches outside. While they are sitting and resting before they leave for home again they encounter with a lot of other people from the neighbourhood. They meet and greet people, sometimes talk for so long that they loose the sense of time. The benches are located under trees and provide for shade and cool temperature. This provides them with a comfortable environment such that they can do such activities on a regular basis. The streets are lit at night, which allows them to stay even after it is dark. The lights, the trees, benches , as well as all the people one encounters during the journey from home to Derasar and back becomes a part of a system. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I live in Vijaynagar and I come here everyday. It is very nice and overwhelming to have a Derasar so close to my home. It might get difficult to walk in summers or afternoons but I am glad that I at least have it around to which I can walk everyday. Some of my friends also come there daily and we also sit and talk for sometime after we are done with our daily rituals. Aartis are also beutiful in the evening time.â&#x20AC;? - Manisha Shah 24

Humanising Urban Spaces

BUD Portfolio

Going to Peepal tree Trees are an integral part of our surroundings also responding to our environment. There are many benefits of being surrounded by trees. Hindu religions has also acknowledged the importance of trees and worshiping trees has been a part of Hindu cultural practices for a long time. Watering Peepal tree holds prominent cultural value in the Hindu religion, as Lord Vishnu recites in the tree. It is observed that between 8-10 in the morning old and retired men and women walk to the Peepal tree, water it, spend some time sitting and chit chatting under a tree, and women buy vegetables and fruits from the vendors on their way back home. Thus, the tree not only becomes a part of their everyday activity but also becomes a major spot for chance encounters in a public realm. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am an old man almost 70 years old now. I live nearby and I live with my son and his family. I have been coming here to worship ever since I came to live in the society which is almost as old as this society. I have seen all these trees grow in my lifetime. I like coming here and sitting for a while watching these kids playing around. It makes my morning happier. You younger generation do not have time for all these activities as you have to run to work everyday in the morning and might have ten other important stuff to finish before that. I see my son doing that everyday. But i do not blame you guys. It is a cultural tradition that I have been following ever since I was young but the lifestyle is changing today. Priorities are also changing so I do not expect others to follow these rituals in my house but I must say I am very lucky to be staying in such a neighbourhood where i get to choose my daily routine and it has such wonderful trees under which I can spend my retired life.â&#x20AC;? - Kamal Patel 26

Humanising Urban Spaces

BUD Portfolio

Playing There is a huge population of children and youngsters in Vijaynagar, and playing becomes an integral part of their routine. The central ground is occupies by the students of Vijaynagar school to come and play in free lectures or PE lectures in the day time on weekdays. It is occupied by kids of Vijaynagar in the evenings (but not after it is dark) to play different games like cricket, football, cycling etc., by the youth forum of Vijaynagar on Sunday mornings for pre-organised cricket matches as well as kids coming down from Vadaj to play cricket on Sundays. Few streets of vijaynagar become active again in late evening by children playing on the streets post dinner. Hence, playing becomes another prominent system of activities at different locations of the site throughout the day. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We love to play cricket. We often play cricket in the ground but sometimes it is occupied by the elderly (Vijaynagar youth forum people) so we play cricket on the street only. My mummy asks me to ride bicycle only onside the ground because there are lot of vehicles coming and going on the street which she thinks if unsafe, I like to ride it on road more because it is smoother and i can ride faster outside. On sundays we do not prefer to play in the ground as Vadaj kids come to play cricket and they use abusive language so our parents ask us to not use the ground on weekends.â&#x20AC;? - Vishesh 28

Humanising Urban Spaces

BUD Portfolio

Walking Walking is one of the most prominent activities seen on site in the morning and evening times all days of the week . This activity serves two purposes, it keeps the residents of Vijaynagar live a healthy lifestyle, with a set time of walking a set number of rounds around the ground, and secondly it allows the people to socialise and interact with each other at that time. The older women of Vijaynagar have a group of their own for the purpose of walking and then gathering near one of the two benches around the ground. They say that this is the best time of their day as they can escape their homes for a little while. “ I used to work in NID for several years heading the textile in practical department and retired in 1996. I come out everyday for my morning and evening walks. I have been living here since inception of Vijaynagar society, and have seen all the changes and transitions that have come about. Unlike today, in the initial years the society comprised of mix of Marathis, Gujarati’s and Punjabi’s. At that time we used pay a negligible maintenance of only Rs. 25 per month per flat, and there are 600 flats here. Today people have formed their own associations per block or a group of blocks, for maintenance purposes.” - Manish Gupta 30

Humanising Urban Spaces

BUD Portfolio

Vending Hawkers form an important part of Vijaynagar. Hawkers comprise of Fruits - vegetable hawkers, and pastiwalas / kabadiwalas. Majority of the families of Vijaynagar depend on them for the same. With a set timing of 8 am to 12 pm, these hawkers spend their time yelling names of vegetables and calling out their daily customers. Through the hawkers another set of activity is generated of people (generally women) interacting with each other while purchasing vegetables/fruits, giving them an excuse to get out of their house for a while. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have been working here since 4 years now and come here every single day of the week from Memnagar. I start from Jaymangal society, then go Santosh Park and end my day with Vijaynagar.â&#x20AC;? - Om Pastivala 32

Humanising Urban Spaces

BUD Portfolio

Open space outside kidzee and the Peepal tree

Edge of the playground

Spot Activities After an exhaustive mapping of activities through dot maps, interviews, documenting the site and system activities, a set of activities were identified and documented as spot activities to learn about how everyday social life interactions occur at specific spots in a public realm. Five most active spots were taken on site to be documented namely, both the benches, a vendor as an anchor, peepal tree and one of the entry junctions of the site. There are only two sets of benches that are present on site on two edges of the central space, both facing the major entrances to the site. They are quite easily visible from the far end of the entrance of the site. Though they are similar in nature and function, there is a social divide and a mutual understanding between the residents that one side of the benches are mostly used by vendors and hawkers, men and young boys to sit, rest, talk or hangout and the other set of benches are predominantly used by the ladies and other residents of the society. Both the spots act as pause points for many visitors and residents to interact with their friends both visually and verbally. It is also placed in the middle as anyone passing by is visible and gives one chance to at least visually interact with people if not verbally. There are animal feeding spots around these benches. Hence, when people come out to gather or walk around the ground, they bring leftover food for animals to eat. “I am a retired DSP officer, and am living in Vijaynagar for 25 years now. Since the paralysis has hit me I come here everyday with my caretaker twice a day to get some fresh air. We take a round from my house and sit here for half hour or so, I find this the best spot in the society as I can see several people passing through, those knowing me greet me and we converse for sometime.” - Ramakant Shah “ I just picked her up from the tuition classes, She studies in Ahmedabad International School in Bodakdev, and commutes through school bus, which stops on the main road. I usually take him along too because he is always excited to go out. You can see how that puppy intrigues him. I have been living here since 40 years now, you see the house in front of the common plot? Yes, I live right there. I find this place really calm, as compared to many new places coming up these days. I come out every evening for a walk, during that time I chit-chat with my friends living in and around this neighbourhood and gather on those benches.” - Rashmiben Patel Peepal tree also becomes a major interaction spot for elderly in the morning time as there are less people on site due to busy life schedules of people running to work. There is a playschool around the semi open space of the peepal tree where kids freely play and run around. Many elderly people often tend to sit on the plinth of the tree and enjoy kids playing around. Few vendors also come around the same time when people come out to offer water to the tree and worship everyday. Hence, it gives more incentives to people to come out and spend time outside their homes and interact with their surroundings. Vending is another activity that happens everyday in Vijaynagar. It involves all kinds of vendors from fruits and vegetables to kabadiwala and pastiwalas. There are fixed vendors for particular activities. Entry to the society is not restricted hence makes the movements of vendors much easier. They walk through the site and are often observed resting under trees on one corner of the benches or near them. Vendors are another attractors to bring people out of their houses and they also provide an opportunity to interact with people. 34

Humanising Urban Spaces

BUD Portfolio

Humanising Urban Spaces

BUD Portfolio

Humanising Urban Spaces

BUD Portfolio

03 DESIGN TIME PROBLEM

Different kinds of open spaces(private, semi private, semi public, public) at multiple levels | chances of vertical interactions in dense fabrics 42

Humanising Urban Spaces

BUD Portfolio

04 CASE STUDIES

DHAL NI POL, AHMEDABAD CASE STUDY | DHAL NI POL, AHMEDABAD, INDIA Hierarchy of Spaces

small streets, side lanes, shrines, and open community spaces with a Chabutro (a bird house raised on a pole) to feed birds in the neighborhood. These neighborhoods have their own urban structure which is self sufficient for the communities, where each pol is also a self sufficient unit. As the individual Pol is an entity by itself, the neighborhood is also an entity at a larger scale. So, the progression goes further, which gives the city an urban pattern consisting of these neighborhoods that downscale to a house. The different scales of spaces support different types of activities among different types of people. The activities in Pols change according to time of the day as well as time of the year.

CASE STUDY DHAL NI POL, AHMEDABAD

Pols are enclosed residential structures entered by gates, which used to be shut at nights. The essence of a Pol is a network of small streets, side lanes, shrines, and open community spaces with a Chabutro (a bird house raised on a pole) to feed birds in the neighborhood. These neighborhoods have their own urban structure which is self sufficient for the communities, where each pol is also a self sufficient unit. As the individual Pol is an entity by itself, the neighborhood is also an entity at a larger scale. So, the Pols are enclosed residential structures entered which progression goes further, which gives the cityby angates, urban pattern these neighborhoods a house. The used to beconsisting shut atofnights. The essencethat of downscale a Pol is ato network of different of spaces support different of activitiesspaces among Polssmall are enclosed residential structures entered byand gates, whichtypes streets, sidescales lanes, shrines, open community used to be shut at nights. The essence of a Pol is aactivities network in of Pols change according different types of people. The with a Chabutro (a bird raised onthe a year. pole) to feed birds in small streets, side to lanes, andhouse open timeshrines, of the day as wellcommunity as time of spaces

neighborhood. their own urban withthe a Chabutro (a bird house These raised onneighborhoods a pole) to feed birdshave in the structure neighborhood. Theseisneighborhoods have their own urban which self sufficient for the communities, where each structure which is self sufficient for the communities, where each a self unit. sufficient unit. AsPolthe Pol is an entity by pol pol is alsoisaalso self sufficient As the individual is anindividual entity by itself, the neighborhood is also an entity at a larger scale. So, itself, the neighborhood is also an entity at the a larger scale. So, the progression goes further, which gives the city an urban pattern progression goes further, which gives the city an urban pattern consisting of these neighborhoods that downscale to a house. The consisting of these neighborhoods that downscale to a house. The different scales of spaces support different types of activities among different types of people. activities in Pols change according different scales ofThe spaces support different types of activities among to time of the day as well as time of the year. different types of people. The activities in Pols change according to time of the day as well as time of the year.

Male

Female

Commercial Mixed Use Commercial

Male

Residential

Mixed Use

Female

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Female

Residential

Mixed Use

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Female

Commercial Mixed Use

Dhal ni Pol, Ahmedabad

Male

Commercial

Residential Female Mixed Use

Commercial Mixed Use

Commercial

Humanising Urban Spaces

Mixed Use

Residential Mixed Use

BUD Portfolio

Residential

Female Mixed Use

Male Mixed Use Male Mixed Use

Female Residential Female

Residential

Female

Commercial Mixed Use Commercial Male

Male

Residential

Residential Mixed Use

Male

Female

Mixed Use

Residential

Female

Residential

Male Mixed Use

Female Residential

Male

Female

Residential

increasing accessibility amongst the various clusters Central pedestrian axis, increasing accessibility amongst the various clusters

courtyard, increasing eyes on the street enhancing the safety of the neighborhood All openings towards the central courtyard, increasing eyes on the street enhancing the safety of the neighborhood

through a swings, library. slides. The library becomes a social program wall, climbing net, They have divided the space into CASE clusters STUDY which not only --fulfills its purpose of providing knowledge but also two programs in the smaller program the roof structure which becomes a mode of human interaction. although is repetitive in MEXICO nature but functions efficiently for each COMMON UNITY, cluster, the larger program includes bringing together all the four

placed in the center of the courtyard, supporting various activities, along with a library. Modules with roof structures placed in the center of the courtyard, supporting various activities, along with a library.

clusters through a library. The library becomes a social program which not only fulfills its purpose of providing knowledge but also becomes a mode of human interaction.

Library

“The main objective was to transform a sectored housing a Common-Unity, designing with the community”, Rozana the architect of Common-Unity. Previously the clusters ha and Adults in between them restricting free access; with courtyard in Roof structure themofbeing used with temporary structures for recreational The Library is centrally placed such that it is easily accessible from all the clusters and is available for people Movie screening Children all age groups. Adultsof recreation The architects have tried to maintain thisand idea Roof structure in the courtyard and have introduced modules, comprisin structures, supporting various types of activities like rock wall, climbing net, swings, slides. They have divided the sp two programs -- in the smaller program the roof structu although is repetitive in nature but functions efficiently All openings towards the central Modules with roof structures cluster, the larger program includes bringing together al courtyard, increasing eyes on placed in the center of the clusters through a library. The library becomes a social the street enhancing the safety courtyard, supporting various which not only fulfills its purpose of providing knowledge of the neighborhood activities, along with a library. becomes a mode of human interaction. Central pedestrian axis, All openings towards the central Modules with roof structures increasing accessibility amongst courtyard, increasing eyes on placed in the center of the the the street the safety courtyard, various for Thevarious Libraryclusters is centrally placed such that it isenhancing easily accessible from all the clusterssupporting and is available of the neighborhood activities, along with a library. all age groups.

Central pedestrian axis, increasing accessibility amongst the various clusters

“The main objective was to transform a sectored housing unit into a Common-Unity, designing with the community”, Rozana Montiel the architect of Common-Unity. Previously the clusters had fences in between them restricting free access; with courtyard in each of them being used with temporary structures for recreational activities. The architects have tried to maintain this idea of recreational space in the courtyard and have introduced modules, comprising of roof structures, supporting various types of activities like rock climbing wall, climbing net, swings, slides. They have divided the space into two programs -- in the smaller program the roof structure which although is repetitive in nature but efficiently for each “The main objective wasfunctions to transform a sectored housing cluster, the larger program includes bringing together all the four unit into a Common-Unity, designing with clusters through a library. The library becomes a social programthe community”. people which of not only fulfills its purpose of providing knowledge but also Movie screening Children becomes a mode of human interaction.

The Library is centrally placed such that it is easily accessible from all the clusters and is available for people of

Movie screening

all age groups. Presence of trees and orientation of buildings keep the courtyard shaded during the day time.

Climbing net Roof structure

Presence of trees and orientation of buildings keep the courtyard shaded during the day time. Library

Common Unity, Mexico “The main objective was to transform a sectored housing unit into a Common-Unity, designing with the community”, Rozana Montiel the architect of Common-Unity. Previously the clusters had fences in between them restricting free access; with courtyard in each of them being used with temporary structures for recreational activities. The architects have tried to maintain this idea of recreational space in the courtyard and have introduced modules, comprising of roof structures, supporting various types of activities like rock climbing wall, climbing net, swings, slides. They have divided the space into two programs -- in the smaller program the roof structure which although is repetitive in nature but functions efficiently for each cluster, the larger program includes bringing together all the four clusters through a library. The library becomes a social program which not only fulfills its purpose of providing knowledge but also becomes a mode of human interaction.

Humanising Urban Spaces

Climbing net

Children

ChildrenandSwinging Adults

Rock climbing

Children Swinging

Rock climbing

Library

Presence of trees and orientation of buildings keep the courtyard shaded during the day time.

The roof structure embedded with different playful programs repeat in all the clusters, Library in the center becomes a larger strategy bringing together the entire neighborhood

Climbing net

Children Swinging

Rock climbing

Library

The roof structure embedded with different playful programs repeat in all the clusters, Library in the center becomes a larger strategy bringing together the entire neighborhood

BUD Portfolio

05 MASTER PLAN DEVELOPMENT

Analysis Analysis Analysis Proposed Metro Station

Shri Verai Mata Mandir

Jain Upashray

Kidzee pre-school

" !

Jain Upashray

# Kidzee pre-school

" !

" ! " !

Vijaynagar Ground

" ! " !

Vijaygar Derasar & Upashray

Jain Upashray

Vijaynagar Ground

" ! " !

" "

! Rupal Park

" " " "

Vijaygar Derasar & Upashray

Rupal Park

" "

" " Vijaygar Derasar & Upashray " " " "

" Vijaygar Derasar " & Upashray

! Rupal Park

" " " "

Ground -15% Religious Institution - 4% Educational Instituion - 8% Utilities - 1% Repair shops + Garage - 2% Offices + Shops + Banks - 5%

" " "

Food stores - 0% Residential - 65%

" " " "

Mix (Residential + Shop/Office) - 10% Parking Zones - 27%

Vijaynagar School

Primary, Secondary & Higher Secondary

" "

50m

VIJAYNAGAR

oard it was divided into three agar itself) and adjoins two ke walls or fences. Hence, the cted by all.

| Building Use

" " " " " "

VIJAYNAGAR | BASE PLAN community

50m

1 Existing meeting places on site are limited to two points and the usage ction, hence only of the ground is negligible and is clearly under utilised. Hence, current ground. Facade on site conditions incentivise to create porous and inviting public open ards the ground, ore the openings space that offers multiple chance encounters.

Society Boundaries

map

Liveliness

Vijaynagar Society

Vijaynagar School " Primary, Secondary

" " & Higher Secondary "

" " " " " "

10 20 50m

Only few streets are active throughout the day because of lack of transitional spaces, existing street conditions and its usage. It gives an opportunity to create several spaces at multiple levels such that it maximises not only the eyes on street effect and hence the safety but also gives a reason to people to come out.

The opening up of local streets onto arterial streets along with the grid structure of the local streets, make the society more accessible to the non residents.

Existing street layout

3 few of the many semi open spaces are available on site and is Only also limited to ground level. More such open spaces can be created at multiple levels to enhance social interactions and give options of places to go.

Existing street layout follows a grid pattern which offers multiple m options to move and80easily orient oneself. Retaining the grid on the ground and breaking the monotony in the third dimension by creating m m 80 80 multiple through cutouts in the building adds up to the element of surprise and gives a new experience every time. 11 0m

BUD Portfolio

Humanising Urban Spaces

Vijaynaga

Available semi open spaces on ground

28% 51%

street hierarchy

nd doors

VIJAYNAGAR | BASE PLAN " " building heights

50m

Existing attractor points

" Primary, Secondary & Higher Secondary

" "

s and balconies

Predominently Jain Community

" " " " " "

Ground Entry

" " " Vijaynagar School

About the Project The study focuses on how both the inside and outside open spaces are dealt with in different ways (private, semi private, semi public, public). It looks at how the spillover spaces of different households shape their respective open spaces based on particular activities and how does it affect the built environment as well as social encounters or vice versa. The study further extends to know about how the community or social gatherings take place on everyday and occasional bases within the given framework of current open spaces. The essence of the place is captured through mediums of photography, videography, on site interactions, interviews, focused group discussions and conceptual diagrams. The information is further analysed with the place making theories of Jan Gehl for public spaces (at neighbourhood level) and Christian Norberg Schulze (at both individual block/ household level and neighbourhood level). The neighbourhood is reimagined in such a way that it creates multiples options to enhance the everyday life experiences emerging from existing social and cultural patterns on site and creates maximum possibilities of chance encounters through series of elements at different levels. 54

Proposed Metro Station

Masterplan The overall masterplan looks at creating space as a system of places. It focuses on creating a network of semi open spaces (series of transitional spaces opening into public realm unlike current situation where the building directly opens onto streets) encouraging free pedestrian movements.

Public Library

Vijaynagar Derasar

Vijaynagar School

Proposed Vehicular Movement

Anchors, movement generators and major interaction spots

The block is roughly 300-350m in both length and width which is a walkable distance and has all the necessary daily essential shops around. To encourage the health factor and referring to Gehl’s idea of walking and biking as part of everyday activities, the internal streets of the site are pedestrianised for everyday use. The vehicular movement is limited to the other loop. Although, the ratio of building height vs width of the street is such that in emergency cases the streets can be accessible to vehicles in few internal loops. Existing street pattern follows a grid structure which offers multiple options to move and easily orient oneself as per Kevin Lynch’s five elements for orientation mentioned in Schulz’s theory. At the same time, the vertical surfaces are designed to break the monotonous grid structure of streets. Hence, multiple experiences are created at different levels.

A’

B’

Trees are given utmost importance. All existing trees are retained and few more are introduced in transitional spaces.

Network of semi open spaces

Network of trees Humanising Urban Spaces

It focuses on existing usage patterns of the site and enhances its experience through introducing new patterns of spaces, streets and surfaces. BUD Portfolio

0 10

50m

semi open spaces 55

Area Statement

Single ownership of Gujarat Housing Board Site area

95,854 sq m Existing

Proposed Shri Verai Mata Mandir

Open area

65,106 sq m (68%)

57,513 sq m (60%)

Ground coverage

30,748 sq m (32%)

38,341 sq m (40%)

Building heights

G+2

G+ 9-11 Jain Upashray

FSI

0.9

4.0 Kidzee pre-school

Total population

3321

9000

Vijaynagar Ground

walkability porosity connectivity

Vijaygar Derasar & Upashray

Rupal Park

accessibility community living chance encounters social interactions

Ground Entry Vijaynagar School

Society Boundaries

human dimension 56

Primary, Secondary & Higher Secondary

Vijaynagar Society

VIJAYNAGAR | BASE PLAN Humanising Urban Spaces

BUD Portfolio

50m

Vijaynagar : overall massing

Humanising Urban Spaces

BUD Portfolio

A’

B’

through and through building cutouts 60

Humanising Urban Spaces

BUD Portfolio

cores 61

existing going to derasar - existing

Masterplan | concept and program Going to Derasar Going to derasar for worship and religious practices is a part of most of the residents of the site as the community is mainly Jain. They follow certain rituals like walking barefoot to the derasar and not talking to anybody until you are done with your daily prayers in a particular attire. Existing routes are very strict and on street. Which makes it difficult with vehicles moving around you and walking barefoot on tar roads in hot weather. Hence, in the proposed masterplan, multiple semi open spaces are linked through pedestrianised street network which not only provides a pleasant experience to walk safely but also offers multiple options of loops that people can take making a choice. It also offers several pause points where they can rest while coming back as old age people prefer to sit and chit chat with their friends on their way back home. 62

going to derasar - proposed proposed

Humanising Urban Spaces

BUD Portfolio

walking - existing existing

Masterplan | concept and program Evening walk and cycling Walking is a prominent activity on site. Currently it happens only in one loop around the central space in a strict manner. People tend to walk around the central space because of the notion of being around the open space. It gives them an experience of freshness and openness which other streets fail to do so. Although, there is no such footpath or any other pedestrian friendly infrastructure available on site. Also, kids tend to cycle around a lot in the central space but not on streets as it is not safe to do so with overpowering vehicular movements. Hence, in the proposed masterplan, multiple semi open spaces are linked through pedestrianised street network which not only provides a pleasant experience to walk and cycle safely on street but also offers multiple options of loops that people can take making a choice. 64

proposed walking - proposed Humanising Urban Spaces

BUD Portfolio

existing vendors and groceries - existing

Masterplan | concept and program Vending and buying daily essentials Currently, the vendor goes to multiple streets and calls out for his regular customers. Despite of that, people walk to the nearby grocery stores to buy daily essentials and fruits and vegetables from the vendor sitting next to the shop. There are lot of houses which comprise of ladies who make snacks at home and sell it. Hence, in the proposed masterplan, multiple spaces in and around the central space are offered to conduct such activities which not only pushes people to come out but also attracts multiple stakeholders to the central space and makes it more lively and interactive.

proposed vendors and groceries - proposed 66

Humanising Urban Spaces

BUD Portfolio

school kids movement - existing existing

Masterplan | concept and program Coming to the ground from school Vijaynagar school kids come to utilise the ground in their free lectures or physical education lectures. While doing so, they walk on the main road with heavy vehicular traffic which does not even have adequate footpath. It is clearly very unsafe. Also, due to current unmaintained ground conditions, only a part of the ground is utilised to its full potential. Hence, in the proposed masterplan, multiple semi open spaces are linked through pedestrianised street network which not only provides a pleasant experience to walk safely on street but also offers multiple options of loops that can be taken as a choice. The ground is converted into such a space that also provides multiple options for kids according to their mood and need. 68

proposed school kids movement - proposed Humanising Urban Spaces

BUD Portfolio

06 CENTRAL SPACE DEVELOPMENT

Semi open space

Public open space 72

Humanising Urban Spaces

BUD Portfolio

Vijaynagar : central space space elements Vijaynagar : central elements Central Space | concept and program For Everyday Activities

Seating under a tree

Tree planter as a seating with backrest

Central

walking

fitness centre

stretching equipments spaces for yoga open ground for playing outdoor games seating spaces resting / sleeping spaces playground for kids vending spaces

Multifunctional seating that can work as both table and backrest (mainly to sit and or work under a tree)

Bird feeder steps as seating

open

Seating under a tree Tree planter as a seating Tree planter as a Seating with a wall builtTree built Seating under a tree Tree planter as a seating Tree planter as a planter as a Fat staggered Seating with a wall with backrest

outdoor gym

Seating with a wall at the back and a canopy (temporary vending space)

For Occasional Activities

open

cycling

Tree planter as a seating without Spacebackrest | elements

public laundries library/ reading room discussion/ meeting Tree planter as a Tree planter as a room seating with backrest

with backrest gathering spaces

amphitheatre lawn

Bird feeder steps Multifunctional Multifunctional Bird feeder steps seating without Planter as a seating shade at the back and a aswith seating seating that can seating without seating with backrest at the back and a seating that can as seating bollards that work as backrest canopy (temporary work as both table backrest and plinth stylescreening width canopy (temporary work as both table seating individually or vending space) and backrest movie Vijaynagar : central space elements that can be used to vending space) backrest in groups (mainly to and sit and rest (mainly or work under a to sit and community hall or work under a tree) tree)

Diﬀerent levels for added experience of the space, swings under the connecting bridge near play area

open ground

Fat staggered Planter as a seating with shade Fatwork staggered Planter as a seating with shade smallthat event spaces bollards as seating with backrest bollards that work as and plinth style width seating individually or plinth that can beand used to style width in groups seating individually or upashray that can be used to in groups rest Undulating ground surfaces surrounded by natural rest elements like trees and waterbody enhancing the quality spaces to make and sell of space

Different levels for added levels for added experienceDifferent of the space, Seating under a experience tree Tree of theplanter space, as a seating swings under the connecting with backrest swings under the connecting bridge near play area bridge near play area Central structure with offering different experiences at different levels

Tree planter as a Seating with a wall seating without at the back and a backrest canopy (temporary Steps as seatingvending spaces space)

M se wo an (m or tre

gruh udhyog items cafe

playschool / daycare centre

Tree planter as a Fat staggered seating with backrest bollards that work as Central structure with offering different experiences at Undulating ground surfaces surrounded by natural Steps seating spaces and plinth styleas width seating individually or Central structure with offering different experiences at Undulating ground surfaces surrounded by natural different levels spaces elements like trees and waterbody enhancing the quality that can be used toSteps as seating in groups different levels elements like trees and waterbody enhancing the quality of space rest of space

Planter as a seating with shade

animal/ bird feeders reading/ working spots

Undulating ground surfaces surrounded by natural elements like trees and waterbody enhancing the quality of space 74

Humanising Urban Spaces

BUD Portfolio

Central structure with offering different experiences at different levels 75

library fitness centre public laundry ramp (going upto 3m) pond mounds central structure amphitheatre vending space

Central Space

playground

The space is created using several physical elements that are emerged through the extensive study and mapping of existing site conditions, needs and patterns of use. Different elements come together and create multiple options of places to go to, building unique characters that provide multiple sets of experiences at different levels. The elements are designed keeping the human dimension in mind. All the spaces are inspired from the place making theories of both Jan Gehl and Christian Norberg Schulz. The constant attempt is to make the space more inviting, lively, safe and interactive. The space is designed with multiple pause points as well as seamless pedestrian movements.

outdoor gym cycle stand playschool / daycare centre bird / animal feeders ramp (going upto 3m) commercial space for gruh udhyog Humanising Urban Spaces

BUD Portfolio

50m

Morning

Afternoon

Activities

vegetables/ fruits vendors washing and drying clothes resting bird/ animal feeding reading books/ newspaper working cutting vegetables going to gruh udhyog store making snacks (gruh udhyog activity)

walking running jogging yoga stretching laughing club dog walk going to derasar going to school going to work bird/ animal feeding watering trees cycling reading book/ newspaper tea/ juice/ snack vendors washing and drying clothes washing cars playing sitting

User groups residents (men) residents (women) house help (men) house help (women) vendors

Age groups

User groups

young (20-30) young (30-40) young (40-50) elderly (50 - 60)

residents (men) residents (women) kids coming to playschool stray animals vendors

Age groups kids (3-10) children (11-20) young (20-30) young (30-40) young (40-50) elderly (50 - 60) 78

Humanising Urban Spaces

BUD Portfolio

Evening

Night

walking running jogging yoga stretching laughing club dog walk going to derasar coming back from school coming back from work bird/ animal feeding swinging cycling reading book/ newspaper fruits/ vegetable/ pasti vendors gathering sitting playing

walking running jogging dog walk cycling gathering sitting

User groups residents (men) residents (women)

Age groups young (20-30) young (30-40) young (40-50) elderly (50 - 60) old (60 and above)

User groups residents (men) residents (women) children stray animals vendors house help

Age groups kids (3-10) children (11-20) young (20-30) young (30-40) young (40-50) elderly (50 - 60) old (60 and above) 80

Humanising Urban Spaces

BUD Portfolio

Throughout the day walking running jogging dog walk cycling gathering sitting yoga stretching laughing club going to derasar going to and coming back from school going to and coming back from work bird/ animal feeding swinging cycling reading book/ newspaper tea/ juice/ snack vendors fruits/ vegetables vendors kabadiwala pastiwala gathering sitting playing User groups residents (men) residents (women) children passerbys vendors

Proposed activities and movements

Age groups

The darkest colour of the diagram shows the most active parts of the central space throughout the day which is mostly the peripheral part. It is clearly observed that one or the other part of the space is always going to be active throughout the day as the spaces are created as multifaceted meeting places not just catering to one particular functions. Coming together of multiple elements at different levels creates multiple experiences through spaces to make mundane everyday life activities more enjoyable and efficient. It provides opportunities, encourages and pushes people to come out of their private spaces and interact in the public realm. It offers multiple anchors that not only welcomes them for incidental chance encounters but also gives a reason to STAY! 82

Humanising Urban Spaces

young (20-30) young (30-40) young (40-50) elderly (50 - 60) old (60 and above) BUD Portfolio

1 2

gathering around vendor outside fitness centre 4

resting spots under trees with larger plinths 5

a birthday party in the lawn 6

8 9

small event gathering in the lawn 6

gathering outside public laundry 8

children from school coming to playground 9

staggered bollards acting as seating spaces 84

Humanising Urban Spaces

BUD Portfolio

amphitheatre being used for school functions

vending in the evening time 85

concrete paver blocks brick planter with seating lawn brick wall stone paved seating tree planter with stone paved seating bollards vending spaces with temporary canopy structures bird / animal feeder brick wall as seating

Part plan The plan shows different materials taken into consideration for building the central space with several activities. 86

Humanising Urban Spaces

BUD Portfolio

concrete paver blocks brick planter with seating brick wall stone paved seating tree planter with stone paved seating bollards vending spaces with temporary structures bird feeder brick wall as seating

Part plan The plan shows different materials taken into consideration for building the central space with several activities. 88

Humanising Urban Spaces

BUD Portfolio

Humanising Urban Spaces

BUD Portfolio

Humanising Urban Spaces

BUD Portfolio

Humanising Urban Spaces

BUD Portfolio

07 URBAN EDGE DEVELOPMENT

Different kinds of open spaces(private, semi private, semi public, public) at multiple levels | chances of vertical interactions in dense fabrics both visual and verbal 98

Humanising Urban Spaces

BUD Portfolio

08 URBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES

• Vehicular movements in walkable blocks upto 400m should be restricted to outer loops only, as it gives more opportunities for free movements in the available open space and encourages a healthy lifestyle by promoting green mobility, walking or cycling as part of everyday activities. • Loops should be created such that pedestrian movement and hence kind of activities are not hindered in the open space. • Building height vs street width ratio should not increase 2:1. At least double the amount of setback should be left if required. • In high density fabrics of more than 30% of total area ground coverage, breathing cutouts of at least 2-3% of the building width (through and through) should be given at maximum of 20m distance. • Building securities should be designed such that publicly accessible spaces do not hinder the flow of residents. • Vehicles should be permitted in only emergency conditions in the inner street network.

102

Humanising Urban Spaces

BUD Portfolio

103