Acknowledgements ‘What came to you first? Architecture or Landscape?’ ‘Landscape’, I said ‘That is the charm of nature’ I am deeply grateful to Ar. Aniket Bhagwat and Professor Prabhakar Bhagwat for the intensive semester at their office, to help me find my trail. And much else, besides. I thank Ar. Nidhi Parikh and Ar. Narendra Mangwani for their sound advice on the mechanics of the dissertation. Their enthusiasm on meticulously shaping the project is something I shall treasure. I am grateful to my guide Ar. Shweta Trivedi for her constant support throughout the time period and the gruelling discussions with her shepherded me to achieve more. Thank you, Ar. Advaita Jalan, for being a backbone to us students. Intensive discussions with Professor Bijoy Bordoloi, Professor Hetal Shah and Professor Shashikant Kumar were also of great significance to me. And then, there are innumerable associates who help us realise our visions. I record Anjali Rajmohan, Shailee Mody and Vihangi Shah for being my transparent critics. Bhagyashree Patel, Meghana Patel, Ronak Sheth and Vidisha Shah for being there on fuzzy times. My minions: Ashita Muralidharan, Mauli Jash, Mitalee Parikh, Shalaka Shah. Thank you! Finally, I acknowledge the love and support of my family and friends for their strength during my highs and lows in architecture. I would always be deeply indebted to my father’s generosity, my mother’s uninhibited love and my sister’s untold sustenance. They have my love always.
Contents Forward
• Landform patterns and processes
Introduction
Structure of earth
Aims and objectives
Volcanism
Scopes and limitations
Molding the land: Erosive structures – Depositional structures
Patterns
Landform shape and structure: Western Ghats
• What are patterns ?
Rivers and hydrology
Around us Geometry and patterns Patterns created by nature
Conclusions
Cultural patterns and processes
People‘s patterns
Settlement patterns
Perception of patterns
Introduction The Village Development Towns and Cities: Organic – Planned
Attitude of settlements in India Influenced by land: Shahjanabad Modified by land: Ujjain Physical presence of land: Nathdwara Symbolic values of land: Vijayanagara Lavasa
Taming the datum • Analysis Base plan Elevation map
Urban compatibility map Urban matrix
• Design
Slope analysis
Master plan
Hydrology
Datums
Forest map Land compatibility map
• Bibliography
Opening statement There is a predictable sameness creeping over the face
landscaping is arranged.
of Indian landscape. Since the early 1990s, highways,
If we look a little deeper, it is apparent that landscape
shopping centers, residential subdivisions and most other
diversity is rooted in the varied physiographic and ecological
development forms have taken on a remarkable similarity.
character of the continent and this in turn reflects the
Not only do they look alike, but modern developments
differences in the way terrestrial environment functions.
also tend to function alike, including the way they relate to
Does is not seem reasonable then that development and
the environment, that is, in the way the land is cleared and
land use also reflects these differences if they are to be
graded, storm water drainage, buildings are situated and
responsive to the environment?
Background concept ‘The shape of architecture is the shape of earth as it
response to the challenge- the threat, the opportunity- that
is modified by the structures of mankind. Out of that
nature seems to offer in any given place. It follows, therefore
relationship, human beings fashion an environment for
that first fact of architecture is the topography of a place
themselves, a space to live in, suggested by their patterns
and the way human beings respond to it with their own
of life and constructed around whatever symbols of reality
constructed form.’
seems important to them. Most of all, that environment and
Scully Vincent. Architecture – the nature and the manmade. page 1
those structures invest the vast in-difference of nature with meaning intelligible to, indeed imagined by mankind, and
Virtually, every modern field of science makes contributions
they involve in the end all those complex relationships of
toward resolving societal problems. Planning is concerned
human building with each other that shape within nature a
with the use of resources, especially those of landscape, and
new man made topography: the human entire city.
how to allocate them in a manner consistent with people’s
But underneath all the complexity of those urban situations,
goals. It is the striking similarity between nature’s patterns
complexity still exists: the fact that nature and humanity’s
varied over an impeccable scale, that is intriguing.
Abstract ‘Let us accept the proposition that nature is process, which
The second part of the study then looks at cultural patterns
is interacting, that it responds to laws, representing values
of various settlements in time in the Indian Context that have
and opportunities for human use with certain limitations and
submitted themselves to land. Consciously or unconsciously,
even prohibitions to certain of these.’
we seek order out of chaos. People, by their settlements,
Ian Mcharg. Design with nature. page 7
fields, roads, village layouts and towns have evolved the landscape to suit their purpose.
‘Landscape’ is ought to be understood as an operational field shaped due to constant interaction cycles between
The study, finally delves in a hypotheses that nature
natural parameters. Parallely, the urbanite approach projects
can structure the urban fabric of a place. The current
the cities by artificially imposing urban forms upon land them
development model queens economy as the only
inhabit. The dissertation tries to bridge the gap between the
determinant of urbanity, which leads to redundancy of natural
two. It accepts the idea of morphology of a settlement at
systems due to which the towns have achieved an inhuman
any given time as being an expression of forces – physical
scale. Considering the urban pressure Pune is facing, the
and human. The process is initiated by trying to see what
land in question is the Western Ghats along the Mulshi
earth teaches us in the form of visual patterns formed
River, owned by TATA Motors Pvt. Ltd. The aim is to create
through geological processes on various landforms and its
a settlement for the client at a zoning level. The project also
application in architecture.
determines the establishment of norms of city planning and design to initiate an idea of a ‘settlement’ through the patterns-process approach.
Aim Problem: To discern the place of nature in a metropolitan region To create a settlement which responds to nature, through an approach which would be, to investigate the tolerance and intolerance of the environment and landform to human use in general and to some particular uses. To derive a ‘local image’ and ‘distinct place’ value by responding to natural systems.
Emerging questions • Can nature be the determinant for the settlement patterns? • Where should be the understanding of pattern and process-based planning and design be applied? • Should the current conventional framework of designing a settlement in any landform be reviewed so that it pays extra heed to natural systems as a part of design process?
Scope Study Patterns – Overview, Geometry, Climate, Ecosystem, Land
Analysis Discerning meanings – Within a natural pattern (structure, logic, dynamism, evolution), Perception
Interpretation Matrix (Landforms – Forces – Humans)
Conclusion A settlement that propagates the idea of ‘nature over man’ than ‘man over nature’
Limitations Research : The study looks at the patterns of nature in general, studies various landforms , it’s evolution and the visual patterns it forms. The study looks at the macro level of aesthetics in natural patterns and limits itself to that.
Design : Ideally, the dissertation demands studying each landform in particular and giving guidelines for designing on each landform. Keeping the time constraint in mind, the dissertation takes up mountain and river as the landform influencing the settlement morphology and designs on the same.
Patterns
Around us Patterns are evident at a very wide range of scales from the
A standard way of moving or acting:
molecular structure of the DNA, at the microscopic level, to
Patterns can be dynamic; peoples, animals, water and wind
the spirals of galaxies in the universe. An examination of the
can all move according to standard patterns, determined
patterns reveals a surprisingly narrow range of pattern arche-
by physical forces, the environment, social structures or
types that occur everywhere
economic imperatives. It’s dependant on probabilities and principles both.
An arrangement of repeated or corresponding part, decorative motifs, etc:
A model worthy of imitation:
The repetition of similar parts can be seen everywhere, in
This reveals possibilities, whether as a model of economic
field patterns, in city layouts and architecture, in mountain
or political structures or as a model of natural structures or
peaks, or in ripple marks on sand. decorative motifs have
processes that fit a particular place and time. how far some
been used for time immemorial. thus, we attempt to make
models can be used in space, over time and varying scales.
sense of the surroundings or use patterns to create order.
A representative sample: A decorative design:
We can often learn by looking at samples of ecosystems
One of the most powerful urges is to make ourselves and
or settlement patterns, and extrapolating these patterns to
surrounding attractive. there could be many varieties: realis-
other places.
tic or abstract, traditional or modern.
A style: One of the myths about design is that it is concerned solely with visual appearance which is subject to fashion. but there are certain styles which have stood the test of time.
Uncertainty Humans are a part of the world and they contribute to
things depends on position and orientation, shape, interval,
the patterns and processes to varying degrees. Just
texture and density, colour, visual force, interlock, enclosure,
like architecture, ‘form follows function’, in landscape,
rhythm, balance, scale and proportion, asymmetry, hierarchy
sequentially, there is ‘patterns follow processes’. A lot of
and similar.
Geometric Principles
CANTOR BAR
COMPUTER GENERATED
KOCH CURVE
RIVER DELTA
ROMANESCO BROCOLLI
Manifestations of early geometry can be seen in buildings
was described by the number of lengths of segments com-
and in patterns created by bygone cultures. Geometry as a
posing the geometrical shape.
science in its original form was practiced by ancient Egyptian surveyors using sighting rods, triangulation and stretched
Plato, Aristotle :
ropes for perfectly straight lines.
Regular polyhedrons (tetrahedron, octahedron, dodecahedron) known as platonic solids were used by Plato in his
Thales of Miletus, Pythagoras of Samos :
attempts to make the scientific phenomena of the universe.
Representing numbers with shapes. triangular numbers –
these were used by early mathematicians.
1, 3, 6, 10, 15 and square numbers – 1, 4, 9, 16. Magnitude
Euclid :
Affine Geometry :
This geometry is based on the concept of three dimensions
This is relevant to the calculations and perceptions of per-
expressed as points, lines, planes, solids/voids. this is the
spective. parallel lines apparently converge to a single point
traditional way of reducing the world into its constituent
on the horizon line.
parts. it has limitations too.
Fractal Geometry : Topology :
It describes objects or patterns that are self-similar at a
Study of lines that correspond to the linear curves. it includes
range of scales or magnifications, or scale-symmetric. this
identifying different line shapes that can pass through a pat-
means that their small parts are exactly similar to their larger
tern of points arranged two dimensionally on a plane or three
or smaller appearance when magnified or reduced.
dimensionally in a space.
Perception : Gestalt Psychology Spatial cues like ‘figure and ground’ where the object of
similar in shape, colour, texture, direction or position.
element being identified stands out as a separate entity from
closure occurs when elements create a separate space.
the rest of the scene. Proximity of visual elements causes
similarity and common fate enables us to pick patterns in
them to be perceived as a discrete group when they are
how they move.
Patterns in nature
Pattern Analysis Basic patterns in nature:
Characteristics of patterns:
• Spirals
• Uniformity
• Meanders
• Space filling
• Branches
• Overall length
• Explosions
• Directness
Peter Stevens has identified some basic types of pattern as the result of topological studies of lines joining a pattern of dots. These patterns vary in total length required by each to fill the available space. Spirals are short in the total length used to fill the space but this is done extremely circuitously. Explosions are very short in distance from centre to perimeter of space but are extremely long in total length. Meanders and branches are somewhat in between.
Branching Branching patterns occur whenever a number of flows start
The elegance of natural branching patterns is greater than
from a set of initial points, whether moving in a random
that of artificially created ones because of variations in the
direction or restricted by a substrate, such as a surface tilted
angle of branching, using the principle of least work. the river
in one direction. Collision between some of the flows and
branching occurs in roughly two dimensions and the tree
their incorporation into a combined flow is inevitable. This
branching in three dimensions. The position of branching can
happens in a river system leading to a definite hierarchy of
display more variety as a result.
flow until the final order is a single flow.
Spirals
Spiral forms result from growth or deformation, when one
The processes that lead to helices are seasonal or periodic
part of the surface or object grows or expands faster than
impulses. Other processes that lead to spiral patterns are the
another. They relate closely to the fibonacci series and
movement of materials in a confined space, so that a vortex
the golden section. The petals of plants are related to
occurs when centrifugal forces are applied or a smooth
the fibancci series. The ratio of the consecutive fibonacci
continuous line is produced on the surface of a rotating
numbers is 0.618034 which is the golden section.
object. Manmade spirals are also found to be very space
Spirals occur frequently in nature because they represent
efficient like the helical staircase.
an efficient method of filling space using a single element.
Edges There are also many examples where the perception fails.
the pattern is perceived as a gradient.
Unlike meanders, the spiral is not found in vegetation
Mosaics are composed of elements with defined edges
patterns; rivers obviously show branching and meandering,
or junctions, another of the ways to characterize them is
explosions can be seen in spreading fires of forest
by structure and shape of boundaries between them. The
landscapes. human perception ranges from a few hundred
features are :
of miles based on experiences in our daily life. Mosaics arise
• Shape of the edge,
because of energy inputs in the biosphere. if the earth’s
• Hardness/softness,
surface was a closed system, it would be structure less. But,
• Contrast of the composition,
there is a constant flux as energy moves around the system.
• Contrast of the structure.
A further view is that patterns derived from the aggregations
is called graph theory. Patterns can be described using
of mosaic elements, particularly corridors connecting
shorthand diagrams of lines and circles. Spiders, necklaces,
patches, fall into a number of limited categories. This
graph cells, candelabra and rigid cells are the main types.
Packing and Cracking Patterns that concern non-linear objects occupying space
honeycomb cells. 90 degree joints are more common in non-
are packing and cracking. In stretching of homogenous
elastic materials such as fracturing solid rock.
materials some common factors have been observed :
Such surfaces or volumes are frequently best described in
120 degree, three way joints are common in the packing,
terms of fractal geometry. they look the same at decreasing
cracking and splitting of elastic materials such as shrinking
scales, especially cracks which vary in scales.
mud and cooling lava, as well as in tree crowns and
Meanders Meanders are related to spirals in several key attributes.
But a plane can be subjected to the same kinds of forces to
A spiral can result from growth impulses acting in one
become a wavy surface or a pattern of ripple marks. Rock
direction, whereas if they switch direction periodically then
strata can be folded so that in cross section they display
a meander can result, weaving back and forth. Oscillations
meandering structures. The processes producing these are :
produce wave like forms. If a line is curved, it is a meander. • Lines of flow of a substance like water or wind. these
• Flow of energy, as in the rippling of muscles.
patterns can be produced within the material or be reflected in the shape it gives to another material like sand, in ripple
• Opposing forces competing with each other along a
marks or dunes.
common boundary where their relative strengths vary; for example, where a forest edge meets a bog.
• Opposing forces acting to compress a material in one direction so that the space to be occupied contracts in one direction. example : folded rocks.
Explosion The term refers to all patterns where structure of material
density diminishes with distance. example : splash of liquid,
radiates outwards from a central point or area. It consists of
impact of stone on sand, volcanic cones, etc
direct paths from centre to every outlying part, so that the
Landform Patterns
Introduction The structure and the processes of geology supply the basic understanding layer or substrate upon which all terrestrial life and human activities rely. It is upon us to interpret what we perceive in this field in terms of patterns or processes, as they help us to read the landscape and to give us a basis for understanding the ecological and human patterns superimposed on it.
Structure of the earth Our understanding of the crustal structure is based on
took place then. the pattern of these plates determines the
the existence and the continued movement of a complete
location of most of the volcanic regions of earth, mountain
system of plates of solid rocks covering the earth. These
building, ancient rocks and zones of earthquakes.
structural or tectonic plates float on the molten rocks or
The basic processes which give the land it’s form, in varying
magma beneath them. The pattern of these plates is not
degrees are :
regular. Some plates are very large, other are small. They
• Vulcanism
have drifted over the earth’s surface so that the continents
• Weathering and Erosion
possess rocks formed from erosion and sedimentation that
• Uplift
Landform shape and structure The shape of the landform talks about the wider correlation
directs the movement of groundwater and affects rates of
with hydrology, vegetation patterns and aesthetics. Form
flow, storage, release and sediment yield.
can be viewed as a series of solids or voids, like a conical
Gentle gradients cause sediment to be deposited and
volcano, a pyramidal peak, a deep canyon.
meanders to form. Flood plain structures control the rates
The landform, especially the mountains, influences the type
of flow. This pattern is not only related to landform , but also
of precipitation (snow, rain, fog) and its distribution. It also
interacts with the vegetation system.
Rivers and hydrological systems River basins possess an intricate, highly fractal and
The problem here is the effect of the drainage systems
remarkably self organized structure. Branching and
laid beneath the surfaced areas of settlements, roads and
meandering patterns combine with the underlying landform
agricultural land that speed the newly fallen rain through
to produce very efficient water flow control systems. river
hydrological system. Restoration of riparian forests and
valleys, flood plains and deltas have been popular settlement
wetlands help this.
and communication locations.
Mountain building The sediments from long erosion of the land have
The layering of sedimentary rocks that once lay horizontally,
accumulated as deep deposits in depressions of the crust
may be tilted, curved, folded over, or faulted and fractured.
formed by their own weight. These sediments may be
When folding occurs, the underlying structure shows strongly
uplifted gradually or quickly, by movements of tectonic plates
curving or meandering patterns in cross section. This will
to form new land masses. Limestones, sandstones and other
affect the meandering and erosion. The greatest erosion
sedimentary rocks have been uplifted, folded or faulted to
occurs in the highest mountains because of greater potential
create mountains. The Himalayas are rising because the
energy. Sometimes, glaciations occurs. In addition to raising
Indian plate is moving north-eastwards colliding with and
sedimentary rocks, the earth forces of pressure and heat
buckling the Asian plate.
may change or metamorphose such rocks into new types.
Vulcanism Volcanoes are distributed in a distinct pattern. They occur
The classic volcano shape is a large or a small cone, a
mainly at junctions between the earth’s tectonic plates,
solid volume of regular, almost symmetrical appearance.
where the movement of one plate beneath another increases
This occurs because material emerges from a central point
heat energy through friction, and the pressures created
or vent and may be equally distributed all around it. The
are by volcanic eruption. The Hawaiian islands, Bermuda
accumulation of the material is densest closest to the vent,
and Yellowstone are examples of hot spots. They remain
causing a cone to form.
stationary but as the plates move over them, new volcanoes
At a smaller scale, there are patterns formed by the cooling
are formed.
of lava from the vent. Pahoehoe or rope lava can be
seen with a wrinkled, wavy surface caused by the thicker
forms crystalline structures. Basaltic columns, hexagonal in
consistency of the cooling lava at the surface flowing more
cross section are seen. It is a prime pattern caused by the
slowly than the hotter lava. Where lava cools more slowly, it
shrinking and cracking of raw material.
Analyzing landscape structure The basic types of landscape elements are as follows:
water, wildlife or people within the landscape.
A mosaic landscape usually consists of a number of different
Patches and corridors may be set within a matrix that is the
patches of vegetated and no-vegetated areas.
element most strongly connected across the landscape.
Corridors are linear patches that are used for movement by
Moulding the land The processes of erosion sculpt the earth into the landforms that provide the substrate for life and the complex structures we find so aesthetically attractive. Transporting agents of wind water or ice then move the material away. There are two main categories of landform through weathering : • Erosive structures • Depositional structures
Erosive structures These are remains of the rock left behind during weathering
packing and cracking. Fractal structures are extremely
and erosion. the types of patterns formed by each of the
common. The transporting agents of wind, water or ice
three main erosional agents are branching, meandering,
together with gravity move the material away.
Wind Wind erosion takes place when light particles of material
The land forms created by wind are rounded and smoothed.
are rolled, bounced or lifted by the wind as it travels across
Weaker strata within the layers of rock will erode more easily
the landscape, sometimes at a great speed (sandstorm),
and can create strikingly sculpted and eerie shapes. This
and hit the exposed rock, gradually wearing it down. Sand
type of erosion occurs in desert conditions. In coastal areas,
composed of hard quartz particles is very effective at erosion.
strong winds carrying sand and salt also erode rocks.
Ice Ice has been the major force for erosion in larger parts
firn line is where snow melt is greater than its accumulation.
of the world. it’s erosive power is great, ranging from the
The eroded landforms formed by glaciation are typically
widespread effects of continental ice sheets many hundreds
angular and jagged. they are characterized by u-shaped
of meters thick to major and minor valley and corrie glaciers.
cross section with v-shaped rivers.
At a grand scale, the interaction of ice sheet movement
The type of geometry formed by these is fractal . The
across contains depositional patterns of drumlins (linear
repetition of forms at decreasing scales and the interlocking
deposits of eroded material). This extensive pattern has
structures are formed. We can see the patterns when they
a major effect on the drainage pattern and microclimate
are not covered by vegetation. The edges are strongly
affecting vegetation. The pattern of glaciations varies with
defined, making it easy to perceive. The pattern of
latitude and aspect – in terms of firn line. The zone below the
glaciations vary with latitude and aspect.
Water Water in its liquid state erodes in three ways: • Wave action along the shore – coastlines of seas or larger lakes • Running water in rivers or streams • Solution of limestone
Coastline patterns Wave action creates the coastlines with their highly fractal
promontories and are eventually eroded. Lower strata may
structures of cliffs, caves, stacks and wave cut platforms.
erode leaving higher sections intact and producing arches
The composition of the rock, whether soft and easily eroded
or natural bridges. The coastal edge thus describes a series
or hard and resistant, partly determine the pattern of the
of meandering shapes while bays and promontories exhibit
coastline and the character of its structures. The pressure
explosion pattern. This leads to a fractal nature of coastlines
of water and air in the waves helps to erode concave
with many microhabitats for marine wildlife.
sections to caves. The intervening convex sections are
Rivers and streams The force of water ass an erosive agent depends on its
pattern the best.
quantity and the velocity with which it flows. While some
The meander is also a common pattern, wherein the
rivers develop a simple pattern of parallel streams, it is most
rive progressively finds her way to the valley. It is similar
common to find a complex branching pattern. This is called a
to branching in balance of total length and space filling
dendritic pattern. They are most developed where glaciation
properties.
has not affected the landscape. Tropical areas show this
Limestone topography This landform is created by acidic water dissolving limestone.
As the weathering proceeds, sides of the crevices become
This chemical effect results in the expanse of pre-existing
undulating and erode into bays. Rainwater erosion of rock
fissures, which enlarge to form wide cracks. The limestone
tends to produce rounded sculpture, sea creates more
is not only layered horizontally, it is also jointed vertically,
sharper angular shapes.
broken by linear cracks in close parallel arrangements.
Depositional structures The same agents that erode the landforms are responsible
find its way into the lakes or seas but much also remains in
for depositing the eroded material elsewhere. A huge amount
the land to create new landforms, some stable and some not.
Wind The main depositional landforms created by wind action are sand dunes. These are semi permanent and are associated with deserts. The dunes forming conditions are : • Wind tending to blow in one direction • Wind speeds high enough to blow sand • An area where sand can be amassed in sufficient quantities.
Dune areas can be of one or a combination of six basic patterns : • Parallel linear, parallel isolated, crescentic, star, parabolic sheet • The general wave form of dunes is consistent with one of the basic pattern – meanders. It also influences plant colonization and succession.
Water One of the main depositional landforms to develop in relation
the sides, the fast streams from hanging valleys may be
to some rivers is the delta. at the head of the lake a braided
loaded with coarse sediment, gravel or shingle and create
system may discharge, giving it a complex pattern. along
substantial deposits.
Cultural Patterns
Settlement patterns Oliver Rackham notes the prevalence of nucleated
each farm represented the clearance of wildwood and
settlements, principally villages, in the planned zone,
each farmer had a set amount of land conveniently situated
while dispersed settlement is more typical in the ancient
around the farmstead.
countryside zone. This is because the open field system of
The three typical village types identified were:
arable farming was also dependant on houses for peasants
street village , a village green and polyfocal village
being sited together. by contrast, in the ancient landscapes,
Street village
Village green
Polyfocal village
Village development process There are four basic ways in which villages could have evolved: • Growth from a single place • The agglomeration of single places close enough to merge
Single house
Steady growth into a village
• The collapse of a pattern of dispersed settlement into one of nucleated villages • Deliberate planning The conscious planning of a village is often considered a recent phenomenon associated with agricultural improvements and ornamental parks.
Several small foundlings of settlement
Planned village started from scratch. conscious planning as a new foundation
Growth into polyfocal village
Collapse of the dispersed Original dispersed houses
settlement to a nucleated one
Town and city layout The main consequence of industrialization in most countries
nature’s limitations and technological constraints, towards
was to move the patterns and processes of landscape
fast-changing, planned or chaotic layouts, using industrial
away from a self-organized system, evolving in sync with
techniques and technology.
Organic cities The older cities had arisen and developed gradually to no
squares or plazas, gave a hierarchy of structure that
prearranged plan. They were organic, self-organized and
continued into the courtyards and gardens of private
reflected a human scale of space and mass, walking pace
properties. However, such cities were not salubrious places
and social intercourse. Winding streets grew from winding
to live, with no drainage or sewers and overcrowding in the
lanes through fields. Public spaces, ranging from civic and
poorest quarters.
ceremonial squares to market places, to neighborhood
Planned cities By contrast, the planned city layouts are almost laid out on
laid out at right angles and defined by facades of hollow
geometric principles, especially in rectilinear grids. Streets
blocks of buildings, or insulae are characteristic.
Jodhpur
Neuf Brisach, France
Florence
Some of the earliest planned towns were those associated
• Garden cities : as suburbs to existing towns and cities
with defensive structures . They have a star like plan of
• New town : healthy environment, efficient transport, lots of
stone and earth walls with streets laid in a grid pattern.
green but unimaginative architecture
The interdigitated structure of older organized cities, where
• Private mass housing : detached / semi detached houses,
the city landscape is defined by its spaces more than the
less public spaces, sometimes swamped small villages or
buildings, modern metropolis talks about quite the contrast.
towns, less vernacular, low aesthetics
Four major themes in town and city development have
• Modernism : house as a ‘machine’
emerged since the late nineteenth and early twentieth century.
Edinburgh, old and new towns The distinction between the old and the new town is in
the layout says that topography is the underlying demand.
layout, process of development, aesthetic and spatial
New town is classy.
characteristics. Old town is located on a defensive ridge and
Venice Venice was founded after the fall of the western roman
the city wealth was invested in architecture.
empire, by people who escaped to the mudbanks and
The fractal quality of the city is expressed in two ways. one
islands in the lagoon formed by the deltas of many rivers.
is the pattern of the canals that interpenetrates the built form.
Protected by the waters of the lagoon and positioned to take
The other is the pedestrian street network that winds from
advantage of trading opportunities between europe and asia,
one side of the city to other.
Space syntax To analyze the spatial and the social structure of a city, bill
Choice: It shows the relation between each space and the
hillier and Julienne Hanson have developed a method called
whole system, indicating how often each line is visited on
space syntax. the idea behind this movement is that space
random journey simulations through topologically shortest
is the key aspect of how social world in a city is constructed.
paths in the system.
social and spatial forms follow very consistent patterns so that it determines patterns of social activities.
Intelligibility: It measures the extent to which a person
The analysis measures five variables:
unfamiliar with the streets, while wandering randomly around, has a degree of choice which will allow them to access the
Connectivity: Measures of the number of nodes directly
most integrated streets.
linked to each individual node. it shows how much each node links to its immediate neighbors, and to what extent it links to
Isolation: It measures the degree to which parts of a city
every other node.
lack integration and are segregated from other areas. It may also lead to social problems if the segregation is not
Control: Measures the degree of choice each node
deliberate.
represents for nodes directly linked to it. It measures the
Thus it is a tool for analyzing urban form and function. can be
degree to which one particular node controls access to and
used to understand the way social life of a city operates in its
from its neighboring nodes.
physical structure.
Lavasa
Introduction By its looks, the place could be mistaken for Portofino, a
deciduous ecosystem to provide guidance and models for
fishing village-cum-resort in Italy—multi-coloured buildings
establishing locally attuned design strategies that respond to
crowd a waterfront and cafes flank a cobbled promenade.
other challenges of the local biome.
but the under-construction town is just an hour’s drive from
In addition to the overall master plan, the team developed
Pune in Maharashtra and is independent India’s first hill
a landscape master plan to rejuvenate deforested areas
city—Lavasa.
and drive future landscape performance. Reforestation,
Planned on the principles of new urbanism where shops,
bioswales, rainwater harvesting and environmentally
homes, workplace and recreational facilities are within
sensitive construction practices are all part of the plan.
walking distance of each other, Lavasa is touted as a place
The master plan draws inspiration from traditional patterns of
that would offer quality life to its projected 300,000 residents
Indian town planning as well as vernacular forms of building.
and attract tourists.
it emulates principles that are culturally biased and that have
When construction is complete sometime after 2020, the
proven sustainable for centuries.
total development will include five new urban villages with
The overall Lavasa development includes three self-
populations ranging from 30,000 to 50,000 people. millions
sustaining towns: Dasve, Gadle and Dhamanohol. The 1,700-
more will visit each year.
acre Dasve valley is the phase one development currently
Working closely with biologists from biomimicry 3.8,
nearing completion.
hok studied the living creatures and plants of the moist,
Dasve
Study area : culture Dasve, the first town being developed in lavasa, is primarily a
Activities :
residential town.
• Education
The town is inspired by a place called portofinoin italy and
• Tourism
has also dedicated a street to the place.
• Healthcare
The focal point of the town is the colourful promenade
• Hospitality
wherein all the major activities happening in the town are
• Convention centre
taking place.
Location Lavasa is situated amongst the sahyadri mountains of the western ghats, along the contours of Warasgaon lake, Maharashtra, India.
Background Western Maharashtra offers a magnificent hilly terrain
to develop it.
for nature based activities. Lakes like Pavana, Mulshi,
The site is blessed with above average monsoon, 22km
Warasgaon, Panshet and Koyna add to the place. tourism
long lake and 55km lakefront. throughout the year, the
policy 1999 of the government of Maharashtra encourages
temperature remain about 4 – 36 c .
such development. in 1999, urban development department
Lavasa is located at a distance of 216km from Mumbai and
of Maharashtra delineated 18 villages of Mulshi taluka and
65km from Pune.
velhe as ‘hill station’ and authorized Lavasa corporation ltd.
Mugaon Study area : land Mugaon, one of the prominent towns at lavasa, covers an
It is about 8kms from Dasve, Mugaon will be connected
area of 1185ha and is proposed to have one of the primary
to a proposed exit of Lonavala on the Mumbai – Pune
connections from mumbai. Since the village settlement
expressway.
was submerged under the warasgaon dam in 1980, most
A gently sloping terrain and an expansive ridge with pine
of the villages were rehabilitated under the dam project.
trees on the edge – the land aspect of mugaon.
Total village population of the village is 224 persons (source
Vision : a transect-based, compact, walkable town allowing
: primary census abstract and census village profile; 2001;
preservation of nature
census of india)
Overlapped with the ravines was erased.
Controversies Land acquisition Both government and individual land owners have taken
indian state. It also alleges 141 hectares (350 acres) of lavasa
issue with lavasa’s land acquisition approach.
were leased for far less than actual value by the maharashtra
A report by the maharashtra environment department claims
krishna valley development corporation and that lavasa
600 hectares (6.0 km2) of land bought by lavasa corporation
bought 98 hectares (240 acres) of land without license.
was purchased from farmers who had been granted it by the
Use of water resources Lavasa will use the same water resources that currently supply pune, and it is claimed that this will cause a supply shortage.
Nepotism Sharad Pawar, is alleged to have demanded compensation for allowing Lavasa to be constructed.
Environmental damage An Indian ministry of environment and forests team
activities, building of a sewage treatment plant, and anti-
investigating lavasa concluded the city has caused
poverty csr measures aimed at the local population.
environmental damage. such as a cessation of hill cutting
Quarrying While lavasa has stone crushing permits, its operations have
ministry of environment and forests, and the environmental
been described as “hill cutting” and “quarrying” by the indian
impact of these activities was investigated.
Attitude of settlements in India
Introduction The chapter deals with the attitude of Indian settlements towards landform. thematically, there are two types of city formations in the Indian context. • Cosmo-religious abstract • Geo-morphic There are certain abstracts which are more or less influenced
which are formed as a result of symbolic values of land.
by the land or, are more suited to a certain terrain, whereas
These settlements are determined by the shape and climatic
there are certain abstracts which undergo modification after
conditions of the earth. they emerge due to the harmonious
superimposition.
response of built form towards the landform, where crooked
Likewise, there are certain geo-morphic settlements which
and irregular streets and randomly defined open spaces are
are formed as a physical presence of land element and some
common features.
Shahjahanabad : Cosmo-religious abstract influenced by land
Ujjain : Cosmo-religious abstract modified by land
Nathdwara : Geo-morphic settlement formed as a result of physical presence of land element
Vijaynagara : Geo-morphic settlement formed as a result of physical presence of land element
The description of the cities has been carried out under the following headings :
Settlement/urban square : The open space occuring in the
Structure and position of institution : The linkage pattern
tertiary
demarcating the street square system and position of major
Sector/tissue : The residential infill and commercial edges
formal institutions
that comprise the overall city fabric
Institution : The types of institutions within the entire
The description of the city does not include the dwelling level
settlement, i.e. religious, political, administrative, commercial
detailed study.
and social
settlement at different scales, ie primary, secondary and
Cosmo-religious abstract influenced by the land : Shahjahanabad The city of Shahjahanabad is located in a strategic position
rocky edges. As a result of the site condition the city abstract
on the broad gangetic plain which is the gateway to southern
contemplated was similar to the ‘karmuka’ bow shaped
India and eastern India towards Bengal. The site possessed
abstract recommended for settlements or cities fronting a
a remarkable defensive advantage of being protected from
river; according to the ‘mansara’. here, the pre-ordained
all sides by the river Yamuna, shifting water channels and
abstract is influenced by the nature of land.
Location The medieval Mughal city of Delhi was located on the
n latitude and 77 12’ e longitude, 218m above mean sea
western edge of Yamuna, flanked by two rocky edges, one
level. The site is quite flat with two noticeable rocky hillocks
on the west and the other on the south wing shifting channel
and a constantly shifting river course with irregular edge.
of the river to the north. The city of Delhi is situated at 28 53’
Background With the start of 16th century, India under the Mughal reign,
evident from the cosmo-religious abstract. The city plan
witnessed a remarkable burst of city building, i.e. cities like
exhibits of the Persian influence in parts, i.e. the formality
Lahore, Agra, Fatehpur Sikri, Delhi etc. the city of Delhi was
and symmetry of gardens, palaces, boulevards, etc with
built in the year 363 B.C. by Shahjahan in order to shift his
the Indian ‘karmuka’ diagram. The diagram was interpreted
capital from Agra to Delhi due to the oppressive heat of Agra.
as a street connecting the gates along the periphery of
There was a coexistence of two religious groups, i.e. the
the city wall and an east-west axis and the north-south
Hindu and Muslim with similar ways of life resulting in a
axis, the junction of which was the most auspicious spot,
characteristic Delhi culture – emergence of components of
occupied the emperor’s palace. Thus, Shahjahanabad was
socio-religious community. As a result the built environment
an administrative centre.
was a physical concentration of a mixed culture which was
Structure and position of institution The urban structure maybe described as a bow shaped elliptical diagram with radial streets meeting at the centre
Primary streets The major e-w spine, the chandani chowk which links the palace with the Lahori gate, and Faiz bazaar running n-s linking he palace with Delhi gate, form the two primary streets. These primary streets are commercial in nature with residential units on the upper storey. The streets are very formal in their expression with continuous arcades and are well-punctuated with geometric chowks. The shops on the primary streets are backed up by production, storage and service centres, immediately behind, set in a predominantly residential vicinity.
New Delhi-Delhi-Shahjahanabad
Secondary streets Laal kuan, Ballemaron, Malliwara, Kinari bazaar and Dariba Kalan are the secondary street connections joining the two primary streets. These streets are not very formal in their expression. The streets are predominantly commercial in nature with shops on the ground floor and residential units on the top.
Tertiary streets The tertiary streets are predominantly residential in nature which springs off from a secondary street. These streets are very narrow compared to the other two streets and are closed for general circulation, penetrating the core mohollas.
Structure of Shahjahanabad
Lanes Scaling down, the galis and lanes combine to form a network of narrow streets with private cul-de-sacs or chowks characterizing the teritiary lanes. These are purely residential in nature with entrances marked by gates.
Institution Shahjahanabad is a city with two focal points – jama masjid and quila mubarak. From here, the primary streets originate. Secondary institutions, form the islamic city. The mosques, the hammams and serais are predominant in city structure. The administrative, religious, commercial and social institutions are positioned in accordance to their heirarchial status.
Secondary street- Katra Nil
Urban spaces Chowks are the open spaces which are formed at the intersection of two movement paths. These are enclosed spaces which vary from situation to situation ranging from purely formal to purely informal to private. The primary formal chowks are laid aming the two major urban axii of the city, well marked by major institutions at its
Neighbourhood chowk- Lal Kuan
geometric periphery. They form a part of the primary street structure. The secondary chowks consist of three chowks, the first two of which are smaller and circular in shape, whereas the third is hauz qazi, triangular in shape with a water reservoir in it. Lowering down the heirarchy, within the fabric level, chowks form the informal open spaces – breathing spaces within the tight system.
Neighbourhood chowk
Institutions There are five types of institutions namely: • Political • Administrative • Religious • Commercial • Social
Political The red fort or the quila mubarak is the major institution
gardens, all placed together in a heirarchial order following
which is placed at the junction of two urban axii. It houses
the tradition of ‘mardana’ and ‘zenana’
the royal palace, the durbar and luxurious out-houses with
Administrative The functions were mainly handled from the palace,
agencies which housed the office of the chief magistrate who
nevertheless, certain local agencies are required to control
was responsible for the security of the city. at a tissue level,
the diurnal activities within the city. The kotwalis were
within the mohollas, there were mohalladars.
Religious Jama masjid, located on a mound in the south-west part
the markers placed on the two main urban axii and are well
of the city and enveloped by residential fabric was the
integrated with the urban edge. But, the placement of jama
major marker. The Fatehpur masjid, the Sonheri masjid, the
masjid tells about its dominance.
Akbariabadi masjid, the jain temples and gurudwara ganj are
Commercial Chandani chowk and faiz bazaar are the major commercial spines. Katras (small square bazaar) and chattas (covered lane bazaar) are at neighborhood level.
Social Khangahs, serais and hammams in islamic cities were the
attached to the mosque. Hammams are bath houses used
reflection of the society, culture and life style. serais were
for bathing and massage.
Sector/Tissue The residential quarters located in the southern half of the
heirarchy.
city are called mohollas and katras. They are based on
They consist of clusters of houses assembled together
caste, family, and some geographic origin. They are socially
and are approached by gates. Chattas are residential
cohesive units and are well structured respecting the
assemblages where artisans worked and resided.
principles of zoning scales of activities, levels of privacy and
Cosmo-religious abstract modified by the land : Ujjain Ujjain, like many other Indian cities, is based on the
is subsequently divided more loosely on the same principle
canonical texts of urban planning. The city is basically
of land division which is carried to neighborhood level. This
divided into four sectors, each exhibiting a distinct
gives the city structure an order which is modified due to its
topography, nature of fabric and urban elements. each sector
superimposition on the undulating topography.
Ujjain structure
Basic schemes
medieval sector structure
Kshetra
Location Ujjain is located on the banks of river Kshipra in the Malwa
the river Kshipra. Once seven tanks existed in the city out
plateau, about 53kms from Indore. It is situated at 23 11’ n
of which only few exist now – Rudra Sagar, Purushottama,
latitude and 75 50’ e longitude, 510m above mean sea level.
Vishnu Sagar, Kshira Sagar, Ratnakar Sagar.
according to Hindu mythology, Ujjain is located on the zero
At a regional level, important rivers like Chambal, Gambhir,
meridian. Tropic of cancer passes through the city.
Kshipra, Khan, Chotikali Sindhet flow from south to north.
Today, the city sits on a relatively plain land sloping towards
Kshipra is non-navigable but is used for irrigation and
the northern side with hillocks and cuts in the land along
drinking purposes.
Background Ujjain city has enjoyed glorious periods along with wars,
Malwa. It has seen five periods – pre maurya, maurya,
natural calamities and economic depression. Emperor
parmar, mughal, maratha and pre independence period.
Ashoka, Vikramaditya, Akbar, Jai Singh and Scindias ruled
Structure and position of institution As mentioned, the city is conceived as a square divided
which leads off into the sector namely Chhota Sarfa, Kartik
into four sectors by primary streets major linkage. The
Chowk street, Magar Mooha, Pandariba etc. The tertiary
gopal mandir chowk is formed as aresult of intersection of
street structure is at a level of neighborhood which is made
commercial spines, namely patni bazaar and bada sarfa.
of Shantinath ki gali, Jahaz waalon ki gali in sarafa sector
bada sarfa, patni bazaar and dhaba road are the primary
and magar moohan, sinhpuri gali in kartik chowk area.
streets which bear the commercial activities of the city.
Ghaats contribute to the genius Locii in the city.
These streets are backed up by a secondary street structure
Gopal mandir Chattri chowk
Kartik chowk
Magarmooha
Sinhpuri chowk
Shantiji Mandair chowk
Urban spaces The urban spaces or the chowks form the places for the
these chowks are well articulated by the local institutions and
public activities ranging from commercial to religious. The
congregation spaces talking about the nature and character
scale and the nature of the open space depends primarily
of the space. sinhpuri chowk, shantinath ki gali are more
on its location on the heirarchy of the street network. The
residential in nature.
gopal mandir chowk and the chattri chowk are the major
The third scale of open spaces would be chowk private
primary squares enveloped by religious (gopal mandir) and
in nature enclosed by residences from all sides. the ghats
the commercial institutions (jewellery, utensils and goods for
are again extensions of open spaces. The ghat edge is
ritualistic purposes) for the various shrines in the city. At the
formed by various religious institutions ir shrines, temples,
secondary scale, kartik chowk, narsinha mandir chowk in the
dharamshalas.
sarfa area forms the transitional space between two sectors.
Institutions Political, social, religious and commercial institutions within the city fabric and along the ghats in ujjain form the landmark of the city.
Political The palaces, check post gate, quarters of political institutions
an important political institution placed on the elevated
of medieval period had the most important position within
ground overlooking the Rudra Sagar. The Harsiddhi and
the city structure. Maharaj Vada palace, close to Choubis
Bhadrakali Darwajas constituted the entry points in the city.
khamba dawara, and north of Mahakaleshwar temple, was
Religious Temples, Akharas, Jyotish Karyalays form the religious
their position on the urban structure and amount of activities
institutions and are differentiated on the basis of scales,
generated.
Sector/Tissue The city is divided onto four sectors • Dhaba road
• Sarafa area
• Gola mandir area
• Kartik chowk
The first sector is non structured due to the undulating
structured block exhibits a predominance of commercial
character of the land. The second sector exhibits a higher
activities. The last sector is the oldest and topography is
level of structuring pattern with well-structured mohallas,
dominant here. Bakhals for bohras, wadas for marathas are
mainly for bohra muslims. The third sector which is the most
observed at a smaller scale (neighborhood level)
Geomorphic settlements formed as a result of physical presence of land element: Nathdwara Nathdwara is a small sacred town on the eastern bank of
western and northern side. the hill rises to the average
river Banas in the Udaipur district of Rajasthan located
height of 60m and covers an area of 19sqkm . The town
about 48km n-e of the city of Udaipur. It is situated in 24
of Nathdwara sits in a bowl shaped plateau formed by hills
56’ n latitude and 73 49’ e longitude. The town is situated
covering an area of 8sqkm. the surrounding hills, namely
on an elevated plateau sloping gradually towards n-e and
Bada Mangra in north and Chhota Mangra from west to
surrounded by low range of hills and forests on the southern,
southeast, restricts the growth of the town.
Background Established in 1672 ad with the construction of the haveli
Krishna is speculated to be from the 12 century. The site
of Sri Nathji. The idol of lord Krishna was brought to this
was chosen purely because of the need for protection and
particular spot, 640 km away from Braj. The image of lord
security from vandalism of Aurangzeb.
Structure and position of institutions The town has developed around the temple taking shape
Subsequent in hierarchy, at a tissue level, are secondary
of the topography. It could be broadly categorized into
streets branching office from the primary streets, at nodes
religious, commercial and residential zones. The town could
to go to the mohallas. Tertiary streets are strictly pedestrian
also be abstracted thematically as concentric layers with
in nature often characterized by steps due to topographic
temple in the centre placed on a plateau where the gentle
conditions.
slopes appears to meet. The inner layer houses various
The street patterns is in relation to the surface relief of the
religious institution, whereas the middle layer is commercial
land, where the streets are laid out in utilizing the natural
in nature and outermost is residential.
gradient of the land form to maximize water drainage. Main
Main routes of the town are radial with temple at the centre.
streets are accommodated within the valley to make the
Public institutions like dharamshalas, library, temple, board
climb easy. As a result the streets are winding and twisted
offices, etc are located on the cross junction of these routes.
with limited vistas.
Settlement space Within the high contours, open spaces are located where the
on the intersection of the main radial routes. At tissue level,
land is relatively flat. Main public spaces and open areas like
streets are widened at points to form chowks which become
govind chowk, manek chowk, cahupati, lal bazaar chowk lie
important nodes for interaction.
Institution Religious Srinathji as a temple haveli sits in the middle on a plateau
temples, devoted to lord Krishna.
with the entire settlement focusing on it. It is one of the main
Administrative All the administrative work of the temple is handled by the temple trust board office whereas the tehsil office handles the town’s administration jobs.
Commercial These institutions are laid along the commercial spine of settlements. It exists next to the temple square as the commerce of the settlement is associated with religious rituals.
Social
1 Chowpati
9 Wala wali gali
17 Hela wali gali
2 Govind chowk
10 Poloce lane
18 Vallabhpura
3 Manek chowk
11 Ladha gali
19 Haathi ka thana
4 Lal bazaar chowk
12 Moti chowk
20 Dilliwali dhramshala
5 Municipalty
13 Motiyon ki khidki
21 Cheli dhramshala
6 Bada bazaar chowk
14 Tiwari plaza
22 Bombay dharamshala
devotees. Akhadas are social institutions dedicated to
7 Gurjarpura chowk
15 Pinjaron ki gali
23 Nay dharamshala
hanuman and balram.
8 Janani chowk
16 Gurjar pura
24 Krishna kund
These include the dharamshalas, which are concentrated in the temple area because of the convenience of the
Geomorphic settlements formed as a result of symbolic values of land : Vijayanagara Location Formed on the banks of river tungabhadra, in a desolate,
site is a progression from flat plains to rocky hills and then
wild and rocky landscape of bellary (karnataka) lies
onto the river valley.
vijayanagara on 16 21’ n latitude and 66 68’ e longitude. The
Background Vijayanagara was the capital of the Hindu empire in southern
rulers. The site was chosen because of its strong defensive
India that flourished under the chalukyans from the 14th
qualities which could be exploited by the rulers to their
century, until 1565 ad, when it was destroyed by the Muslim
utmost advantage.
Structuring and position of institutions The city is structured into separate zones which characterize
South of the sacred centre is a long valley running southwest
the city layout i.e. the sacred centre, the urban core and
to northeast with Krishna and Tiruvengalanatha complex
the royal centre. There is a meaning behind the zonal
well placed within the landscape along with a few isolated
structuring and placement of institutions in the wild and
pavilions. Further south, is the urban core with a vast
rocky landscape.
elliptical area demarcated by highly irregular fortified walls
As mentioned, the site shows progression from flat plains to
punctured by the gateways at certain places. The lower
rocky hills and then to the river valley which corresponds to
valley shows glimpses of buried temples, gateways, roads,
the location of residential suburbs in the royal centre to the
tanks and even pottery sheds indicating the possibility of
sacred centre near the river.
residential patch.
The sacred centre lying on the south of Tungabhadra with
At the southwest end, is the royal centre which houses the
Matanga hill on east and Hemkuta hill on southern end,
palace as well as kings household. It is characterized by a
houses numerous small shrines, mandapas, pavilions
high massive wall. The Ramachandra temple sits in the heart
and even temple complexes approached by a straight
of the royal centre, dividing it into two parts – royal residence
street. Within the sacred centre, are the shrines, placed
on the west and royal performance area on the east.
meaningfully and structured by ritual paths.
Taming the Datum
Introduction The site owned by TATA Motors Pvt. Ltd. Is an area included
The program will be as follows.
in the geologically described ‘Deccan Trap’. The site has a typical feature of the Deccan: Basaltic rock, monsoon-fed
ZONE 1
ZONE 2
The region is a 1160 acre ghat, about 55km from Pune and
• Civic Centre
• Nature Trails
170km from Mumbai. It can be approached by the Mumbai
• Town Hall
• Hiking
–Bangalore highway.
• School
• Eco-Tourism
Major landmarks on the site include the Mulshi Dam,
• Bazaar
• Aviary
TATA Solar Factory, Camp Temgarh and the historical Fort
• Residences
• Religious Place
Kailasgarh.
• Work Place
• Private Riverfront
The site, owned by TATA, is slated for a development of a
• Club
• Neighbourhood Parks
township proposed by the company, due 2030. The ghat is
• Cinema Hall
• Orchards
about 400m in height. The highest point being 1000m above
• Public Riverfront
• Agriculture
scrubland and low water table.
MSL and lowest is 600 above MSL. The climate is tropical and the average annual rainfall is
ZONE 3
2841mm. The average annual temperature is 24.3C. The
ZONE 4
ground water quality is good and suitable for drinking and
• Botanical Garden
irrigation purposes.
• Zoological Park
• Heritage Conservation
Mulshi is a part of the Mula-Mutha river having the length of
• Faunal Corridor
• Vegetation Conservation
242km overall.
• Nature Trails
Base Map
Elevation Map
Slope Analysis
Hydrology Map
Vegetation Map
Land Compatiblity Map
Urban Compatiblity
Urban Matrix
Design
Nuances
The resting plaza along the rivulet with a rural feel to it.
The section along the eco hotel with the waterfall view and a scenic trail.
The promenade along the rivulet with a stepped seating and raw landscape.
The scenic trail along the woods with the Ghat as a backdrop
The plan and section along the lake front with a trail leading to the fringe.
White Paper Guidelines Development Services Description The following strategies and potential actions fall under the
The four strategies in this section include:
scope of the Development Services Department in Township.
1. Planning for a Complete, Liveable, Medium-Density
These proposed actions and extensions of existing initiatives
Township
will address the land use, building, social and economic
2. Green Buildings
development patterns of the Township and address
3. Building Community Culture and Support
sustainability considerations for each.
4. Sustainable Economic Development
Planning for a Complete, Liveable, Medium-Density Township Strategic vision The Township envisions itself developing into a medium
opportunity to live, work, shop, play and learn within a
density, transit-oriented, complete urban village
convenient distance in the community.
neighbourhood that offers Esquimalt residents the
Considerations Compact mixed use neighbourhoods are important to meet
shoppers and workers
sustainability goals, because they:
• Have medium density buildings, which are inherently more
• Allow for a reduction in transportation needs and
energy efficient than single- family dwellings
associated emissions
• Have more efficient infrastructure, especially alternative
• The township should provide greater support for
renewable energy infrastructure
economically viable transit systems
• Are more livable and therefore desirable, offering a wider
• Support better local economics due to critical density of
range of housing options.
Green Buildings Strategic vision The Township envisions a shift to green buildings for all new development, including a requirement for all new buildings in the community to be green, in the future.
Considerations Buildings are one of the most important elements of a
green building movement in the area is growing fast with
community from a sustainable development perspective, due
green building programs and organizations to offer support
to the amount of time we spend in them and the significant
and information.
focus they are for energy, materials, and emissions. The
Building Community Culture and Support Strategic vision The Township envisions building a robust and resonant
clear commitment to sustainable development, education,
culture of sustainability and wellness in Esquimalt through a
and coordinated community activities.
Perspectives Family events - The Township shall have a number of highly
energy up and support in the organization of events.
successful cultural events each year that are very family
The larger arts context - Township artists and cultural
oriented, including the Ganesh Chaturthi, Lavni and others.
elements are often included in arts and culture initiatives in
Volunteers - The Township could consider a “secretariat”
the larger Mulshi context.
role for staff support for these groups to keep volunteers’
Sustainable Economic Development Strategic vision The Township is committed to long term prosperity
objectives, to ensure future generations can enjoy the beauty
and aligning economic development with sustainability
and opportunities that it currently offers.
Perspectives One of the most important aspects of “sustainable
All economic activity must address the constraints of “one
development” as an approach to addressing the challenges
planet” to provide all our resources and absorb all our waste,
of the 21st century is its commitment to economic prosperity.
and this constraint calls all businesses and governments to
Most initiatives require economic viability to survive in the
take strong action on reducing negative impacts of economic
long run.
activity and maximizing positive impacts.
Parks and Recreation The following strategies fall under the jurisdiction of the
recreational, safety, and urban agriculture and food
Township’s Parks and Recreation group.
dimensions of a sustainable community.
The strategies in this section address the ecological,
A Multi-Dimensional Landscape: ecology, recreation, & urban agriculture Strategic vision The development of a multi-use landscape across the
the following three areas:
Township of is important to its social and environmental
• Restoring ecosystem health
performance as a sustainable community. Open space
• Providing recreation for all residents
network will be developed to provide exemplary services in
• Urban food production
Perspectives The open space includes its parks, greenways, and public
guidelines are created for the design of urban landscapes.
and private landscapes. These areas are the “urban
Multifamily housing is very important for a sustainable
ecosystem” as well as the primary outdoor living spaces for
community but it also offers less landscape on which to grow
residents and visitors.
food. Community gardens are important uses of public and
Extensive energy and emissions are associated with
private open space in a town as its population grows.
recreation when people leave their towns to find recreation
Local food production and distribution will support
possibilities. At the same time, many parks and green spaces
sustainability goals, as well as having many other positive
inside our cities are often sparsely used or occupied.
benefits. Developing an urban agriculture strategy is an
Habitat for many species, such as songbirds and butterflies,
effective way to address this challenge.
can be provided in an urban context, if appropriate design
Public Works The following strategies and potential actions fall under the
Township and address sustainability considerations for each.
scope of the Public Works Department in the Township. The
The two strategies in this section include:
proposed actions and extensions of existing initiatives will
1. Transportation innovations.
address the transportation and infrastructure systems in the
2. Innovative utility infrastructure.
Transportation Innovations Strategic vision The Township envisions itself as a town where one can raise
will be a place, where walking and cycling are the preferred
a family, work, attend school, or run a business without
modes of transportation and these activities are supported.
excessive dependence on the automobile. The Township
Perspectives Transportation accounts for a significant amount of the
Transportation system is intertwined with the region’s
greenhouse gas emissions and accounts for a significant
transportation and transit system, with transit under the
percentage of the income and infrastructure costs assumed
jurisdiction of the Regional Transit System.
by many residents.
Innovative Utility Infrastructure Strategic vision The development of innovative sustainable utility
• Energy systems;
infrastructure systems is necessary to meet sustainability
• Water and Liquid waste management;
goals as these systems can provide energy and water and
• Solid waste management; and pursue opportunities for
manage liquid and solid waste in a more sustainable manner.
• Integrated infrastructure systems (Industrial Ecology / Eco-
The Township will pursue increasing the sustainability
industrial Networking)
performance of its:
Action Plan 2030 Greens Existing Dense Forests Description • Forest is in good condition •Rich in biodiversity
Actions • Area under conservation
• State and private capacity for forestry
• Forest ecosystem and health
• Sustainable forest management across • All ownerships
• Productivity
• Proposal of Biodiversity zone
• No human or cattle
• Home to Fauna
• Intervention
Semi Dense Forests Description • Good forest cover but needs protection
Actions • Native species to be introduced
strategies and plans, and provide management
• Awareness of and support for forests
recommendations for significant forest damage-causing
• Provide communities with resources and information to
agents
guide conservation decisions
• Human Trails allowed but with rules and regulations
• Develop and implement integrated pest management
Open Forests Description Sparse canopy covers.
Actions • Residential infrastructure permitted with lots of care.
enhance and restore open space and expand urban tree
• Maintain ecosystem services.
canopy to improve health.
• Provide assistance to cities, suburbs, and towns to
Streams Description Rivulets spread over 3 watersheds on the site.
Actions • No permission to build within 25 m offset of Secondary
• Residential areas can be placed facing the streams.
stream and 50m of Primary stream.
• No major public activities.
Riparian Zones Description • Good for fauna. • Very rich soil moisture.
Actions • Protect and enhance impaired watersheds
negatively affected
• Measure and monitor recreational use impacts to
• Needs to be preserved
determine when ecosystems or recreation sites are being
• Rich in avifauna, fauna, biodiversity
Existing Agriculture Description Human populations whose livelihoods depend on farming, forestry, herding, or fisheries.
Actions • Needs to be retained for the local people
utilized agriculture
• Wild species often also play an important role in providing
• Integrating trees, shrubs, and grasses into agricultural
livestock fodder, fuel, veterinary medicines
production systems can improve ecosystem services across
• Reduce or reverse conversion of natural areas to
the whole landscape.
agricultural areas by improving the productivity of currently
Lake fringe Description The fringe is in sensitive condition at some parts and needs conservation.
Actions Clean technology should be promoted while replacing high
for concern that any activity may increase the potential
waste and waste generating activities.
hazards to human health, harm to living resources or aquatic
Measures shall be taken when there are reasonable grounds
and terrestrial ecosystems.
Village and settlements Description • Two existing settlements – 25 people each on the site. • Haphazard planning of the village.
Actions • Village character to be retain along with their lifestyle.
• Employment facilities through the township should be
• Measure to improve their way of living to be taken.
propagated.