Shashank Sankaranarayanan Architectural Dissertation

 Exploring Negative Spaces

EXPLORING NEGATIVE SPACES IN AN URBAN ENVIRONMENT

SHASHANK S A/2108/09

GUIDE: MRS. ARPITA DAYAL COORDINATORS: DR RANJANA MITTAL PROF JAYA KUMAR ARCHITECTURAL DISSERTATION 2012-13

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Life in cities is a great quality not only when it comes to the discussion of a single street but also when discussing neighbourhoods and cities as a whole. The quality of an urban environment depends on the life of vitality of a place.

-Jan Gehl

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The idea of working on negative spaces came into light from the people of Delhi who had to strive for space with abundant spaces left unused in the city. I would like to thank them for giving me the idea.

I thank my guide Mrs Arpita Dayal for guiding me through the research and help me understand the depth of my topic, Prof Amit Sarma for his insights, Dr Ranjana Mittal and Prof Jaya Kumar for directing the program, my friends and family for standing by me at all times.

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CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ........................................................................................................................... 3 1.

2.

INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................... 6 1.1

RESEARCH QUESTION .............................................................................................................. 7

1.2

NEED IDENTIFICATION ............................................................................................................. 7

1.3

THE BROAD SCOPE .................................................................................................................. 8

1.4

LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY ................................................................................................... 8

1.5

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY ..................................................................................................... 9

SPACE ............................................................................................................................................ 12 2.1 GENERAL IDEOLOGIES ................................................................................................................. 12 2.2 CATEGORISING SPACE ................................................................................................................. 14 2.3 SPACE PLACE RELATIONSHIP ....................................................................................................... 15

3.

PUBLIC SPACES .............................................................................................................................. 16

4. NEGATIVE SPACES ............................................................................................................................. 18 4.1 ORIGIN ......................................................................................................................................... 18 4.2 HISTORY ....................................................................................................................................... 18 4.3 CATEGORISING NEGATIVE SPACES .............................................................................................. 19 LEFT OVER SPACES ........................................................................................................................ 20 SET-BACK SPACES .......................................................................................................................... 21 NON-ILLUMINATED SPACE ............................................................................................................ 21 NON-SURVEILLANCE SPACE ........................................................................................................... 22 DANGER SPACES ............................................................................................................................ 22 4.4 SCALE OF NEGATIVE SPACES ....................................................................................................... 22 5.

UTILIZATION OF NEGATIVE SPACES ............................................................................................... 24 5.1

CITY LEVEL REDEVELOPMENT- RIVER EDGES......................................................................... 25

THE PRESENT STATE OF YAMUNA RIVERFRONT ............................................................................ 25 SABARMATI RIVERFRONT DEVELOPMENT PLAN ........................................................................... 28 5.2

SPACES IN AN URBAN PRECINCT ........................................................................................... 31

5.3

NEIGHBOURHOOD LEVEL- SPACES UNDER FLYOVER ............................................................ 33

LEFT OVER SPACES IN AN URBAN PRECINCT ................................................................................. 42 6.

ANALYSIS AND CONCLUSION ......................................................................................................... 44

BIBLIOGRAPHY ....................................................................................................................................... 46

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LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1. An illustration of a stadium and a haveli Source-Author ........................................................ 12 Figure 2 Placement of buildings in Manhattan with respect to the Central Parks and the Hudson River Source: http://www.michellehenry.fr/map_manhattan.jpg ................................................................. 13 Figure 3. The evolution of the Janpath market Source: www.liveindia.com, illustration by the author 15 Figure 4. Plan showing the distribution of plots leading to formation of negative spaces. Source: Author ................................................................................................................................................... 19 Figure 5. Map showning the Yamuna River and Nallahs in Delhi. Source: www.morphogenesis.com .. 25 Figure 6. Nallas in Delhi and its present relation with monuments. Source: www.morphogenesis.com .............................................................................................................................................................. 26 Figure 7. The present situation of Banks of river Yamuna. Source: Author ........................................... 26 Figure 8. The forgotten Ghats of Yamuna. Source: Author ................................................................... 27 Figure 9. Zoned Development along the Sabarmati. Source: www.sabarmatiriverfront.com/ ............. 28 Figure 10. Public spaces along the river. Source: www.sabarmatiriverfront.com/ ............................... 29 Figure 11. Physical and Visual intercation with the Ghats. Source: www.sabarmatiriverfront.com/ .... 29 Figure 12. The idea of one society through streets and markets. Source: www.sabarmatiriverfront.com/ ............................................................................................................ 30 Figure 13. The Scindia House. Source: Google maps, Author ................................................................ 31 Figure 14. The encroachments within the Scindia house complex. Source: Author.............................. 32 Figure 15. Loss of public space in Scindia house. Source: Author ......................................................... 32 Figure 16 Plan of the Sarai Kale Khan and the Nizamuddin railways station. Source: Google maps, Author ................................................................................................................................................... 33 Figure 17 Space around the Sarai Kale Khan flyover. Source: Author ................................................... 34 Figure 18. Unused space under the flyover. Source: Author ................................................................. 34 Figure 19. Plan showing the Mathikere flyover and the slum dwellings. Source: Space under flyovers, Architecture, time space and people. ................................................................................................... 35 Figure 20. The sheleters provided for slum dwellers. Source: Space under flyovers, Architecture, time space and people. ................................................................................................................................. 36 Figure 21. Plan showing the Nagpur Raliway station flyover and the Nagpur Railway station. Source: Space under flyovers, Architecture, time space and people. ................................................................ 37 Figure 22. Markets and public amenities present under the Nagpur flyover. Source: Space under flyovers, Architecture, time space and people. ..................................................................................... 37 Figure 23. Plan showing the JJ flyover in Mumbai which extends for2.4 km. Source: Google maps ..... 39 Figure 24. Proposals under the JJ flyover, Mumbai. Source: www.urbz.com ........................................ 41 Figure 25. The spaces present under the foot over bridge, Outer ring road, New Delhi. Source: Author .............................................................................................................................................................. 42 Figure 26. The still surviving shrine under the foot over bridge. Source: Author .................................. 42 Figure 27. Spaces present behind bus stops which have immerse potential for development. Source: Author ................................................................................................................................................... 43

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1. INTRODUCTION

Spaces have been the fundamental of man’s existence and improving the quality of the space around us has been of prime importance in our lives. Designers and planners have thus been the unsung heroes of successful civilizations and time periods. Creating spaces for the needs of the people have been their priorities. With a lack of its availability there has been an inconsistency of space (usable, positive and contributory). In other words there has been a dearth of good space.

Spaces, based on their usability can be broadly divided into public spaces and private spaces. . A proper mix of each of them is fundamental in a successful society. Most spaces present are deliberately planned with a few spaces as left over or negative spaces. In many cases creating these have unintentionally resulted in unusable spaces known as Negative Spaces or Dead Spaces. What exactly are these Negative Spaces? How have they been formed? What are the kinds of negative spaces? These negative spaces although created in most cases are unavoidable and are an outcome of other spaces or are made unto dead spaces due to its non-usability. Though considered negative in some cases the general public of a city like Delhi have made maximum utilization of them by either using them as squatters or for setting up temporary business prospects. The formation and the presence of these negative spaces at an alarming rate over the past few decades have forced us to think about its utilization. How are they being utilized in the present scenario? These negative spaces do exist around us. Therefore their utilization is an important aspect of making our spatial environment richer and complete. Space being such a valuable asset needs to be maintained and utilized in an effective manner for best results.

Though space utilization has been happening over the ages indigenously, a planned and systematic approach would approve to the context as well. Guidelines and methods to use these spaces would help in preventing the formation of the spaces in the first place.

Designers should be made to work in synchronization so that negative spaces can be minimized. (Auge, 1995)

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In this research I would attempt in analysing what negative spaces are, their formation, their presence, their current utility and how they can be effectively utilized in a planned manner.

1.1 RESEARCH QUESTION What is the relevance of Negative spaces in an urban context?

1.2 NEED IDENTIFICATION

The current rate of growth in urban cities has been happening at an alarming rate. Space has become man’s greatest need. People have started overlooking the image of a city as a whole and have been solely looking into individual needs and purposes. Negative Spaces being formed during construction or post construction have increased the urge to curb the methods of their formation in the first place, or in some cases where negative spaces are already existing, utilization of these spaces is the need of the hour. Presence of these dead spaces in an ever growing city like Delhi has directly affected the experiential quality of space around us as well.

Thus it would be important for us to identify the methods of formation and existence of negative spaces in an urban context like New Delhi in order to prevent further creation and to find out methods of mitigating the present negative spaces. Although utilization of these spaces has been happening indigenously at smaller scales, the maximum utilization of these would occur if there is a planned approach. Approaching the study at an urban scale would allow is prevention and utilization at a city level.

By virtue of the understanding thus gained by the research it is aimed at proposing guidelines and opinions which could act as a pre-design reference point to deal with these spaces to give it a new dimension of enhancing its usefulness. ď ˝ Page 7

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1.3 THE BROAD SCOPE

Presence of Negative Spaces in Cities and Urban spaces are inevitable. 

Delhi would be used as a basis for my study of Negative Spaces due to its variation of spaces and their usability. A first hand research and observation of spaces in Delhi would help get a better perspective of Space and its present utilization.

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Definition of Negative Spaces, its formation and its variations are completely theoretical and may differ in practical circumstances.

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All case studies done under this research shall be solely related to Delhi and thus its comparison to any other urban context might differ.

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Examples showing the space utilization are ideas and designs of people who have worked on them and not my own.

1.4 LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

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The research is primarily to figure out the Negative Spaces present in an urban context, its cause for formation and its types, not to give Design theories for the Space Utilization. It is aimed at only citing examples.

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The Spaces that I shall be defining as Negative Spaces in this research is highly subjective and personal. It might differ from one person to the other.

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My knowledge of Urbanism and the urban context is limited and this might restrict my analysis of spaces in an urban scale.

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Only first-hand observation of Negative Spaces would help is giving a clearer picture of their existence and usability. Therefore my knowledge of these spaces outside Delhi would be limited. (Adthiya, 2011)

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1.5 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY The study is intended to understand negative spaces present around us , their origin, reasons for their origin, types utilization and conclusions that can be derived in order to prevent and mitigate negative or dead spaces from cities.

STAGE 1 NEED FOR STUDY 

Trying to find the objectives of study.

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Setting up the scope and limitations.

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Reasons for choosing the study

STAGE 2 LITERATURE SURVEY Through the survey of all possible data related to the topic on negative spaces is collected. This stage of the research includes collecting data that is directly or indirectly related to negative spaces. This has been done through books, journals, presentations and the internet.

Literature survey also helps in identifying the possible areas for case studies their advantages and the reasons for choosing them.

STAGE 3 LITERATURE SURVEY 2 A study done to understand negative spaces to a greater extent with detailed analysis on a first hand basis of these spaces present around us. This allows in framing the topic and the research question  Page 9

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STAGE 4 Various examples cited from first hand and second hand analysis of spaces to understand negative spaces better.

STAGE 5 FRAME WORK

To make a framework of different issues and principles studied and that can be applied on case studies.

STAGE 6 CASE STUDIES Case studies are selected to understand the negative spaces around Delhi, how they were formed in the first place, reasons for their origin, types and present utilization of these spaces. Examples of how these spaces have been utilized to good effect in some cases are also done and a comparison is made between the two.

STAGE 7 INTERVIEWS First hand interview of people using negative spaces and how they react to their presence. In-situ readings and analysis of various negative spaces around Delhi are taken.

STAGE 8 ANALYSIS OF CASE STUDY All the information collected so far was then analysed thoroughly. Other than theoretical analysis practical implementations of these spaces are also studied using various secondary examples.

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DESIGN IDEA FORMULATION Possible conclusions and ideologies about negative spaces and on how they can be prevented or mitigated from an urban environment.

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2. SPACE

2.1 GENERAL IDEOLOGIES Spaces are the fundamental of design and architecture. Designers have thrived by providing optimum space for man’s existence. Over the years space around man has constantly altered from luxury to a necessity. Designers too have tried to make every possible space into a luxury for its users. Space, however large or small, if designed serves the exact need of its target audience. Having given a definite amount of space with the necessity of the client the architect decides the amount of built, the unbuilt, the green, the paved, the open the closed, the covered or the uncovered. Although, through his imagination a designer translates his design to the client, the target group and the purpose of the space is given at most significance.

An architect or a designer could broadly classify his or her design as Open and Closed spaces. These spaces could either be built or unbuilt. The open and closed space along with purpose of a space define the profile of the building. This could be a stadium where a closed space is enclosed by the built and where priority is given to the open space or could be a Haveli in Rajasthan where the open is present in the form of a courtyard and the built is given

Figure 1. An illustration of a stadium and a haveli Source-Author

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priority over the unbuilt open. Based on the usage of a space the categories of open and closed spaces are defined in a design. (Gottilieb, 2011)

These illustrations explain the relation of the open to the closed at a personal level. In these circumstances the accessibility of these open or closed spaces is highly restricted and only a selected group is granted access. Physical and visual barriers are created to ensure privacy. In case of a stadium entry into the open ground is restricted through gates and ticketing. In a private space like a haveli the open space is generally given access to rooms and the private living space and merged with the entrance of the house through corridors and windows. This provides a visual connection but poses a physical barrier.

Similarly at an urban scale of a town or a city the open spaces and the closed spaces are co-related. The built on this scale, generally buildings are built with respect to the open spaces present alongside them. In case of the Manhattan Island the buildings present were constructed keeping the central park or the sea as the open. View and accessibility of the built. In this case was made with respect to the open. (P, Sept 2001)

Figure 2 Placement of buildings in Manhattan with respect to the Central Parks and the Hudson River Source: http://www.michellehenry.fr/map_manhattan.jpg

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Parks, squares piazzas are generally open space that are present in an urban context in case of a city or in gathering space under a tree or a riverside in case of a village or a small settlement. These spaces are created so that the general public have maximum availability.

Thus in case of a town road and walkways are directed towards the public open.

2.2 CATEGORISING SPACE Spaces that are formed, open and closed are generally planned. The space that is present (generally open) around the built is planned to merge with it. This is the same in case of open spaces present at a city level. On a larger scale roads and walkways are created to merge the open spaces with residential commercial or institutional spaces. In many cases unplanned spaces are also used as open spaces. These unplanned spaces that are present along the built generally get utilised by the local residents and are merged with the surrounding. With the passage of time these unplanned space become a part of the urban context. (1669, 2008)

A very prominent example is the Janpath market present along Connaught Place. The market which was along the Janpath road spread into a narrow street along the LIC building and the Indian Oil building. The market spread in size view the profit of the temporary hawkers along the narrow street. The space attracted tourists and customers eyeing the fashion goods at cheap prices. Today the Janpath market have grown into the Indian Oil building and attracts customers from all over the world. (sharma, 2009)

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Figure 3. The evolution of the Janpath market Source: www.liveindia.com, illustration by the author

2.3 SPACE PLACE RELATIONSHIP A space is something that is created by the architect or the designer to the people. A space is converted into a place based on its usability. Not all parks created by an urban designer are successful. The success of a space depends on its accessibility and its usage.

Parks and squares created within gated communities are seldom successful due to a Table 1. The broad categorisation of space.

Source: Author restricted entry.

This is one of the main factor

for the Central park in Connaught Place in

being a successful public space. Non restricted free entry allows people from different classes of the society to interact with each other. (Abinav, 2007) Other reasons for a space to remain successful would be its immediate context. A park or a garden placed next to an immediate commercial wing would be highly successful.

Similarly recreational activities along institutional or residential space would enjoy a better return than kept adjoining an industrial units. Allotment of these space for specific purposes by the town planners and authorities greatly decides the success of a city. Garden city plans were highly successful during the 19th century was the presence of industrial units along the periphery and placing public spaces like fountains, seating spaces and open greens along the residential. Commercial units in this style of planning was placed along the residential and institutional plots. (Abinav, 2007), (Gupta, 2001)

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3. PUBLIC SPACES The nature of contemporary public space is directly affected by the complex socioeconomic context within which is generated. Reflecting the diversity, many attempts have been made to classify the public spaces according to a range of characteristics, often inspired by different academic traditions from where they have been derived. In terms of how users engage with space, Dines and Cattell use social engagement with space and perception of it as a means to identify five categories: 

Everyday places- the range of non- descript neighbourhood spaces that make up of the public realm and everyday venues for interaction.

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Places of meaning- those related to particular associations and meanings attached to particular spaces, both positive and negative.

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Social environments- that through their design and uses actively encourage social encounters between users.

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Places of retreat- that offer a chance for people to be alone with their thoughts or to socialise within a small group.

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Negative spaces- where a person experiences anti-social or disruptive behaviour (Peshwe, 2012)

On a broader perspective, public spaces can be classified into positive or usable spaces and negative or dead spaces. (Peshwe, 2012) Positive spaces are those which are created by intent for a specific need and cater to a specific target group. A positive may include a playground intended for the children of a neighbourhood or a metro system needed to fulfil the needs of a public in a particular city.

Negative spaces are those which do not serve any specific purpose or no longer cater to the needs to which the space was created. Negative spaces thus can be categorised into planned negative spaces or unplanned negative spaces. Spaces that  Page 16

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carry a great potential but have not been used for any particular purpose or have been used for a purpose that was not intended during its designing can also be classified as negative spaces. (Auge, 1995), (K, 2009)

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4. NEGATIVE SPACES 4.1 ORIGIN Negative spaces are formed when one of the following factors fail 

Shape, size and orientation of the space with the context.

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Relationship with the environment

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Activities that the space is meant for

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Lighting and visual aspect of the space with the immediate context (Gehl, 2012)

4.2 HISTORY Formation of negative spaces has been happening through the ages. Unused and left over spaces were common when nomadic tribes moved from one place to another in search of new resources. In these cases due to constant migration, the places where these nomadic tribes used to formerly reside would be bereft of resources and thus would be unusable for a certain period of time. These negative spaces that were created are generally temporary in nature and are rejuvenated over a period of time.

Formation of negative or unused spaces was also a result of change in rulers. After the phases of invasion every ruler intended in creating a new focal point during his regime.

Therefore the previous capitals were abandoned and a new base was set up each time a ruler came into power. Therefore the present place was left which in time ruined and remained unusable. These category of spaces that were created were highly common during the Mughal rule where the rulers constantly changed. Invasions that lead to destruction of residential plots and agricultural land also lead to formation of unusable space. Though these spaces were created they were generally temporary in nature and were reused by the locals once the resources returned. (V, 2002)

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The industrial era in the 18th and 19th century lead to a large migration rate and thus space present within the city had to be divided into parts to cater to the growing needs of the society. Large plots of land that were owned by a single owner or the government were subdivided and given to the public at different rates. These pieces of land that were divided and sold were generally done according to the need of the consumer. In these cases the larger perspective of how land had to be divided keeping the context in mind was often unnoticed. This lead to unplanned division of plots within a patch of land or in patches that were related to each other. This practice lead to the formation of unusable negative space in many parts of the city. (Auge, 1995), (Stonor, 2009)

Figure 4. Plan showing the distribution of plots leading to formation of negative spaces. Source: Author

The end of the industrial era saw modernisation. The continued space constraint lead to verticality in buildings. Skyscrapers were the news trend and with the invention of the mechanical lift height was no longer a constraint. The interaction between the open and public space minimised as the people were further taken vertically. As the space with the open space increased the usage of these spaces decreased. The spaces that were created on the ground floors as interactive open spaces no longer were used. The ground was merely a connector to reach floors of one building. This lead to the formation of unused spaces on the ground floors. The intended greens and seating spaces on ground remained deserted in many high rise buildings resulting in a failure of design. (roger, 1986)

4.3 CATEGORISING NEGATIVE SPACES In perceiving spaces in between buildings, Alexander (1997) agreed that there are two different kinds of public spaces: negative space and positive space. However, he considered ď ˝ Page 19

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the outdoor space as negative when the space is a free space without enclosure. That is, an outdoor space is positive when it has a distinct, definite shape of the surrounding enclosure.

As definite shape of a room defined the quality of an indoor space, therefore the shape for outdoor space in between buildings is as important as the shapes of the buildings which surround it. (M, 2004) Broadly negative space are classified in the following manner.

Table 2. Broad classification of negative spaces. Source: Space below flyovers, Architecture, time space and people

LEFT OVER SPACES

The reality of the existence of space in between buildings is due to many reasons such as unplanned space in the macro-development. The space becomes a left-over space in the execution of the city development. These areas are uneconomical to be gazetted for any development. In most cases, this area is dedicated for passive green area by the local authority. However, at the actual implementation on site is a space without proper designation for public acknowledgement. Improper designation of function has lead the public use the space for rubbish-disposal or short-cut walkway to access to the back lane. Left over spaces are typical and the most common examples of negative spaces in Delhi. Land demarcation by the various government organisations like the DDA, MCD and the NDMC ď ˝ Page 20

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have caused chaos in allotment of land as public spaces. Though marked as public greens in the Master Plan released, in most cases these spaces are left over spaces between plots assigned.

SET-BACK SPACES

The road, river and building set-back or reserved areas are also considered as negative space. These spaces are usually owned by the local authority for future use such as road widening or river embankment. These spaces are poorly maintained in most cases. They remain unused for a long period of time until there is a proposal to improve the public facilities. In case of Delhi the Yamuna riverbanks have been left untouched by the Delhi government eyeing the Yamuna river front redevelopment program which has yet to be cleared for the last two decades. These spaces that are under the government authorities are generally spaces that are easy for trespassers. This is one of the core reasons for the growth of squatter settlements along the railways lines and along the Nallahs of Delhi.

NON-ILLUMINATED SPACE

Light and visual connectivity is essential for a success of a public space. The lack of these basic commodities can result in any space turning into an unusable dead space. The identified space between buildings is considered as a negative space due to its lowillumination. The level of brightness has been considered as one of the factors that contributes to the liveliness and deadness of the space. In night time, the dark spaces might risk the end users’ safety. They are exposed to any possibility of crime in the darkness of the city night. Non illuminated spaces can also be formed because of faulty designs. Spaces present within near Ajmeri gate and Purini dilli railway station are not illuminated during the day or at night leading to high crime rates in these areas.

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NON-SURVEILLANCE SPACE

The non-illuminated and isolated spaces from pedestrian and vehicular circulation were beyond visual surveillance. The examples for this area were the rear of the buildings without island-access or basement parking. Those were another spot for crime scenes and negative activities.

DANGER SPACES

The danger spaces in between buildings could be created due to its location and function but not due non-thoughtful design. Open and public space can be a hazardous space if located adjacent to high-risk zone such as open space around power sub-station, oxidation pond, accident-prone area, construction sites, electrical pylons, and deep monsoon drain. In most cases, those areas were dedicated for passive green area by the planning department of the local authority. To avoid public access those spaces shall be buffered and posted with safety signage for public consciousness of such spaces in the city. (Mathew, 2001)

4.4 SCALE OF NEGATIVE SPACES Negative spaces are present in all levels of a city. Right from the acute angles created within a house that is a highly private space to the spaces present along a river. There is a strong inter-relation between the negative spaces present at different levels. Unusable spaces created by placing the built can create a ripple affect along the public spaces present outside it.

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In an urban scale negative spaces can be divided into City level, Precinct level, neighbourhood level and site level. These spaces that are categorised are public in nature. (Z, 2008)

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5. UTILIZATION OF NEGATIVE SPACES In dealing with negative spaces at an urban scale it is important to consider the various possibilities of its formation. Scale of these spaces can extend from a city level of a river bank to the case of a bus stops. Delhi is taken as a primary example to illustrate the current situation in an urban area and secondary illustrations have been used to propose guidelines that would act as a pre-design reference in dealing with these spaces.

City level study – Yamuna Riverfront Development; Sabarmati riverfront Development program Urban Precinct level- Spaces present in Scindia House, Connaught Place, Delhi Neighbourhood Level- Flyovers at Sarai Kale Khan, New Delhi; Mathikhere Flyover, Banglore; Railway flyover, Nagpur; JJ flyover, Mumbai Site level- Spaces under foot over bridges and spaces behind bus stops, New Delhi

Studies are done at different levels to understand the depth of negative spaces at each level and how the approach to each of them differs from the other. It should also be noted that negative space that are public in nature are only considered. Negative spaces present in private spaces is dealt in a different perspective of helping a single client alone. (Kalyani, 2011)

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5.1 CITY LEVEL REDEVELOPMENT- RIVER EDGES THE PRESENT STATE OF YAMUNA RIVERFRONT

The Yamuna River has been one of the prime physiographical identities of Delhi. Over many years rulers and empires have tried to make maximum use of the river and its bank for irrigation, recreation and transportation. Rapid urban boom in Delhi has led to the Yamuna become into a solely waste carrying Nallah. The once most important banks and riverfronts in North India no longer exist with tall buildings and Industrial units alongside it.

Figure 5. Map showning the Yamuna River and Nallahs in Delhi. Source: www.morphogenesis.com

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The Yamuna banks have been one of the most neglected spaces present in Delhi. Concrete jungles and roads along the Yamuna have made interaction between the citizens and the river to a minimal level. The monuments that were greatly erected during the Mughals keeping in mind the river and the Nallahs have been obstructed with walls built for the protection of the monuments.

Figure 6. Nallas in Delhi and its present relation with monuments. Source: www.morphogenesis.com

Flyovers and the over bridges have become the sole interaction points where the river meets land. Ways of life of the citizens of Delhi have made them neglect the prime physiographical feature. The government of Delhi too has evaded the riverbanks. Pollution in the river leading to high amounts of residual contents have made the banks completely unusable.

Figure 7. The present situation of Banks of river Yamuna.

Source: Author

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The Ghats which have been built along the Yamuna River have been largely unused spaces due to its maintenance and pollution in the river. Poor connectivity and indifference shown by the Delhi Government has made these Ghats largely negative spaces. 1500 acres of unused negative spaces are present along the Yamuna and its Nallahs.

Figure 8. The forgotten Ghats of Yamuna. Source: Author

When compared to places such as the Thames in London or the Ganga in Varanasi, the Yamuna greatly fails in providing public recreational space. The buildings along the Yamuna too have neglected the aspect of an aesthetics which could be provided with the Yamuna. Industrial units and factories are all that are currently present along the Yamuna riverfront making it a sewage carrying Nallah. (Anon., 2009)

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SABARMATI RIVERFRONT DEVELOPMENT PLAN

The Sabarmati Redevelopment project is done in order to revitalise the lost banks of the river Sabarmati which runs along Gujarat. Similar to the Yamuna, the Sabarmati once was a river with near-zero use of the river bank. The Gujarat government in 1997 decided to develop the edge of the river and work for its integration with the city by the year 2016.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

Figure 9. Zoned Development along the Sabarmati. Source: www.sabarmatiriverfront.com/

The Sabarmati Riverfront project is an enhancement of the environment, social improvement and urban rejuvenation project that will renew Ahmedabad. The project aims to restore the river's edge private and a public good and restore the city's relationship with its river. The idea of developing the Sabarmati Riverfront is old. However, only in 1997 the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) set up a Special Purpose Vehicle owned in its entirety - the Sabarmati Riverfront Development Corporation (SRFCDL) to explore the project. The Riverfront updated 18 districts located near the riverfront land, revitalizing the heart of Ahmedabad and lead the future growth of the city.

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UNIQUE IDENTITY

Figure 10. Public spaces along the river. Source: www.sabarmatiriverfront.com/

Sabarmati Riverfront Project will improve the ethos of Ahmedabad, significantly improving the quality of life for residents and enhance value Ahmedabad as a destination for new businesses, institutions, investment, education and tourism opportunities.

THE PROJECT

The riverfront project creates intrinsic value to all residents of Ahmedabad Sabarmati banks making free and accessible to the public. The riverbanks will continually evolve, adapting to the diverse interests of a city in transformation.

Figure 11. Physical and Visual intercation with the Ghats. Source: www.sabarmatiriverfront.com/

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PUBLIC SPACES

The riverfront project creates intrinsic value to all residents of Ahmedabad Sabarmati banks making free and accessible to the public. The riverbanks will continually evolve, adapting to the diverse interests of a city in transformation.

Reclaimed land for riverfront development is largely devoted to public use free and open more than 85% of riverfront land will become public infrastructure, recreational parks, sports facilities and new gardens.

Figure 12. The idea of one society through streets and markets. Source: www.sabarmatiriverfront.com/

Some of these public areas include a new space for cultural and civic institutions: including museums, monuments, shows and showroom to significantly improve the availability of civic services. (Anon., 2007)

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5.2 SPACES IN AN URBAN PRECINCT NEGATIVE SPACES IN SCINDIA HOUSE, CONNAUGHT PLACE

Figure 13. The Scindia House. Source: Google maps, Author

Connaught Place is one of the most accessed public spaces present in Delhi. The average number of people who visit C.P in a day exceeds more than 10 lakh. In a highly successful public space, the presence of negative and unused space may be more than just surprising, but is inevitable.

The Scindia House present on the outer circle of public space is a high end retail sector with restaurants like KFC and car showrooms like BMW and Skoda. A complete altering of the front façade through signboards and advertisements has given the Scindia house a new face. During this development, the spaces present within the Scindia house was completely omitted.

The service entries of Scindia house were neglected leading to small squatters settling in inner courtyard. The pedestrian walkway to Tolsroy Road from Connaught Place through Scindia house has been blocked by these squatters. Ignorance shown by the government and the local authorities encouraged the growth and migration into the Scindia house which has a very good economic prospective.

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Although the spaces within the Scindia is not unused, the true purpose is not being served. Intended to be a highly public square residents and shop owners have encroached into roads and open spaces. Of the two connecting roads within Scindia house, one of them has been completely blocked by dhabbas and restaurants. Mechanics and repair shops have increased over the past decade eyeing monetary gains.

Figure 14. The encroachments within the Scindia house complex. Source: Author

The spaces which are present within the Scindia house are considered negative as they do not cater to the target group that they were intended. Public open space that were created with built around for healthy interaction has become a space for workshops and car rentals. The conversion of space is mainly due to negligence of government authorities and the lack of connection between the current front façade with the space present within. (K, 2009)

Figure 15. Loss of public space in Scindia house. Source: Author

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5.3 NEIGHBOURHOOD LEVEL- SPACES UNDER FLYOVER

Spaces present under flyovers are one of the largest clusters of negative spaces present within a city. Delhi being called as the city of flyovers lately has accounted for a large amount of unused and negative spaces. Most of the spaces are either used as parking or for landscape purposes which have been generally not been maintained.

NIZAMUDDIN FLYOVER, SARAI KALE KHAN, NEW DELHI

Figure 16 Plan of the Sarai Kale Khan and the Nizamuddin railways station. Source: Google maps, Author

The Sarai Kale Khan Flyover is one of the 54 flyovers constructed by the Delhi government in the past decade. The Sarai Kale Khan Flyover is a highly used connector along the Outer Ring road as it connects directly to the Nizamuddin Railway station. Therefore a large amount of migrant population which arrive into Delhi through the Nizamuddin Railway station seek for temporary stay and shelter.

The space present under this flyover is a highly unused space when compared to its immediate context. The homeless migrants who once took shelter under the Nizamudin flyover have been deprived due to the fencing done by the DDA. The space here thus remains a fenced unused space in the heart of the capital.

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This space if planned and utilized could be used for various activities like shelter, recreation, and public services.

Figure 17 Space around the Sarai Kale Khan flyover. Source: Author

Figure 18. Unused space under the flyover.

Source: Author

The schemes proposed by the Delhi government to provide shelter for the homeless during the harsh climatic conditions would remain an incomplete dream if spaces under flyover such as the Sarai Kale Khan are left fenced and unusable. These spaces get naturally sheltered from heat and rain, are provided with ample amounts of natural lighting and accessibility. If used in a planned manner these spaces can generate high revenues for the government while providing public facilities for the public. (K, 2009)

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MATHIKERE FLYOVER, BANGLORE

Figure 19. Plan showing the Mathikere flyover and the slum dwellings. Source: Space under flyovers, Architecture, time space and people.

The Mathikere flyover in Banglore is one of the few flyovers in India where space under them have been utilized in a planned manner. During the highway projects in Banglore the slums present along the flyovers had to be relocated. The government of Bangalore decided to relocate 75 squatter houses under the Mathikere flyover.

The spaces were made in such a way that facilities such as toilets were given at one point for easy maintenance. The 40 units were made in total out of sheet rock and brick.

Although they cause a visual hindrance of commuters along the adjacent roads, the design of these shelters has solved the basic need of providing shelter to the homeless. Space utilization has been done in a very effective manner by providing basic amenities to the people who had been affected during urbanisation. (Peshwe, 2012)

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Figure 20. The sheleters provided for slum dwellers. Source: Space under flyovers, Architecture, time space and people.

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NAGPUR RAILWAY STATION FLYOVER

Figure 21. Plan showing the Nagpur Raliway station flyover and the Nagpur Railway station. Source: Space under flyovers, Architecture, time space and people.

The flyover at the Nagpur Railway Station is one of the first flyover in India where the leftover space has been used in a planned manner. The 1km long flyover is one of its kind and accommodates shops below. A total of 175 shops along with public facilities and parking space has been provided.

Figure 22. Markets and public amenities present under the Nagpur flyover. Source: Space under flyovers, Architecture, time space and people.

The space is multi utilitarian in nature with shops, parking facilities and public amenities present under one roof The concept of using the left over spaces came because of the non-

availability of free land in front of the Nagpur Railways Station. The scenario of dearth of public spaces is similar to the Sarai Kale Khan flyover but has been dealt with in a planned

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manner not only utilizing space but also providing public facilities. The façade of this shopping area has been designed in such way to match the heritage. (Peshwe, 2012)

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JJ FLYOVER, BOMBAY

Figure 23. Plan showing the JJ flyover in Mumbai which extends for2.4 km. Source: Google maps

The JJ flyover in Mumbai runs from the Crawford market area and extends up to Byculla. The flyover crosses over some of the densest and most frantic neighbourhoods of Mumbai. Presently the control and maintenance of traffic both above and below the flyover is poor. Pedestrians had been completely neglected during the construction and expansion of the flyover. Although the flyover features prominently on all maps of Mumbai, the space beneath the 2.4km flyover in the heart of the city is a highly overlooked space.

Nonetheless, a host of activities happens under the flyover. Informal markets generally spring up at different points under the JJ flyover selling everything from chai to chicken. Although the space has never been planned or defined the activities happen for the locals, by the locals. Homeless seeking shelters is a day to day activity. The space is highly organic and ever growing.

The unplanned nature of spaces under the JJ flyover has resulted in problems of hygiene and safety. Having combined vehicular and pedestrian movement under the flyover has led to the 38 deaths in the past two years. Mumbai, a city which is going vertical to accommodate the rapid urban boom, spaces like these could be of immense potential and could greatly serve in creating public spaces around the city.

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A team of architects and urban designers, Stephanie Carlisle, Ankit Savla, Sourav Biswas and Priyanka Talreja have proposed to make an interactive street under the JJ flyover.

Having considered the advantages of the space under the flyover by protection from rain and sun the team has proposed and relief from land tenures and real estate speculations, the team has proposed that through small interventions the patch of land could be completely transformed and these slender patches of spaces would find a host of uses that would be organic and constantly changing, responding to collective need, present aspirations and seasonal calendar.

The team has proposed a list of activities under the JJ flyover like 

Pocket Parks



Cycling Paths

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Night Shelters

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Mural Walls

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Newspaper/Reading Kiosks

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Landscaped seating

Various street plays have been conducted by this team to enlighten the locals of the flyover in order to gain their support to improve the quality of life in such a way that people are given priority over automobiles. The revitalisation project is proposed all along the JJ flyover, where selected stretches of the flyover have specific purposes with respect to their immediate context. (Carlisle, 2011)

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Figure 24. Proposals under the JJ flyover, Mumbai. Source: www.urbz.com

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LEFT OVER SPACES IN AN URBAN PRECINCT

SPACE UNDER WALKWAYS.

Similar to spaces under flyover, unused spaces under walkways and foot over bridges also contribute to space waste in an urban scale. These spaces currently are used by squatters and homeless migrants but if put to use in a proper manner can serve basic community purposes like public toilets, information kiosks, ATMs and shops for basic amenities. These foot over bridges generally present in a highly accessed precinct would help in providing public service and monetary gains.

One of many examples is the foot over bridge on the Outer Ring Road. Used by hundreds of commuters daily, the space present under it is highly neglected. Currently, the space is only used for littering or as temporary shelters by migrants. A small shrine which was present before the foot over bridge was constructed still stands and is used by the local residents.

Converting the space under would not only provide facilities to the public but also bring back the shrine to its glory.

Figure 25. The spaces present under the foot over bridge, Outer ring road, New Delhi. Source: Author

Figure 26. The still surviving shrine under the foot over bridge. Source: Author

SPACES BEHIND BUS STOPS

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the day, spaces around the bus stops are neglected. If tapped these spaces can become into a highly interactive community space which would provide essential needs.

The Indra Gandhi indoor stadium bus stop is one such example. Used by commuters from different walks of life all through the day, the stand caters to a lone purposes of providing shade for travellers. The space present behind the bus stop is completely ignored.

A space that could be employed for a wide number of purposes starting from public conveniences to a gathering space or an information kiosk. Creating spaces like these would increase interaction between commuters who relate to each other marginally.

Figure 27. Spaces present behind bus stops which have immerse potential for development.

Source: Author

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6. ANALYSIS AND CONCLUSION The pre requisite of the research is explore the negative spaces that are present in an urban context taking Delhi as a primary area for study. Having seen and reviewed the negative spaces which are public in nature present in different scales, the pre-designs requirements of these spaces to become active and useful again would have a common background but would require a site specific approach. The secondary examples given for each of the situation illustrates how a similar space has been planned and utilized in an effective manner. Although not the same, similar ideologies can be applied in the negative spaces defined within Delhi. (Henry, 2003) 

The Yamuna River is the strongest physiographical feature present within Delhi. The river banks form an integral part of the river and is the main interaction space for the residents of Delhi with the river. First accessibility should be provided onto the banks of the river for the people. The Delhi government should strictly ban the dumping of ill-treated waste into the river. The public should be made understood that the river is not just for carrying industrial was but aesthetic and conveyance purposes. The Ghats that were initially built along the Yamuna should be revived by providing access and placing small community centres. A perfect example of revival is the Sabarmati riverfront development scheme which is underway in Ahmedabad.



Connaught Place is a world famous public space. The presence of unused and negative space directly affect the atmosphere of the space around. Spaces like Scindia house which has rapidly grown through modernisation should take into consideration about the entire society which would use the space around. Segregation of spaces in terms of economic status creates a rift in the society. Further while developing a space the core intent and the feature of the space that has been created should be considered.



Spaces under a flyover possess a great potential of being a successful public space.

The designs of these flyovers should be in such a way that maximum utilization is achieved. The Sarai Kale Khan flyover which is present along the Nizamuddin Railway

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station should be utilised to provide shelter and public facilities. The space utilization of the Nagpur Railway station flyover and the Mathikere flyover in Banglore have been highly successful and similar measures can be applied. 

Public negative spaces present under walkways and bus stops should be tapped in a proper manner and the construction of stalls and kiosks should be encouraged by the government.



The government authorities who generally allot land for sale should keep in mind the context and potential of each space created or modified so that minimum wastage is incurred.

From all the above cases we can infer that these spaces have a very high potential of being a successful public space, therefore authorities should take strong measures for the development of these spaces Creating negative spaces within a city is inevitable but architects and urban designers should take measures in such a way that minimum space goes underutilised. Negative spaces that are present or so created should be dealt in a holistic manner to cater to the specific need of the society.

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