RETHINKING THE URBAN SQUARE
Yashita Manit Khanna Fifth Year Semester IX (Part 1)
Guide: Ar. Anmol Warang L. S. Raheja School of Architecture Affiliated to Mumbai University 2020-2021
CERTIFICATE This is to certify that Yashita Manit Khanna has successfully completed her design dissertation (part 1) on the topic ‘Rethinking the Urban Square’ under the guidance of Ar. Anmol Warang. The dissertation is undertaken as a part of the academic study based on the curriculum for Bachelors of Architecture program conducted by the University of Mumbai, through L.S. Raheja School of Architecture, Mumbai.
SEAT NUMBER: B13 Thesis Guide: Ar. Ar. Anmol Warang L. S. Raheja School of Architecture, Mumbai
Principal: Ar. Mandar Parab. L. S. Raheja School of Architecture, Mumbai
External Juror 1: Ar. Nachiket Kalle
External Juror 2: Ar. Ritu Deshmukh
DECLARATION I hereby declare that this written submission entitled “Rethinking the Urban Square” represents my ideas in my own words and has not been taken from the work of others (as from books, articles, essays, dissertations, other media and online); and where others’ ideas or words have been included, I have adequately cited and referenced the original sources. Direct quotations from books, journal articles, internet sources, other texts, or any other source whatsoever are acknowledged and the source cited are identified in the dissertation references. No material other than that cited and listed has been used. I have read and know the meaning of plagiarism* and I understand that plagiarism, collusion, and copying are grave and serious offences in the university and accept the consequences should I engage in plagiarism, collusion or copying. I also declare that I have adhered to all principles of academic honesty and integrity and have not misrepresented or fabricated or falsified any idea/data/fact source in my submission. This work, or any part of it, has not been previously submitted by me or any other person for assessment on this or any other course of study.
Signature of the Student: Name of the Student: Yashita Manit Khanna Exam Roll No: B13 Date: 6th January 2021
Place: Mumbai
*The following defines plagiarism: “Plagiarism” occurs when a student misrepresents, as his/her own work, the work, written or otherwise, of any other person (including another student) or of any institution. Examples of forms of plagiarism include: • the verbatim (word for word) copying of another’s work without appropriate and correctly presented acknowledgement; • the close paraphrasing of another’s work by simply changing a few words or altering the order of presentation, without appropriate and correctly presented acknowledgement; • unacknowledged quotation of phrases from another’s work; • the deliberate and detailed presentation of another’s concept as one’s own. • “Another’s work” covers all material, including, for example, written work, diagrams, designs, charts, photographs, musical compositions and pictures, from all sources, including, for example, journals, books, dissertations and essays and online resources.
Rethinking the Urban Square
ACKNOWLEDGMENT Firstly, I would like to thank my parents Manit Khanna and Monika Khanna for supporting me in every possible way, believing in me and helping me achieve all my goals, my elder brother Jaitra Khanna, my grandparents Ramesh Khanna and Ranjna Khanna for being supportive and my dog Oreo for always entertaining me during the last five years in my most stressful times. My guide and mentor Ar. Anmol Warang for his constant support, guidance, advice, encouragement throughout. Ar. Swanand Mahashabde, Ar. Mugdha Bakde Deshpande and Ar. Mridula Pillai Gudekar for believing in me and my Aakar supporters, Ar. Neeta Sarode and Ar. Mildred Tinto. My constant motivator, supporter, and entertainer Nimit Patni. My childhood friends Aakruti Bhatt, Akanksha Shinde and Shalini Mookerjee for being with me through all my phases and sticking through. Purti Hardikar, Akshay Kekan and Karen D’mello for being the most amazing and helpful seniors during college and even after. My friends who have supported me in the past few years of Architecture; my Garbit gang- Meghna, Harshita, Gargi, Tanvi, my cribbing friends- Urvi and Prachi, my most efficient CR gang- Nidhee and Dipesh, accidental friend after all these years- Muskan, Sweta-my thesis entertainer, and Trisha. My cousin Pratika Suri for all the nights. You guys have unknowingly helped me through these years for academics and more. This list is incomplete without the person who helped me start this journey, Rylenne D’sa Ma’am, Thank you for all your guidance and support, I wouldn’t be here without you.
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 1
Rethinking the Urban Square
Preface Public Square is an important element of a city. As said by Cliff Moughtin in his book, “Urban Design Street and Square”, “it is the chief method by which a town or city is both decorated and given distinction. It is the natural setting for the most important civic and religious buildings, a place for fine sculpture, fountains and lighting and, above all else, a place where people meet and socialize.” They are the point of convergence in the public space network. They provide for a wide range of formal and informal activities. An Urban square will only attract people if they are vibrant, exciting, easily accessible and safe for different types of users, but is this the case in our country? Do people want to be in these urban spaces? With the increase in population and need for space for people to live, the amount of open spaces is reducing. In this digital era everyone needs some time out of their homes and offices. Open spaces are needed to breath, interact, walk or gather, — a city’s streets, parks, waterfronts, squares, maidans, chowks — are necessary breathers then. Over the years peoples understanding of hangout spots have become malls, theatres or gaming alleys since open spaces are not available and hence an inviting public square would help connect people and promote social, cultural and recreational activities. According to Jan Gehl when the city whole heartedly invites to walk, stand and sit in the city's common space a new urban pattern emerges: more people walk and stay in the city. We need to design cities as meeting places — for small events and larger perspectives. City designers need to set the stage for necessary activities like walking, optional activities like enjoying a view and social activities like tempting public interaction.
Aim To study the importance of Public Squares. To understand the impact Public Squares play on people’s mind and behaviour, its surrounding spaces and how they could contribute for a better living and spatial qualities.
Objectives o o o o o
To study if Public Squares are being used for their appropriate reason or are misused. To understand how Public Squares can be best utilised and how they can help promote social, cultural and recreational opportunities. To understand the relationship between Public Squares and its surroundings. To understand the architectural role of Public Squares in framing a city life. To understand the role Public Squares play to improve liveability of people and help contribute to the city.
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 2
Rethinking the Urban Square o o
To understand how Public Squares affect the behaviour of people. To study what people want from a city in terms of open spaces.
Research Methodology o o o o o o o o
Study what public squares are. Studying the evolution and forms of Public Squares from the Classic Period till date. Studying Public Squares and Public Interaction Studying the issues faced in Mumbai- how spaces are and hoe they could be Do a comparative and detailed study of public squares. (How they have evolved, spatial qualities, etc) Shortlist Sites in Mumbai Select/Understand one of the options for a more detailed study. Interview people on their experiences and needs.
Limitations o o o
Entire Mumbai’s Squares cannot be studied. All Public squares cannot be studied on site, in that case the information depends on secondary and tertiary data. Policies, Government rules and regulations cannot be altered.
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 3
Rethinking the Urban Square
Table of Contents Preface ................................................................................................................................... 2 Aim .......................................................................................................................................... 2 Objectives .............................................................................................................................. 2 Research Methodology ........................................................................................................ 3 Limitations ............................................................................................................................... 3 1.0
Introduction ................................................................................................................. 7
2.0
Definitions and Terminologies .................................................................................. 10
2.1 Difference between Public space and Private space.......................................... 11 2.2 What are Public/Urban Spaces? ............................................................................. 12 2.3 What are Public Buildings? ....................................................................................... 15 2.4 What are Public Squares/ Plazas? ........................................................................... 16 3.0 History and Evolution of Public Squares ...................................................................... 19 3.0.1 Classic Period ................................................................................................... 19 3.0.1a AGORA ....................................................................................................... 19 3.0.1b FORUM ........................................................................................................ 21 3.0.2 Medieval Town Square ................................................................................... 22 3.0.3 Neo Classical Period ....................................................................................... 24 3.0.3a Renaissance Town ..................................................................................... 24 3.0.3b Baroque City .............................................................................................. 25 3.0.4 Modern City Concepts ................................................................................... 27 3.1 Role and Functions of Public Squares ..................................................................... 30 3.2 Form and Shape ........................................................................................................ 33 3.2.1 Types of Public Squares ................................................................................... 37 3.2.1a THE CLOSED SQUARE ................................................................................. 38 3.2.1b THE DOMINANT SQUARE............................................................................ 42 3.2.1c THE NUCLEAR SQUARE ............................................................................... 46 3.2.1d THE GROUPED SQUARE ............................................................................. 50 3.2.1e THE AMORPHOUS SQUARE ........................................................................ 53 4.0 Sociability in a Public Square ....................................................................................... 57 4.1 Social Interaction in Public Squares ......................................................................... 58 4.2 Public Squares- A need for a new policy ................................................................ 60 4.2.1 Public spaces used as Traffic Nodes ............................................................. 60 4.2.2 Beachfronts ...................................................................................................... 61 4.2.3 Transit Nodes .................................................................................................... 62 5.0 Case Studies................................................................................................................... 65
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 4
Rethinking the Urban Square 5.1 Manek Chowk, Ahmedabad ................................................................................... 65 5.2 Connaught Place, Delhi ........................................................................................... 67 5.3 Gopi Talao, Surat ....................................................................................................... 70 5.4 Father Duffy Square, New York ................................................................................ 74 6.0 Urban Square Design Criteria ....................................................................................... 78 6.0.1 Access ........................................................................................................... 78 6.0.2 Image or spatial configuration ................................................................... 79 6.0.3 Activity........................................................................................................... 79 6.0.4 Comfort ......................................................................................................... 80 6.0.5 Security .......................................................................................................... 80 7.0 Site selection .................................................................................................................. 82 7.1 Site Selection Criteria................................................................................................. 82 7.2 Shortlisted Sites ........................................................................................................... 83 7.2.1 Gateway of India Precinct, Apollo Bandar .............................................. 83 7.2.2 Jacob Circle (Saat Rasta), Mahalaxmi ..................................................... 88 Table of Figures .................................................................................................................... 90 References ........................................................................................................................... 93 Annexure .............................................................................................................................. 95
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 5
Rethinking the Urban Square
CHAPTER 1.0 Introduction
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 6
Rethinking the Urban Square
1.0 Introduction Public spaces act as a catalyst for social change and play a great role and offer a space for numerous community groups to meet. Public spaces are places that allow us to interact and connect with unknown people who are not our family, friends, or colleagues, as well as spaces for politics, faith, commerce, sport, peaceful coexistence and impersonal encounters. When you think of it, what is a public space? In our towns and cities, a lot of spaces are easily accessible to the public: parks/gardens, plazas, maidans, streets, malls, promenades, waterfronts etc are all public spaces of a sort, but yet most parks are not places to relax, most plazas are used for parking or as traffic nodes. What turns a space that is public into a public space? What space is considered as a square? And what spaces are most used/desired to be in? Why do people prefer being in certain spaces rather than others, and how do these spaces affect someone’s behaviour? Is it the presence of greenery? But some trees cast their shadow over hardscape and not for people to use as shade. It could be the presence of benches but a lot of seats in parks go un-used just gathering dust. In certain spaces, physical barriers designed to keep certain people and Figure 1: Seat alone do not make a Public space inviting out (Mid Day) discourage certain groups from accessing them, for example- Oval Maidan. On the contrary, Shivaji Park is a good example of inclusiveness as it supports various activities. Nowadays the effect of technological growth on people's lives and culture is unprecedented, unavoidable, and also troubling. The undue effect of technology on the lives of individuals has led our society to turn towards more privatization and secluded life. At this point, the role of urban public spaces in social life has become more popular and significant. There is an increasing range of evidence that public spaces can offer a number of benefits across the economic, social and environmental spheres. These spaces form a territory's social personality, are a part of its unique character, and give local communities a sense of place. In particular, a square is an important public space in a city. These squares are primarily found in the middle of the surrounding city. At various ceremonies, such as religious occasions, funerals, holidays and political gatherings, the square is a place to gather. “In a society becoming steadily more privatized with private homes, cars, computers, offices and shopping centers, the public component of our lives is disappearing. It is more and more important to make the cities inviting, so we can meet our fellow citizens face to face and experience directly through our senses. Public life in good
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 7
Rethinking the Urban Square quality public spaces is an important part of a democratic life and a full life.” (Project for Public Spaces , 2008) In urban planning and architecture, the problems of social life in public spaces and the relationship with the development of a vibrant and diverse community have not been given too much attention. This thesis raises the question of considering public spaces and how urban public spaces (especially squares) can encourage/persuade citizens to enhance social interaction.
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 8
Rethinking the Urban Square
CHAPTER 2.0 Definitions &Terminologies
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 9
Rethinking the Urban Square
2.0 Definitions and Terminologies Public Space consists of multiple elements, such as Streets, Footpaths, Open spaces (Green patches/garden/parks), Iconic/monumental buildings, Private spaces (Residential units), Public Buildings (Library, Theatre, Post office, government buildings), and Public Squares/plaza.
Figure 2: What constitutes a Public Space? (Author)
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 10
Rethinking the Urban Square
2.1 Difference between Public space and Private space Public space is a shared space available to the public. Roads, public squares, parks and beaches are commonly called public spaces. Government buildings that are open to the public, such as public libraries, theatres are also public spaces. While not considered public property, privately owned buildings, or properties visible from the sidewalks and public thoroughfares can have an effect on the public visual landscape, such as outdoor advertisements. Private space is the area surrounding a person that they consider to be psychologically theirs. Most people respect their personal space and experience frustration, rage, or fear when their personal space is invaded. Allowing a person to invade personal space and enter someone else's personal space is an indication of the understanding of the relationship between people. There is an intimate zone reserved for lovers, children and family members. Another area is used for conversations with colleagues, for talking with partners, and in group discussions; another area is reserved for outsiders, newly established parties, and new acquaintances; and a fourth area is used for speeches, presentations, and theatre; the range reserved for wider audiences is basically public distance. (Smith, 2012)
Figure 3: Private and Public Spaces
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 11
Rethinking the Urban Square
2.2 What are Public/Urban Spaces? Understanding what public space is, is crucial before moving into the meaning of a public square. In other words, it is important to understand public space in order to transform it into a public square. Public space is 'external space,' 'any kind of space between buildings in cities and other localities.' These spaces are the veins that lead to the final urban concept i.e. the urban square. A public space refers to an area or place that is open and accessible to all peoples, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, age or socio-economic level. These are public gathering spaces such as plazas, squares and parks. Connecting spaces, such as sidewalks and streets, are also public spaces. In the 21st century, some even consider the virtual spaces available through the internet as a new type of public space that develops interaction and social mixing. (UNESCO, n.d.)
Figure 4: What makes a Place? (http://pps.org)
Public spaces are where people meet and interact; celebrate, socialize and discover common passions; and where they affirm their shared rights to the city. (Safer Spaces, n.d.) It is a place where friends run into each other, new friends are made and cultures are exchanged. These spaces are created and maintained by the citizens and promote social cohesion. They are accessible to all citizens regardless of their income and personal circumstances. Formal public spaces have long played an important role, on a larger scale, as presumed hubs of settlements of all kinds and as a focal point for public life, activities and events. At a smaller scale, they might simply be somewhere to relax, hang out or play while adding a visual break in the movement of streets through urban areas. These spaces allow individuals to meet on an apparent neutral basis on organized and unplanned paths, to connect with those within society. These involve family relationships (e.g. family shopping), social activities (e.g. community groups), nearby social associations (e.g. meetings with companions, neighbours and work partners) and meeting by simple excitement (for instance, strolling gatherings). By encouraging this blending, public spaces can add to the attachment of groups.
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 12
Rethinking the Urban Square
Figure 5: What makes a great public place? (http://pps.org)
Public spaces exist for several uses and in multiple forms. One can distinguish between open public spaces like beaches, parks and other natural spaces, pavements or squares and closed public spaces such as libraries, museums or religious, spiritual and heritage sites. Other spaces of public use like transport interchanges, sports grounds and recreational facilities can be either open or inside buildings. Streets or sidewalks can be considered as more ubiquitous and versatile public spaces that need to exist to promote mobility. (Safer Spaces, n.d.) When theses spaces work well, they serve as the stage for our public lives.
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 13
Rethinking the Urban Square Any fair city or town must offer a substantial and accessible number of quality public spaces, which have accessible and useful amenities. Public space is a powerful tool for social inclusion. This is very important to cities. It means that everyone who happens to be in a city and behave responsibly is treated as equal, at least in those areas of a city that are public. One can even argue that according to the logic of freedom as a universal value, the city itself is a public space. Secure, vibrant and well-maintained – according to UN-Habitat, should be the three main characteristics of public spaces. They are much more than just 'space' that citizens can use. They add economic value, foster social stability and also give environmental and cultural benefits.
Figure 6: More than just space-quality public spaces hold great benefits for cities (http://pps.org)
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 14
Rethinking the Urban Square
2.3 What are Public Buildings? The buildings which house our post offices, courthouses, government agencies, libraries, temples and other civic institutions are often impressive yet uninviting. They can be so much more for the neighbourhoods they serve: places that sustain daily public life, places that transcend cultural and economic differences, and places of protest and celebration. The Department for Communities and Local Government (CLG) consultation document, Display Energy Certificates: current regime and how it could be streamlined and improved, published in 2015, points out that EU countries define ‘public buildings’ in a number of different ways: o o o
The Czech Republic, defines public as; all buildings that are not apartments or are non-residential. Finland; those buildings which provide public services. France; a building that is occupied by a governmental body.
A building that is: 'occupied by a public authority and frequently visited by the public”. It defines ‘frequently visited by the public’ as; 'daily attendance during days of operation by people for purposes unrelated to their residence, employment, education or training.' This means for example that a school used only as a school, is not a public building because it is not daily attended by people who are neither staff nor pupils. However, a school that is also used daily for community functions is a public building. The Building Regulations define public containing— o o
o
buildings as
a building consisting
a theatre, public library, hall or other place of public resort; a school or other educational establishment not exempted the operation of building regulations; or a place of public worship;
of
or
from
But a building is not to be treated as a place of public resort because it is, or it contains, a shop, storehouse or warehouse, or is a dwelling to which members of the public are occasionally admitted. (Designing Buildings, 2020)
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 15
Rethinking the Urban Square
2.4 What are Public Squares/ Plazas? The word plaza originates from Spanish and refers to "urban square”. The Dictionary of Architecture and Building Construction (Davies, 2008), rather than the previous description, describes plaza as “any large open urban space, often linked to a prestigious building.” At the same time, this dictionary describes urban square as “an urban public open space, often planted or paved, surrounded on all sides by, in front of or between buildings”. Each culture has its own terms for such open-air urban public spaces. Italians use the word piazza for square or open space and in the Turkish sense, meydan is used to mean square or large open spaces and entertainment or meeting spaces. Obviously, all these terms address a common issue, which is the open space for public use of the urban plaza/piazza/square concept. In this sense, urban squares have a social aspect with regard to their public dimension and a spatial aspect due to their physical organisation. Nodes are the points, the strategic locations in a city in which an observer may enter and which are the focal points to and from which he moves. They may be mostly junctions, places of break in travel, crossing or intersection of routes, moments of change from one structure to another. Or, nodes can be simply concentrations that derive their value from being a condensation of some kind of use or physical character, such as a street corner or enclosed square. (Lynch, 1960) Nodes are the strategic focal points at which the observer may join, usually either the intersection of paths or the concentration of certain characteristics. But while they are conceptually small points in the picture of the city, they can in fact be large squares, or rather expanded linear forms, or even entire central districts, when the city is considered to be large enough. They are one of the most important elements of a public space/City design. It is probably the most important way to design a good location for public and commercial buildings in cities. This has led some writers to associate the architectural grouping of buildings with and similar to the arrangement of the plaza. The square or plaza is both a building-framed area and an area built to display its buildings to the greatest advantage. Great civic compositions such as St Mark’s Square, Venice, St Peter’s Square, Rome, and the group of squares in Bath by John Wood and his son are unique in the relationship between space, the surrounding buildings and the dome of the sky; they demand an emotional and cerebral response and, as such, compare with any other art form. (J.C.Moughtin, 2003) The types of spaces needed in a city are the settings for a civic building, the key meeting places, locations for great ceremonial activities, entertainment venues around buildings such as theatres, cinemas and cafes. The city also needs shopping areas, such as pedestrian shopping streets, arcades and markets, spaces in which offices are clustered, spaces of semi-public nature around which residential housing is organized and, finally, spaces connected to urban traffic junctions. Squares are the natural locale for community activities and representation. (J.C.Moughtin, 2003) For its vitality and also for its visual appeal, operation in a square is significant. The physical and psychological role of the square does not depend on size or scale, but the squares provide a meeting place for people and provide reciprocal communication.
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 16
Rethinking the Urban Square Also, squares offer a shield for users against haphazard traffic and free them from the strain of running through the network of the streets. So, it can be concluded that squares are focal points in urban design and are an important piece of art in the fabric of any community. They represent a fraction of the total open space of a city. In addition, squares serve as the public realm and environment for the surrounding buildings. They are places where people can meet and socialize. Sometimes squares already exist, however, it can be shaped according to its users and occupants of space. They tend to shape its image, boundaries and so on. This means that users are responsible for the design of their public squares which create a sense of place and flexibility, add symbolic meanings and provide openended activities.
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 17
Rethinking the Urban Square
CHAPTER 3.0 History & Evolution of Public Squares
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 18
Rethinking the Urban Square
3.0 History and Evolution of Public Squares According to Levy (Levy, 2012), the main difference between a public park and a public square is that “on a square, citizens are not connected to manifestations of nature, but to the heart of urban culture, history and memory”
3.0.1 Classic Period 3.0.1a AGORA Historically, the town square, for example, the Greek Agora, was both a civic centre and a marketplace. In this way the city can leverage the economic potential of its waterfront and enjoy a separate hub elsewhere in the city's fabric for its political life. As a result of the traffic pressures of crossroads, squares were created and were included as crossroads features in a new city plan. 6000 years ago, the first city formations emerged and city squares were formed at the crossroads of major trade routes. A well-known early example of the public squares of today is the "Agora" of Greece. In shaping Greek towns, democracy played a significant role. In the city center, the Agora was an open space where political social and economic events took place. Greek agoras were public spaces for all sorts of events such as political meetings, athletic and musical games, theatre performances and commercial activities. The form of the agora geometrically was usually square or rectangle. (Memluk, 2013)
Figure 7: Agora of Priene (Aydın, Turkey)
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 19
Rethinking the Urban Square
Figure 8: Athenian Agora, Second Century A.D
The public squares of ancient Greece may be divided in two classes: o
o
those which were conceived and constructed as a planned formal architectural space such as in Miletus. And those which were formed slowly about a conserved open space without a consistent or simple geometric enclosed space. These two types will be found repeatedly in the history of squares.
Figure 9: Miletus and its Agora
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 20
Rethinking the Urban Square 3.0.1b FORUM Likewise, the Roman Forum was a large open space for people to come together for political, economic and social activities. The fusion of agora and acropolis was the Roman forum, according to Mumford, as it contained more events with more formal order (such as shrines, temples, the hall of justice and the council houses). Rome is traditionally reported to have been founded by the union of several tribes in the eighth century B.C. This union was symbolized by the establishment of a common market place and assembly which was sanctified with a temple. Rome was thus built from its very beginning on its main square(the heart of the city), the Forum Romanum, with institutions of government, religion, and commerce.
Figure 10: The Roman Forum
Hills and buildings on this site emphasized the enclosed character of the square. The sides of the Forum had a strong simple pattern of almost matching arched facades of two basilicas approximately forty feet high. The forum contained curtained sites which were sacred and could not altered or built upon. These considerations highly affected the layout of the square and the evolution of its development. The physical need for an open space, the numerous facilities of the forum, and the surrounding major commercial area resulted in a large and regular volume of people to make use of this square. (Mumford, 1961)
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 21
Rethinking the Urban Square
3.0.2 Medieval Town Square In the medieval era, the concept of a town was entirely different from the Greeks and Romans. The earlier medieval towns are characterized by extremely narrow, irregular street patterns and squares. Church is the dominating architectural element with its parvis in front, serving as the only open space, without any planned relation to the surrounding town. (Zucker, 1959) According to (Zucker, 1959), medieval towns evolved from four different beginnings as follows, o o o o
from existing Roman cities, preserving the old plan in the scheme of their reconstructed streets; around existing castles, monasteries, or independent church structures, their local immunity areas becoming the nucleus of later expansion; out of favourable located trading posts at a crossroad, or at a ford across a river, or at a harbour or bay, etc; as newly founded and organized communities.
The form of the first and the last towns developed into regular shapes; while the other two towns had followed their existing irregular shapes. Accordingly, the form of the squares in these towns represented the same basic differences. Influence of the Roman origin in the town, in the first group, may be evident as a whole, however the ancient forum does not take place in the form of the later medieval square. Early medieval towns France, Germany, the Low Countries and England, in the second group, “developed very slowly and without a preconceived plan”.The era that the church gains more power induced the town to grew around this, “physical nucleus of power”, the monastery or the individual structure church. “The parallel existence of two separate squares”, one before the church and the other as market square, used to be the medieval towns significant aesthetic feature.
Figure 12: Existence of 2 separate squares
Figure 11: strict schematism of the gridiron system and planned squares
The third group represents the towns developed around small trading centers. During 12th and early 13th centuries especially in Germany, main traffic arteries became marketing centers in the shape of a broadened street. The last group, the newly founded towns, represented a rigid and schematic identity in France, and in contrast, a less regular, individualistic character in Germany. Basic difference of this group from
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 22
Rethinking the Urban Square the others is based on the strict schematism of the gridiron system and planned squares common in these new towns. (Zucker, 1959) In a medieval town, open spaces mainly dominated by the church and the market constituting a dynamic public space for daily activities. Significant public buildings such as Town Hall and The Guild Hall were located on or next to the church plaza which is the focal point of the town. These open spaces are generally without traffic, dedicated to the pedestrian circulation.
Figure 13: Piazza del Campo in Siena, Italy
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 23
Rethinking the Urban Square
3.0.3 Neo Classical Period 3.0.3a Renaissance Town From the 15th century town planning had apparently evolved and become effective in development of towns. Rational ideas were determining ideas of the Renaissance city planning. This rationalization trend was reflected in specific patterns of town layouts. The planned organization and regular shape was extended also to the layout of streets and squares. Squares developed from medieval beginnings and newly planned during the Renaissance era had differences in their physical images. Although there are differentiations in each town, “man-made order and the attempts to establish definite spatial limits are the basic rule of all these Renaissance squares” According to, (Gallion, 1986) the form of the Medieval pattern did not change but the structure is decorated with facades made up of classic elements. A lot of theoretical concepts are realized by the designs of the gardens and parks in the 16th century. “The axial organization” and “the patterned definite designs” common in these gardens and parks interconnects garden planning with town planning regarding the arrangement of “geometrically shaped flower beds exactly like city blocks with squares in between”. (Zucker, 1959) First realization of the utopian ideas was in Palma Nuova. “The central square is the focus of a strictly radial organization of the town”; the single architectural units such as the church, main square, streets and blocks, were structured as “elements of an identical order”. In Palma Nuova, “the volume of houses, which line the streets and surround the squares, balances the framed open space: form of mass against form of space”. The star shape plaza in the centre would later inspire the plazas created in the 17th and 18th centuries. Italian plazas primarily reflect the features of the concept of the Renaissance plaza, namely the purpose of establishing "spatial unity," the use of arcades to strengthen the unity of the façades surrounding the plaza and the presence of monuments, Figure 14: Palma Nuovo, Italy fountains, flagpoles for organizing the space of the plaza.
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 24
Rethinking the Urban Square 3.0.3b Baroque City The period that encompasses the 17th and 18th century stylistic trends is accepted as Baroque. The spatial understanding of baroque city planning is visualized by the baroque squares. It is a period of “grandeur images" concerning the orders of the kings to create super-scale palaces, gardens and squares in order to emphasize their strength and control over the people. Open spaces in this era, are laid out for visual and ceremonial effects. (Choay, 1969) The Piazza Campidoglio of Michelangelo, in the capital of Rome, is one of the early Baroque examples that best reflects the idea of the plaza of the time. This square is topographically isolated, but like previous examples in ancient Greece, it does not have religious elements: the acropolis or the medieval cathedral. It is a "civic institution". The square has a trapezoidal open space surrounded by two opposite-facing buildings, the present Capitoline Museum and the Palazzo dei Conservatori with an oblique angle to each other, and the Palazzo dei Senatori in the middle. This perspective perceived by the viewers approaching to the plaza helps to monumentalize the Palazzo dei Senatori, which is the “typical baroque trait”. The twodimensional pattern used in Piazza dei Campidoglio for unifying various elements such as topography and the irregular shape of the site had also helped to create this perspective.
Figure 15:Michelangelo's Piazza Campidoglio
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 25
Rethinking the Urban Square In front of the Palazzo dei Senatori, the steps named Cordonata explain "the shift of the main axis of the hill towards the modern city and away from its ancient position facing the Roman Forum." Michelangelo used an architectural element: Arcades in this square. Other than its function in closed Renaissance squares, here arcades function as accelerators of the movement Figure 16:The steps: Cordonata towards the background structure. St. Peter‟s Square (Piazza San Pietro) by Bernini (1658-77) in Rome is the greatest example of the late baroque squares. The square composed of a “monumental colonnade which delimits an oval space”.
Figure 18: St. Peter‟s Square
Figure 17: St. Peter‟s Square Plan
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 26
Rethinking the Urban Square
3.0.4 Modern City Concepts Le Corbusier’s idea of town planning lead the 20th century cities‟ outlook. His plan for “A Contemporary City Of Three Million Inhabitants” exhibited in 1922 in Paris, introduced his four basic principles: “to de-congest the centre of cities; to augment their density; to increase the means for getting about; and to increase parks and open spaces”
Figure 19: A Contemporary City Of Three Million Inhabitants(left);Open Public space in A Contemporary City Of Three Million Inhabitants (Right)
Conclusion
Figure 20: Changes in the definition of squares/plazas within the context of Western urban space during different periods
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 27
Rethinking the Urban Square
Figure 21: Assessment of the Western squares
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 28
Rethinking the Urban Square
Figure 22: ...cont
Historically, public plazas were formed as a place maker for urban city’s political, commercial, religious, and leisure life. The evolution of such public plazas was largely dependent on the internal function, its form, and the proximity to important buildings. With passing time and usage, the plazas now act as main nodes weaving the culture of the city into it.
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 29
Rethinking the Urban Square
3.1 Role and Functions of Public Squares According to Lewis Mumford, primary function of cities is the acculturation and humanization of its inhabitants and for these purposes public spaces are the essential tools in the city.
Figure 23: Sultanahmet Mosque and Sultanahmet square
Some basic functions of the urban squares as: (Kostof, 1992) o o
o
As part of the transport system, the junction, collection and waiting points for both foot and car traffic are public squares. Commercial activities: public plazas are civic centres in which people participate in commercial activities. Throughout history, markets have been one of the main components of public plazas. Games and sports: games and sports events have always been an important part of public life, and there have been many historical examples of games and sports activities in public plazas.
Kostof also believed that the links between public squares within a city forms a “system”. He also stated that this approach was one of the primary issues in city planning and design during the Renaissance and Baroque periods. Open spaces surrounded by houses and other structures within a city are urban public squares. In the sense of the mass and void composition of a region, they thus play an important role. Cities consist of a mixture of masses and voids. A town's structure is
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 30
Rethinking the Urban Square determined by the volume and ratio of masses and voids. Too many masses without any relation to any voids (e.g. streets, parks and squares) (e.g. buildings and structures) can make a city crowded, illegible and chaotic. Hence, urban public squares serve as a stabilizing force especially in contemporary crowded cities. Public squares have spaces for different recreational and outdoor events for people. In such public areas, people in the city can relax, sit, read a book, play games, meet friends, etc. Activities in urban plazas are not predefined or restricted. Public squares can also be used as marketplaces and for celebrations, rituals, political meetings, musical performances, even theater. In the urban world, public squares also have ecological benefits. For living species, green areas and water surfaces within a square provide shelter. The presence of green areas inside a public square also contributes to enhancing the quality of air, reducing the pollution of surface water, reducing noise levels and showing unnecessary or unwanted views, and reducing the detrimental impact of urban heat islands. Well planned public squares improve the appeal of the visual landscape and add to the aesthetics of the city. Visual landscapes enjoyed by individuals also have positive psychological effects on the users of the place when contributing to the overall city picture. Another psychological advantage that urban plazas have is that during their busy urban everyday lives, they are where people can relax and enjoy their spare time. Any economic benefits for the city could also be provided by urban public squares. It is a well-known fact that the presence of open and green spaces boosts surrounding property prices. It is also possible to use urban plazas as marketplaces or they can be part of commercial operations, such as shopping malls. There are also examples of squares where the dominating function is marketing. One of the well-known examples here is Times Square in New York City. It is also one of the world's most popular and most visited tourist attractions. Located in Manhattan, it's year-round with busy foot traffic and density. Times Square also hosts numerous events and rituals, such as annual New Year celebrations, throughout the year. It is one of the icons of the city of New York and an important part of the picture of the city.
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 31
Rethinking the Urban Square
Figure 24: Times Square, New York City, USA
In addition to their physical and ecological features, public plazas contribute tremendously to civic stability and local identity. Like social catalysts, they work. The key role of urban squares is for different purposes and events, to put people together. They have a "coexistence" symbolic sense. In terms of democracy, urban public squares are therefore the main elements of the city. Fair access to public spaces is open to people of all social, economic and cultural backgrounds, age groups, etc. One of these public spaces where individuals and groups learn to value and accommodate others is urban squares. Therefore the areas where social contact and social harmony takes place are urban squares. The local identity is demonstrated by the manner and meaning of this social contact. Many public squares are also of historical significance to the identity of the city and typically represent the community's common values. All the above-mentioned tasks and functions of urban public squares also contribute to the well-being of people and communities. Therefore in order to maintain and enhance our existing squares or build enjoyable new ones, it is important to rethink and revisit urban public square design approaches.
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 32
Rethinking the Urban Square
3.2 Form and Shape By reference to its limits, the physical form of a square can be defined. These are the distinguishing elements of open space, as well as the negative form of space within such boundaries. The boundaries, such as the ground pavement or the façade of a building, can be noticeable and tangible; the boundaries of a square may be the pierced screen as a wall created by a row of trees through which masses and space are viewed beyond the volumetric boundaries of the square; the boundaries of a square may be indicated by a curb of roads or a trimmed hedge, a riverbank or a row of columns. Only roof lines or the sky indicate the upper limit of this open space, the cognition phase of the mind is required here to mentally define, unify and understand the spatial confines of the earthbound region beneath. There have been a number of attempts to classify the form that squares may take. For example, they can be classified according to-
o
Regularity
Regular shape squares- These take the form of a regular shape, like a circle, square, rectangle, etc.
Figure 25: Regular shape squares (Author)
Such squares show a clear urban image for the observer. They could be formed by roads leading to an open space and structures enclosing that space. For example, Vendome Square, Paris.
Figure 27: Regular shape Vendome Square (Author)
of Figure 26: Vendome Square, Paris (https://izi.travel/)
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 33
Rethinking the Urban Square
Free/ Irregular shape squares- These take the form of an irregular polygon.
Figure 28: Free/Irregular shape square (Author)
Figure 30: Irregular shape of De Urbanisten (Author)
Figure 29: De Urbanisten, Water Squar, Netherlands (https://www.architectural-review.com)
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 34
Rethinking the Urban Square o
Axis of Symmetry
Squares with one symmetric axis St. Peters Square in Rome, has only one longitudinal symmetrical axis emphasizing the main basilica building.
Figure 31: One axis of symmetry square (Author)
Figure 32: St. Peteres Basilica, Rome (Google)
India Gate Square, has only one longitudinal symmetrical axis emphasizing the main gate on one end and the Rashtrapati Bhavan on the other end.
Figure 34: One axis of symmetry square (Author)
Figure 33: India Gate Complex City Square, New Delhi (https://land8.com)
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 35
Rethinking the Urban Square Squares with two symmetric axis Place des vosges, Paris and Buland Darwaza, Fatehpur Sikri have two symmetrical axis.
Figure 35: Two axis of symmetry square (Author)
Figure 36: Place des (https://www.britannica.com)
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
vosges,
Paris
Page | 36
Rethinking the Urban Square
3.2.1 Types of Public Squares Maurits Voorhorst in his Dutch book ‘Logische Ruimte, eenduidige en authentieke stedebouw’ (‘Logical Space, unambiguous and authentic urban design’) described squares. He determines the event square, the spatial square, the traffic square and the urban square. (Voorhorst, Irregular Squares, 2012) The event square: a square that’s designed for intensive use at events, but is empty when there’s nothing to do. Every city needs a place for events, but people do not feel pleasant on a big and empty event square. The spatial square: a square in front of a building to create a view to the building. These (mostly little) squares give historical centres it’s typical identity as they act as appreciation spaces for the structure. The traffic square: cross points and parking areas dominate traffic squares. These areas are primary designed for the practical use and not for the spatial effect of the urban volume. The urban square: a square where people meet each other, interact and connect, want to stay on, eat something or just sit down on a bench or wall. (Voorhorst, Irregular Squares, 2012) Two of the most influential theories were outlined by Paul Zucker and Sitte. From his work on squares Zucker was able to distinguish five archetypal forms: the closed square where the space is self-contained; the dominated square where the space is directed towards the main building; the nuclear square where space is formed around a centre; grouped squares where spatial units are combined to form larger compositions; and the amorphous square where space is unlimited. (J.C.Moughtin, 2003) For Sitte, enclosure was taken as the prerequisite of the square and he concluded that there were only two types of square in formal terms, the character of either being determined by the nature of the dominant building. The two categories of square distinguished by Sitte were, “the deep type and the wide type . . . whether a plaza is deep or wide usually becomes apparent when the observer stands opposite the major building that dominates the whole layout”. For Sitte both the amorphous square and the space formed around a central object being outside his definition of the subject matter would have little meaning for him. Grouped squares on the other hand were the object of much attention by Sitte. They were, however, not thought by him to be a generic form but more simply one manner in which squares could be related to each other and to the urban fabric in general. (J.C.Moughtin, 2003)
Figure 37: Types of Public Squares (Author)
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 37
Rethinking the Urban Square 3.2.1a THE CLOSED SQUARE A simple geometric figure is the primary elements like a square, rectangle, circle, triangle is usually the shape in plan of a closed square. Its walls are defined by a large array of façade of a single building or series of structure. This makes the building as an individual entity or a common spatial quality experienced from the square giving the space a sense of enclosure. The only significant opening in this typology is the road that leads to it and the sky. The squares approach to enclosure is the handling of its corners. If there are more open corners, the sense of enclosure is reduced, the more built or complete it is, the greater feelings of being enclosed. The interior ground could be developed in many ways including street furniture, sculptures, pavements, greenery etc. This is a self-contained pace.
Figure 38: Representation of a closed square (Author)
A continuous surface should be created by the buildings around an enclosed space and present an architectural unity to the spectator. To maintain continuity, the influence of the mass of individual buildings has to be minimized. If there is a repetition of individual styles of building or house facing the enclosure, the effect of continuity is enhanced.
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 38
Rethinking the Urban Square The degree of enclosure is influenced by other essential qualities of squares and their surrounding buildings. These include the design of the roof line of the enclosing buildings, the height of the enclosing buildings in relation to the size of the space, the degree of their three-dimensional modelling, the presence or absence of an architectural unifying theme and the overall shape of the space itself.
Figure 39: Degree of enclosure influenced by i) roof line ii) height of enclosing building to size of space (Author)
Plaza Mayor, Madrid
Figure 41: Plan of Plaza Mayor, Madrid (Author)
Figure 40: Plaza Mayor facades (https://heritagehotelsofeurope.com)
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 39
Rethinking the Urban Square
Figure 43: Plaza Mayor, Madrid (Google)
Figure 42: (Plaza Mayor at evening (Wikipedia)
Buland Darwaza, Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh
Figure 44: Plan of Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh (Author)
Figure 46: View of the closed square ( https://amazemytrip.com)
Figure 45: Arcade (https://www.tripsavvy.com)
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 40
Rethinking the Urban Square
Other Examples of Closed Squares-
Figure 47: Meenakshi temple, Madurai (https://traveltriangle.com)
Figure 48: Horniman Circle, Mumbai (UDRI)
However delightful squares abound; they take shapes that come to terms with the demand of site, the practicalities of a long- term building process and a multiplicity of individual ownership decisions.
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 41
Rethinking the Urban Square 3.2.1b THE DOMINANT SQUARE This square diverts the view to a particular building or an entity like a sculpture/monument. The dominating element usually controls the space of the square before it, the space is directed towards the main element. The dominant feature may be a church, a palace, a city hall or an open vista which acts like a magnet to attract the perspectives of the square creating a motion and tension between the open space and the dominating element. Direction of streets which opens into the square creates an axis to the main element. The dominant feature forces the visitors to move towards and look at the main element. The structure doesn’t have to be monumental; it could also be a gate or an arch which can dominate the entire square.
Figure 49: Representation of a dominant square (Author)
The ideal distance for viewing one dominant building at the end of a plaza lies somewhere between equalling the height of the building and twice that dimension. (J.C.Moughtin, 2003)
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 42
Rethinking the Urban Square Notre Dame, Paris
Figure 50: Understanding Notre Dame as a Dominant Square (Author)
Figure 51: People pulled towards the main element- Notre Dame (https://www.thenation.com)
Figure 52: Activity around Notre Dame, (Author)
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 43
Rethinking the Urban Square Gateway of India, Mumbai
Figure 53: Understanding Gateway of India as a Dominant Square (Author)
Figure 55: People attracted towards Gateway of India (Wikipedia)
Figure 54: Dominant Structure (https://photocontest.smithsonianmag.com)
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 44
Rethinking the Urban Square Other Examples of Dominant Square-
Figure 57: Charminar, Hyderabad (Wikipedia)
Figure 56: A Fountain acting as the main elementFontana di trevi, Italy (tripadvisor.in)
Figure 59: Main element can be a void or natural element, Maria Theresa Street, Innsbruck (commons.wikimedia.org)
Figure 58: Main element bein g a Brandenburg Gate, Berlin ( Britannica)
Gate,
Figure 60: Dominating element is a broad river, Praca do Comercia, Lisobon (www.travel-inportugal.com)
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 45
Rethinking the Urban Square 3.2.1c THE NUCLEAR SQUARE The spatial unity of public squares is not necessarily dependent on the architectural or natural boundaries. Indeed, any element which is very strong and large enough in size to form a focus within a space of a square by acting as a nucleus (the central and most important part of an object, movement, or group, forming the basis for its activity and growth.) for that space may result in an artistic wholeness in direct contrast to the apparent non coordination of the surroundings. Element produces a sense of order and integration.
Figure 61: Representation of a Nuclear Square (Author)
It is powerful enough to charge the space around with a tension that the impression of the square will be evoked, it will tie the heterogenous elements of the periphery into one visual unit. Dimensions of the nuclear square are restricted as the visual effect of the central monument is naturally limited.
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 46
Rethinking the Urban Square Trafalgar Square, London
Figure 62: Understanding Trafalgar Square as a Nuclear square (Author)
Figure 63: Trafalgar Square, London (london.gov.uk)
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 47
Rethinking the Urban Square National War Memorial, New Delhi
Figure 64: Understanding National war memorial square as a Nuclear Square (Author)
Figure 65: National War Memorial, New Delhi (Google)
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 48
Rethinking the Urban Square Other Examples of Nuclear Square
Figure 67: Piazza del santo, Italy (Wikipedia)
Figure 66: Place de la Concorde, Paris (Britannica)
But a nuclear square is not created with each statue, obelisk, or fountain placed in a square. These focal points might only contribute to the furnishing of the square while the spatial classification of the square is determined by other features. For example, Plaza Mayor, it is a closed square, even though it contains a centrally located statue.
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 49
Rethinking the Urban Square 3.2.1d THE GROUPED SQUARE While a city is designed, urban squares are often developed in spatial relationship to one another. Dynamic contrasts of successive spaces may be ordered to create a planned sequence in the drama of the urban space. Each unit “separated square” represents a self sufficient unit and a part of a larger composition. The grouped squares were axially oriented in numerous Roman and Baroque examples. Squares may be grouped without direct physical contact through the use of a linking device such as a street, a church or an arcaded passageway.
Figure 68: Representation of a Grouped Square (Author)
This could occur in an axial organisation, non axial organisation, group of three or more squares, or two individual squares adjacent to each other.
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 50
Rethinking the Urban Square Imperial Fora, Rome
Figure 70: Understanding Imperial Fora as a grouped square (Author)
Figure 69: Imperial Fora, Rome(www.teggelaar.com)
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 51
Rethinking the Urban Square Other Examples of Grouped Square
Figure 75: Piazza and Piazzetta, Venice (www.teggelaar.com)
Figure 74: Palazzo Italy(www.viator.com)
Podesta
square,
Figure 72: Piazza delle Erbe, Italy (Wikipedia)
Figure 73: Palazzo Poedsta square plan (Google maps)
Figure 71: Piazza delle Erbe plan (Google maps)
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 52
Rethinking the Urban Square 3.2.1e THE AMORPHOUS SQUARE These types of squares are formless, unorganized or have no specific shape and are from an aesthetic point of view. They usually possess no particular form or a typology. Place de l'Opera, Paris
Figure 76: Place de l'Opera square, Paris (en.parisinfo.com)
Figure 77: Place de l'Opera Building, Paris
Place de l’Opera could not become a Dominant Square inspite of the monumental façade of the Opera Building. Presence of small structures like the entrance to the Metro are scattered all over the area. Such squares are from a surveyors point of view.
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 53
Rethinking the Urban Square Other Examples of Amorphous Square
Figure 79: Scolly square, Boston
Figure 78: Golden Temple, Amritsar
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 54
Rethinking the Urban Square Conclusion The classification of squares based on their spatial form is a method of comprehending the way in which a particular space is made into an artistic whole, that it is articulated by a combination of physically determining elements. Every space is shaped according to the functions that are performed in it, or conversely, the shape of the space attracts certain functions. It is seen that one square could actually have two types of squares’ elements. For example, St. Peteres Square, Rome, when looked at from the entrance point it is a Closed Square bounded by the lateral colonnades and the basilica façade. The tall obelisk acts as a main element, making it a Nuclear Square. The monumental Basilica makes it a Dominant Square. Hence, these should just be a starting point rather than a rigid assertive system.
Figure 80: St Peteres Square acting as multiple squares (Author)
Apart from this, squares could also be termed by Time- Some squares change function according to the time or season, for example, Manek Chowk. Waters Edge- Due to the growing demand for such spaces, it is possible in near future, something like a waters edge could be termed as a square too. Therefore, squares could have multiple identities.
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 55
Rethinking the Urban Square
CHAPTER 4.0 Sociability in a Public Square
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 56
Rethinking the Urban Square
4.0 Sociability in a Public Square Public spaces are considered to be a core component of urban structure and city life, being a beneficial component that takes into account the ultimate aim of fostering regional attachment. In this way, it is conceivable that open space should be regarded as a part ready to advance development and regional demands, in addition to having a characteristic capacity to build and sustain coherent local centrality, ecological efficiency, financial strength and a sense of citizenship. Public spaces allow individuals to meet in coordinated and impromptu paths on seemingly impartial ground, to interact with those within the entire community. These include family relationships (e.g. multi-era family shopping campaigns), social groupings (e.g. youth bunches), nearby social partnerships (e.g. risky or coordinated meetings with companions, neighbours and work partners) and meetings by simple excitement (e.g. walking gatherings). By encouraging this blending, public spaces can add to the attachment of groups.
Figure 81: Various activities taking part in a square
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 57
Rethinking the Urban Square
4.1 Social Interaction in Public Squares Out in open spaces, by seeing what strangers look like and how they behave, how their careers deal with outsiders, and how to preserve harmony in broad daylight, small children can learn about social behaviour. To foster interconnected public spaces, arranged events need to incorporate the needs of families and children so that they can be incorporated into the town's general population life. Open spaces created have been presented as predominantly adult spaces, where the views and mores of adults win, while the discernment and interests of children and young people are rarely highlighted. A square is a place between the commotion of the street to pause and comfort and on the other hand, is one of the most significant urban spaces that contributes to social interactions being created. Social human beings need a position with experienced collective life processes. Otherwise, many of the social ills in the major cities that we see today would be unavoidable. In terms of education, as well as cultural and historical context, and the identification of cities and regions, the position of squares is evident and important. The measure of every great civilization is its cities and there is to be found a measure of the greatness of a region.
A public space can be functional, busy, and highly Instagram able, and can yet not become a place where the individuals who use it mean anything. A sense of place arises in a public space only when, over time, many individuals invest value in a space. Slow, internalized, and distributed, the growth of sense and connection builds up through countless small Figure 82: People enjoying multiple activities in a public space moments of love, surprise, (http://pps.org) and symbolism that are best captured by direct personal observation. Via signs like facial expressions, body language, proximity, and tone of voice, these moments involve understanding that neurotypical humans excel at. Places exude a kind of magnetism, a pull that brings individuals, lovers and strangers alike, closer together. There are countless signs of closeness and intimacy, whether sharing a kiss or simply sharing a bench, all brought on by great public spaces. (Project for Public Spaces, n.d.)
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 58
Rethinking the Urban Square A study conducted by “Project for Public Spaces”, said that, “There is a wide range of affectionate behaviour that one can observe in public space ranging from the subtle to the blatant, from intimacy to courtesy:” o o o o o
Public Display of Affection Sharing Touching Proximity Smiling and Eye Contact
While these different types of affection are sincere, they are also a sort of success. In public, couples, families and friends all act differently than they do in private, and their Figure 83: Affection seen between people at public affectionate behaviour also spaces becomes more open, not less. And this great show is also what attracts people, whether they are watching or are being watched, to a public room. Affection both draws on the diversity of public life and adds to it. For memories, importance, and a clear sense of place, it is the raw material. Thus in Lewis Mumford's great words, let's "forget the damned motor car and build cities for friends and lovers." (Project for Public Spaces, n.d.)
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 59
Rethinking the Urban Square
4.2 Public Squares- A need for a new policy
Figure 84: Chart showing If there are enough Public spaces in their city(Author)
A survey conducted, asking if people think there are enough Public spaces in their city, shows that 80.3% people think there is a need for the increase in Public spaces, since their city does not have such spaces.
4.2.1 Public spaces used as Traffic Nodes
Hindustan Times, dated July 15, 2016. These spaces are two traffic islands in Nariman Point — one outside the Life Insurance Corporation head-office and the other opposite Samrat Restaurant — the Wellington Fountain circle, used as a parking lot outside Regal Cinema, and parts of Raj Bhavan.
Figure 85: A view of the parking lot inside a traffic island near Regal cinema in Mumbai (Midday)
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 60
Rethinking the Urban Square
Figure 86: Traffic islands marked as public open spaces (UDRI)
While the two traffic islands have been identified as ‘playgrounds’, the parking lot outside Regal and the Raj Bhavan have been classified as ‘recreational ground’ (RG). Strangely, the Gateway of India, a heritage structure, has been marked as an RG. The government has included available, but inaccessible open spaces such as traffic islands, salt pan lands, mangroves and even the national forest – Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) as open spaces, when, in fact, public open spaces include public parks and gardens, that can be used and are accessed by all for recreational purposes. The city suffers a crippling shortage of accessible, public open spaces. While New York’s ratio is 26 square metres per person, Singapore’s is 7.5 square metres per capita. On the other hand, Mumbai has little over 1 square metre open space per person. In the DP, the BMC has stated its aim to be 4 square metres per capita. (Purohit, 2016)
4.2.2 Beachfronts Beachfronts have a lot of potential to act like Public Squares if designed and treated well.
Figure 87: Disorganised Beaches in Mumbai (Alamy)
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 61
Rethinking the Urban Square
Figure 88: Scope for improvement at Juhu Beach (Hindustan Times)
4.2.3 Transit Nodes Mumbai is highly populated and a huge percentage of people use public transport, like the trains, 7 million people use them to travel daily. Yet crowds, congestion, chaotic approaches, low maintenance of facilities are the words which come to mind when we think about the major transit hubs that link our trains, the railway stations. This is a major activity zone which operates over the clock and is an active spot for people to come and go.
Bandra Railway Station Plaza The open plaza outside Bandra Station in Mumbai is a mess. Traffic is chaotic, there are no proper walkways, and access to transport is completely disorganized.
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 62
Rethinking the Urban Square
Figure 89: Chaos at bandra station (Mumbai Live)
Bandra Station Plaza too has the potential to transform into a great Public Square.
Conclusion Mumbai being a global city, we do not get any spaces to celebrate life, in spite of spaces existing, the opportunity to make them functionable is not utilised. There is no holistic approach. There is no reservation of the right type of activity around a square for it to live and thrive. By the above issues and study, it is certain that there is a need for more such spaces, but due to lack of regulations/policies, spaces are being misused.
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 63
Rethinking the Urban Square
CHAPTER 5.0 Case Studies
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 64
Rethinking the Urban Square
5.0 Case Studies 5.1 Manek Chowk, Ahmedabad The public space is served mainly by the active marketplaces, attracting people and entrepreneurs from the local community and the city for several centuries. Today it is home to a diverse community of residents, business owners and vendors from various economic and ethnic groups. It is located between two nationally protected monuments, the Tomb of the King and Queen of Ahmedabad. Since these two structures already hold a lot of importance and are tourist spots as well, the space in between automatically becomes a busy area. It is a multifunctional urban space. During the morning, it is a local vegetable market which by mid-day transforms into jewellery market and after sunset it converts into a food plaza which is a tradition since the 20th century. User group - Cyclists, hand carts, vendors and pedestrians are the prime users. It is most busy during the peak hours in the evening time; 6-7pm. 3600 pedestrians are recorded to enter Manek Chowk during this peak hour.
Figure 91: Manek chowk activities 10AM(ideabatch2.wordpress.com)
7AM-
Figure 90: Manek chowk activities 1PM-2PM (ideabatch2.wordpress.com)
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 65
Rethinking the Urban Square
Figure 92: Manek chowk at day
Figure 93: Manek chowk at night
Conclusion: o o
o o o
Human comfort is given secondary importance, very few formal seating spaces, Commercial functions continue to be the central attraction of the Chowk, however its attractiveness is hampered due to compromises of comfort, which in turn would have a long term impact on the businesses in the area. Low walkability due to shops, The presence of people in the chowk during most times of the day and night provide natural security for businesses, residents and visitors. The public spaces of human scale had supported public life through centuries; however, in the present context they are dominated by vehicles.
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 66
Rethinking the Urban Square
5.2 Connaught Place, Delhi Divided into six sectors, the park was historically a shopping centre for the elite, with carriages driven to destined shops. In present times, the plaza highlights the urban recreational life – a shopping centre for the masses. The architectural character and the grand scale of the market make it stand out amongst the buildings that surround it. The plaza is divided into 3 circles. The outer circle consists of various public functions, the middle circle consists of a service road for merchandise and the inner road is made for convenient vehicular access. (Yathiraj, n.d.)
Figure 94: Plan of Connaught Place (www.archinomy.com)
The built form of CP is in the form of two concentric rings of commercial property enclosing a central park which also functions as the access node while travelling by metro or light passenger vehicles. The architectural character of the space is predominantly of the Georgian English type
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 67
Rethinking the Urban Square
Figure 95: Evolution of Connaught Place over the years (https://duac.org)
It started as a development of residential cum commercial centre(high end shopping). Provision of residences on the upper floors was to enable the shopkeepers to reside near their workplace. Then the character changed with the introduction of informal vendors for the less affluent people. Temporary markets settled around this area. With the addition of high rise buildings around CP skyline started changing.
Figure 96: Old and New Connaught Place (https://www.archinomy.com)
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 68
Rethinking the Urban Square
Figure 97: Spatial organisation of Connought Place (https://www.archinomy.com)
Outer circle: outward looking. Various public/ semi-public function commercial in nature. Middle circle: a service road for merchandise. Residences for the staff and servants are provided on the first floor. Ground floor for go-downs offices and retail shops. Inner circle: convenient vehicular access. Central park and the green wedge (presently occupied by Palika) – fancy retail shops.
Conclusion o o o o o o
Encroachment of footpath in outer circle by parked two wheelers. The courtyards in middle circle are used for parking by shopkeepers and residents. Unplanned loading/ unloading areas for shopkeepers Pedestrian circulation blocked in outer circle by parked vehicles Existing non - functional/ unmaintained facilities in Palika parking complex Scale- Not easily walkable by all
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 69
Rethinking the Urban Square
5.3 Gopi Talao, Surat Gopi Talao is located in the walled city of Surat, Gujarat. It is situated between the inner ring (the old fort) and the outer ring (extended fort wall). Initially, the talao was a part of an elaborate traditional water management system which was connected to the moats of the city wall. However, the talao started decaying due to rapid development in the surrounding areas which hampered the natural catchments of the talao. From being a socio-religious symbol of the city the talao became a large neglected open space in the centre of the dense walled city. It became a health and social menace in the coming times, hence the city administration decided to fill up the lake with solid waste against the topography of the region with the plan of developing it as an open ground or stadium. Over the years the site became a dumping ground and prey to encroachment by slum dwellers.
Figure 98: Gopi Talao, Surat (https://www.revv.co.in)
A huge parcel of area around Gopi-talao was suffering damage due to various parameters & present scenarios like central open land, slum encroachment, poor linkages, and surrounding graveyards. These reasons encouraged the renewal of Gopi-talao.
Figure 99: Timeline of developement of Gopi talao (Google earth)
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 70
Rethinking the Urban Square Renewal of Gopi Talao Main four features of Redevelopment: o o o o
Redevelopment of Gopi-talao as a lake. Restoring of the heritage value, development of play area & fountains. Development of a snowpark, IMAX & other allied entertainment activities. Development of newly acquired land parcel on kotsafil road (Sapana Jayeshkumar Shah)
Figure 100: Master plan of Gopi Talao (Urban initiatives)
The project is a noteworthy leap in bringing back the radiance of the historically and ecologically friendly vital public space. The design draws together things like, placemaking, environmental responsibility, social equity and economic value along with the creation of a place of beauty and distinct identity. The mast plan aims to restore the culture, heritage, recreation, and environmental rejuvenation.
The redevelopment was carried out in three stagesPhase 1- Submersible platforms, ghats, amphitheatre and viewing jetty. Phase 2- Inner and outer circulation roads along with the compound wall surrounding the site and development of the road leading to the site. Phase3- Evolution of various zones.
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 71
Rethinking the Urban Square Various Zones o o o o o o
History Zone: Having 300 years old existing vav is restored in this area with an office building Environment Zone: Mass plantation work with Nirmit & the Sunshine fountain around open Amphitheatre. Diamond Zone: development of walkways & other area look like diamond shape, in a centre Kohinoor shape fountain will be placed. Surat nu Jaman: Total 17 nos. of food stall & landscape work. Textile zone: Development of walkways, benches & look like any textile print. Children play area in this Zone with rubber flooring. Commercial harmony zone: Meditation & gathering platform for senior citizens with landscaping (Sapana Jayeshkumar Shah)
Figure 101: Various zones of Gopi Talao (https://aanganarchitects.org)
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 72
Rethinking the Urban Square Conclusion: o o o
This project develops a unique activity plaza for the people of immediate surrounding & the city at large. It creates an identity and opportunity for the city and makes the area more desirable for people to reside It is an inclusive public space for citizens considering all point of views for connection and interaction.
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 73
Rethinking the Urban Square
5.4 Father Duffy Square, New York
Figure 102: Father Tuffy Square (www.pksb.com)
TKTS Booth is a ticket booth where the roof forms stepped seating in Times Square, New York, designed by architects, Choi Ropiha, Perkins Eastman and PKSB architects. Their project scheme emerged from two key observations. o
o
The dominant urban experience of Manhattan is the street grid and when the grid breaks, it is typically a green park. Times Square on the other hand is a ‘rare’ condition where the Manhattan grid is opened to create an urban room. Times Square was a place experienced only from the periphery and this was severely limiting people’s enjoyment of the place. Inspite of being a world renowned destination, people had nowhere to stop and gather.
The approach was that as on of New York City's great gathering points and a focus of urban theatre, both literally and metaphorically, Time Square had nowhere for people to sit and enjoy the passing show. There was no iconic arrival marker, no picture postcard to leave with. (Archinect firms , n.d.)
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 74
Rethinking the Urban Square
Figure 103: https://archinect.com/
Implementation o
o o
The booth project proposed to ‘invert’ the urban condition of Times Square to create a destination ‘centre’ and creating an opportunity to make it New York’s only urban places. A series of tiered red translucent steps rising from ground level created to form both a roof for the ticket booth and an inclined public space. Implementing a singular abstract form which would be visually strong and appealing.
Figure 104: Plan of Father Tuffy Square (archdaily)
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 75
Rethinking the Urban Square
Figure 105: Night time activity at the square (archinect.com)
Figure 106: TKTS ticketing counter (archdaily)
Conclusion: o o
Improving streetscape made the local environment more inviting, healthy, enjoyable, safe and interesting. An existing space can be improved to change the patterns of economic activity, stimulate new investments and enhance new opportunities.
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 76
Rethinking the Urban Square
CHAPTER 6.0 Urban Square Design Criteria
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 77
Rethinking the Urban Square
6.0 Urban Square Design Criteria It is quite challenging to define universal design principles that would fit for all the squares in the world. On the other hand it is possible to identify some basics after studying all the factors in the chapters above. Keeping in mind that today’s urban environments are more complex and diverse, some design strategies for public squares are presented below. Design of urban public realm involves two dimensions; functionality and visual appearance. Functionality refers to the activities and the degree of activities fitting to that place. On the other hand visual appearance is about form, image and aesthetics. While some researchers focus on the spatial arrangement of public spaces, others suggest that functionality comes first in urban space design. However, neither of them should be neglected in the design process. In fact, the relationship between these two dimensions determines the character and success of the urban space. (Memluk, 2013) Many researchers have tried to identify the criteria of the ideal and successful urban space. Some of them might be useful mentioning here. For example, Carr et al. believe that public places should be: o
o o
Responsive: a public place should serve the needs of the community; provide the citizens with spaces that allow relaxation, discovery, and active and passive engagement. Democratic: Public spaces need to be accessible to all groups. Meaningful: People should be able to make connections between the place, their lives and the world.
The following should be kept in mind to make spaces more useful6.0.1 Access Access to the place can be understood not only by how to reach the space but also by how it is connected to its surroundings and the urban city fabric. In order to make the approach of spaces popular and effective the following needs to be focused upon: o
o
o
o
Have a good connection to the entire city. This can be best brought about if it has a central location to the city, so that it is located at a reasonable distance from all user groups. Also, centrality naturally brings about hierarchy and dominance of the space. The space which acts as a destination, with few of the major roads of the city, terminating at it, can be made pedestrian and provide for enough parking lots at the periphery. This will reduce vehicular road at the centre and also improve the safety for the users. Smaller lanes within may be allowed for vehicles. Apart from physical access systems, the symbolic access to a space must also be addressed. The space must symbolise the culture of the city, or an event or the mood of the area by means of public installations/ public art/ monuments/ architectural features etc. Tthese, not only help to attract people but improves the image of the space and the city as a whole. There are three ways to connect a square to its main route: the route goes alongside the square, the route crosses the square at one side or the route enters the square in the middle. The three ways all have a different effect on
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 78
Rethinking the Urban Square the interaction between the pedestrians and the space. (Voorhorst, Irregular Squares, 2014) A route alongside the square causes less interaction.
A route at the squares side makes pedestrians feel they have to cross the square.
The main street opens at the center of the square.
Figure 107: Three connect a (Irregularsquares)
Ways to square
6.0.2 Image or spatial configuration This quality of the spaces is controlled by the human senses which go a long way in making an impact on the user. o
o
Spatial organization of the built form to make it appealing to the user is the prime necessity. However, the arrangement need not be too rigid, the space should provide for flexibility and be flowy in nature in order to sustain more and a variety of activities during festive seasons or other occasions. The space must have a dominating feature, as it tends to focus the people towards an area. The focus in turn creates a variety of sightlines, a major factor that creates a positive image of the area.
6.0.3 Activity In order to make spaces more engaging with the user, an influx of activity hotspots can be a huge booster. It shifts people’s focus thus developing a pause in the process. As a public space is visited by people of all age groups, provisions for recreation should be provided for all. o o o
Children can have a park area dedicated to them, or small activities can be spread through the premise. The youth can mostly enjoy the markets, and a stage or performance area may be dedicated for activities, preaches, protests, concerts etc. from time to time. For the elderly, small scale spiritual structures or conversational landscapes, walking tracks etc. can be provided for the purpose of relaxation.
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 79
Rethinking the Urban Square o
The market areas, commercial zones should not interfere with these passive activities that bring about refreshments. This active zone needs to be well demarcated towards the periphery.
6.0.4 Comfort Comfort is not just physical, but psychological as well. It is what determines the time span for which one stays in a public space and how it makes them wait in that space. o
o o o o
o
o
Physical comfort relates to the climate of the region. Public spaces should afford protection from unpleasant conditions like harsh sun and heavy rains. Hence, mostly shaded pathways must be provided to provide for a sweat free, comfortable shopping experience. Also, shaded or sheltered seating can be provided at some strategic points. Exposure to sunlight should then be maximized, but glare minimized. A clear sky roof should be available. The material of sitting surfaces should not be overly responsive to temperature. As temperature is often more crucial than sunlight. For the purpose of wind protection, short buildings and sinuous street networks have a positive effect. Sidewalk width is a relevant issue in securing comfort in public spaces. As in India, due to the importance and spread of hawkers, the sidewalks should cater not only to walking users, but also to them and none should hinder the activity of the other. Noise is another environmental feature with significant impacts on the overall comfort of spaces, especially for conversation and relaxation. Water can be used as a feature to subtract all unwanted noises from traffic. Public toilets are relevant for increased comfort and longer stay in public spaces.
6.0.5 Security Concerns regarding criminality are one of the strongest factors that affect the use of public places. It is rather the first thing people look at before the use of such spaces because it is what drives the usability of the space. o
o
o
Increasing surveillance, through policing must be made compulsory. It will help remove unwanted illegal activities. Regular patrolling will help to reduce vandalism in these areas. The public space users and the surrounding buildings can play a fundamental role in deterring crime and vandalism. For the purpose, there must be a good visibility between the space and the buildings around. Proper lighting, even at the turns and corners and narrow alleys must be installed.
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 80
Rethinking the Urban Square
CHAPTER 7.0 Site Selection
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 81
Rethinking the Urban Square
7.0 Site selection 7.1 Site Selection Criteria o
Accessibility/Walkability- The site should be easy to access and reach in terms of connectivity and should be walkable and accessible at all times.
o
Mixed Crowd- The crowd in that area should vary and be of different backgrounds so the square could be used efficiently.
o
Safety- Safety of each person is very important and hence a site which is in ruins or decayed would not be safe.
o
Size of Square & Angle of vision- The site should be neither too large nor too small. The relationship between the width of a square, and the height of surrounding buildings. A square that is too narrow, with buildings that are too high will feel claustrophobic, and will not attract the everyday social life needed to make the square “self-programming. Hence, if the site is surrounded on all sides by buildings of more than 4 stories, or by buildings on two sides of more than 5 stories it will not function well as it will make the space feel more claustrophobic. (LENNARD, 2017). Our angle of vision is 50-55 degrees above the horizontal. Humans feel more comfortable when they can glimpse sky above the buildings within their angle of vision. Keeping this in mind a site should be selected. In a 100 x 100 feet square a “skyview island” should be approximately 30 x 30 feet; in a 100 x 200 feet square, the “sky-view island” would be 30 x 60 feet.
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 82
Rethinking the Urban Square
7.2 Shortlisted Sites 7.2.1 Gateway of India Precinct, Apollo Bandar The Gateway of India located in south Mumbai is a historic monument looming majestically against the backdrop of the Arabian Sea. But sadly this plaza, one of the largest of all the waterfronts in the city, is a clutter of disparate structures and unplanned activities with no cohesive design holding them together.
Figure 108: Gateway of India Precinct (Google maps)
Site considred- From Willington fountain circle to Gateway of India. Gateway of India already acts as a Public Square(it is a Dominant Public Square)- two landmark buildings, Gateway of India and the Taj Mahal Hotel, and it has a well defined waters edge. These reasons also attract a huge number of tourists in this area. The site currently is more of a tourist and recreation based site, but it doesn’t make a person want to stay in such a space for long since there is no experience gained in this space.
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 83
Rethinking the Urban Square
Figure 109: Gateway of India, Mumbai (Author)
Issues faced There are multiple ferry points taking the public to various place-Elephanta caves, Alibaug, or a 30 min ride. Due to the points being in various places and not planned well, there is chaos in all these spots, ruining the value of the heritage structure. To catch a ferry from point (5), there is no proper direction, entrance or waiting spot.On the other hand, the ticketing booth is at the entrance and not connected to any waiting spot. Figure 110: Locations of ferry points
Figure 111: Ticketing booth (Author)
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 84
Rethinking the Urban Square
Figure 112: 5 different spots for catching a ferry (Author)
Figure 114: (Author)
Unplanned
food
courts
Figure 113: No proper seating (Author)
Figure 115: Poorly managed public toilets by the authorities (Author)
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 85
Rethinking the Urban Square
Figure 119: No access (Author)
Figure 118: Not universally designed (Author)
Figure 116: Not planned approach road (Author)
Figure 117: Willngon circle being used as a parking lot (Author)
Figure 120: Not accessible plaza (Author)
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 86
Rethinking the Urban Square Conclusion and Design Intent Even though this is heritage site, according to todays requirements- lack of public spaces, a square can be redesigned in such a way that it enchances the heritage structure rather than disturbing it and gives the public a great visiting experience. This site could not just have a public square but beond thato o o o o o o o o
A well planned jetty area with a ticketing kiosks Revamping of transit nodes- approach road Food stalls Reorganising pedistrian access Temporary retail Parking – underground Experiential centres Public toilets Signages
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 87
Rethinking the Urban Square 7.2.2 Jacob Circle (Saat Rasta), Mahalaxmi
Figure 121: Plan of Jacob circle (Google maps)
Figure 122: Connectivity (Bombay Greenway)
This node is a meeting point of 7 highly vehicular roads o o o o o o o
PT Patel bridge Anandilal P marg Arthur road Ripon road Baapurao jagtap marg KK road Arthur Road
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 88
Rethinking the Urban Square
Figure 123: DP 2034 of Jacob Circle (MCGM)
It has great connectivity due to Mahalaxmi railway station, the Monorail station and upcoming metro station, but the central circle is disconnected from public use.
Figure 124: Jacob Circle
Design Intent o o o o o
Underpass to ease traffic, connecting the station to Jacob circle Connecting Transit nodes Revamping Jacob circle for public use with seating, shaded spots, interactive spaces, etc Retail Public Toilets
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 89
Rethinking the Urban Square
Table of Figures Figure 1: Seat alone do not make a Public space inviting (Mid Day) ............................. 7 Figure 2: What constitutes a Public Space? (Author) ...................................................... 10 Figure 3: Private and Public Spaces .................................................................................. 11 Figure 4: What makes a Place? (http://pps.org) ............................................................. 12 Figure 5: What makes a great public place? (http://pps.org) ...................................... 13 Figure 6: More than just space-quality public spaces hold great benefits for cities (http://pps.org) .................................................................................................................... 14 Figure 7: Agora of Priene (Aydın, Turkey).......................................................................... 19 Figure 8: Athenian Agora, Second Century A.D .............................................................. 20 Figure 9: Miletus and its Agora ........................................................................................... 20 Figure 10: The Roman Forum .............................................................................................. 21 Figure 11: strict schematism of the gridiron system and planned squares ................... 22 Figure 12: Existence of 2 separate squares ....................................................................... 22 Figure 13: Piazza del Campo in Siena, Italy ...................................................................... 23 Figure 14: Palma Nuovo, Italy ............................................................................................ 24 Figure 15:Michelangelo's Piazza Campidoglio ................................................................ 25 Figure 16:The steps: Cordonata ......................................................................................... 26 Figure 17: St. Peter‟s Square Plan ....................................................................................... 26 Figure 18: St. Peter‟s Square ............................................................................................... 26 Figure 19: A Contemporary City Of Three Million Inhabitants(left);Open Public space in A Contemporary City Of Three Million Inhabitants (Right) ............................................. 27 Figure 20: Changes in the definition of squares/plazas within the context of Western urban space during different periods ............................................................................... 27 Figure 21: Assessment of the Western squares ................................................................. 28 Figure 22: ...cont .................................................................................................................. 29 Figure 23: Sultanahmet Mosque and Sultanahmet square ............................................ 30 Figure 24: Times Square, New York City, USA .................................................................... 32 Figure 25: Regular shape squares (Author) ...................................................................... 33 Figure 26: Vendome Square, Paris (https://izi.travel/) ..................................................... 33 Figure 27: Regular shape of Vendome Square (Author) ................................................ 33 Figure 28: Free/Irregular shape square (Author) .............................................................. 34 Figure 29: De Urbanisten, Water Squar, Netherlands (https://www.architecturalreview.com) ......................................................................................................................... 34 Figure 30: Irregular shape of De Urbanisten (Author) ...................................................... 34 Figure 31: One axis of symmetry square (Author) ............................................................ 35 Figure 32: St. Peteres Basilica, Rome (Google) ................................................................ 35 Figure 33: India Gate Complex City Square, New Delhi (https://land8.com) ............. 35 Figure 34: One axis of symmetry square (Author) ............................................................ 35 Figure 35: Two axis of symmetry square (Author) ............................................................. 36 Figure 36: Place des vosges, Paris (https://www.britannica.com) ................................ 36 Figure 37: Types of Public Squares (Author) ...................................................................... 37 Figure 38: Representation of a closed square (Author) .................................................. 38 Figure 39: Degree of enclosure influenced by i) roof line ii) height of enclosing building to size of space (Author) .................................................................................................... 39 Figure 40: Plaza Mayor facades (https://heritagehotelsofeurope.com) ...................... 39 Figure 41: Plan of Plaza Mayor, Madrid (Author) ............................................................. 39
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 90
Rethinking the Urban Square Figure 42: (Plaza Mayor at evening (Wikipedia) .............................................................. 40 Figure 43: Plaza Mayor, Madrid (Google) ........................................................................ 40 Figure 44: Plan of Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh (Author) ................................................. 40 Figure 45: Arcade (https://www.tripsavvy.com) ............................................................ 40 Figure 46: View of the closed square ( https://amazemytrip.com) ............................... 40 Figure 47: Meenakshi temple, Madurai (https://traveltriangle.com) ............................ 41 Figure 48: Horniman Circle, Mumbai (UDRI) ..................................................................... 41 Figure 49: Representation of a dominant square (Author) ............................................. 42 Figure 50: Understanding Notre Dame as a Dominant Square (Author) ...................... 43 Figure 51: People pulled towards the main element- Notre Dame (https://www.thenation.com)............................................................................................ 43 Figure 52: Activity around Notre Dame, (Author) ............................................................ 43 Figure 53: Understanding Gateway of India as a Dominant Square (Author) ............. 44 Figure 54: Dominant Structure (https://photocontest.smithsonianmag.com) ............. 44 Figure 55: People attracted towards Gateway of India (Wikipedia) ............................ 44 Figure 56: A Fountain acting as the main element-Fontana di trevi, Italy (tripadvisor.in) ............................................................................................................................................... 45 Figure 57: Charminar, Hyderabad (Wikipedia) ................................................................ 45 Figure 58: Main element bein g a Gate, Brandenburg Gate, Berlin ( Britannica) ....... 45 Figure 59: Main element can be a void or natural element, Maria Theresa Street, Innsbruck (commons.wikimedia.org) ................................................................................ 45 Figure 60: Dominating element is a broad river, Praca do Comercia, Lisobon (www.travel-in-portugal.com) ........................................................................................... 45 Figure 61: Representation of a Nuclear Square (Author) ............................................... 46 Figure 62: Understanding Trafalgar Square as a Nuclear square (Author) ................... 47 Figure 63: Trafalgar Square, London (london.gov.uk) ..................................................... 47 Figure 64: Understanding National war memorial square as a Nuclear Square (Author) ............................................................................................................................................... 48 Figure 65: National War Memorial, New Delhi (Google)................................................. 48 Figure 66: Place de la Concorde, Paris (Britannica) ....................................................... 49 Figure 67: Piazza del santo, Italy (Wikipedia) ................................................................... 49 Figure 68: Representation of a Grouped Square (Author) ............................................. 50 Figure 69: Imperial Fora, Rome(www.teggelaar.com) ................................................... 51 Figure 70: Understanding Imperial Fora as a grouped square (Author) ....................... 51 Figure 71: Piazza delle Erbe plan (Google maps) ............................................................ 52 Figure 72: Piazza delle Erbe, Italy (Wikipedia) .................................................................. 52 Figure 73: Palazzo Poedsta square plan (Google maps) ............................................... 52 Figure 74: Palazzo Podesta square, Italy(www.viator.com) ........................................... 52 Figure 75: Piazza and Piazzetta, Venice (www.teggelaar.com) ................................... 52 Figure 76: Place de l'Opera square, Paris (en.parisinfo.com) ........................................ 53 Figure 77: Place de l'Opera Building, Paris ....................................................................... 53 Figure 78: Golden Temple, Amritsar .................................................................................. 54 Figure 79: Scolly square, Boston ......................................................................................... 54 Figure 80: St Peteres Square acting as multiple squares (Author) .................................. 55 Figure 81: Various activities taking part in a square ........................................................ 57 Figure 82: People enjoying multiple activities in a public space (http://pps.org) ....... 58 Figure 83: Affection seen between people at public spaces ........................................ 59 Figure 84: Chart showing If there are enough Public spaces in their city(Author) ....... 60
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 91
Rethinking the Urban Square Figure 85: A view of the parking lot inside a traffic island near Regal cinema in Mumbai (Midday) ............................................................................................................................... 60 Figure 86: Traffic islands marked as public open spaces (UDRI) .................................... 61 Figure 87: Disorganised Beaches in Mumbai (Alamy) ..................................................... 61 Figure 88: Scope for improvement at Juhu Beach (Hindustan Times) .......................... 62 Figure 89: Chaos at bandra station (Mumbai Live) ......................................................... 63 Figure 90: Manek chowk activities 1PM-2PM (ideabatch2.wordpress.com)................ 65 Figure 91: Manek chowk activities 7AM-10AM(ideabatch2.wordpress.com) ............. 65 Figure 92: Manek chowk at day ........................................................................................ 66 Figure 93: Manek chowk at night ...................................................................................... 66 Figure 94: Plan of Connaught Place (www.archinomy.com) ........................................ 67 Figure 95: Evolution of Connaught Place over the years (https://duac.org) ............... 68 Figure 96: Old and New Connaught Place (https://www.archinomy.com) ................ 68 Figure 97: Spatial organisation of Connought Place (https://www.archinomy.com) . 69 Figure 98: Gopi Talao, Surat (https://www.revv.co.in) .................................................... 70 Figure 99: Timeline of developement of Gopi talao (Google earth) ............................ 70 Figure 100: Master plan of Gopi Talao (Urban initiatives) ............................................... 71 Figure 101: Various zones of Gopi Talao (https://aanganarchitects.org)..................... 72 Figure 102: Father Tuffy Square (www.pksb.com) ........................................................... 74 Figure 103: https://archinect.com/ ................................................................................... 75 Figure 104: Plan of Father Tuffy Square (archdaily) ......................................................... 75 Figure 105: Night time activity at the square (archinect.com) ...................................... 76 Figure 106: TKTS ticketing counter (archdaily) .................................................................. 76 Figure 107: Three Ways to connect a square (Irregularsquares) ................................... 79 Figure 108: Gateway of India Precinct (Google maps) .................................................. 83 Figure 109: Gateway of India, Mumbai (Author) ............................................................. 84 Figure 110: Locations of ferry points .................................................................................. 84 Figure 111: Ticketing booth (Author) ................................................................................. 84 Figure 112: 5 different spots for catching a ferry (Author) .............................................. 85 Figure 113: No proper seating (Author) ............................................................................ 85 Figure 114: Unplanned food courts (Author) .................................................................... 85 Figure 115: Poorly managed public toilets by the authorities (Author) ......................... 85 Figure 116: Not planned approach road (Author) .......................................................... 86 Figure 117: Willngon circle being used as a parking lot (Author) .................................. 86 Figure 118: Not universally designed (Author) .................................................................. 86 Figure 119: No access (Author) .......................................................................................... 86 Figure 120: Not accessible plaza (Author) ........................................................................ 86 Figure 121: Plan of Jacob circle (Google maps) ............................................................. 88 Figure 122: Connectivity (Bombay Greenway) ............................................................... 88 Figure 123: DP 2034 of Jacob Circle (MCGM) ................................................................. 89 Figure 124: Jacob Circle ..................................................................................................... 89
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 92
Rethinking the Urban Square
References (2008,
December 31). Retrieved from https://www.pps.org/article/jgehl
Project
for
Public
Spaces
:
(2020,
September 16). Retrieved from Designing Buildings: https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Public_building_definition
Archinect firms . (n.d.). Retrieved from https://archinect.com/chrofi/project/tktsbooth-redevelopment-of-father-duffy-square Choay, F. (1969). The Modern City: Planning in the 19th Century. New York, USA. Davies, E. J. (2008). The Dictionary of Architecture and Building Construction . Gallion, A. E. (1986). The Urban Pattern: City Planning and Design. New York. J.C.Moughtin, C. (2003). Urban Design Street and Square. Kostof, S. (1992). City Shape . LENNARD, S. H. (2017, November 27 ). CNU Journal . Retrieved from https://www.cnu.org/publicsquare/2017/11/27/planning-neighborhoodsquare#:~:text=The%20Master%20Plan%20standards%20require,by%20200%20f eet%20city%20block. Lennard, S. H. (n.d.). Liveable Cities. Retrieved from https://www.livablecities.org/blog/designing-successful-neighborhoodsquares-part-3-size-andshape#:~:text=For%20a%20square%20to%20function,population%20of%20up% 20to%2010%2C000. Levy, P. .. (2012). Urban Square as the Place of History, Memory and Identity. Lynch, K. (1960). The image of the city. Joint centre for urban studies. Maddalena Iovene, N. B. (2019). Of Streets and Squares. Memluk, M. Z. (2013). Designing Urban Squares, Advances in Landscape Architecture. Mumford, L. (1961). The City in History . Newyork . Project for Public Spaces. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.pps.org//article/publicspace-is-for-lovers Purohit, K. (2016, July 15). Hindustan Times . Retrieved from https://www.hindustantimes.com/mumbai-news/regal-circle-nariman-pointtraffic-island-are-playgrounds-says-bmc/story-DUwor29mv9FywjddF6LyxO.html Safer
Spaces. (n.d.). Retrieved https://www.saferspaces.org.za/understand/entry/public-spaces
from
Sapana Jayeshkumar Shah, P. H. (n.d.). RENEWAL OF BUILT HERITAGE: A CASE OF GOPITALAO, SURAT. Shilpa Ranade, S. P. (2009). Entry Restricted: Open Public Spaces in Mumbai. Indian Architect and Builder.
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 93
Rethinking the Urban Square Smith,
K. (2012, November 8). Retrieved from Wordpress: https://kailasmithemsociallanguagedigitalmedia.wordpress.com/2012/11/08/ difference-between-public-and-private-space/
UNESCO. (n.d.). UNESCO-Social and Human Sciences. Retrieved from http://www.unesco.org/new/en/social-and-human-sciences/themes/urbandevelopment/migrants-inclusion-in-cities/good-practices/inclusion-throughaccess-to-public-space/ Voorhorst, M. (2012, December 6). Irregular Squares. http://www.irregularsquares.com/maurits-voorhorst/
Retrieved
from
Voorhorst, M. (2014, June 16). Irregular http://www.irregularsquares.com/main-route/
Retrieved
from
Squares.
Yathiraj, P. (n.d.). Re thinking the future . Retrieved from https://www.rethinkingthefuture.com/fresh-perspectives/a1256-understanding-our-culturethrough-15-public-plazas-in-india/ Zucker, P. (1959). Town and Square: from the Agora to the Village Green. New York : Columbia University Press.
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 94
Rethinking the Urban Square
Annexure Google Survey
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 95
Rethinking the Urban Square
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 96
Rethinking the Urban Square
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 97
Rethinking the Urban Square
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 98
Rethinking the Urban Square
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 99
Rethinking the Urban Square
Yashita Khanna|Fifth Year B.Arch.|L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
Page | 100
