community, Identity and Public Spaces

DISSERTATION

Social community, identity, and public space In changing urban context PANTHEON ROAD - EGMORE

Submitted by

YASMMIN A S 311419566020

MASTER OF ARCHITECTURE in

SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE MEENAKSHI COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING ANNA UNIVERSITY CHENNAI 600 025.

NOVEMBER 2020

SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE MEENAKSHI COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING ANNA UNIVERSITY CHENNAI 600 025

DECLARATION

This is to certify that the Dissertation Report of A.S. YASMMIN, II-year (Batch 2019-2021) School of Architecture, Meenakshi College of Engineering, Chennai has been approved on ………………………

Submitted for the university VIVA – VOCE Examination held on November 2020.

INTERNAL EXAMINER

EXTERNAL EXAMINE

SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE MEENAKSHI COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING ANNA UNIVERSITY CHENNAI 600 025

BONAFIDE CERTIFICATE

Certified that this Dissertation report is the bonafide work of A.S. YASMMIN, Who carried out the work under my guidance.

Ar. Ezhilmaran, M. Arch

Prof. K. Stanley Clement Daniel, M.Arch. FIIA

Co-coordinator

HOD

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to express my special thanks to Ar. Ezhilmaran M. Arch, who played a crucial role and encouraging me to do this topic, which will be helpful for upcoming people and also, he has been most instrumental in shaping my thinking on society.

I would also like to convey my heartfelt thanks to my other Faculty members and my Family who gave the moral support during the entire session.

YASMMIN A S

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ABSTRACT ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF FIGURES

CHAPTERS

1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 Problem Statement 1.2 What Is This Study About?

1.3 Why This Study Is Necessary?

1.4 Objectives of The Study 1.5 Hypothesis, Aim, Scope of Study

2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 2.1 Overall Research Frame Work 2.2 Types of methods and its framework

3. THEORATICAL ANALYSIS

3.1 Theories and understanding About Functional Analysis of Urban Spaces 3.2 Theories and understanding About Public Spaces 3.3 Theories and understanding About Identity of Urban Spaces 3.4 Theories and understanding About Social Spaces in Urban Context 3.5 Theories and understanding About Various Dimensions of Urban Space

3.5.1 The Morphological Dimension 3.5.2

The Perceptual Dimension

4. STUDY AREA

4.1 Selection of study area 4.2 The particular confinement of the stretch of study 4.3 About the study area

5. LIVE CASE ANALYSIS – PANTHEON ROAD, EGMORE

5.1 Location and description of the study area 5.2 History of the study area 5.3 Heritage of the study area 5.4 Evolution and Urban Morphology of the study area 5.5 Current Scenario and composition

5.6 MAPPING

5.6.1 Evolution map 5.6.2 Timeline Map 5.6.3 Landmarks map

5.6.4 Land use map 5.6.5 Land Use Evolution map 5.6.6 Figure and Ground map 5.6.7 Age map 5.6.8 Height map 5.6.9 Vegetation map 5.6.10 Heritage and Culture map 5.6.11 Infrastructure map

5.6.12 Transportation map 5.6.13 Activity map 5.6.14 Kevin lynch principles map 5.6.15 Character map

5.7 ANALYZING AND MAPPING

5.7.1 The three principles analysis map

5.8 CONCLUSION/INFERENCE 6. LITERATURE CASE ANALYSIS – RAJA MUTHIAH ROAD, VEPERY

6.1

Location and description of the study area

6.2

History of the study area

6.3

Heritage of the study area

6.4

Evolution and Urban Morphology of the study area

6.5 Current Scenario and composition

6.6 MAPPING

6.6.1 Evolution map 6.6.2 Timeline Map 6.6.3 Landmarks map 6.6.4 Demography Evolution 6.6.5 Land use map 6.6.6 Land Use Evolution map 6.6.7 Figure and Ground map 6.6.8 Age map

6.6.9 Height map 6.6.10 Vegetation map 6.6.11 Heritage and Culture map 6.6.12 Infrastructure map 6.6.13 Transportation map 6.6.14 Activity map 6.6.15 Kevin lynch principles map 6.6.16 Crime map 6.6.17 Character map 6.6.18

6.7 ANALYZING AND MAPPING

6.7.1 The three principles analysis map

6.8 CONCLUSION/INFERENCE

7. OVERALL INFERENCE / CONCLUSION

7.1 Comparison and comment on the change and morphology in the 3 principles 7.2 Comment on the effect of these changes in quality of urban life

8. REFERENCES

Table of Figures Figure1. 1 Diagrammatic Representation of evolution and relationship of socio-cultural life and the urban development .......11 Figure 1.2, Thinnai and the street. ................................................................................................................................................12 Figure1. 3, Temple tank, Triplicane ...............................................................................................................................................12 Figure 4 Morphology of different cities ........................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

Figure 5 cotton street....................................................................................................................................................................49 Figure 6 new offices ......................................................................................................................................................................50 Figure 7 museum theatre ..............................................................................................................................................................50 Figure 8 Additions in museum complex ........................................................................................................................................51 Figure 9 Delapidated structure .....................................................................................................................................................51 Figure 10 Hotel Ashoka .................................................................................................................................................................52 Figure 11 Govt childrens hospital..................................................................................................................................................52 Figure 12 Activities under the bridge ............................................................................................................................................53 Figure 13 Small temple structure in pantheon road .....................................................................................................................53 Figure 14 Patterns in pantheon road ............................................................................................................................................54 Figure 15 Patterns in pantheon road ............................................................................................................................................54 Figure 16 Residences in Pantheon road ........................................................................................................................................55 Figure 17 Co- optex exhibition center ...........................................................................................................................................55

1. INTRODUCTION The physical and social environment of urban spaces has been transforming rapidly, the way culture, socio-economic factors were entangled with planning and layout has been long changed into confined boundaries. The urban identity refers to the reflection of city’s unique socio-economic and cultural components, which are different from other cities’, on the physical space (2005). The urban morphology has seen loss of identity and imposition of universality, the built form is planned in the same way no matter where it is built. The urban environment has grown more introverted and detached. There is a sense of lack of vision for the urban life quality and identity with diminishing social spaces/activities and lack of meaningful public space. The social-public spaces have turned into closed relaxational/recreational spaces.

According to Edward Relph authentically made places arise when the physical, social, aesthetic and spiritual needs of a culture are adapted to particular sites, and this can happen self-consciously through thoughtful design; contrivance is when identities are invented or imposed. (1976).

This study would focus on the analysis of the change and current scenario on these issues to speculate the possibilities of reviving/creating identity, bringing life into the urban environment.

Figure1. 1 Diagrammatic Representation of evolution and relationship of socio-cultural life and the urban development

Traditional Indian public spaces were able to cater the need of residents by providing different types of spaces such as temple courtyard; parks, male ground, bazaars, and these spaces were designed for climate, socio-cultural, as well economic factors. The lifestyle of the people was merged with the public spaces, the culture, tradition, climate-based architecture the values forming a lifestyle along with its own spaces creating public spaces on its own, without any separate need.

The temples provided congregation spaces, water wells and ponds formed a space for daily chores as well as communication spaces between people.

The thinnai a private owned space which forms a public space, a relationship between the house to the street, evening talks and relationship to the outdoor activities.

This is an example of integration of lifestyle to architecture to public spaces.

Figure 1.2, Thinnai and the street.

After liberalization of the economy in 1990, the Indian cities have gone through a tremendous transformation at the level of the economy, socio-cultural aspect. India has adopted the western living style based on globalization and the public spaces of cities have been designed as indoor and vehicular centric. These spaces become a gated community for rich people and become inaccessible for poor or middle-class people of a city. These spaces have to lead to loss of social interaction and loss of identity to its resident.

Figure1. 3, Temple tank, Triplicane

3. THEORATICAL ANALYSIS

3.2 Theories and understanding About Public Spaces 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 (UNESCO). The public spaces play a very important role in providing the quality of life. Our impressions of a city are formed mainly by the quality of public spaces.

Public spaces, which fill the urban gaps with life, are directly associated with the construction of what we call a city and influence the relationships that are created within them. It is in these spaces that human exchanges and relationships, the diversity of use and the vocation of each place and the conflicts and contradictions of society are manifested. (Caccia).

Much of urban design is concerned with the design and management of publicly used space and the way this is experienced and used. The public realm includes the natural and built environment used by the general public on a day-to-day basis such as streets, plazas, parks, and public infrastructure. Some aspects of privately owned space such as the bulk and scale of buildings, courtyards, and entries that are traversed by the public or gardens that are visible from the public realm can also contribute to the overall result.

At times, there is a blurring of public and private realms, particularly where privately owned space is publicly used. The different types of public spaces may fulfil different types of need such as parks for health and recreation, commercial spaces for shopping activities as well social interaction, religious spaces for peace and harmony, exhibition spaces for different types of knowledge, etc.

The post independent era saw the fusion of several spaces into public parks and playgrounds.

With the advent of globalization, public spaces have donned a new role and have re-casted into malls, amusement parks and spaces of recreation.

3.2.1 Public Spaces: “Phenomenon of Temporality”

The causes of transformation, change and decline of the public spaces are mainly attributed to the loss of popularity of the activities that define the space.

While looking into examples in Chennai the People’s Park declined due to neglect, several spaces were sliced to a smaller extent to allow for urban development as in the case of tanks and water bodies (example - portion of Ambattur and Velachery Lake for housing projects).

The Maidan, portions of the Esplanade and the Parade grounds of the colonial era paved way to the creation of the commerce driven central business district (CBD) of the city. The shift of priorities kills these spaces during fast paced and rapid urbanisation in hyperdynamic situations. The planner has to resort to change of functions that suit the transforming patterns of development.

“Cities have the capability of providing something for everybody, only because, and only when, they are created by everybody” — Jane Jacobs (1961).

‘Sociality’ indicates people’s emotions and feelings towards a space and when people feel a sense of inclusion towards a space, they tend to use it for a longer time and more frequently.

Jane Jacobs and Jan Gehl advocate for sociality of space. The character of the public space,

the people surrounding it, physical structures present in the space such as art or fountains, including traffic noise, can impact the way the space is used and understood. This is understood through Doreen Massey’s theory of thrown-togetherness where she suggests that the various elements and structures present in the public space, including the way the space is built has an impact on how people use it. Jane Jacobs’ concept of eyes on the street is similar and is a part of sociality because when people are aware of their surroundings, even in public spaces, they have a greater understanding of the space. (1961) Llewelyn Davies confirms the importance of a good ambience, arguing that a comfortable and stimulating public realm requires activity, with uses related to public spaces in such a way that animation, diversity and versatility results. They call for pubic space that stimulates the senses, visually, but also by sound, touch and smell; places that are distinctive and interesting, building a local character; places free of chatter, but which nevertheless exploit the power of public art; and places with are legible through good lighting and signage.

Well-designed and maintained public space is critical to the health of any city. Such gathering spaces allow for social mixing, civic participation, recreation, and a sense of belonging. It is necessary to fight spatial segregation through actions such as rebuilding districts in an integrated way; providing the most disadvantaged urban areas with quality public spaces and installations; promoting diverse uses of the land; encouraging social mixing in housing selection with the aim of having people from different

Figure 4 Components and aspects of public spaces

backgrounds and socio-economic conditions live in the same districts; removing architectural barriers that may isolate certain areas; and, finally, taking the gender variable into account in the urban make-up. Public space can also be used for daily events or seasonal or annual fairs that bring together diverse populations of the city. (UNESCO)

Figure 5 Reprensentative interactive public space

They are

environments for interaction and exchange of ideas that impact the quality of the urban environment. While not considered “public spaces,” cafes, bookstores and bars have similar impacts. Public spaces also present health benefits, both physical and mental: people feel better and tend to be more active in attractive, public spaces.

The few principles that shall be considered for a high-quality public space are discussed in this section. The elements relate with each other – active facades and constructions on the

human scale, for example, are directly related to the promotion of the local economy. It is the combination between them that will ensure accessible, equitable and safe spaces for people 3.2.2 Diversity of uses: Blending residential, office and commercial areas, such as bars, restaurants, cafes and local commerce, attracts people and makes the environment safer and friendlier. The diversity of uses generates external activities that contribute to the safety of spaces: more people on the streets helps to inhibit crime. This diversity, however, needs to cover all times of day. If the spaces are inviting and only busy during the day, they will still be unsafe places at night. Planning public spaces in a way that encourages the coexistence and the permanence of people is also a way of investing in security.

3.2.3 Active facades: Connection between the ground level of the buildings, the sidewalk and the street contribute to safety and the attractiveness of urban design. Visually more interesting streets are used more often by people. In addition, this relationship influences people’s perception of the city and how they are to use it: Jane Jacobs says that it is mainly streets and sidewalks that indicate how public space is perceived and used.

3.2.4 Social dimension and urban vitality: As an aggregator of people, public space has influence over the social dimension. Wide, accessible streets, squares, parks, sidewalks, bike paths and urban furniture stimulate interaction between people and the environment, generate a positive use of space and increase urban vitality. In addition to focusing on high-density, urban areas, it is crucial to consider the peripheries, guaranteeing quality public spaces to the population that does not live in the city center.

3.2.5 Human scale: High-scale, high-density construction can negatively affect people’s health. In his field studies, Jan Gehl noted that people tend to walk faster when passing empty or inactive areas, in contrast to the slower, quieter pace of walking in livelier, more active environments.

Human-scale constructions have a positive effect on people’s perceptions of public spaces: they feel that they were considered in the planning process of that space.

3.2.6 Lighting: Efficient and people-oriented lighting facilitates the occupancy of public spaces at night, enhancing safety. When installed on the pedestrian and cyclist scale, public lighting creates the necessary conditions to move more safely when there is no natural light.

3.2.7 Stimulating the local economy: Quality public spaces not only benefit people by offering leisure and living areas, but they also have the potential to boost the local economy. The safe and attractive conditions foster walking and cycling, leading to easy access of local commerce.

3.2.8 Complete streets: Wherever possible, public areas should be thought of following the principles of Complete Streets and “shared spaces.” The Complete Streets concept defines streets designed to ensure the safe circulation of all users—pedestrians, cyclists, drivers and users of public transport. Sidewalks in good condition, infrastructure for bicycles, street furniture and signage for all users are among the elements that can compose a complete street.

3.2.9 Green areas: In addition to contributing to air quality and helping to ease temperatures in the summer, vegetation has the power to humanize cities by attracting people to outdoor activities. As cities become denser, access to green public spaces will become even more important as urban forestation can lower people’s stress levels and enhance well-being in cities. In addition, trees, plants and flowerbeds are strategic for urban drainage and maintenance of biodiversity.

3.3 Theories and understanding About Identity of Urban Spaces

According to Kevin lynch an environmental image may be analysed into three components: identity, structure, and meaning. It is useful an abstract these for analysis, if it is remembered

that in reality they always appear together. A workable image requires first the identification of an object, which implies its distinction from other things, its recognition as a separable entity.

This is called identity, not in the sense of equality which something else, but with the meaning of individuality or oneness.

Second, the image must include the spatial or pattern relation of the object to the observer and to other objects. Finally, this object must have some meaning for the observer, whether practical or emotional. Meaning is also a relation, but quite a difference one from spatial or pattern relation. (IMa).

Place identity is the way in which a place informs the identity of a person or people and the composites of its characteristic features. (Relph, 1996). Place identity has become a significant issue in the last 25 years in urban planning and design. Place identity concerns the meaning and significance of places for their inhabitants and users, and how these meanings contribute to individuals' conceptualizations of self.

Place identity also relates to the context of modernity, history and the politics of representation. In other words, historical determinism, which intersects historical events, social spaces and groups by gender, class, ethnicity. In this way, it explores how spaces have evolved over time by exploring the social constructs through time and the development of space, place and power.

To the same extent, the politics of representation is brought into context, as the making of place identity in a community also relates to the exclusion or inclusion in a community. In the same respect, it is argued that place identity has also been used to intervene social change

and perpetuate oppression from a top-down approach by creating segregated spaces for marginalized communities.

Figure 6 Components of urban Identity

The term ‘identity’ has grown in popularity in various sectors, within the past few decades.

Some might suggest that identity is to distinguish ‘self’ and the ‘other’; however, it could in fact emphasize, the relationship between the self and the otherness. identity is ‘people’s concept’ for self-recognition as well as a way to express the linkage to the others.

Identity would imply the fact that the relationship between an individual and his society is determined by social categories which define him in his environment (1996). This is more pertinent when it comes to the meaning of identity in an urban environment.

People’s understanding of space (particularly urban environments) develops based on qualitative values and changes taking place in that space. This would also mean that ‘…it is through

experience that the environment develops meaning for an individual. Thus, the urban environment is not simply architectural space, rather places become endowed with significance through the actions that are permitted or enjoined with them’ (1988).

The importance of memory, experience and time in this evolution of mind indicates the relationship of individuals to the identity of the place. It is the organization of behaviour depending on qualitative change that supports the development of individual’s perception.

It has been acknowledged that urban identity is strongly influenced by the spatial inter-relations taking place in urban spaces. This is based upon considering how space-structuring can influence human movement and social behaviour. The theory of a ‘phenomenal and a behavioural environment’ (1988) can therefore promote various behavioural indicators with which social values and spatial inter-relations are enhanced.

In addition, what takes place in a space is a vital element to the identity and the behavioural pattern of that space. It is also asserted by Walmsley (1988)that, ‘...human intent and action ascribe meaning and transform empty space into experienced place...with their values and actions’.

The inhabitants in a town, their lifestyles, perceptions, relations with urban space and with each other, the balances, and harmony between people and their built environment are important by the means of their interaction with urban space.

One of the pattern that Alexander defines as, identifiable neighbourhood points out the needs of people belonging to an identifiable spatial unit, as he states, people want to be able to identify the part of the city where they live as distinct from all others (alexander).

While examining the essence of place, Relph points out the powerful relationship between community and place, as each reinforces the identity of one another. Identity is a basic feature

of our experience of places, which both influences and influenced by those experiences (Relph, 1996).

According to him, in identifying the places, the identity of the person or a group is as important as the identity of that place. While questioning the condition of experiencing a place from outside or inside, he uses the terms insideness and outsideness.

3.4 Theories and understanding About Social Spaces in Urban Context.

There is a correlation between urban space and society. Different types of urban spaces are associated with the specific activities of different social groups. Public space unexploited and unused by people and space without social destination often reflects its physical form.

Unorganized transportation, parking and other physical barriers reduce its usability and attractiveness. Human activities need quality and clearly defined public space. The relationship between people and space can be defined by the phrase: People creates and co-creates space while at the same time the quality of the space influences the character of people.

The City is characterized by the breakdown and reinvention of public spaces. For the city is historically typical natural growing and self-organization development. Major role played the existing road network, which reflected strong development of the skeleton, around which was organized by the urban structure.

Figure 7 V.O.C Park, Coimbatore

The communities form by humans has led to the development and enrichment of this world both technologically and habitually. It is the very human need the human interaction; this was the one most basic principal in development of architecture but the new age because of privacy needs and technology has grown people apart from each other rather than bring them together.

The growing capitalist economy demands more of living space than of social space. This has led to poor quality of life standards and increase in crime and decrease in healthy life style. These days many professionals like architects, city planners and sociologist are researching how people live in more densely populated areas. How this has affected the social life of the residents and led the shrinking of social spaces.

Figure 8 Urban social spaces

Public space is the juncture upon which the expression of public life develops. The paths, squares and gardens of a metropolitan give a form to the sanctuary and movement of social exchange. These vibrant spaces are a vital counterpart to the other established spaces and

levies of work and family life, providing the networks for movement, nodes for communication and common grounds for play and relaxation (Carr, 1992)

Communal urban space is lively and all full of energy, which is vital for the ecological expansion of the city’. Public spaces are shaped by at least two diverse processes; some have evolved naturally through assumption, by frequent use in a specific way, or by the concentration of societies because of an allure or an attraction say may be like a cafe or very old tree where people wish for something etc. Both of these results in a space that accommodates societies for explicit reasons and it becomes a location that people depend on as a place to encounter other people. These events might happen on a street junction, on some stairs in front of a structure, or on an undeveloped proportion in an area.

The significance of social space has been recognized worldwide, primarily from the perception in refining quality of life through contented atmosphere and plentiful public life; improving urban appearance through urban vagueness; and compelling commercial development through investment which is appealed by the good appearance. The prominence of public space in building a pleasant atmosphere for human beings for work, resides, and relaxes.

3.5 Theories and understanding About Various Dimensions of Urban Space As urban design is a joined-up activity, this separation is for the purpose of clarity in exposition and analysis only. These six overlapping dimensions are the 'everyday subject matter' of urban design. The six dimensions and four contexts are also linked and related by the conception of design as a process of problem solving. Instead, they emphasize the breadth of the subject area, with the connections between the different broad areas being made explicit. Urban design is only holistic if all the dimensions (the areas of action) are considered simultaneously.

3.5.1 The Morphological Dimension Urban morphology is the study of the form and shape of settlements. Appreciation of morphology helps urban designers to be aware of local patterns of development and processes of change. Initial work in the field focused on analyzing evolution and change in traditional urban space. Morphologists showed that settlements could be seen in terms of several key elements, of which Cozen (Conzen, 1960) considered land uses, building structures, plot pattern and street pattern to be the most important. He emphasized the difference in stability of these elements. Buildings, and particularly the land uses they accommodate, are usually the least resilient elements. Although more enduring, the plot pattern changes over time as individual plots are subdivided or amalgamated.

The street plan tends to be the most enduring element. Its stability derives from its being a capital asset not lightly set aside; from ownership structures; and, in particular, from the difficulties of organizing and implementing large-scale change. Changes do happen, however, through destruction by war or natural disaster or, in the modern period, through programmes of comprehensive redevelopment.

The morphological dimension of urban design, focusing on two key issues of urban form and urban layout. In general terms, it has showed and discussed the contemporary preferences for urban block patterns and gridded, permeable street layouts. While such preference is clear, it is necessary to appreciate why hierarchical, segregated and introverted layouts have come about.

Given the prevalence of such layouts, active resistance is needed to reductions in permeability. If a high level of permeability is initially provided, segregation can usually be achieved later, if necessary, through design or management: the layout is robust and capable of adaptation. Conversely, it is difficult, even impossible, to turn an environment designed for segregation into one for integration. To ensure permeability, all streets should lead somewhere and terminate in other streets or space rather than in dead ends. Such a principle would tend to create permeable grids.

A key issue in contemporary urban space design is how to accommodate the car. By colonizing public space networks, subordinating other forms of mobility, and reorganizing the distribution of activities in space, automobility both undermines other forms of mobility (walking, cycling, rail travel, etc.) and has a disabling effect on those who do not have access to cars. Furthermore, by monopolizing resources - leading to inadequate public transport, and to transformations of the city landscape such that important services become inaccessible to non-car uses – the car system discriminates against non-car users Urban design’s Morphological dimension deals with the configuration of urban form and space, and the spatial patterns of infrastructure that support it. There are essentially two types of urban space system – one is where buildings define space; the other where buildings are objects-in-space. Morphological dimension can be discussed in four parts: •

urban morphology

•

morphological transformation

•

third & fourth parts deals with aspects of contemporary reaction

Urban morphology – the study of change in the physical form and shape of settlements over time – focuses on patterns and processes of growth and change.

Differences in street and block patterns, plot patterns, the arrangement of buildings within plots and the shapes of buildings create very different environments – the different patterns are commonly referred to as ‘urban tissue’ (Maffel, 1979, 1984)

Four main morphological elements by Cozen to see how morphological structures are composed of interrelated layers: Land uses – Changes to land uses include both new uses coming in and existing uses moving to other areas.

Building structures – There has often been a recognizable cycle of building development on each plot.

Plot pattern – Cadastral units (urban blocks) are typically subdivided or ‘platted’ into plots or lots. These may be ‘back-to-back’ plots, each having a frontage onto a main street or circulation route and a shared or common plot boundary at the rear.

Cadastral (street) pattern – The cadastral pattern is the layout of urban blocks and public space/movement channels between those blocks. The spaces between the blocks can be considered to be the public space network.

In traditional urban space, the urban fabric is relatively dense, and buildings are normally built adjacent to one another and flush with the street. Building facades thus provide the ‘walls’ of open space and also contributes to larger systems of ‘street’ and ‘urban block’.

Urban design’s morphological dimension focuses on urban form and urban layout, highlighting contemporary preferences for urban block and interconnected street patterns. It has also focused on the public space network and the physical public realm – the physical setting or stage for public life.

The four most valuable senses in interpreting and sensing the environment are vision, hearing, smell and touch.

• Vision: The dominant sense, vision provides more information than the other senses combined. Orientation in space is achieved visually. As Porteous (1 996, p. 3) observes, vision is active and searching: 'We look; smells and sounds come to us.' Visual perception is highly complex, relying on distance, colour, shape, textural and contrast gradients, etc.

• Hearing: While visual space involves what lies before us and concerns objects in space, 'acoustic' space is all-surrounding, has no obvious boundaries, and emphasises space itself (Porteous, 1 996, p. 33). Hearing is information poor, but emotionally rich. We are strongly aroused by, for example, screams, music, thunder, and soothed by the flow of water or the wind in the leaves (Porteous, 1 996, p. 35).

• Smell: As with hearing, the human sense of smell is not well developed. Nevertheless, while even more information poor than sound, smell is probably emotionally richer.

• Touch: In the urban context, as Porteous (1 996, p. 36) notes, much of our experience of texture comes through our feet, and through our buttocks when we sit down, rather than through our hands.

Perception (sometimes, confusingly referred to as 'cognition') concerns more than just seeing or sensing the urban environment. It refers to the more complex processing or understanding of stimuli. lttelson (Bell, 1990) identifies four dimensions of perception, which operate simultaneously: • Cognitive: involves thinking about, orgams1ng and keeping information. In essence, it enables us to make sense of the environment.

• Affective: involves our feelings, which influence perception of the environment - equal ly, perception of the environment influences our feelings.

• Interpretative: encompasses meaning or associations derived from the environment. In interpreting information, we rely on memory for points of comparison with newly experienced stimuli.

• Evaluative: incorporates values and preferences and the determination of 'good' or 'bad'.

Lynch noted that basic elements of the city image 'seem astonishingly similar in some very diverse cultures and places.

Three areas of criticism are of particular note: 1. Observer variation: The validity of aggregating the environmental images of people with different backgrounds and experience has been questioned. While finding that common city images could be identified, arising from common human cognition strategies, culture, experience and city form, Lynch (1 984, p. 251) acknowledged the 'deliberate and explicit' neglect of observer variation in his original study. Francescate and Mebane's study of Milan and Rome (1 973) and Appleyard's study of Ciudad Guyana (1976), showed how, as a result of social class and habitual use, people's city images differed.

2. Legibility and imageability: In Good City Form, Lynch (1981, pp. 1 39-41) reduced the emphasis on legibility, seeing it as one kind of 'sense' within just one dimension of city experience. Further downplaying its significance in 'Reconsidering the Image of the City', he accepted wayfinding as a 'secondary problem for most people', 'If lost in a city, one can always ask the way or consult a map' (Lynch, 1 984, p. 250).

He questioned the value of legible environments: 'What do people care if they have a vivid image of their locality? And aren't they delighted by surprise and mystery'. This raised the issue of the distinction between environments that are imageable and those that are liked. De Jonge's (1962) study in Holland suggested that people liked 'illegible' environments, while Kaplan and Kaplan (1982) highlighted the need for environmental 'surprise' and 'mystery'.

3. Meaning and symbolism: It has also been argued that attention should be paid to what the urban environment meant to people, and how they felt about it (the 'affective' dimension), as well as to the structuring of mental images. Cognitive mapping techniques tend to neglect those issues. Appleyard (1980) extended Lynch's work by identifying four ways in which buildings and other elements in the urban environment were known: • by their imageability or distinctiveness of form;

• by their visibility as people move around the city; • by their role as a setting for activity; • by the significance of a building's role in society.

The value of this dimension of urban design is the stress on people and how they perceive, value, draw meaning from, and add meaning to, the urban environment. Places that are 'real' to people, invite and reward involvement - intellectual and/or emotional - and provide a sense of psychological connectedness.

Although urban design as a process inexorably invents and reinvents places, with a greater or lesser degree of finesse, contrivance and authenticity, it is people who make places and Jive them meaning. Thus, just as messages are 'sent', they are also 'received' and interpreted: it is for individual users to determine whether a place is authentic or not, and the quality and meaning of their experience there. Rather than a duality of 'authentic' and 'inauthentic', it is necessary to consider degrees of authenticity.

4. STUDY AREA The components discussed above are studied practically with the help of two case studies.

Analyzing the aspects in a small specific stretch and in a larger context to understand it in the micro and macro levels.

In the two case studies the micro case study is done practically and the macro by collection of details and works.

4.1 SELECTION OF STUDY AREA

Two areas are considered for live study area: •

Egmore

•

Santhome foreshore estate

• 4.1.1 JUSTIFICATION FOR SEECTION OF THE AREAS Egmore It is a rich example of the past to the future, varied structures, varied zones. The study is Egmore can result in deep understanding of the city, diverse zones and its evolution with time and facilitate fragmented developments and projects in small scales connected by urbanism.

It is highly connected by transit, presence of commercial zones, administrative zones, heritage structures, offices, schools, hospitals etc. Presence of such rich mixture of functions and its quality of remaining an important central zone with the test of time is the reason for choosing the area as an option.

Santhome – foreshore estate

It is a contrast, the impression of history relates religiously, the contrast zones of the area share different classes of community. The study in this area allows understanding of social mix and facilitate large scale developments which can influence the prototype of development in the city.

4.1.2 criteria for choosing study area: •

Social mix - Diverse land mix.

•

Dense area with need for socio-communal spaces.

•

Lost identity/diminishing identity for the area.

•

Sharp growth of the area.

•

Opportunity for development.

•

Need for attention on urban scale

4.2 STUDY AREA - PARTICULAR STRETCH OF STUDY EGMORE The main stretches along the selected zone is considered and a single specific stretch is selected for the study.

4.2.1 Stretches considered.

4.2.2 FINAL STRETCH – PANTHEON ROAD

4.3 ABOUT THE STUDY AREA From cooum bridge the stretch passes across co-optex, museum, hospital, commercial plaza to hotel Asoka the stretch measures a distance of 1km. One end of the stretch is bounded by cooum river, other end meets the junction connected to various major stretches.

CO-OPTEX

COOUM

MUSEUM

COMMERCIAL PLAZAS

GOVT. HOSPITAL

HOTEL

ASOK

5. LIVE CASE ANALYSIS PANTHEON ROAD, EGMORE - CHENNAI

5.1 Location and description Egmore is a vibrant place known for its architectural history and busy vibe. Situated on the northern banks of Cooum river, it is an important residential and commercial hub in the city.

The place is also home to many government institutions and tourist attractions. Located in the heart of the city, it is highly developed and well connected to all the major junctions.

5.2 HISTORY

Egmore’s earliest references are found in inscriptions during chola empires which dates back to 13th century. According to history, Elumbur was under the control of Kulothunga Chola. Elumbur has been the administrative capital during Kulothunga Chola 1’s period.

It was this region that later turned into Egmore. Elumbur is among the regions that fell under the East India Company since 1720. During their period, the British men converted the name Elumbur into their slang and called it Egmore. Since then, the name Egmore is in practice. It was not until the "Golden age of British rule" stretching from 1858 to 1947 that Egmore witnessed some real growth.

The pantheon road takes its name from The Pantheon – Public Assembly Rooms which traces its history back to 1778.IN August 1778, Governor granted 43acres to a civil servant for an estate and who in turn assigned the grounds to a committee which regulated public amusements in the city in 1793.

In 1821 the committee sold the main house and the central garden space to an American merchant who in turn sold it back to government in 1830. Government first used it for collectors cutcherry (a public office for administration) and then as Central Museum in 1854 (The museum was originally established in a building on College Road in Nungambakkam in the year 1851 and

was shifted to the present site in 1854.). Between 1864 and 1890 the many additions were done

to the original buildings.

Among such noble structures other notable structure in pantheon road is Connemara Public library inside museum complex. In 1860 a small library was setup as a part of the museum.

The surplus books from the Haileybury College (Indian Civil service training place in England) was sent to Madras and handed over to Madras Museum.

In 1890 the need for a public library prompted and the foundation was laid. In 1896 the Connemara library was formally opened named after then the former Governor Connemara.

The entire complex now boasts buildings that reflect architectural unity, even while demonstrating

the

various

stages

of Indo-saracenic development,

from Gothic-neo-

Byzantine to Rajput Mughal and Southern Hindu Deccani.

Surgeon Edward Balfour established the first zoo of madras in Museum grounds in 1855 which in a year had over 300 animals, birds and reptiles. IN 1863 it was shifted to people’s park.

Two prominent garden houses that once formed a part of the Pantheon property were Holloway's Gardens and Haliburton's Gardens. Haliburton Gardens probably occupied the portion of Pantheon where the Women and Children’s Hospital is now located. a Madras map of 1822 also included in Haliburton a large area located further eastward between Pantheon Road and Marshall's Road (occupied presently by Hotel Ashoka).

Holloway's Garden was the home of Sir A. P. Patro. Next to Patro's residence are situated the headquarters of the Tamil Nadu Handloom Weavers' Cooperative Society (Co-Optex) with their attractive showroom and a little museum.

Founded in 1935 as the Madras Handloom Weavers' Cooperative Society, its formation was a milestone in the history of the cooperative movement in Madras. Holloway's Garden abuts the Coovum River which is crossed over by the College Bridge or the Anderson Bridge which was first constructed in 1829 and must have been subsequently rebuilt.

Next to the Museum are the premises of the Women and Children's Hospital which was founded as the Lying-In Hospital in May 1844 and functioned from a building adjoining the Egmore station. It moved to its present site in 1882.

The Women's India Association (WIA) was founded in Pantheon Gardens on May 8, 1917

by Margaret Cousins and Annie Besant presumably at what must have been the home of Mrs. Cousins. Pantheon Gardens was the headquarters of the association till it moved to a new building on Greenways Road in the mid-sixties.

Situated almost exactly opposite to the Museum is Fountain Plaza, the city's first modern shopping mall (though the Spencer's name is older, in its newer avatar as shopping mall, it is a good two decades younger than Fountain Plaza) constructed in the 1970s. Today, Fountain Plaza remains where it is though outmoded and edged out of the competition by bigger and more trendier shopping malls that have since cropped all over the city.

Outside the DHL Service Centre on Pantheon Road as an anachronistic piece of jumble stands a memorial to a man whom a brief but passionate eulogy credits with the founding of Srirangam colony which, now in 2016, is a small community of about a dozen houses that could be entered through a gate next to the shop.

The bust belongs to V. S. Ranganatham Pillai, the "strothriemdar" (which is but a kind of zamindar) of Uthukadu and the son of V. Subramaniam Pillai, a former Diwan of Cochin.

As Ranganatham Pillai had passed away in January 1938, the colony must be older than that date. A few blocks away on this lesser-known side of the Pantheon is Hotel Ashoka which stands upon the spacious gardens that once belonged to the zamindar of the Munagala estate.

5.3 Heritage

Various

institutional

buildings

and

high-grade

heritage buildings are located in this area as seen above. The analysis of the same shows the character during the earliest development of the area. We can see that the development of government museum and Egmore railway station was a pivotal point for development and medical care facilities are one of the notable developments of that time. It was around the golden era the area saw a good growth and development. Pantheon road acted as a bridge to sprawl the development and various bridges were constructed around for better connectivity – Egmore bridge(1700) Anderson bridge (1820) etc

5.4 Evolution

The area was known for its government structures and institutions from the start, the evolution has turned the area into highly commercial zone, once an area of garden houses the residential quadrant fell deeply but is rising now due to the construction of high-rise apartments coming up in the area. The open spaces are trapped instide the institutions which could be categorized as un-intentional open spaces. The area of institution has also increased due to the government offices and administrative structures that came up along time. The evolution of land use shows the tight high development seen in the past years.

Even though there are a few stadiums present in the area a few are confined only to the athletes and a few are dedicated to the police department. The accessible open spaces have fallen down with time as the cooum also lost its feature as natural feature or as an accessible open space and has turned into a negative space now.

5.5 LANDUSE

5.6 LANDMARK

5.7 PANTHEON ROAD

Pantheon road in specific is a mix of various activation from being garden houses to having hospitals and museum and administrative buildings, consisting of various commercial building the road has seen rise and fall of commercial structures and forms. The users in the road ranges from shoppers, tourist to students, IT professionals and patients.

Now pantheon road activities consist of roadside shopping, hospital patient activity, tea stalls and congregation, Shopping plazas, Museum and Library visitors, Passerby etc. As the road connects various major zones and roads the traffic and passerby play a major role. It also contains a very few residences; currently high-rise residential development is booming in the area.

5.8 LANDUSE

Hospital

Co-Optex Museum complex

commercial

Hotel ashoka

Figure 9 cotton street

Figure 6 shopping plaza

Figure 11 museum theatre

Figure 10 new offices

Figure 13 Dilapidated structure

Figure 12 Additions in museum complex

Figure 15 Govt childrens hospital

Figure 14 Hotel Ashoka

Figure 17 Small temple structure in pantheon road

Figure 16 Activities under the bridge

Figure 18 Patterns in pantheon road

Figure 19 Patterns in pantheon road

Figure 21 Co- optex exhibition center

Figure 20 Residences in Pantheon road

5.9 NOLLYS MAP

5.10 AGE MAP From the age map we can find that the heritage and institution structures are the old ones maintained and added with supporting structures. Whereas most of the new structures has come up as commercial development.

It is notable that a lot of structures fall under the mid and new category showing that the transformation is continuous in the area. Data from the primary survey also establishes that the commerce of the area has been prevalent showing its consistency as a major centre.

5.11 HEIGHT MAP We can see a heavy relationship between the age map and height map, as the commercial value of the area is high and the regulations have let way for development. Comparing with the land use and typology the offices in the road has increased in recent years, this data and height map shows the diversity and typology of users. With The height mp an idea of experience of spaces is understood.

5.12 NEGLECTED SPACES The prominent negative space in pantheon road is the space under the bridge. Various Activities under the bridge are – parking, hawkers, encroachment. We can also see people chatting while occupying the stones and auto stops. This could potentially turn into a public space

CONCLUSION

With the primary data analysis, we can find the contrast and co-ordination. In terms of land use and its mixture we can see the domination of each era. The administrative development the tint of indo-sarcenic structures the art deco style houses, The early commercial complexes, the new office structures. We can see the identity is carried out in its own way according to the phase of development era, we can also see a few have stood with time, we have changed into new structures and along with heritage buildings each stand as a landmark for each group of users.

For the public transport commuters, the commercial complexes stand as an identity, for the shopping groups the cotton street stands as an identity, the once famous and busy alsa mall nearby now is famous for small eatery outlets.

The hospital attracts a lot of crowd and from the primary interviews and analysis the crowd and commercial sales are high around the area throughout the year.

We also observe from the interviews that not only now for the past 30-40 years the commercial sales and people inflow has been high throughout.

In terms of Public spaces, the identity from recreational relaxational public space has turned into commercial public space.

In terms of social spaces in the beginning the social aspect has been only the pantheon hall then afterwards the zoo added to it which was removed soon after. As the road had large garden houses then moved towards the administrative direction then towards commercial spaces then now towards offices the social space aspect has been low.

Even though the museum complex has been an important aspect from the primary survey we can see that it is no longer considered a top visiting spot by locals and even people who have dwelled around the area for years are yet to visit the complex. Other than that

small eatery outlets and tea shops act as social congregation spots now. As the city moves towards a busy life the social gatherings are all during the break times of institutions, during which restaurants, tea shops and small eatery outlets have become the celebratory and mandatory congregation spaces for all classes of people accordingly.

IDENTITY

RETAINED

VANISHING

CHANGING

PUBLIC SPACES

RETAINED

VANISHING

CHANGING

SOCIAL SPACES

RETAINED

VANISHING

CHANGING

6. LITERATURE CASE ANALYSIS – RAJA MUTHIAH ROAD, VEPERY

6.1 the

Location and description of

study area

Vepery is a central transport hub filled with budget hotels, casual eateries

and

small

stores

specializing in leather goods like belts, wallets and shoes. The area's architectural iconic

highlights

Chennai

Central

are

the

railway

station, an elegant 19th-century building with a Gothic-style clock tower, and the nearby colonial-era

Ripon Building, an ornate government office built in the neoclassical style.

6.2

History of the study area Vepery is among those oldest neighbourhoods developed during the British settlement in the city of Madras. Christian missionaries started arriving in the neighbourhood. People started settle in Vepery due to location of educational buildings and hospital. The settlement as a whole was grouped around these facilities.

Missions involve sending individuals and groups, called missionaries, across boundaries, to carry on evangelism or other activities, such as educational or hospital work. Vepery have a huge influence of versatile hospital facilities which include a hospital for seaman Nurse home for retired nurses and vetenary hospital.

IMPACT OF MISSIONARIES: Impact of these missionaries in Vepery is that religious, health and education system was enhanced. In 1823, St. Matthias Church was built, making it the second oldest Anglican Church after St. Mary’s Church In 1 March 1855, the Madras Parental Academic Institution and Doveton College were established at Vepery In 1 October 1903 Madras Vetenary College was established in a small building known as Doblin Hall.

Figure 22 Landmarks of the area

Figure 23 Heritage structures around the area

Figure 24 Land use of Vepery, primary data 2019

Figure 25 Height map of vepery

Figure 26 Age map of vepery

CONCLUSION From the above primary and secondary analysis, we can see that the communal identity has been an important nide for development.

Raja Muthiah road has 400years old temple to the most famous and old mosque with various churches in the vicinity having a harmonious mix of communities.

The major part of raja Muthiah road is the stadium. Once the peoples park is now a majorly a stadium along with few parks and rinks open to the public. The open spaces used to conduct circuses.

Social community here is the congregation of people for communal functions and festivals each festival lights up the area with its own activities and public flow. Even the Friday pryers of the mosque can be considered a regular social congregation.

Here social aspect is strongly intertwined with culture.

The most important public space here is the stadium complex which has changed various forms through time yet stands as an important identity and public space.

The identity here lies in the social and public aspect – it solely acts as the identity of the road and of the area.

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