Teen Darwaja (Tran Darwaja, Three gates) - It is composed of 3 arched entrances was built by Sultan Ahmed Shah to serve as a royal entrance to Maidan Shahi. Mughal emperor Jehangir and his wife Nur Jahan used to watch the Tazia procession of Mahuram from over these gates. Â Astodia Darwaja Raipur Darwaja Sarangpur Darwaja Panchkuva Darwaja Prem Darwaja Dariyapur Darwaja Delhi Darwaja (Dilli Darwaja) - Entrance in the direction of Delhi. Shahpur Darwaja Khanpur Darwaja Jamalpur Darwaja Shahalam Darwaja Gomtipur Darwaja
The aim of this project is to Understand the space and its function. Clearly Teen Darwaza has always been the cultural kernel of Ahmedabad from its historic ages to this day. Tourists come to see this piece of historic monument and feel the rush of the everyday life in Teen Darwaza. The twelve doors will encompass the border of Teen Darwaza. With a tightly packed market place that creates a tactile sense of the rush and heat, one would tend to seek out the solution to solve the hassle of living there. Figure out the problems, situation and state of the place, given the social situations and conditions. In a situation where an area is being outnumbered by the people living, shopping, selling, driving, etc. and is the cause of the core problems, it could be faced by many solutions. But one must also keep in account the social background and to what degree the life of the people in teen Darwaza have to benefit from the changes made, in order to cater to the condition. A majority oppose to erecting tall bridges for vehicles as it would shadow the place, making it look like another slum and also undermining the true potential of the area. The vehicular traffic is one of the major concerns to which causes damage to the utility of the area, and also the contribution of pollution, in turn, deteriorating the historic monuments. However, vehicles are vital to the trade and commerce of the area.
Having a solution to the growing diversity and changes in socio-economic conditions and creating a backbone for the future utilization of the locals and visitors. A system of underground transit that could be supported by air ducts is one of the solutions. Making Teen Darwaza as the fulcrum point, with underground roads running under the shops all the way through the other end of the 12 Doors. This method will increase the utility of the area, making Teen Darwaza free from traffic and pollution, which will in time help with the heritage preservation of the land.
A junction right infront of the Teen Darwaza will be situated where passengers or tourists could be dropped off, with a display of Ahmadabad and its history on the centre of the junction introducing them to the system, with a 20 ft long fan to be placed right above it to circulate air as it opens to the top.
The roads will have small stops every 2 kilometers, where shopkeepers can unload their goods and take it to their respective places. Air ducts will be installed to make the underground area cooler than the normal temperature outside.
Sustainable methods of producing energy to power the transit, air-duct cooling systems, lighting, and elevators can be constructed which would not only reduce pollution, heat, cost and sewage/waste problems, but also bring in an awareness to the importance of preservation of our historical sights and making it possible for future generations of Ahmedabad city to enjoy them as we do today.
A garden and a small water pool for plants and viewers, a rest-stop area where local food/snack sellers could set up their stalls could be reserved on top for visitors who can wait for the vehicles or pass time. This area will lead to a flight of stairs and elevators that come out to the Teen Darwaza.