URBAN VOIDS: HIDDEN DESIGN POTENTIALS

URBAN VOIDS : HIDDEN DESIGN POTENTIALS

THESIS BY - ANAGHAA PATWARDHAN BACHELORS OF DESIGN (LANDSCAPE) UNDER THE GUIDENCE OF PRIYANKA KANHARE PATEL School of Environmental Design and Architecture Navrachana University, Vadodara, Gujarat

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Countless people supported my effort on this Thesis. I take this opportunity to extend my sincere gratitude towards all those who made this thesis possible.

Thank you to my guide, Priyanka Kanhare Patel for your patience, guidance, and support. I have benefited greatly from your wealth of knowledge and experience. I am extremely grateful that you took me on as a student and continued to have faith in me.

I would also like to thank Pratyush Shankar and Pragya Shankar for their technical support on my study. I would like to thank all the SEDA faculty members thesis board members. It is their help and support that have helped improve my study.

Deepest thanks to my parents and sibling whose constant love and support keep me motivated and confident. My accomplishments and success are because they believed in me.

Thank you to my partner and friends in and out of the college for their constant help, support and encouragement in every situation and my batch members for all the unforgettable moments.

Lastly, I am thankful to all those who have supported me in any respect during my studies.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

PG. NO.

INTRODUCTION......................................................................11 OVERVIEW..............................................................................13 CHAPTER 1 GREEN SPACES................................................15 1.1 Importance of green spaces 1.2 Types of green spaces 1.3 Impact of green spaces on people

CHAPTER 2 UNDERSTANDING URBAN VOIDS..................23 2.1 Urban voids 2.2 Locating different types of urban voids 2.3 Potential of “Greening” urban voids

CHAPTER 3 ABOUT VADODARA..........................................29 3.1 History of Vadodara 3.2 Location and significance 3.3 Locating urban voids

CHAPTER 4 TYPES OF URBAN VOIDS................................35 4.1 Locating urban voids in manjalpur 4.2 Types of voids with design potential 4.3 Area studies 4.4 Case studies 4.5 Site observations

CHAPTER 5 SITE SELECTION..............................................45 5.1 Site studies: Flyovers 5.2 Selected site base drawings

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CHAPTER 6 DESIGN..............................................................63

INTRODUCTION Urban life is so fast and self-centred mainly due to the shortage of time ,people are busy working, maintaining schedules and therefore this fastpaced lifestyle of individuals is somehow degrading the environment and devoiding the spaces for socio – cultural activities. The higher the land prices, the higher the need to exploit it economically. This has termed the usable spaces as “rentable spaces”. It has been observed that there are numerous ‘Urban Voids’ within the cities, formed by buildings and street corners and are generally referred to as left over spaces or lost spaces or residual spaces. These spaces are then used for garbage dumping and antisocial activities. The potential of such ‘Urban Voids’ to complement the general public realm, public life etc. has not been exploited sufficiently. These kinds of spaces have been discussed within landscape architecture, planning and urban design for centuries, but these spaces go unnoticed and underutilized. As the world’s population continues to grow, so do our cities and the challenges with dealing with urban void spaces.

There is an increased importance in exploring such spaces. This thesis will look to identify Vadodara city’s urban void spaces through research and analysis and then propose design interventions to convert urban voids into green spaces.

6.1 Toolkit 6.2 Design intent 6.3 Design approaches 6.4 Design development 1 6.5 Design development 2 6.6 Site Masterplan 6.7 Design Proposal 6.8 Area blowup 1 6.9 Area blowup 2 6.10 Area blowup 3

CONCLUSION.........................................................................81 BIBLIOGRAPHY......................................................................82 LIST OF FIGURES...................................................................84

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OVERVIEW AIM – To identify and develop green spaces in order to enhance urban voids.

OBJECTIVES 1.

2.

3.

4.

Defining and understanding types of urban voids (In context to Vadodara city) Transform urban voids into urban green spaces Locating and studying a site with good potential that includes more than one type of void Develop a design proposal for urban green spaces in the city.

SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS – Limited to areas under VUDA marked as administra-

tive boundary

METHODOLOGY – 1.

2.

3.

4.

Analysis/ research Case studies Mapping of potential green spaces Interviews to understand people’s perception towards green spaces.

POTENTIAL DESIGN SITES – 1. Open spaces between buildings/ houses 2. Abandoned spaces 3. Edges along canals/water bodies

THESIS TYPE – Design Thesis

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1.1 IMPORTANCE OF GREEN SPACES The definition of urban green spaces which is agreed upon by ecologists, economists, social scientists and planners is: “they are public and personal open spaces in urban areas, primarily covered by vegetation which is directly or indirectly available for users. (Haq, 2011). In another way, it’s the land that consists predominantly of unsealed, permeable, “soft” surfaces like soil, grass, shrubs and trees. It is the umbrella term for all such areas whether or not they’re publicly accessible or publicly managed. It includes all areas of parks, play areas and other green spaces specifically intended for recreational use, and also other green spaces with other origins. (Dunnett, 2002) Urban green spaces create great cities where the built and the natural environments are interwoven. However, sometimes creating green spaces is considered as a challenge, particularly in developing countries, where there’s pressure for space, resources and development.

The world’s cities are getting increasingly congested and polluted and concrete. Green spaces provide a good range of ecosystem services that would help combat many urban ills and improve life for city dwellers.

Factors like pollution (water, air, noise, soils or aesthetic), congestion or waste destination, have called into question the meaning of the interaction of the urban spaces with nature. In cities currently dominated by building structures to the detriment of natural elements, green spaces should be present alongside one among their fundamental elements. Not only because they improve the city’s image, from an aesthetic point of view, but also due to social, cultural or landscape factors. They are official moderators of the climate, helping to scale back imperviousness of soil, producing oxygen, absorbing pollution, and operating as acoustic curtains.

Greenery (i.e. trees, gardens or green parks) is an identifiable component in urban structure, making a part of its composition, organizing, defining and containing spaces. In addition, the spread of a replacement urban green ecosystem might be the answer to the environmental challenges of today’s cities which must evolve towards greener urban systems to improve the quality of lives of their inhabitants. More and more cities are getting committed to the innovation of green spaces, since they supply great benefits for both the environment and its inhabitants.

TANGIBLE COMPONENTS – 1. Storm Water Collection Unpaved ground absorbs water. Trees and grass are a far more efficient and less expensive method of managing storm water than sewers and drainage ditches made of concrete. With extreme weather patterns on the rise, an increase in green space could save a lot of money.

2. Protect Natural Ecosystems Each area has its own ecosystem. They provide natural habitats for many different animals.

As cities grow, more and more of those animals find themselves without homes. Parks provide a secure place for several of these displaced by conurbation . Building a healthy network of green spaces in our cities is one major way we can protect these animals and preserve local ecosystems.

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INTANGIBLE COMPONENTS –

1.2 TYPES OF URBAN GREEN SPACES

3. Reduction of the Urban Heat Island Effect

Urban green spaces include places with ‘natural surfaces’ or ‘natural settings’, but may also include specific types of urban greenery, such as street trees, and may also include ‘blue space’ which represents water elements starting from ponds to coastal zones. Typical green spaces in urban areas are public parks; other definitions may also include private gardens, woodlands, children’s play areas, non amenity areas (such as roadside verges), riverside footpaths, beaches, and so on.

The abundance of flat and dark surfaces made up of asphalt and concrete in cities creates what is known as the urban heat island effect. This makes urban neighbourhoods noticeably warmer than other nearby areas, and is a major factor in smog creation. A small increase in the number of trees in the neighbourhood can reduce this effect. Strategic planting of trees and vegetation means letting the branches hang over the sidewalk can reduce summer temperatures.

1. Designed Green spaces (Maintained)

4. Clean Air

Trees remove a wide variety of pollutants from the air. Air pollution can increase risk of certain cancers and have adverse effects on children, the elderly and anyone with underlying respiratory problems. It also reduces the distance you can see on a summer day and increases the mortality rate in highly polluted cities. Even a small increase in the number of city parks or their size can make a big difference when it comes to air pollution.

A. For pleasure - Vania Ceccato defines Designed green spaces for pleasure are composed of squares, parks and campuses, botanical gardens, gardens, tree-lined streets, owe beds, verges and pockets of space SPACE TYPE OF SPACE DESCRIPTION NO. SPACE

5. Aesthetics

Aesthetics can change our perception of city life. Decorating a building with plants or grasses not only enriches the existing architecture, but also offers an attractive space for people who spend a lot of time in the building, boosting creativity and encouraging innovation.

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Squares

An urban square is an open public space used for community gatherings.

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Parks

An area of land, usually during a largely wild , for the enjoyment of the general public , having facilities for rest and recreation, often owned, set apart, and managed by a city, state, or nation

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Campuses The grounds and buildings of a university or college.

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Botanical Garden

A garden often with greenhouses for the culture, study, and exhibition of special plants.

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Gardens

A piece of land, usually near a home, where flowers and other plants are grown.

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Tree lined streets, Flower beds etc

Front gardens, street planters, centres of roundabouts, underpass planters, and verges are all the little bits of green that make a city more human and pleasant to pass through.

Fig. 1.1 : Designed green spaces ( for pleasure )

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B. For use - A huge amount of green spaces in cities is designed for a specific function and what they might lack in accessibility they more than compensate for in the sense of creating a ‘a living city’ places to grow things, take exercise and commemorate loved ones they are a central part of everyday life.

2. Designed green spaces (Un Maintained) SPACE TYPE OF SPACE DESCRIPTION NO. SPACE

SPACE TYPE OF SPACE DESCRIPTION NO. SPACE 1

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Allotments

Playing Fields

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Disused Railway Lines

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Wasteland A barren or desolate area of land, not or no longer used for cultivation or building.

Allotments are small parcels of land rented to individuals usually for the purpose of growing food crops.

A playing field is a large area of grass where people play sports.

An abandoned railroad is a railway line which is no longer used for that purpose.

Such lines may be disused railways, closed railways, former railway lines, even derelict railway lines.

Fig. 1.3 Un maintained designed green spaces

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Playgrounds

A piece of land used for and usually equipped with facilities for recreation especially by children.

Graveyards/ Cemeteries

An area set apart for or containing graves, tombs, or funeral urns, especially one that is not a churchyard; burial ground; graveyard.

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Canals

An artificial waterway constructed to allow the passage of boats or ships inland or to convey water for irrigation.

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Conduits & Conduits bring fresh water into a city Cenmilltre from surrounding springs. They typistreams cally date from the pre-industrial period.

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3. Natural green spaces Untended natural spaces are typically pesticide-free, ‘un-ploughed’ and not subject to ‘improvement projects’ that wash away the nature. Usually untended spaces have an abundance of water in the shape of puddles and holes in the ground and they are often very rich in wildlife.

SPACE TYPE OF SPACE DESCRIPTION NO. SPACE 1

River & Streams

Any natural stream of water that flows in a channel with defined banks. Modern usage includes rivers that are multichannel, interment, or ephemeral in flow and channels that are practically bank less.

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Lakes & Ponds

Dockyards An area with docks and equipment for & waterrepairing and maintaining ships. fronts

Lakes and ponds represent a freshwater biome type that is generally referred to in the scientific community as a lentic ecosystem (still or standing water).

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Meadows

A meadow is an open habitat, or field, vegetated by grass, herbs and other non-woody plants.

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Green Belt An area of open land around a city, on which building is restricted.

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Heaths

An area of open uncultivated land, typically on acid sandy soil, with characteristic vegetation of heather, gorse, and coarse grasses.

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Nature reserves

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Woodland

Woodland is a habitat where trees are the dominant plant form. The individual tree canopies generally overlap and interlink, often forming a more or less continuous canopy which shades the ground to varying degrees.

Nature reserve is an area set aside for the purpose of preserving certain animals, plants, or both.

Fig. 1.2 : Designed green spaces ( for use )

Fig. 1.4 Natural green spaces

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1.3 IMPACT OF GREEN SPACES ON PEOPLE Work causes so much stress that it’s become a global public health issue. Stress’s impact on mental and physical health also can hurt productivity and end in economic loss. A new study now finds that working people who regularly take walks in forests or green spaces may have higher stress-coping abilities. In a study published in Public Health in Practice, researchers led by Professor Shinichiro Sasahara at the University of Tsukuba analysed workers’ “sense of coherence” scores, demographic attributes, and their forest/green space walking habits. SOC comprises the triad of meaningfulness, comprehensibility, and manageability.

“Our study suggests that taking a walk a minimum of once every week during a forest or green space can help people have stronger SOC. Forest/green space walking is a simple activity that needs no special equipment or training. It could be a very good habit for improving mental health and managing stress.” (Sasahara) People find comfort in nature, and green spaces are increasing in popularity in places where nature isn’t readily accessible.

Green spaces has numerous strong impacts on people such as -

1. Providing spaces for physical activities – Green spaces provide space for neighbourhood residents to interact with each other and meet new people. They are great spaces for events and are more enjoyable to walk through and provide space for popular sports, encouraging physical activities to engage in. This is important for low income families and others who can’t afford a gym membership or classes. This allows people to develop a sense of community and unite.

2. Child development - Being outside and playing in nature is crucial for the healthy development of children. Learning to play in nature improves hand eye co-ordination. Regular time in nature also improves the child’s ability to find out and reduces symptoms of ADHD, training the brain to focus better. Children who spend a significant amount of time in nature also experience better emotional stability, improved mental health and are provided great opportunities for parents to bond with children, and for children to make new friends in the neighbourhood.

3. Creating a safe environment - Increasing the number of parks and recreational

facilities in a neighbourhood also reduces crime rates, especially among youth. By giving children a secure place to interact with each other they keep them off the streets and out of trouble. When parks are used by many people, there are more eyes on the street, creating a safer environment for everyone.

4. Mental Health Boost - A place where people are able to make connections, meet new friends and participate in recreational activities is also good for the local’s mental health.

Physical health and strong relationships are important to maintain mental well-being. Direct exposure to nature has its own benefits on mental health, reducing stress and increasing happiness. And these effects take place almost immediately.

5. Compassion towards nature – Green spaces make great places to teach people about the environment and the importance of preserving natural ecosystems.

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2.1 URBAN VOIDS Urban voids are all areas in a city, whose functions and styles haven’t yet been decided upon conclusively.

These are reserve areas, fallow land, distance spaces, vacant buildings, polluted or unused properties. All these areas do not fulfil any concrete function in the urban system. “Urban voids are undesirable urban areas that are in need of redesign making no positive contribution to the environment they’re ill-defined, without measurable boundaries and fail to attach elements in coherent wat.” (Trancik, 1986) Urban voids are the neglected or either forgotten spaces of contemporary cities. ‘Urban Voids’ are defined as “unutilized, under-utilized or abandoned land or areas and premises which exist in urban areas thanks to out-dated or defunct uses”. (Gupta, 2017) Such spaces could be unused not only because of their limited functionality, but also because of the fact that the public eye does not perceive them at all. They are the ignorant spaces in the cityscapes. These spaces can be visualized as spaces which disrupt the urban tissue, without belonging to a private or public realm. For example the urban fabric beneath and round the flyovers of massive transport arteries, are spaces nearly always not perceived by citizens. These spaces are the eyesore in the neighbourhoods. Even though great deal of individuals are around such spaces but still they’re completely invisible to their eyes or they need nothing in them to draw in the eye of the people. Most of the times, “Urban spaces ” are confused with open spaces, where flora and fauna is grown as an enhancement to the environment and provides a breathing space for the built up area .

Each and every urban space whether they are soft or hard surfaced has its own strengths and weaknesses. It is only due to the inappropriate land use which results in unused or under-utilized ‘Urban Voids’ making it as a permanent feature within the city fabric.

Fig. 2.1 Urban void transformation

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2.2 TYPES OF URBAN VOIDS

2.3 POTENTIAL OF “GREENING” URBAN VOIDS

Planning Voids: Voids created thanks to inefficient and improper planning processes.

Urban greening means making or keeping cities greener by designing, establishing, maintaining and managing green areas. This concept emphasizes to look at greenery not as luxury goods for making cities more pleasant, but as the basic part of urban infrastructure. It contributes notably to quality of life and ecosystem services in cities. Some of the problems faced by cities today are air pollution, urban heat and extreme temperatures in summer and winter due to which a major concern in urban planning is the challenge of creating efficient urban settings that are designed to enhance life, increase well-being, and reduce symptoms associated with overcrowding. Modern urban planning shouldn’t only specialise in the development of how a city works, but also how the structure and style of the town affects the population. With more than half of the world’s population now living in cities, and populations expected to double in major cities over the next couple of decades, it is important that creating green spaces should be a significant focus in terms of sustainable design.

These are created thanks to planning in isolation without understanding the material of the town . These are most visible in our cities and also can be perceived as using figure ground theory.

Functional Voids: These are dead vacant spaces in the cities. When an area isn’t used as it was designed to be used the space becomes defunct. These occupy precious land in the city and make the environment unpleasant.

Geographical Voids: These area existing geographical features within the city. When the town planners and designers don’t answer these geographical features voids are created around them making the space unusable. E.g. river, nala, etc

Here are a few ways green spaces benefit cities: Green Spaces Reduce Urban Heat Island Effect - The urban heat island effect is a term used to describe the hotter temperatures found in cities compared to rural areas within an equivalent region. Human activities increase the temperature within cities, and with a deduction in greenery there’s little natural cooling.

Natural Reduction in Noise Pollution - Noise pollution due to the nearby industrial buildings or busy roads and highways can naturally be buffered by green spaces. Strategic planting of shrubs and trees are a way to enhance the surrounding areas and also help protect people from unpleasant, disruptive noise.

Fig. 2.2 Basic Classification of voids

SPACE TYPES NO. OF VOIDS

DESCRIPTION

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Edge Space Voids

In – Between spacLeftover spaces crees, Marginal spaces, ating dead edges, Residual spaces Feeling of unsafe spaces, Wasted potential sidewalk

Infrastructural Voids

Dead spaces in and around public infrastructure

Waste of usable spaces, Illicit activities, Becomes a gap within its context

Transportation Voids

Oversized street, Over supplied street

Taking large amount of space, Unsafe to cross, Unsafe for pedestrians, Character and perception of the city is lost

Large Scale Plot Voids

Parking lots, Unused land and Abandoned spaces

Creates huge voids in the fabric of the city. The spaces are designed for cars not for people.

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ISSUES

DIAGRAMS

Improved Air Quality - Air pollution is a serious issue in many big cities that are densely populated. Plants clean the air and on a larger scale, green spaces with trees and shrubs are an ideal way of naturally cleansing the air. One tree can remove about 26lbs of carbon dioxide from the air every year.

Erosion and Runoff Control - Water and wind erosion cause sediments to seep into bodies of water, storm drains, and roads. When it occurs in an urban setting it can easily lead to flooding, mudslides, and dust storms. A densely planted green space is the natural way of reducing erosion and it will also help prevent nutrient loss in the soil.

Promotes a More Active Lifestyle - Numerous studies have concluded that access to more green spaces increases the people’s activity level. A major factor in the struggle of obesity is regular exercise, a problem only made worse within cities with little access to parks and similar open spaces. Research shows people living in greener areas are more active.

Effectively Helps Prevent Disease and Ease Mental Illness Symptoms - Not only does being in a green space help with the healing process, both physically and mentally, but it also works towards preventing diseases like Alzheimer’s and Dementia. It comes as no surprise that more and more hospitals and similar healthcare buildings are creating “healing gardens”, green spaces where patients can visit and relax. Green spaces also help with mental conditions like ADHD (particularly in children) as well as insomnia, depression, anxiety, and chronic stress.

There is a plethora of various benefits related to adding more greenery to cities. As the concern over global climate change and human adaption to those changes continues, the practice of bringing more of nature back to our urban areas will skyrocket. Many cities are starting to work towards spreading green urban spaces because they provide great benefits for urban areas and their inhabitants. (Tarantino, 2017)

Fig. 2.3 Types of urban voids

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3.1 HISTORY OF VADODARA

Fig. 3.1 Lakshmi villas palace, Vadodara

Vadodara, formerly referred to as Baroda, is that the third largest and most populated city within the Indian State of Gujarat, after Ahmedabad and Surat. During the days of the British Raj, Baroda state was a Maratha Princely state ruled by the royal Gaekwad dynasty, entitled to 21 Gun Salute’s, and was one of the largest and richest Indian Princely states. Historical and archaeological findings date this place back to the 9th century when it was a small town called Ankottaka located on the right bank of the river Vishvamitri. Ankottaka was a famous Centre of Jainism within the 5th and 6th century AD. Some of the Akota bronze images are often seen within the Vadodara Museum. The city was once called Chandanavati after its ruler Raja Chandan of Dor tribe of Rajput’s, who wrested it from the Jains. The capital had also another name “Virakshetra” or “Virawati” . Later on it was known as Vadpatraka or Wadodara, which according to tradition is a corrupt form of the Sanskrit word Vatodar means ‘in the heart of the banyan tree’. It is now almost impossible to confirm when the various changes in the name were made; but early English travellers and merchants mention the town as Brodera, and it is from this that the name Baroda springs . Again in 1974 the name changed to Vadodara. Vadodara is one among four cities within the state with a population of over 1 million. It is also referred to as the Sayaji Nagari (Sayaji’s City after its famous Maratha ruler, Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III) or Sanskari Nagari (The City of Culture, a regard to its status as the Cultural Capital of Gujarat). Vadodara or Baroda, formerly the capital city of the Gaekwar State, is situated on the banks of the Vishwamitri, a river whose name derived from the good saint Rishi Vishwamitra. It is located southeast of Ahmedabad, 139 km from capital , Gandhinagar. It is the administrative headquarters of Vadodara District. Both the railway line and national highway connecting Delhi and Mumbai, passes through Vadodara.

3.2 LOCATION AND SIGNIFICANCE The city of the Gujarat state is situated in western India at the latitude 22 30” N, longitude 73 21” E, it is at an altitude of 46M above the sea level. Vadodara is situated on the banks of the river vishwamitri and has flourished as an important industrial and educational Centre.

The city is more or less situated on sandy and loamy soil. The climate is a hot-dry type with the temperature in summer going up to 42C and in winter becoming as low as 8C. Geographically, Vadodara occupies an important position in western India. It is located along the most coastal highway across Gujarat, connecting the Deccan peninsula and therefore the Indo - Gangetic plain through Rajputana. It is at Vadodara, that the route connecting the west coast with central India and malwa plateau, branches off from the main coastal route.

The ancient route from northern Maharashtra across the Dangs and the Saputara hills lay via chandod on the Narbada, and it joined the main transcontinental route at Vadodara. The city of Vadodara truly played the role of a corridor for the migration of people, armies and cultures from times immemorial.

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3.3 LOCATING URBAN VOIDS

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1&2

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Jupiter Char Rasta

Slum formation

Busy with vehicular movement and traffic jams

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Ji Ji Mata Mandir

Playing area by children

Busy with traffic

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Tarsali Pond

Abandoned land

Noisy, busy with traffic

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Under Lalbaugh bridge

Parking space for vehicles

Noisy and Busy with vehicular movement

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Along manjalpur railway crossing

Slum formation

Busy with vehicular movement and traffic jams

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Marginal Playing area by road side children and along driving practice open ground

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Busy with vehicular movement

Fig. 3.3 Urban voids in vadodara Fig. 3.2 Urban voids marked on google map image of vadodara

VOID NO.

LOCATION

CURRENT USE SURROUNDING ENVIRONMENT

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Under Vadasar overbride (West side)

Un-authorized domestic use by industry workers

Noisy, Slums

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Under Vadasar overbride (East side)

Auto stand, Anganwadi

Noisy

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4.1 LOCATING URBAN VOIDS IN MANJALPUR Manjalpur lies in the south of Vadodara and is a major area in Vadodara city of the Gujarat state. Manjalpur has many Hospitals in the recent times like Medistar and Spandan. It is next to Gujarat Industrial and Development corporation (G.I.D.C).

Manjalpur flyover near Lalbaug is one among the most important flyover in Vadodara connected from Manjalpur to Raj Mahal road and from Pratap Nagar to Viswamitri bridge.

Famous spots in this area are Saraswati Complex, Silver Coin, Indra Complex, Darbar Chokdi, Manjalpur Naka, Deep Chambers, Tulsidhaam Chokdi and Vrajdham Mandir. The area is Fig. 4.1 Site area marked on google map of manjalpur connected by many circles like Darbar chowkdi, Sai Chowkdi, Pramukh Prasad Chowkdi and lots of other chowkdis. Its neighboring areas are Makarpura, Atladara, Vadsar, Lalbaugh. The area is gradually turning into a developed area.

4.2 TYPES OF VOIDS WITH DESIGN POTENTIAL 1. Marginal road-sides 2. Space below a flyover 3. Open ground

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Fig. 4.2 Google map image of selected manjalpur site

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4.3 AREA STUDIES

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4.4 CASE STUDIES

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5.1 SITE STUDIES: FLYOVERS AMIT NAGAR FLYOVER Located within the northern fringes of Vadodara, Amit Nagar may be a well-known residential neighbourhood which lies in proximity to Vadodara Airport. Amit Nagar offers easy access to the industrial area of Karelibaug. Also, the area is surrounded by a few key localities like Shyam Nagar, Fatehgunj, Harish Nagar, Waghela Nagar and Hathikhana.

Fig. 5.1 Amit nagar google maps site image

Fig. 5.2 Amit nagar flyover google map image

SITE SELECTION CRITERIA The site was selected based on factors such as – 1. Well connected area 2. High population associated with the site

SWOT ANALYSIS

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STRENGTH

WEAKNESS

THREAT

OPPORTUNITY

NO HARSH SUNLIGHT UNDER BRIDGE

HEAVY TRAFFIC UNEVEN GROUND

DUMPING OF WASTE INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS

DESIGNING SHAREDSPACES SHADED AREA FOR PLANTATION

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SITE DETAILS • • • •

Site consists of : Shops and Residential complexes Nature of user group : All aged people.

Frequency of use : People from surrounding residential area and shop customers frequent the area The site experiences maximum traffic and the space under the flyover bridge is used as a parking space

Fig. 5.4 View of parking space

Fig. 5.5 Front view of parking

Fig. 5.3 View from shops

Indicates commercial activities performed

RESIDENTIAL SPACE

Indicates parking activity

COMMERCIAL SPACE

ACTIVITY MAPPING

Fig. 5.7 Parking towards circle

Fig. 5.8 Two wheeler parking

Fig. 5.9 Local shops

Fig. 5.10 Road to Amit nagar

PUBLIC SPACE

LAND USE

Fig. 5.6 Close up of parking

Indicates path of vehicles

Indicates people and their movement

Indicates direction of movement Fig. 5.11 Public toilet

Fig. 5.12 Amit nagar circle

Fig. 5.13 Two wheeler parkingfrom hospital

MOVEMENT OF VEHICLES

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MOVEMENT OF PEOPLE

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OP ROAD FLYOVER

SITE DETAILS

Located in Haribhakti Colony, Paris Nagar, Diwalipura Pin code is 390007 and postal head office is Vidhyut Nagar Colony in Vadodara. OP road is a well-known commercial residential neighbourhood. Vadodara Junction Rail Way Station , Vishvamitri Junction Rail Way Station

• • • •

is the nearest railway station.

Site consists of : Commerical complexes Nature of user group : All aged people.

Frequency of use : The spaces are usually highly populated The site experiences maximum traffic

Fig. 5.16 Op road bridge under construction

Fig. 5.19 View of alkapuri from road

Fig. 5.14 OP road google maps site image

Fig. 5.15 OP road flyover google map image

SITE SELECTION CRITERIA

Fig. 5.17 View of bridge from shops

The site was selected based on factors such as – 1. Well connected area 2. Mostly un used (usually used for parking) 3. High population associated with the site

Fig. 5.20 Under construction bridge

SWOT ANALYSIS STRENGTH

WEAKNESS

THREAT

OPPORTUNITY

NO HARSH SUNLIGHT UNDER BRIDGE

HEAVY TRAFFIC

CONSTRUCTION WASTE

DESIGNING SHAREDSPACES SHADED AREA FOR PLANTATION Fig. 5.18 View of alkapuri circle from road

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Fig. 5.21 View of OP road bridge from alkapuri

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FATEHGUNJ FLYOVER Fatehgunj may be a prime residential cum commercial neighborhood lies within the north-central a part of Vadodara. Nizampura, Pratapgunj, Sayajiganj, Karelibagh, New Sama are some of the nearby localities. Good civic amenities, proximity to the airport, and industrial hubs like Bahubali Chemical Industries are driving the important estate growth.

Indicates commercial activities performed

RESIDENTIAL SPACE

Indicates parking activity

COMMERCIAL SPACE

ACTIVITY MAPPING

PUBLIC SPACE

LAND USE

Fig. 5.22 Fatehgunj google maps site image

Fig. 5.23 Fatehgunj flyover google maps image

SITE SELECTION CRITERIA The site was selected based on factors such as – 1. Well connected area 2. Mostly un used (usually used for parking) 3. High population associated with the site

SWOT ANALYSIS

Indicates path of vehicles

Indicates people and their movement

STRENGTH

WEAKNESS

THREAT

OPPORTUNITY

NO HARSH SUNLIGHT UNDER BRIDGE

HEAVY TRAFFIC UNEVEN GROUND

DUMPING OF WASTE INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS

DESIGNING SHAREDSPACES SHADED AREA FOR PLANTATION

Indicates direction of movement

MOVEMENT OF VEHICLES

MOVEMENT OF PEOPLE

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SITE DETAILS • • • •

Site consists of : Shops and Residential complexes Nature of user group : All aged people.

Frequency of use : People from surrounding residential area and shop customers frequent the area The site experiences maximum traffic and the space under the flyover bridge is used as a parking space

Fig. 5.24 View of parking from 7 seas mall

Fig. 5.26 View of 7 seas mall

Indicates commercial activities performed

RESIDENTIAL SPACE

Indicates parking activity

COMMERCIAL SPACE

ACTIVITY MAPPING

PUBLIC SPACE

LAND USE

Fig. 5.27 View of seating under bridge

Indicates path of vehicles

Indicates people and their movement

Indicates direction of movement Fig. 5.25 View of stalls and seatings under bridge

Fig. 5.28 View of clothing stall under bridge

MOVEMENT OF VEHICLES

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MOVEMENT OF PEOPLE

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LALBAUGH BRIDGE (MANJALPUR)

SELECTED SITE OBSERVATION

Manjalpur flyover near Lalbaug is one of the biggest flyover in Vadodara connected from Manjalpur to Raj Mahal road and from Pratap Nagar to Viswamitri Bridge. Gujarat state road transportation corporation (GSRTC) provides swift connectivity to other localities. The nearest railroad station is Vadodara railroad station which is 6.5 km faraway from Manjalpur.

Also, the closest airport, which is Vadodara airport, which is simply 9.5 km away

Site consists of : Shops and Residential complex Nature of user group : Mostly middle aged and young people.

Frequency of use : People from surrounding residential area and shop customers frequent the area The site experiences moderate traffic and the space under the flyover bridge is used as a parking space

RESIDENTIAL SPACE

PUBLIC SPACE

COMMERCIAL SPACE

LAND USE

Fig. 5.29 Lalbaugh bridge google maps site image

Fig. 5.30 Lalbaugh flyover google map image

SITE SELECTION CRITERIA The site was selected based on factors such as – 1. Well connected area 2. Mostly un used (usually used for parking) 3. High population associated with the site

SWOT ANALYSIS STRENGTH

WEAKNESS

THREAT

OPPORTUNITY

NO HARSH SUNLIGHT UNDER BRIDGE

HEAVY TRAFFIC UNEVEN GROUND

DUMPING OF WASTE INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS

DESIGNING SHAREDSPACES SHADED AREA FOR PLANTATION

Indicates path of vehicles

Indicates people and their movement

Indicates direction of movement

MOVEMENT OF VEHICLES

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MOVEMENT OF PEOPLE

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Intensity of activities (MORNING) – Medium

Intensity of activities (AFTERNOON) – Low The site experiences moderate traffic early in the morning. Mostly consists of shop owners, workers and morning joggers.

The site experiences very low traffic in the afternoon.

Not many people visit the surrounding shops which are usually shut for lunch time due to heat.

Indicates commercial activities performed

Indicates commercial activities performed

Indicates parking activity

Indicates parking activity

Fig. 5.31 View of shops from bridge

Fig. 5.32 People out on morning walks

Fig. 5.33 View of road from commercial complex

Fig. 5.37 Front view of commercial complex

Fig. 5.38 View of road from commercial complex

Fig. 5.39 Space under bridge

Fig. 5.34 View of road along lalbaugh garden

Fig. 5.35 Front view of commercial complex

Fig. 5.36 View of void space under bridge

Fig. 5.40 View of void space under the bridge

Fig. 5.41 View of bridge from garden

Fig. 5.42 View of road from garden

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Intensity of activities (EVENING) – High

5.2 SITE BASE DRAWINGS

The site gets high activity in the evenings, mostly shop customers, park visitors and people out on evening walks visit.

N

Indicates commercial activities performed Indicates parking activity

Fig. 5.43 View of shops from road

Fig. 5.44 View of road along commercial complex

Fig. 5.45 View of bridge from garden

Fig. 5.46 View of road along lalbaugh garden

Fig. 5.47 Front view of bridge from commercial complex

Fig. 5.48 View of void space under bridge

Fig. 5.49 Existing site plan

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EXISTING SITE SECTIONS

N

Fig. 5.50 Section AA’

Fig. 5.51 Section BB’

A

B

B’

A’

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6.1 DESIGN PROGRAMME For the design of various types of urban voids, I am proposing to create a toolkit with design options and general suggestions for UNDER THE BRIDGE DESIGN.

TOOLKIT This toolkit is for the improvement of the neighbourhood and creating public spaces using the dead spaces i.e urban voids. It formulates landscape design stratergies which would to apply to various types of urban void spaces and help improve the quality of spaces. It aims to provide landscape design guidelines which would be applicable for any under the bridge space with few altering components according to the surrounding environment.

ACHIEVEMENT OF TOOLKIT This toolkit creates a process of transforming a void into a community space. It can be used by a community, organisation and government to – 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Understand place making Identify the voids in the area/ neighbourhood Identify the elements to create successful public spaces Create successful community spaces and revitalize neighbourhoods Analyse specific voids Develop a short term and long term plan to improvise the site

TOOLKIT DESIGN COMPONENTS 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

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Seating spaces Parking spaces Planters Community space Public activity zones

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6.2 DESIGN INTENT

6.3 DESIGN APPROACHES INTEGRATING ART

1. To create a public space that helps rejuvenate the site and its surroundings by engaging the public in the area.

2. Provide a design solution that is beneficial for the renewal of the space under the bridge.

3. Develop the site into a shared space by creating engaging spaces for the public such as a skate park, childrens play zone, local buisness stores etc.

4. Provide seating spaces 5. Place planters to liven the dead space 6. Provide a public platform/stage for public speaking or social work for people to benefit from.

7. Propose a suitable design intervention wherever possible for the benefit of the area under study.

Fig. 6.1 Outdoor art

DESIGN COMPONENTS 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

It has been observed in most of the cities that public artworks and art installation created the sense of pride and can play a major role in local resident’s sense of place. Community consultation and style of the general public space is crucial for the success of public art initiatives. It helps in building morale of the community and help in building an identity for a place. Including local artists will boost the success of a public space.

SEASONAL EVENTS

Book store Café Seating spaces Parking spaces Planters Activity zones for children Mini park Skate park

PARAMETER’S FOR STUDYING URBAN VOIDS Fig. 6.2 Outdoor yoga event

These are some primary parameters acquired from analyzing the initial observations which also consists of the secondary parameters as mentioned earlier and it was found that the informality of the place can be defined by specific parameters obtained concerning to specific context.

One time events can help in generating more interest in the community and help in transforming the place better. These short term events can showcase the potential of a particular public space. Creating an occasion will need to affect various issues with the government . This will help in easing this problem and the interim time can be used for event planning, fundraising and making partnerships.

SMALL INTERVENTIONS Simple additions of planters or benches in the space can drastically change a previously dull space. These are very flexible and cost effective. Design interventions for urban voids need not be a costly projects, instead small interventions also have a huge impact.

Building typology - The variety of buildings present in the surrounding context like Commercial, Residential, Institutions, Religious, Industrial, Recreational, etc.

Scale & density - The built, unbuilt spaces and its footprints in the urban fabric.

Activities - The different kinds of activities going on in a particular location as well as in the surrounding context, pattern, frequency of use, nature of user group, User concentration at a point, and proximity to each other.

Fig. 6.3 Boardwalk with seatings

Movement-network pattern - The movement network pattern refers to the highlighting of the primary, secondary streets, nodes, travel distance, and accessibility specific to the location of the informal public place.

COMMUNITY DRIVEN IDEAS

Physical attributes of space - The physical attributes of space refer to the formation and configuration of place its relationship to manmade and natural elements i.e. tangible and the intangible attributes of the space, and the amenities present in the place.

Streetscape - The visual elements of a street, including the road, adjoining buildings, sidewalks, street furniture, trees and open spaces, etc, that combine to form the street’s character.

Fig. 6.4 Community music session

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The success of a project always depends on the community involvement at every stage of the method . Remember that the community is the expert. Giving the community what it needs will always make them happier. This will help build partnerships, raising money, avoiding criticism and backlash and also make sure the management and maintenance if the community is supporting and be involved.

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6.4 DESIGN DEVELOPMENT 1

6.5 DESIGN DEVELOPMENT 2

PAVED PLATFORM

SEATING

Fig.6.6 Design development overall plan and section PART PLAN - 1

A

SKATE PARK

PARKING SPACE

SECTION AA’

P L A N T E R S

Fig. 6.5 Spatial design through bubble diagrams

PART PLAN - 2

A’ B

SECTION BB’

PART PLAN - 3

B’ C

C’

SECTION CC’

Fig.6.7 Design development part plans and sections

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6.6 SITE MASTER PLAN

N

Fig. 6.8 Final design Master plan 70

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N 6.7 DESIGN PROPOSAL

6

A

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

1 1

Stalls for local businesses Parking space Planter Seating Exhibition area Walkway Pedestrian street crossing

A’

5 3

4

2 7 Fig. 6.9 Final design proposal

Fig. 6.10 Final design proposal 72

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N 6.8 AREA BLOWUP - 1

Fig. 6.11 Area blowup plan - 1

B

B’

Fig. 6.12 Section BB’ 74

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N 6.9 AREA BLOWUP - 2

Fig. 6.13 Area blowup plan - 2

C

C’

Fig. 6.14 Section CC’ 76

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N 6.10 AREA BLOWUP - 3

Fig. 6.15 Area blowup plan - 3

D

D’

Fig. 6.16 Section DD’ 78

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CONCLUSION Urban Voids have a great potential of improving the cityscape and creating a stronger urban fabric of the city. Reclaiming the dead spaces by intervening could solve the perception of those spaces and thereby create better shared spaces by increasing the imagination and luxury .

These spaces can be seen as a great potential in this expensive world and can be exploited as urban public spaces such as public gathering spaces, pocket parks or plazas or just a space for activities which keep people engaged and enhance the public realm. Urban vacant land can be considered as an important urban resource and can be utilized for its potential social, economic and ecological benefits. Flexible layers of spaces in the otherwise ‘fixed’ urban fabric can be formed that lends itself to be interpreted and used by the local populace as per their needs and requirements and build a local pattern of positive urban spaces.

This thesis defined that urban voids are currently unused or underused but with key design interventions can be converted into usable spaces which will also in turn help free up over crowded streets

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BIBLIOGRAPHY

Dunnett, Nigel, Swanwick, Carys and Woolley, Helen. (May 2002). “Improving Urban Parks, Play Areas and Green Spaces”. Department of Landscape. University of Sheifield. London

(2008). STUDY AND PROGRESS OF URBAN VOIDS. Retrieved from http://oa.upm. es/34885/1/INVE_MEM_2013_187904.pdf

Haq, Shah. (May 2011). “Urban Green Spaces and an Integrative Approach to Sustainable Environment” .Journal of Enviroemental Protection. Vol. 2. pp.601-608

A Challenge to Cities: How Can We Incorporate Green Spaces? (2018). Retrieved from https://www.arch2o.com/urban-green-spaces-challenge-cities/

Malek, Nurhayati, Mariapan, Manohar and Shariff, Mustafa. (Unknown). “Accessing the Quality of Green Open Spaces: A review”. http://www.hphpcentral.com

Ansari, A. (2016). Rethinking Urban Voids. Retrieved from https://issuu.com/aamiransari/ docs/finally_final

Wolch, Jenneifer, Byrne, Jason and Newell, Joshua. (2014). “Urban green space, public health, and environmental justice: The challenge of making cities ‘just green enough”. Landscape and Urban planning. Vol. 125. pp 234-244

Casandra. (n.d.). 8 Reasons Why Parks Are Important. Retrieved from http://www.gardinergreenribbon.com/why-parks-are-important/ Dunnett, S. a. (2002). espora, u. (2019). 5 reasons for creating urban green spaces. Retrieved from https://www. urbanespora.com/en/5-reasons-for-creating-urban-green-spaces/ Gupta, A. S. (2017). Urban Voids. Daily Excelsior. Retrieved from https://www.dailyexcelsior. com/urban-voids/ Haq. (2011). (n.d.). History of vadodara. Retrieved from https://ingujarat.in/culture/history-of-vadodara/#:~:text=The%20first%20recorded%20history%20of%20Vadodara%20is%20about,of%20 the%20Christian%20Era%20was%20the%20Gupta%20Empire.

Kushwah Neelam, R. K. (2017). Urban Voids - Reclaiming Urban Space. Retrieved from https://www.ijariit.com/manuscripts/v3i1/V3I1-1227.pdf Mehdi Rakhshandehroo, S. A. (2017). Terminology of Urban Open and Green Spaces.

Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/321300419_Terminology_of_Urban_Open_and_Green_Spaces RAMBLES, U. (2016). The different types of urban green spaces. Retrieved from http://urbanrambles.org/background/the-different-types-of-urban-green-spaces-1333 Sasahara, S. (2021). People who take walks in forests or greenspaces may have higher stress coping abilities. Retrieved from https://www.news-medical.net/news/20210113/People-who-take-walks-in-forests-or-greenspaces-may-have-higher-stress-coping-abilities.aspx Tarantino, J. (2017). BENEFITS OF GREEN SPACES IN URBAN AREAS. Retrieved from https://www.theenvironmentalblog.org/2017/08/benefits-of-green-spaces-in-urban-areas/ Trancik. (1986).

Vania Ceccato, A. P. (2020). Crime and Fear in Public Places (pp.75-107)Edition: 1st. editionChapter: 4. Routledge. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/342753698_Chapter_4_-_Do_green_areas_affect_crime_and_safety Ikeda, T., et al. (2021) Association between forest and greenspace walking and stress-coping skills among workers of Tsukuba Science City, Japan: A cross-sectional study. Public Health in Practice.

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LIST OF FIGURES

Fig. 5.38 View of road from commercial complex Fig. 5.39 Space under bridge Fig. 5.40 View of void space under the bridge Fig. 5.41 View of bridge from garden Fig. 5.42 View of road from garden Fig. 5.43 View of shops from road Fig. 5.44 View of road along commercial complex Fig. 5.45 View of bridge from garden Fig. 5.46 View of road along lalbaugh garden Fig. 5.47 Front view of bridge from commercial complex Fig. 5.48 View of void space under bridge

Fig. 1.1 : Designed green spaces ( for pleasure ) Fig. 1.2 : Designed green spaces ( for use ) Fig. 1.3 Un maintained designed green spaces Fig. 1.4 Natural green spaces Fig. 2.1 Urban void transformation Fig. 2.2 Basic Classification of voids Fig. 2.3 Types of urban voids Fig. 3.1 Lakshmi villas palace, Vadodara Fig. 3.2 Urban voids marked on google map image of vadodara Fig. 3.3 Urban voids in vadodara

Source: Made by author Fig. 5.49 Existing site plan Fig. 5.50 Section AA’ Fig. 5.51 Section BB’

Fig. 4.1 Site area marked on google map of manjalpur Fig. 4.2 Google map image of selected manjalpur site Fig. 5.1 Amit nagar google maps site image Fig. 5.2 Amit nagar flyover google map image Fig. 5.3 View from shops Fig. 5.4 View of parking space Fig. 5.5 Front view of parking Fig. 5.6 Close up of parking Fig. 5.7 Parking towards circle Fig. 5.8 Two wheeler parking Fig. 5.9 Local shops Fig. 5.10 Road to Amit nagar Fig. 5.11 Public toilet Fig. 5.12 Amit nagar circle Fig. 5.13 Two wheeler parkingfrom hospital Fig. 5.14 OP road google maps site image Fig. 5.15 OP road flyover google map image Fig. 5.16 Op road bridge under construction Fig. 5.17 View of bridge from shops Fig. 5.18 View of alkapuri circle from road Fig. 5.19 View of alkapuri from road Fig. 5.20 Under construction bridge Fig. 5.21 View of OP road bridge from alkapuri Fig. 5.22 Fatehgunj google maps site image Fig. 5.23 Fatehgunj flyover google maps image Fig. 5.24 View of parking from 7 seas mall Fig. 5.25 View of stalls and seatings under bridge Fig. 5.26 View of 7 seas mall Fig. 5.27 View of seating under bridge Fig. 5.28 View of clothing stall under bridge Fig. 5.29 Lalbaugh bridge google maps site image Fig. 5.30 Lalbaugh flyover google map image Fig. 5.31 View of shops from bridge Fig. 5.32 People out on morning walks Fig. 5.33 View of road from commercial complex Fig. 5.34 View of road along lalbaugh garden Fig. 5.35 Front view of commercial complex Fig. 5.36 View of void space under bridge Fig. 5.37 Front view of commercial complex

Fig. 6.1 Outdoor art Fig. 6.2 Outdoor yoga event Fig. 6.3 Boardwalk with seatings Fig. 6.4 Community music session Source: Made by author Fig. 6.5 Spatial design through bubble diagrams Fig. 6.6 Design development overall plan and section Fig. 6.7 Design development part plans and sections Fig. 6.8 Final design Master plan Fig. 6.9 Final design proposal plan Fig. 6.10 Final design proposal section Fig. 6.11 Area blowup plan - 1 Fig. 6.12 Section BB’ Fig. 6.13 Area blowup plan - 2 Fig. 6.14 Section CC’ Fig. 6.15 Area blowup plan - 3 Fig. 6.16 Section DD’

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