A Dissertation submitted to Jamia Milia Islamia, Department of Architecture and Ekistics in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Architecture
Tasneem Hafiz
21MRA010
M.Arch (Recreation Architecture)
Guided by: Ar. Mohammad Ziauddin
More than half of the world’s people now live in cities and the figure will rise to more than two thirds by 2050s (Huang, Lu, et.al, 2015). Achieving a balance between economic objectives, human (social, cultural, livability, and health) and environmental needs is necessary for sustainable development.
According to the Brundtland Report, sustainability is defined as "fulfilling the needs of people now without compromising future generations", devastating the life-supporting ecosystems for future generations. The foundation of sustainable development is to encourage harmony among people and between people and the natural world. Urbanization encourages the growth of the urban recreational environment, and planning for and building the urban recreational environment also contributes favorably to the transformation and upgrading of urbanization and the building of livable cities (Kang, L.; Yang, Z.; Han, F, 2021).
There is little evidence of what function recreation plays in business or retail settings in an urban environment. This leaves a research vacuum and reduces the amount of retail recreational infrastructure needed for community well-being. With the use of a primary case study in the Delhi NCR region, this research sheds light on how leisure contributes to urban sustainability in commercial environments.
Retail recreation promotes urban sustainability by providing a source of entertainment and leisure for residents, encouraging them to stay and shop within their local community rather than traveling to other areas, leading to reduced carbon emissions from transportation.
It also supports local businesses, promoting economic growth and stability within the community, and can potentially create job opportunities for residents. Additionally, well-planned retail recreation centers can incorporate sustainable design features, such as energy-efficient lighting and heating systems and green roofs, further contributing to the sustainability of the urban environment.
To understand urban sustainability and the role of recreation in enhancing sustainability in cities.
To understand the various components of recreation through various definitions and further analyze a specific domain of recreation.
To identify the roles of different actors and the relational mechanism of a recreational project in Delhi NCR, based on a case study.
To evaluate the intermediate and long-term impacts of the case study based on various indicators.
To evaluate the socioeconomic gains and drawbacks, specifically the governments, the developers, and the community.
How does recreation enhance urban sustainability in retail environment?
What are the long-term and short-term outcomes and impacts of the chosen case study in terms of recreation and urban sustainability?
Research Design and Methods Literature Review, Primary data & secondary data collections, Measuring Urban sustainability
Research Background Case study
Participants/Respondents 50 participants visiting case study site
Research Instrumants Questionnaire, excel sheets
Data Analysis Analysis of Questionnaire, Measuring sustainability indicators
Recommendations and Conclusions
Providing Sustainability policies and Guidlines and concluding the research
For this research, a case study from Delhi NCR is chosen as the context for conducting empirical studies. The research first throws a light on urban sustainability and the role of recreation in promoting, enhancing and boosting urban sustainability. The research looks into different components of recreation but further throws light to only one component of recreation and sub branches of the recreational component in detail.
Urban sustainability refers to the ability of cities to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Another idea of Urban Sustainability, the "embedded" or "Russian Doll" model supports the idea that economic activity should be directed toward social development that must be attained within environmental constraints.
Smart Cities Mission, 2015: to develop 100 cities across the country as smart cities, with a focus on improving urban infrastructure and services through the use of technology and innovation. Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT): to improve the quality of life in 500 cities by providing basic infrastructure and services.
The National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), 2008: to address the challenges of climate change.
Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, 2014: to improve sanitation and cleanliness in urban areas through the construction of toilets and the promotion of solid waste management practices (Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, 2014).
Many cities in India have developed their own urban sustainability policies and initiatives. For example, the city of Bengaluru has developed a comprehensive action plan for sustainability, which includes goals in the areas of energy, water, waste, and transportation (Bengaluru City Corporation, 2016).
Environmental benefits: Parks, green spaces, and other recreational areas can provide a variety of environmental benefits, including the provision of habitat for wildlife, the sequestration of carbon, and the regulation of air temperature and air quality (Trust for Public Land, n.d.).
Public health and wellness: Recreational facilities and activities, such as gyms, fitness classes, and organized sports, can promote physical activity and improve public health (NRPA, 2017).
Economic impacts: Recreational tourism can contribute significantly to the local economy, providing jobs and generating revenue through the sale of goods and services (Outdoor Industry Association, n.d.).
Community building: Recreational activities and facilities can serve as a gathering place for members of a community, promoting social cohesion and a sense of belonging (NRPA, 2017).
Environmental education and stewardship: Recreational programming, such as nature walks or environmental education camps, can teach individuals about the importance of environmental conservation and the steps they can take to protect the natural world (National Environmental Education Foundation, n.d.).
Chart 1Wheel showing the various possible components of recreation (Source: Author)Retail recreation refers to the use of recreational activities and amenities as a means of attracting customers to a retail setting. It is the use of recreational facilities and activities for the purpose of generating revenue through the sale of goods and services.
Customer attraction: Retailers can use recreational amenities, such as playgrounds, game rooms, or outdoor play areas, to attract customers to their stores and increase foot traffic (NRPA, 2017).
Customer retention: Can help to keep customers in a store for longer periods of time, increasing the chances that they will make a purchase (NRPA, 2017).
Customer experience: Retailers can use recreational amenities to create a more enjoyable and memorable shopping experience for customers, which can lead to increased customer loyalty and repeat business (National Environmental Education Foundation, n.d.).
Customer loyalty: Retailers that offer recreational amenities, such as loyalty programs or rewards programs that include access to recreational activities, can create a sense of community and promote customer loyalty (UNESCO, n.d.).
Sub-themes/examples under Retail Recreation themes developed by author
Community spending: Recreational activities and facilities can encourage individuals to spend money within their own community, rather than traveling to other areas for entertainment (NRPA, 2017).
Indicators are measurable values or characteristics that can be used to assess the status or progress of a particular aspect of a city or community. In the context of urban sustainability, indicators can be used to measure a wide range of factors, including environmental, social, and economic conditions.
Abbreviat ons in the table are as fo lows: Cat category No indicator number, OI origin of the indicator, IV indicator value BS benchmark score, HF Hemphi l framework TR this research *Th s ndicator is developed by O Balaban 2013 based on a similar indicator nc uded in Hemphi l framework **This indicator s developed by O Balaban, 2013 based on a s mi ar indicator included in Urban Ecosy Chart 4 Consultation of previously developed indicator frameworks (Source: O Ba aban, 2013)
A comprehensive analysis of the literature review and publicly available indicator frameworks is the first stage in constructing the indicator framework.
These indicators can help to understand the ways in which retail recreation contributes to the overall sustainability of a city, and can be used to guide decision-making and policy development. Here are some potential indicators that could be used to measure the role of retail recreation in promoting urban sustainability identified by the author through literature review consulting relevant literature and frameworks such the Hemphill and UEE frameworks..
Economic indicators:
Environmental indicators:
Social and community indicators:
Physical indicators:
Increase in Employment
Green space ratio
Customer satisfaction through
Retail Recreation
Facility accessibility
Encourage local market
Recreational space ratio
Environmental friendly buildings
Community Engagement
Parking facilities
Pricing structures
Gurgaon, also known as Gurugram, is a city in the northern Indian state of Haryana. It is located in the National Capital Region (NCR) of Delhi, and has experienced rapid urbanization in recent years. According to the Census of India, the population of Gurgaon increased by over 250% between 2001 and 2011 (Census of India, 2011).
The main land use in the central city is the conversion of residential to commercial. Wasteland and agricultural land have been lost as a result of the fast urban growth in the Gurgaon area. Land use changes have been prompted by Delhi's influence on physical infrastructure development, particularly the transportation system.
Due to population increase and the expansion of commercial activity, it has been noted that the agricultural land in the area around the city has been showing a tendency of decline. Along the main roadways, the city expanded in the direction of Delhi and Faridabad.
Urban landuse map of Gurgaon, 1971 (Source: Rupesh Gupta, 2013)
Urban landuse map of Gurgaon, 1993 (Source Rupesh Gupta, 2013) Urban landuse map of Gurgaon, 2019 (Source: Rupesh Gupta, 2013)
Case Introduction: DLF CyberHub
DLF Cyber Hub is a commercial complex located in Gurugram, India. It is a mixed-use retail and entertainment destination and combines traditional shopping with leisure and entertainment options. It was developed by DLF Limited, one of India's largest real estate developers, and designed by the architectural firm M Moser Associates. (DLF Limited, n.d.). It consists of two office towers, a retail mall, and a number of food and beverage outlets.
According to a recent survey conducted by the Gurgaon Retail Association, there are several recreational spaces in the retail environment in the Gurgaon region namely Ambience mall, Escape Lounge at DLF mall, Atta market with trampoline and rock climbing facilities and DLF CyberHub, one of the best practices of retail recreation.
The three user categories of Gurgaon (Source: Tewari, 2013
Urban landuse map of Gurgaon, 1993 (Source Rupesh Gupta, 2013)
DLF Cyber Hub is well connected to the rest of the city through a range of transport options. The complex is located just off the National Highway 8.
DLF Cyber Hub is located just a few minutes' walk from the Rapid Metro station, providing easy access to the city's metro network (Raj, 2020).
According to a report by the Gurgaon Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) (2018), the metro has reduced travel time for commuters by over 50% and has also decreased congestion on the roads.
The metro stations are well-connected to bus stops and auto rickshaw stands, providing seamless connectivity for commuters.
About 10 km from DLF Cyber City, Sector 56 houses several gated societies. Hassle-free connectivity to NCR, sound social infrastructure and ample greenery are some of the growth drivers for this locale. Affordability is another big reason driving high rental demand here. Average rent for a 2 BHK unit in Sector 56 hover between Rs 15,000 and Rs 19,000 per month against Rs 20,000-35,000 per month in the neighbouring sectors 54, 55 and 57. (Source: 99acres Price Trends)
CyberHub include a range of stores and restaurants, as well as a multiplex cinema. The retail spaces are designed to cater to the needs of both corporate employees and local residents, offering a variety of dining and shopping options. It features several entertainment centers, including a bowling alley and an indoor trampoline park.
In terms of open space, the complex boasts a central courtyard that spans over 25,000 square feet, featuring seating areas and landscaped gardens (DLF Group, n.d.). Additionally, there are multiple terraces and outdoor seating areas throughout the complex, providing ample opportunities for relaxation and enjoyment of the outdoors.
The floors of DLF CyberHub are arranged strategically from more public to less public spaces. Pubs with roof tops are located in the second floor while family restaurants are located in the first. Cafes and retail spaces are located in the ground floor for easy access as they attract more crowd.
Open space distribution (Source: Shivangi Ranjan) Building use plan (Source: Shivangi Ranjan) Built space distribution (Source: Shivangi Ranjan) Section showing the organization of programme in DLF CyberHub (Source Nivia Jain) Ground floor plan: Retail shops and cafes (Source: https //www.dlfcyberhub.com/store-locator php) First floor plan: Retail shops and cafes (Source:https://www.dlfcyberhub.com/store-locator php)The DLF Cyber Hub Gurgaon complex sees a variety of site activities taking place. These include:
Meetings and events
Dining and shopping
Recreational activities
Networking events.
DLF Cyber Hub Gurgaon offers a range of leisure activities, such as fitness classes, movie screenings, and live performances, which take place on the weekends. These activities are often more crowded on the weekends as people have more free time to participate.
The complex also offers activities and events specifically tailored for families, such as carnivals, children's workshops, and outdoor movie screenings.
DLF Cyber Hub Guragon often hosts cultural events and festivals on the weekends, such as art exhibitions, music festivals, and food festivals, which attract large crowds.
Section showing the organization of programme in DLF CyberHub Site activity and population density as observed by author on 23rd 24th, 25th and 26th of November, 2022.
Amphitheatre on a weekday (Source: Author)
Amphitheatre on a weekend (Source: Author)
According to a study by the Department of Economics at the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IITD), the DLF Cyber Hub has contributed to a 14% increase in employment in Gurgaon (Seth & Gupta, 2019). This has not only provided jobs for local residents, but has also attracted a large number of skilled professionals from other parts of the country and abroad.
According to a study conducted by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), DLF Cyberhub has generated direct and indirect employment for over 20,000 people (CII, 2017). Additionally, the complex has helped to attract a number of foreign companies to Gurgaon, further boosting the economy of the city. Furthermore, DLF Cyberhub has also helped to increase the overall real estate value in Gurgaon (DLF, 2020).
DLF Cyberhub has also attracted a lot of tourists to Gurgaon, boosting the tourism industry in the city. According to a report by Business Today (2019), DLF Cyberhub receives around 20,000 visitors on a daily basis and is one of the top tourist destinations in Gurgaon.
However, the DLF Cyber Hub has also had some negative impacts on Gurgaon. One major issue is the strain it has put on the city's infrastructure, particularly in terms of traffic and congestion (Sharma, 2017). The influx of people and businesses to the area has led to increased traffic on the roads, causing delays and inconvenience for commuters. There have also been concerns about the impact on the environment, with increased air pollution and noise levels in the area (Gupta & Sharma, 2019).
Location of DLF CyberHub and surroundings (Source: Nivia Jain)
Sustainability Measures
India's first Private Fire Station with a 90-meter high Hydraulic Bronto Skylift that can reach up to 30 floors
DuPont, world leader in safety, is DLF’s safety advisor, auditor and partner
Water treatment and reuse: For maintenance purposes, they strive to use more recycled water than freshwater. The sewage treatment facility can handle millions of liters of sewage each day.
GIS power plant: The co-generation technology used by DLF Cybercity's natural gas-based captive power plant aids in ensuring that Cybercity receives an uninterrupted power supply. An important step in lowering carbon footprint is the implementation of GIS.
Solar panels and turbines: A strong solar power plant has been constructed on the rooftops of the business buildings to capture renewable energy sources and lessen their carbon footprint. The reliance on conventional electricity is reduced as a result.
Built as per seismic zone 5-NBC requirement is 4
Regular fire drills and safety training programs for tenants’ employees
Disaster Management and Disaster Recovery Plan (DMDRP) centers are equipped with all emergency equipment, and are attached to office buildings
Thermal Imaging Cameras, to detect any fire and to reach at the seat of the fire quickly.
5 safety patents filed by DLF
Solar panels at DLF Cyberhub (Source: DLF Cybercity)
1.
DLF Limited: DLF Limited
Haryana Urban Development Authority (HUDA)HUDA
Municipal Corporation of Gurgaon (MCG)
The indicators will be remarked as:
High: The high remark of the suggested indicators shows that the site is advancing in a particular indicator of a specific dimension in measuring sustainable development.
Medium: The medium remark depicts satisfactory but not high results of the mentioned indicator of the specific dimension.
Low: The low remark depicts poor value of the sustainability indicator and that the case study lacks such indicator value.
General:
Economic:
"My child has got to attend many art exhibitions and workshops in DLF CyberHub."
"We get to transport more people from DLF CyberHub everyday than any other place in Gurgaon"
"Our food stalls that are located outside DLF CyberHub are sometimes asked to remove at random hours during the day"
"I find this one of the best places to hangout with my friends in Gurgaon"
Economic Sustainability:
DLF CyberHub Gurgaon can improve economic sustainability by promoting local businesses and encouraging the use of public transportation. This can be done by providing incentives for local businesses to set up shop within the development and encouraging the public transportation such as buses and metro lines.
Another way to improve economic sustainability is by implementing green building practices and encouraging energy efficiency. This can lead to reduced energy costs for businesses and residents, as well as reduced greenhouse gas emissions (Kibert, 2016).
Environmental Sustainability:
DLF CyberHub Gurgaon can improve environmental sustainability by implementing green building practices and encouraging the use of renewable energy sources. This can be done by incorporating solar panels, wind turbines, and other renewable energy systems into the development. Another way to improve environmental sustainability is by promoting the use of public transportation and encouraging the use of electric vehicles. This can lead to reduced greenhouse gas emissions and improved air quality.
Social Sustainability:
DLF CyberHub Gurgaon can improve social sustainability by promoting community engagement and encouraging the use of public spaces. This can be done by providing public spaces such as parks, community gardens, and community centers for residents to gather and engage with one another. Another way to improve social sustainability is by promoting affordable housing options within the development. This can help to ensure that all residents have access to safe and affordable housing.
Physical Sustainability:
DLF CyberHub Gurgaon can improve physical sustainability by incorporating green building practices and encouraging the use of sustainable materials. This can be done by incorporating materials such as reclaimed wood and recycled steel into the development.
Another way to improve physical sustainability is by promoting the use of public transportation and encouraging the use of electric vehicles. This can lead to reduced greenhouse gas emissions and improved air quality.
This study bridges the research gap of how retail recreation can promote urban sustainability in a number of ways. For example, if retail developments are designed and managed in a way that encourages the use of public transportation, bicycles, or walking, rather than driving, they can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality in urban areas. Retail
developments can also be designed to be energy-efficient and to use sustainable materials, which can further contribute to urban sustainability.
DLF CyberHub in Gurugram, India, has potentially served as a good case study for the role that retail recreation can play in promoting urban sustainability. DLF CyberHub is a mixed-use development that includes a number of retail, dining, and entertainment options. The development is located in close proximity to public transportation options and also includes pedestrian-friendly design elements such as wide sidewalks and landscaped areas.
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