ROLE OF OPEN SPACES IN AN URBAN PRECINCT- A STREAMLINED STUDY ON PARKS
DISSERTATION REPORT
Submitted by Debora E (311719251005)
In partial fulfilment of the award of the degree of BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE
MOHAMED SATHAK A J ACADEMY OF ARCHITECTURE, CHENNAI - 603103
Affiliated to ANNA UNIVERSITY
CHENNAI - 600025
MAY 2023
MOHAMED SATHAK A J ACADEMY OF ARCHITECTURE
Approved by Council of Architecture & affiliated to Anna University, Chennai
Approved by Council of Architecture & affiliated to Anna University, Chennai 34, Old Mahabalipuram Road, IT Highway, Egattur, Chennai 603103
This is to certify that this dissertation Report is the bonafide work of “DEBORA E (Reg. no. 311719251005)” who carried out the dissertation entitled “ROLE OF OPEN SPACES IN AN URBAN PRECINCT- A STREAMLINED STUDY ON PARKS” under our guidance from February 2023 to May 2023.
Angelin Shinola Sathish Kumar T INTERNAL GUIDE HOD / INTERNAL GUIDE EXTERNAL EXAMINER DIRECTORI, DEBORA E (Reg. No. 311719251005) hereby declare that the dissertation Report entitled " ROLE OF OPEN SPACES INAN URBAN PRECINCT-A STREAMLINED STUDY ON PARKS " done by me under the guidance of Prof. Sathish Kumar T andAr.Angelin Shinola (Internal) at Mohamed Sathak AJAcademy ofArchitecture, Chennai is submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of Bachelor ofArchitecture degree,Anna University, Chennai-600025.
DATE:
PLACE: SIGNATURE OF THE CANDIDATE
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my dissertation advisors Prof. Sathish Kumar T, Head of Department and Ar. Angelin Shinola S, for their complete support, guidance, and encouragement throughout this research project. Their invaluable feedback, insightful comments, and patient guidance have been instrumental in shaping this dissertation into what it is now.
I would like to thank Prof. Vandana Balakrishnan, Ar. Shyamala for guiding me through the process of identifying my areas of interest in the field. I would also like to thank the faculty and staff at MSAJAA, for providing me with a stimulating and supportive academic environment and for providing insights that were stepping stones to this dissertation.
My sincere thanks also go to my friends Vignesh, Roshan and Pramodh, who have supported and encouraged me throughout my dissertation. Their constant feedback, ideas, criticism, understanding, and encouragement have been the backbone of this dissertation.
I’m immensely grateful to my family and friends who have provided me with academic and moral support throughout the dissertation project.
Finally, I would like to acknowledge the participants who generously gave their time and energy to participate in this research. Without their participation and cooperation, this would not have been possible.
Thank you all for your contributions and support.
Art is the discovery and development of elementary principles of nature into beautiful forms suitable for human use
-F LWrightOpen space is land that is not intensively developed for residential, commercial or industrial use. It includes agricultural land, developed and undeveloped shorelines, lakefront parks and preserves. Open space contributes to the natural reserve and acts as an efficient social space, pause points etc. in an urban context. The usage and types of open spaces are vast. Amongst them, the common utility used by the public is the PARK.
They create space for a community to congregate safely and enjoy nature. Apark is mainly used for recreational activities such as walking, exercise, cycling, playing, etc. Hence a park equips all the essentials for a relaxing environment and radiates positive energy. Some parks are usually very crowded with people all over the place due to how accessible they are. Parks allow people to experience natural beauty without damaging nature or disturbing communities. Parks also function as recreational areas.
There is also another side to a park- the shady side of illegal activities and exploitation which happens. In unfortunate cases, parks sometimes offer spaces for exploitation.
Let us go through the pathway of parks and explore their role in an urban context.
In the simplest and most preliminary aspect, the answer to this question of what is an open space would be ASPACE WITH NO WALLSAND ROOF. But on searching for answers which would fit in perfectly to our context, we get various definitions and various types of open spaces.
• LANDSCAPE - areas of land without built structures
• OPEN SPACE RESERVE - areas of conserved land for which development is set aside
• URBAN OPEN SPACE - urban areas of conserved land for which development is set aside
• GREENWAY - a linear chain of open space reserves or a recreational corridor
• PUBLIC SPACE - areas left open for the use of the public, such as a piazza, plaza, park, and courtyard
In more conversation about the generic term of open spaces, we can say that there is no constant or consistent definition for the same. We can find various definitions from different lenses.
• Open Space is land that is not intensively developed for residential, commercial, industrial, or institutional use. It serves many purposes, regardless of the ownership of the property
- The state of New York.
• All open spaces of public value, including not just land, but also areas of water which offer important opportunities for sport and recreation and can act as a visual amenity.
- National planning policy framework
• The term open space covers greenspace consisting of any vegetated land or structure, water, path, or geological feature within and on the edges of settlements, and civic space consisting of squares, marketplaces, and other paved or hard-landscaped areas with civic function.
- Glasgow City Development Plan
Public space is an open and accessible space directly to the public. Public spaces can otherwise be called multifunctional gathering spaces.Apublic space needn’t necessarily be an open space, for example, public spaces include parks, streets as well as malls, libraries, etc. Some of these public spaces despite being public have restricted areas and privatisation. We have to understand that all public spaces are not government-owned. Ownership of public spaces is either government-owned or private and this ownership factor has an impact on how the public spaces behave and function. Public space has an integral role in the all-around urban design as it is the public space that allows for the community social life of the population.
Kevin Lynch has described the different perspectives of different classes/groups on the city, which directly or indirectly has an immense impact on generating a public space. The predominant quality of public space is inclusiveness.Accommodation of all populations is a necessity in a public space. People of the poorer sections, physically or mentally disabled, may be excluded if they do not feel safe and secure, which is not a desired quality of public space.
Qualities of public space:
➢ Inclusive of all ages, gender, physical/mental abilities, economic class
➢ Promote investments and activities
➢ Induce interaction
➢ Reduce the rate and fear of crime in the pre-existing place
➢ Increase the health and mobility of individuals
Types of public spaces:
➢ Street – this is the connecting thoroughfare present which is lined by houses, shops, multipurpose areas, etc. It is a vibrant public space that is easily and equally accessible.
➢ Open public spaces – refer to undeveloped land or land with no buildings (or other built structures) that is accessible to the public, and that provides recreational areas for residents and helps to enhance the beauty and environmental quality of neighbourhoods.
➢ Public facilities – these comprise high-maintenance amenities/places that are publicly owned and maintained and are accessible to users without any charge, such as public libraries, civic/community centres, municipal markets, and public sports facilities.
➢ Public commercial spaces – are areas that host markets and accessible commercial activities in fixed premises, public venues, and other services (collective and not, public and private), in which the socioeconomic dimension of the city is always expressed.
Placemaking is an important factor to consider while planning/designing spaces for people. It is the planning and designing of the space which entirely revolves around the people such that people benefit the most from any space. The term placemaking dates back to the 1960s and 70s and talks about the liveliness of a neighbourhood and how a public space should be inviting to people of all classes, ages, and gender. Later in the 1990s, this term gained a new dimension of ‘emotional attachment to a place’
The major tool for placemaking is PEOPLE.Anything and everything in placemaking revolve around people and their opinion. There is no better tool for an efficient design than public opinion as people are one of the major factors that blend amongst the site and no planner or architect will know their needs and solution better than its people.
To make a place better, apart from knowing what the people need we should need to know ‘who’ are those people, who value the place, who needs the space, who will be attracted to the place, and so on. Public places are important for the well-being of a community. It creates a sense of safety and cohesion. Socialization is a necessary part of mental health.
Steps of placemaking include:
• observingwho and how a placeis used,
• cleaningup andbeautifyingtheplace,
• consideringhow safeand comfortabletheplacefeels,
• asking the communityabout theirideas for theplace,
• Askthecommunity about what talents theycanlendtotheplacepartnering with othersinterestedinthesameplace andcommunity.
Whenever we talk about the correlation between public spaces and open spaces and why we have chosen an open space, we have to anchor the fact that most of the open space is a public space but every public space isn’t an open space which leads us to the discussion of “Public space being democratic and inclusive for all stakeholders”. Let us start with an everyday example-Ashopping street and a mall. Functionally, both are shopping centres but we often fail to notice how a mall is exclusive for a portion of the community or how it forces the public to fit into the structure of the community, failing which access to the space is suffocating whereas a shopping street invites public by itself with an open arm not requiring them to fit into any standard for access.
When we look into behaviour and the population's mindset, and according to the response, open space gives a sense of inclusiveness, as an open space blends with the context of the city and anyone accessing the space feels inclusive.
Another important attribute that contributes to the preference for open spaces is the “Surveillance” and the “Cultural needs” of the people.An open space deals with the multifunctioning and how people of different practices and interests co-exist in the outer world apart from dealing with safety and surveillance, which is the mandatory element of open space. The space ignites the mutual relationship of the people using the space. When we talk about different people coming together, we should also talk about their cultural needs of them. The term cultural needs imply the social growth a person has and the social support a person receives. It is revolved around how an open space allows the mental evolution of an individual.An open space paves the way for a socially cohesive environment and enhances interaction, giving us a different perspective on what is happening with and around us. We have to agree most of our realizations happen based on what we come across in public open spaces because even if the interaction is minimal, we are prone to witness incidents that happen around us, and in closed spaces, the walls and the boundary gives us a sense of control and consciousness and we tend to be more structured and reserved. In a closed space we tend to blend with the space and the form, while in an open space, we blend with the people and the society
Open spaces in Chennai can be classified into the following hierarchy of spacesCITY NEIGHBOURHOOD
TRANSPORT Airports, Bus terminals, Train stations, Parking (i)
PLAZA
Large formal plaza
RECREATIONAL Stadium, beach, green belts
INCIDENT Wild forests, lakefronts (iv)
GARDENS Orchards, agricultural fields
Transit stations, main roads, and arterial roads (i)
Neighbourhood plaza (ii)
Parks and playgrounds (iii)
Empty lots, transit margin, space between buildings (ii)
Community gardens (iii)
(Numerical based on the previous topic)
i. These are nodes of interaction that carry great potential to serve as a sociocultural zone for a larger scale of the community. In this case, the community is not limited to a particular neighbourhood or a particular group of people, but an entire population of diverse people has the scope to get together and interact and create a sociocultural space
ii. These spaces are more or fewer chunks or spaces, smaller or larger depending on their location and other factors. These lands have the greatest potential for complete development and usage. Here, the population is restricted to the neighbourhood and its immediate surroundings
iii. These are already developed spaces that are being used by a considerable amount of the population. These spaces, despite being in use, are still not in complete use due to small solvable issues like the presence of a concrete boundary. Boundary loses the meaning of open space and it makes people lose interest in exploring an open space. Boundary constricts the access or makes the access draggier just by existing. Also, concrete boundaries give a sense of secrecy and a privatised illusion which paves the way for the misusing of the space. For example, we find parks being misused for many personal issues and also some of the boundary spaces have the potential to bear space for illegal activities
iv. These are a set of landforms that consists of part of a natural portion of the land that remains as a vast land with an interesting landform adjacent to it. Beaches are an example that proves that natural landforms have a good scope for socio-cultural gathering spaces. Similarly, lakefronts, plains, and forest-view lands also act as good socio-cultural spaces.
Parks are defined as public spaces designed for the enjoyment of nature, recreational activities, and community gatherings. They come in many different shapes and sizes, including urban parks, national parks, state parks, community parks, and botanical gardens. Each type of park serves a unique purpose, but they all share the goal of providing a safe and welcoming environment for people to enjoy the outdoors.
The benefits of parks are numerous and far-reaching. First and foremost, they provide an opportunity for people to engage with nature, which has been shown to have numerous mental and physical health benefits. Exposure to green spaces has been linked to reduced stress, improved mood, and decreased risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Parks also provide a space for physical activity, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
In addition to the health benefits, parks also provide opportunities for community building and socialization. They serve as a gathering place for people of all ages and backgrounds, which can help to break down barriers and foster a sense of unity. Parks can also be used as a venue for community events, such as concerts, festivals, and sporting events.
Preserving natural environments is another important benefit of parks. Many parks are designed to protect endangered species, preserve habitats, and promote biodiversity for the sustainability of our planet.
The earliest parks in Chennai were established during the British colonial era. One of the first parks in the city was the Government Garden, which was established in 1768. It was a botanical garden that was used to cultivate and study exotic plants from all over the world. The garden was later renamed the Madras Botanical Garden and is still a popular attraction today.
In 1851, the Madras Presidency established the Madras Corporation, which was responsible for developing and maintaining parks and gardens in the city. The corporation established several parks during this time, including the Victoria Public Hall Gardens and the People's Park. These parks were open to the public and were used for various activities, including picnics, concerts, and sports events.
During the early 20th century, the parks in Chennai underwent significant changes. In 1908, Egmore Park was established, which was designed to cater to the needs of the growing middle class in the city. The park had facilities for playing tennis, cricket, and other sports, and it also had a children's play area and a bandstand. In the 1930s, the government established several new parks in Chennai, including the Panagal Park
i. Urban Parks:
Urban parks are located within cities and provide much-needed green space for creating a space for these environments to thrive, parks contribute to the overall health and residents. These parks are usually designed to meet the needs of the surrounding community and can range from small neighbourhood parks to large multi-use parks. Urban parks often feature amenities such as playgrounds, sports fields, walking and biking paths, and picnic areas.
ii. National Parks:
National parks are large areas of protected land that are managed by the national government. These parks are designed to preserve natural areas and cultural resources and often offer outdoor recreation and education opportunities.
iii. State Parks:
State parks are similar to national parks, but are managed by state governments.
These parks are also designed to protect natural and cultural resources and provide recreational opportunities for visitors. State parks often offer camping, hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities.
iv. Theme Parks:
Theme parks are designed for entertainment and often feature rides, attractions, and shows. These parks can be found all over the world and are popular destinations for families and tourists.
v. Wildlife Parks:
Wildlife parks are designed to provide a natural habitat for wild animals while allowing visitors to observe them in a safe and controlled environment. These parks often feature walking or driving tours and can be found in many different parts of the world.
vi. Water Parks:
Water parks are designed for water-based fun and usually feature slides, pools, and other attractions. These parks are often located in warm climates and are popular destinations for families during the summer months.
i. The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) is responsible for ensuring that parks are maintained and preserved for the enjoyment of citizens.
ii. As of now, in existence, we do not find effective rules from the side of CMDAfor the allocation of open spaces except for the open space ratio (OSR) reservation in every construction that will be open to the public. Currently, the city has only 0.81 sq. m open space per capita which is alarmingly low than the WHO -recommended 10-12 sq. m per capita The lack of government laws to protect open spaces is one of the main reasons for open spaces to be given away for ‘development’.
iii. CMDAis currently working on laws to protect open spaces. Anshul Mishra a member of CMDAstates that there is a challenge in Chennai due to the market demand and economic factors. This results in not many green, vacant spaces in the 2nd master plan
iv. Streamlining parks, an essential aspect of CMDA regulations is the requirement for parks to have adequate amenities such as seating, lighting, and recreational equipment. These amenities make parks more appealing to visitors and encourage them to use the space. The CMDA also ensures that parks are accessible to people with disabilities by mandating the installation of ramps and other accessibility features.
v. Waste management is also a significant concern for parks. The CMDA mandates that parks have proper waste disposal facilities, including dustbins and composting
facilities. These facilities ensure that the park remains clean and hygienic, reducing the risk of diseases and pests.
vi. Landscaping is another critical aspect of park maintenance. The CMDA has regulations in place that require parks to be landscaped and maintained to a specific standard. This includes the installation of plants, trees, and other greenery that contribute to the aesthetics of the park. Landscaping also ensures that the park remains healthy and provides visitors with a peaceful and relaxing environment.
vii. The CMDA has also implemented regulations to ensure that parks are used responsibly. This includes regulations on noise levels, the use of park facilities, and the use of fireworks and other hazardous materials. These regulations ensure that the park remains a safe space for everyone to enjoy.
Brief:
William Whyte has given us a brilliant example of the usage and transformation of open spaces through his project- The Bryant Park. In New York, between the 5th and 6th sectors, lay a vast empty open space. That open space was isolated from the residential neighbourhood and the streets out of the vicinity. The space had the attributes and the facilities of maintaining secrecy and hence many illegal activities and abuse have taken place in the region.As time passed the happening of the illegal activities turned into a negative factor which prevented people from entering or using that space. It is this space that is then converted into a usable park by William Whyte after a failed attempt of trying to make that space reusable
Around the 20th century, midtown Manhattan was a vibrant entertainment precinct with the very active participation of the population in and around it. This prevailed until World War 2 after which there was a visible decline in the usage of the outdoors of the place. Commercial and retail spaces were closed and shop facilities for illegal activities started growing. Within no time, the place converted itself into a hub of illegal activities as there was a lesser population accessing the space, and after these illegal activities boomed population there was completely halted due to security issues.
In 1895, the open space was designed by Carrere and Haston. The space had not seen any evident change after that and still, people refrained from using the open space which had plenty of potential to change into a sociocultural space. This design paved the way for
further illegal activities as it was built with high walls and elevated street levels. Later, in 1933, William Whyte redesigned the park using 5 principles of open spaces which then lead to the success of the park.
Design Issues:
• Design was blamed for the issues of Bryant Park such as the high walls and elevated street levels.
• Entrances connecting the park to adjoining sidewalks were narrow and constricted.
• Tall unkempt hedges and wrought iron fence blocked the visual access to the park.
• There was a complete lack of visual access from any direction to the park which was the major result of all design flaws
Design Process:
In the 1970s and 1980s, the area saw immense negative changes as it involved crimes in all aspects. There was a minimum of 150 robberies, 10 rapes, and an addition of 1 murder every year due to which the park has reached its lowest and some intervention had to be done to preserve and bring back the vibrancy of the park.
In 1979, the adjacent NY library had undergone renovations which was a catalyst to the regeneration of the actual park itself. Rockefellers Brothers fund, which was towards renovating their library had to do something about the functions happening in the adjacent site which is indirectly their ‘own backyard’and those activities will influence the library Hence, they hired an urban planner, William H Whyte to analyse the existing scenario and to come up with a solution that would bring about a positive change in and around the park. After analysing the ultimate reason for the failure is isolation
In 1980, the Bryant Park (Restoration) Corporation (BPC) was formed and a master plan to transform Bryant Park was proposed. The plan was to redesign the park, clean it up, remove graffiti and repair damaged architectural elements.Among Whyte’s recommendations were: the removal of the iron fences and shrubbery, improvement of visual access up the steps, introduction of ramps for the handicapped opening up of balustrades and access to the terrace for easier circulation. (Parking)
According to White, he has 5 qualities of open space:
1) Seating
Apart from providing the fixed basic seatings, seatings are designed to be movable to ensure the feasibility of the users and to enable user movement to the desired place
2) Food
Any person will require food, not only as a means to fulfill hunger and basic needs but he/she will require food as a means of recreation and to pass the time.
3) Retail
Retail is a factor of pulls for people to spend more time in space. Malls have this quality so why not an open space?
4) Toilet
The toilet is an elementary necessity. The absence of this particular element will make the rest of the working design of no significance as people will not be able to spend long hours without the use of restrooms. People may refrain from coming to the place just due to the absence of a restroom. The presence of a restroom has a major role to play in the success of an open socio-cultural space.
5)
Triangulation is the quality of interaction in an open space. It’s not only the interaction within people but also the interaction of people and the spaces, people, and surroundings.
History:
In 1931, the high line was built as an elevated line to transport commercial and industrial goods along the southwestern side of Manhattan due to congestion of traffic in the streets. Along 10th Avenue, the intersection of pedestrian vehicular and animal traffic created a collision and caused damage to goods and lives as well. By the 1960s there was a considerable decline in the use of it and by 1980 the high line was in consideration for shutting down. The city of Manhattan was on plans to demolish the structure and that was when a non-profit organisation proposed an intervention of converting it into a park.
Design issues:
• Intersections of different types of traffic caused the major damage
• Renewal of unused space with industrial deposits to a lively area
The renewal of this project was initiated with 3 major motivations:
• To repave the line with concrete planks and to allow water to flow through the bottom of the floor to induce vegetation growth
• To slow down the busy life of the urban precinct by inserting seatings and walkways along with natural vegetation which would act as a pause point. The space should also be open to host activities of different scales.
• To maintain high line scale.
The integration of hard and soft landscape elements makes the pathway act as the soil containing the architectural nuances and it appears as if plants grow from the concrete. Different types of densities and vegetation create a varied mood for the passer-by which creates a sense of excitement among the users. These varied arrangements are a sequential arrangement where the progress is from high to low, open to close, urban to natural etc.
Because of its unique geometry, the High Line doesn't extend beyond two storeys and emphasizes its lateral nature. This is done through various design devices, notably staircases that appear to fall from beneath the superstructure, a perch only a few meters wide bookended by ramps that span an entire city block, and, again, an urban theatre that is gradually recessed within the park-emphasizing moments though a humble act of depression, rather than a grand erection seeking to monumentalize itself. By being reserved to itself, the High Line emphasizes the human condition.
The city was founded in 1411 along the river banks. The river originates from the foothills of the Aravalli ranges near Udaipur, Rajasthan, and flows downstream passing through Ahmedabad till the Gulf of Cambay. The 109-km river runs across a stretch of about 55 km throughAhmedabad. It is this stretch that is developed as an ambitious urban renewal project. Sabarmati Riverfront is a waterfront being developed along the banks of the Sabarmati River inAhmedabad, India. Proposed in the 1960s, the construction began in 2005. Since 2012, the waterfront is gradually opened to the public as and when facilities are constructed and various facilities are actively under construction. The major objectives of the project are environmental improvement, social infrastructure and sustainable development.
• The intensive uses took their toll on the river. Untreated sewage flowed into the river through stormwater outfalls and the dumping of industrial waste posed a major health and environmental hazard.
• The riverbank settlements were prone to floods and lacked basic infrastructure facilities. Lacklustre development took shape along the riverfront. Such conditions made the river inaccessible and it became a virtual divide between the two parts of the city.
• 12000 hutments on both banks of the river occupy nearly 20% of the critical project area.
• Unorganized Gujari Bazaar of more than 1200 vendors on the eastern bank and Court Litigation.
• Nearly 200 Dhobis using both banks of the river for washing activities.
• Thoroughly polluted and contaminated Sabarmati through 40 stormwater outlets
• The reduction of the riverbed from a variable width of 600- 300 m to a fixed width of 275 m, thus reclaiming 185 ha of land.
• The construction of RCC diaphragm walls (10-20 m depth) and anchor slabs (10 m) to prevent the riverbanks from erosion.After finishing the anchor slab is turned into the so-called lower promenade.
• The construction of interceptor sewers on both riverbanks was able to prevent the wastewater to flow directly into the river and divert it to the two sewage treatment plants of Vasna and Pirana.
• The construction of RCC retaining walls (2.5
9 m) to protect the city from flooding. The height of the walls is determined by the 100-year flood level.An upper promenade is created on top of the retaining walls.
LOWER-LEVEL PROMENADE:
• The lower-level promenade is built just above the water level to serve pedestrians and cyclists solely and to provide access to the water.
• The width of the promenade varies from 6-18m. Facilities provided at the River Promenade include:
• Access points from the city level via staircases and ramps at regular intervals
• Lifts or elevators to make lower-level promenades accessible for people with disabilities.
• Concrete paved flooring which can support walking, jogging and cycling.
• Continuous seating arrangement at the river’s edge along with protective railing.
• Platforms at regular intervals for regulated and organized vending activities
• The upper-level promenade shall host a variety of public features at the city level.
• Ghats punctuate the lower-level river promenade at planned intervals to provide access to the water.
• These have been designed at strategic locations to enable the continuation of cultural activities along the water.
a. It is made possible to retain surface water in the river all year round and also utilized for boat rides etc.
b. The water recharges the ground strata extensively with storage of 12.5 million cubic meters of river water
c. Interceptor sewers and sewage diversion network has diverted more than 250MLD sewage from the river and eliminated the pollutants
d. Diaphragm walls in the bed of the river have protected from scour and stopped the erosion of the river banks.
e. Retaining walls along both banks has made 202 Ha. land available for further development for the city and also contributed to flood protection.
f. The embankments on either side of the river have provided wide walkways, many other facilities, and green space for the public with extensive tree plantation
g. 10000 slum dwellers residing on the riverbed have been rehabilitated and resettled in very good PAKKAhouses
h. Traditional users of the river like washermen and unorganized vendors are now provided with well-organized facilities
i. Easy access to the river water through Ghats, Stairs/Ramps.
Location:
Accessibility:
Located on the division of luz church road in Mylapore, access from the arterial road is direct into the park with one entrance located alongside the road
Area:
Crowd Intensity:
Weekdays- Low
Weekends- Medium
Recreational Scope:
• Playing
• Gym
• Exercising
• Socialising
• Relaxing
Time of usage:
5 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Most used times are 5-9 a.m. and 4.30- 8 p.m. throughout a regular day
Surrounding Context:
• Residential
• Commercial
Anchorage Factor:
-
Amenities:
• Walking, jogging pathway
• Gym Equipment
• Playground facilities
• Seatings along the pathway
• Separate seating hub
Location:
Located on the OMR stretch from Thiruvanmiyur MRTS to Indira Nagar MRTS, there are 3 access points- one on an arterial road near Indira Nagar MRTS, one near Thiruvanmiyur MRTS and one directly from the main road in between the MRTS.
Area:
Crowd Intensity:
Weekdays- Medium
Weekends- High
Recreational Scope:
• Playing
• Gym
• Exercising
• Socialising
• Relaxing
• Outdoor Classes
Time of usage:
5 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Most used times are 5-10 a.m. and 4- 7.30 p.m. daily. There is a considerable crowd during other times of the day too
Surrounding Context:
• Institutional
• Commercial
Anchorage Factor:
The busy street’s view
Amenities:
• Gym Equipment
• Playground facilities
• Seating hub in definite intervals
• Food stall is available
• Provision to conduct classes
Location:
Accessibility:
There are multiple accesses to the park fromAlavattamman temple road and the arterial road from Ponniamman Koil Street.
Area:
Crowd Intensity:
Weekdays- Medium
Weekends- High
Recreational Scope:
• Playing
• Exercising
• Socialising
• Relaxing
• Outdoor Classes
Time of usage:
6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Most used times are 6- 9 a.m. and 4- 8.30 p.m. daily
Surrounding Context:
• Residential
• Commercial
Anchorage Factor:
The temple lake
Amenities:
• Walking, jogging pathway
• Gym Equipment
• Playground facilities
• Seatings along the pathway
• Separate seating hub
• Provision to conduct classes
• Lake view amenities
Location:
Accessibility:
Located betweenAnna Saalai and Cathedral Road, there is 1 access point located in Cathedral Road. Access to the park is via a ticket counter and parking located at the very entrance
Area:
Total area: 40,395.55 m² (434,814.03 ft²)
Crowd Intensity:
Weekdays- Medium
Weekends- High
Recreational Scope:
• Playing
• Exercising
• Socialising
• Relaxing
• Space to conduct programme
Time of usage:
10 a.m. to 7.30 p.m.
It is closed on Tuesdays. The most used timings are 5- 7.30 p.m.
Surrounding Context:
• Religious buildings
• Commercial
• Government offices
Anchorage Factor:
The botanical richness
Amenities:
• Seatings along the pathway
• Separate seating hub
• Botanical view amenities
Location:
Accessibility:
Located
Area:
Crowd Intensity:
Weekdays- Very Low
Weekends- Low
Recreational Scope:
• Relaxing
• Bonding with Nature
• Space to conduct programme
Time of usage: 6.30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Timings of usage depend on the pre-bookings. There are no regular users
Surrounding Context:
• Residential
• Institutional
Anchorage Factor:
The botanical richness, sewage-treated water from theAdyar River
Amenities:
• Seatings along the pathway
• Separate seating hub
• Botanical view amenities
• Riverfront view
• Spaces for hosting private programme
Location:
Accessibility:
Located in anna nagar, it has multiple access from the 5th and 6th main roads of 2nd Avenue, also fromAyyappan Koil Street. The access is direct from the road to the park
Area:
Crowd Intensity:
Weekdays- Medium
Weekends- High
Recreational Scope:
• Playing
• Exercising
• Gym
• Socialising
• Relaxing
• Outdoor Classes
Time of usage:
5.30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Most used times are 4- 8 p.m. daily
Surrounding Context:
• Residential
• Commercial
Anchorage Factor:
The anna nagar tower
Amenities:
• Walking, jogging pathway
• Gym Equipment
• Playground facilities
• Seatings along the pathway
• Separate seating hub
• Provision to conduct classes
• Tower view amenities with water view
• Space for hosting events
1. Survey on various factors
i. How frequently do you visit parks?
ii. Why do you visit parks?
Ambience to work
Chill with friends/family
Others
iii. Why do you not visit parks
Enjoy nature and its serenity
Exercise routine (jogging, walking etc.)
(Data arranged in decreasing numbers of responses, from the most common answer to the least)
I. Lack of proper maintenance
II. Time constraints
III. Longer distance
IV. Nearby parks are not functional
V. Lack of inclination towards parks
VI. Overcrowding
VII. Exploitation of parks
iv. Do you think open parks are a necessity in a city?
(Data arranged in decreasing numbers of responses, from the most common answer to the least)
I. To promote natural open spaces and natural liveliness
II. To promote socialising
III. Stress buster and a break from daily life
IV. For daily leisure
V. Reduces urban heat island
VI. Acts as a space for daily exercise
vi. What environment would you prefer for a park? Calm
vii. What amongst these do you think are the qualities which make a park usable?
viii. What do you think about the functionality of parks in your city/town?
ix. For some parks which are not functional (or) parks which are not used properly, what do you think is the reason?
Rate the following features with their level of importance in a park
MOST IMPORTANT IMPORTANT NEUTRAL LESS IMPORTANT LEAST IMPORTANT
MOST IMPORTANT IMPORTANT NEUTRAL LESS IMPORTANT LEAST IMPORTANT
MOST IMPORTANT IMPORTANT NEUTRAL LESS IMPORTANT LEAST IMPORTANT
MOST IMPORTANT IMPORTANT NEUTRAL LESS IMPORTANT LEAST IMPORTANT
MOST IMPORTANT IMPORTANT NEUTRAL LESS IMPORTANT LEAST IMPORTANT
MOST IMPORTANT IMPORTANT NEUTRAL LESS IMPORTANT LEAST IMPORTANT
xi. Do you think the city has enough parks?
Location Located between the 5th and 6th Avenues in midtown Manhattan.
Located on the New York Central Railroad spur on the west side of Manhattan in New York City.
Located in the sideways of Lal Darwaja, Ahmedabad, Gujrat.
The parks are located on the primary roads which enables visual connectivity from all directions and provide a sense of security
Multi-access is provided to the respective parks concerning the area. Amenities are evenly spread and segregated within the area.
Accessibilit y
Has multiple access to the park which is direct from the road.Access is free.
Has multiple elevator points in regular intervals throughout the stretch.Access is free.
Amenities
• Walking, jogging pathway
• Walking pathway
The walkway is accessible from any point on the road. The park and other amenities have direct access from the road. Access is free
• Walking, jogging,
Free and direct access from the road induces interest and ease for users to visit the parks. Visually open parks are more inviting.
Aspace to walk and sit forms the primary component
Recreationa
l Scope
• Playground facilities
• Seatings along the pathway
• Separate seating hub
• Food/ retail amenities
• Seatings along the pathway
• Separate seating hub
and cycling pathway
• Playground facilities
• Seatings along the pathway
• Lake view amenities
of the park. Other amenities such as food, and visual view adds to the liveliness of the park
• Playing
• Exercising
• Socialising
• Relaxing
• Socialising
• Relaxing
• Playing
• Exercising
• Socialising
• Relaxing
By default, a park has the qualities of socialisation as it automatically connects people from different realms. Parks are an efficient space to provide the body and mind a good exercise.
Nageshwar a Rao Park Namma Chennai 2.0 Sembakka
Location Located on the arterial road of luz road, Mylapore.
Located in the sideways of OMR, between Thiruvanmiyur and Indira Nagar MRTS
Located on the arterial road of Alavattamman Koil Street, Sembakkam with its temple on the other side
We find parks located on main roads and arterial roads and can distinguish factors such as crowds, noise, natural elements etc. We find a calmer environment in parks located on arterial roads and a busy environment in parks located on the main roads, and yet the functionality remains the same
Multi-access is provided to the respective parks concerning the area and access is provided from existing prominent buildings. Amenities are evenly spread and segregated within the area.
Accessibilit
Access is direct from luz road.Access is free
Access is from the arterial road from OMR, also access is possible from the MRTS station of Thiruvanmiyur. Access is free.
Access is direct from Alavattamman temple road and the arterial road from Ponniamman Koil Street. Access is free.
Amenities
• Walking, jogging pathway
• Gym Equipment
• Playground
Free and direct access from the road induces interest and ease for users to visit the parks. Visually open parks are more inviting.
• Walking, jogging pathway
The default amenities of a park are pathways and seating.
Recreationa
l Scope
• Gym Equipment
• Playground facilities
• Seatings along the pathway
• Separate seating hub
facilities
• Seating hub in definite intervals
• Food stall is available
• Provision to conduct classes
• Gym Equipment
• Playgroun d facilities
• Seatings along the pathway
• Separate seating hub
• Provision to conduct classes
• Lake view amenities
Amenities like exercise facilities and facilities to conduct private classes are also found in Chennai.
• Playing
• Gym
• Exercising
• Socialising
• Relaxing
• Playing
• Gym
• Exercising
• Socialising
• Relaxing
• Outdoor
• Playing
• Exercising
• Socialising
• Relaxing
• Outdoor Classes
The location and accessibility along with the surrounding context and the adjacent society are directly proportional to the intensity of the crowd.
The parks are made inaccessible during the night times to prevent illegal activities and to promote safety. Also, parks are open from early morning to induce physical exercise during sunrise which comprises Indian practices
By default, a park has the qualities of socialisation as it automatically connects people from different realms. Parks are efficient
Accessibility
Access is via a parking lot and a ticket counter, into the park. Access is paid.
Classes
spaces to provide the body and mind a good exercise by providing various amenities to satisfy the same.
Access to the park is via a larger buffer space leading to the ticket counter, and then to the park. Access is paid and prebooked.
Access to the park is direct and it has multiple accesses from the 2nd and 5th Avenue
Parks that contain elements of natural importance and natural reserves tend to have paid access, and those parks are observed to have users for occasional uses mostly.
Amenities
• Seatings along the pathway
• Seatings along the pathway
• Walking, jogging pathway
The default amenities of a park are
• Separate seating hub
• Walking pathways
• Botanical view amenities
• Separate seating hub
• Walking pathways
• Botanical view amenities
• Riverfront view
• Spaces for hosting private programme
• Gym Equipment
• Playground facilities
• Seatings along the pathway
• Separate seating hub
• Provision to conduct classes
• Tower view amenities with water view
• Space for hosting events
pathways and seating. Natural richness found in parks adds to the quality of amenities of the place.Also, parks are found to have efficient spaces to host events.
The location and accessibility along with the surrounding context are directly proportional to the intensity of the crowd
The parks are made inaccessible during the night times to prevent illegal activities and to promote safety. Also, parks are open from early morning depending on the usage of the park.
Scope
• Exercising
• Socialising
• Relaxing
• Space to conduct programme
• Bonding with Nature
• Space to conduct programme
• Exercising
• Gym
• Socialising
• Relaxing
• Outdoor Classes
park has the qualities of socialisation. Parks are efficient spaces for exercise and for events, and classes.
From the survey taken from the public, we can conclude the following points.
i. Most people use parks on an occasional basis, than people who use them regularly.
ii. Time constraints and improper maintenance are the main reasons for people refrain from using parks regularly.
iii. Parks are a source of relaxation and recreational activities and also a space to perform regular routines.
iv. People find a connection with nature to be a pulling factor
v. Acalm environment is preferred to allow people to experience nature.
vi. Factors that would make a park usable are the natural and the social ambience.
vii. Most of the parks in Chennai are functioning very well.
viii. For the parks which are exploited and not functional, lack of amenities, difficulty to access and boundaries and vegetation which hinder the visual connection are some main reasons.
ix. Among all amenities and requirements in a park, we can find a majority of people would want nature to be the primary element of a park.
x. Amenities such as food and retail are not a pulling factor considering parks in Chennai.
Every city needs parks because they offer a place for relaxation, recreation, and a connection to nature. They act as vital gathering places for the public and offer several advantages to both individuals and society at large. We have examined the role of parks in our daily lives and our city in this dissertation.
First and foremost, parks give people a place to exercise, which is essential for leading a healthy lifestyle. Parks provide a range of recreational possibilities, such as playgrounds, sports fields, and jogging routes, which inspire people of all ages to be physically active.As a result, both physical and mental health improves, and the chance of developing chronic diseases is decreased.
Secondly, parks provide a place where individuals can unwind and rest from the stresses of daily life. Parks give people a calm haven to escape the hustle and bustle of modern society. People have been shown to experience a relaxing influence in green environments, which can enhance their overall welfare and mental health.
Thirdly, parks have a significant role in society as gathering places for people. They offer a location for people to congregate and engage, promoting a sense of community and belonging.Additionally, parks offer venues for neighbourhood festivities and events that unite people of all ages and backgrounds.
In conclusion, parks are a vital component of our neighbourhoods and offer several advantages to both individuals and society at large. They offer chances for recreation, socialisation, exercise, and environmental preservation.As a result, we must keep making investments in and giving top priority to the creation and upkeep of parks in our cities and towns.
Internet sources:
https://unhabitat.org/sites/default/files/2020/07/indicator_11.7.1_training_module_pu blic_space.pdf
https://www.tn.gov/health/cedep/environmental/healthy-places/healthy-places/landuse/lu/placemaking.html#:~:text=Placemaking%20is%20an%20approach%20to,socia l%20identity%20of%20a%20place.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/325146965_The_Importance_of_Sociocultu ral_Habits_in_Park_Design_Leisure_Behaviour_and_User_Satisfaction_A_Comparat ive_Study_on_Two_Parks_in_Izmir_Turkey
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1618866718302541
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/cmda-goes-the-extra-mile-to-protectchennais-open-spaces/articleshow/92098587.cms
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_space
https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/society/chennais-park-with-apast/article5928723.ece#:~:text=In%201869%2C%20a%20part%20of,lung%20for%2 0the%20Chintadripet%20area
https://youtu.be/qZjr2CIEflc
https://sustain.ubc.ca/sites/default/files/201
Pdf sources:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/315825242_Waterfront_Development_A_C ase_Study_of_Sabarmati_Riverfront
https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/230045763.pdf
https://issuu.com/alenjosephjames/docs/the_highline_-_manhattan__urban_design_study
https://escholarship.org/content/qt76m8p91h/qt76m8p91h_noSplash_55465c057d554 d074d9ac41b79f30956.pdf?t=ogbqx5
Grammar/ Paraphrasing sources:
https://www.grammarly.com/plagiarism/ https://quillbot.com/
https://app.grammarly.com/