Study Report on Optimizing the sub-urban town.

THESIS

OPTIMIZING THE SUB-URB CHENGALPATTU

Submitted by Jayashree L 311416251024

of

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

APRIL 2021

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

DECLARATION

This is to certify that the Thesis Report of JAYASHREE L V year (Batch 2016-2021) School of Architecture, Meenakshi College of Engineering, Chennai has been approved on 15.04.2021.

Submitted for the university VIVA – VOCE Examination held on 15rth & 16th April 2021.

1.

2.

INTERNAL EXAMINER

EXTERNAL EXAMINERS

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

BONAFIDE CERTIFICATE

Certified that this Thesis report is the bonafide work of JAYASHREE.L who carried out the work under my supervision.

Prof. Pughalendhi, M.Arch THESIS GUIDE

Prof. Mythili Madhusudhan, M.Arch.

THESIS SUPERVISOR

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

HOD/ THESIS CO-ORDINATOR

1 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I hereby express my sincere gratitude to School of Architecture, Meenakshi College of Engineering, Chennai for giving me this opportunity to carry out this Thesis as part of my coursework. I owe my great thanks to Prof. Ar. Pughalendhi for providing valuable guidance during my research.

Further, I am thankful for all my friends and family for their support and encouragement throughout my thesis.

OPTIMIZING THE SUB-URB

JAYASHREE.L

2

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION 1.AIM JUSTIFICATION 2.SUBURBANIZATION 2.A. NEED FOR THE STUDY 2.B WHY CHENGALPATTU METHODOLOGY 3.A. WHAT SHOULD BE DONE 3.B IDENTIFYING THE PROBLEM 3.C. DECODING THE ISSUES DATA COLLECTION 4.A. PHYSICAL STUDY 4.A.1. FIRST IMPRESSION 4.A.2 BLOCK PERIMETER 4.A.3 STREET HEIRARCHY 4.A.4 ACTIVITY MAPPING 4.A.5 RIGHT OF WAY 4.B.SOCIAL STUDY 4.B.1. FIELD SURVEY

OPTIMIZING THE SUB-URB

4.C ECOLOGICAL STUDY 4.C.1 THE LAKE LITERATURE STUDY CASE STUDIES PROGRAM SCHEDULE

3

INTRODUCTION

suburb

rural

/ˈsʌbəːb/

/ˈrʊər(ə)l/

an outlying district of a city,

in, relating to, or characteristic

especially a residential one.

of the countryside rather than the town.

urban

town

/ˈəːb(ə)n/

/taʊn/

in, relating to, or

densely populated areas, es-

characteristic of a town or city

pecially as contrasted with the country or suburbs.

1.AIM In global context,the scale of India’s urbanization is expected to be immense. With this speed of urbanization comes an unprecedented managerial and policy challenge. Yet, India is still debating whether the future lies in its villages or cities. With its Meanwhile outskirts are OPTIMIZING THE SUB-URB

growing faster than cores,this is not the great urbanisation, it is the great sub-urbanisation. The scope of this thesis is to identify a solution to the urban issues at the sub-urban level in order to meet the demand of qualitative space fo rising urban population at the same time restoring the character of the town.

4

JUSTIFICATION

Tamilnadu expects a population growth of 67% by 2030, putting Chennai on the global radar of the world’s growing megacities. This reflected upon the previous master plans in forms of developing transit corridors and satellite cities around the administrative core. In this attempt of expansion,the growing mega city has soaked in all the near-by towns and villages.

Few cities are getting more crowded downtown; between 2001 and 2011 Chennai added just 7% more people while Chengalpattu swelled by 39%.[1]

Every urban plan proposed is based on the fact that development of sub-urbs is going to take the pressure off the historical city,which is true. But at the same time, it is essential to note that the sub-urban town’s resources and ecology isn’t compromised to serve the ma-

OPTIMIZING THE SUB-URB

chine-driving city.

5

2.A NEED FOR THE STUDY For instance, -The Kolavai lake at Chengalpattu has never seen drought for the past ten years, but it has been contaminated by the increasing population density,such that the minor fishing activites of the locals have been reduced drastically. Further the water is now being used only for industrial purposes around town.[2] -Thiruporur ,25 km west of Chengalpattu, once a water rich town now depends on 4 other villages for it’s basic drinking needs, because it’s ground

MOFFUSIL BUS TERMINUS

water had been sold to the cities.[3]

AT KILAMBAKKAM ELEVATED FLYOVER

These are just examples of why India is still under

BRIDGE FROM CHENNAI

the dilemma, to boost Automobile-centred de-

AIRPORT TO CHENGALPATTU

velopment or Agriculture-centred development.

THIRUPORUR-CHENGALPATTU

With climate change under our neck,maybe the

4 LANE ROAD ALONG OMR

solution to this dilemma comes down to meeting the problem half way. Proposing a sub-urban planning that underlines the issues in advance of the near future. Sub-urban towns should be armed to handle densification due to city proximity, at the same time create a buffer for the rurals to avoid agglomeration, in terms of revitaling the resources. Hence, spotlight on the sub-urbs, under the foot of mega cities becomes important.

2.B WHY CHENGALPATTU

ning in this direction have crossed through many minds over a decade. Chengalpattu district is situated on the north east coast of Tamilnadu with a total geographical area of 2945 Sq.Kms. This is not about Peripheral cities getting affected by the Greater Chennai.This is about a scenic town getting lost in the process.

From inside to out, finding the problems and figuring out a solution.

Chengalpattu, ’The Southern Gateway to Chen-

Between 1998 and 2005, the number

nai.’ Ten years ago, this place would have been

of IT jobs within 25km of the centre of

addressed as a green town fortified by hills in the

Chennai increased by 27%In the same

west and Kolavai lake bordering the north, spread

period, 47% more IT jobs were added in

adjacent to the road running towards the capi-

an outer ring between 25km and 50km

tal from to centre of the state.But, today it is just

from Chennai.{1}

another sub-urb that has been affected by axial sprawl of Greater Chennai.

OPTIMIZING THE SUB-URB

Thus,it becomes evident the idea of city plan-

Geographical Location of Chennai between the State Boundary

and Bay of Bengal,The Axial

sprawl networks along the south.

6

METHODOLOGY

3.A WHAT SHOULD BE DONE Suburbanization is seen as problematic as it traditionally produced sprawling and fragmented development patterns that are more energy intensive to service andconnect because, it often unfolds in large swaths of similar kinds of developments.[4] Planning solutions to-date have largely focused on urbanizing the suburbs by adding density and public transit to reduce car reliance and land consumption, and by increasing social mix to enhance diversity. There is no question that some densification is required to use resources more efficiently.

But the question is whether, and how, these solutions have actually helped us make progress toward sustainability.

3.B IDENTIFYING THE PROBLEM -UNDERSTANDING SUB-URBAN FABRIC

OPTIMIZING THE SUB-URB

The Process starts with understanding how to make the optimization possible in a town, that has both rural and urban footprints. In order to get the on-surface sewer lines aligned and preserve them from exploiting the open spaces, landscape and creating unnecessary chain of pollution issues, it is essential to understand the sub-urban fabric of the town, the relationship between built forms and open spaces.

7

-STUDYING SUCCESSFUL SUB-URBIA AND ITS

3.C DECODING THE ISSUES

STRATEGIES 3.C.1. A phenomenal 38% of the population do The urban century manifests itself at the periph-

not have access to safe disposal systems. 45%

eries. While the massive wave of present urbani-

of the population has resorted to private ar-

zation is often referred to as an ‘urban revolution’,

rangements, in the form of septic tanks. Dispos-

most of this startling urban growth worldwide is

al of night soil is normally by way of individual

happening at the margins of cities.Global sub-ur-

facilities and liquid waste (Sullage and Kitch-

banism has started long ago, more no.of strategies

en Waste) is through the open drains.If, this

and theories have been proposed. Some ended

could be resolved, a healthy environment can

with dead ended, identical cul-de-sacs and some

be restored and the immediate open spaces

evolved through times. Thus, studying the recent

wouldn’t synonym with land fill. Post-Covid ar-

strategies employed in successful sub-urbia such

chitecture, will demand a brighter and healthy

as london or china, will provide a firm skeletal un-

open spaces around one’s house, one thinks is

derstanding of the topic.

safe.Hence, a public infrastructure is needed to dilute this problem.Preferably,Sewage Treate-

-STUDYING THE TOWN’S CHARACTER

ment Plants (STP).[6]

Another fibre of this study, is to not make the model an appendage to urban, but a sensible town with its native quality that connects definitive city and rural adjacents.Hence, as an integral part of urban design, open social spaces that reflect history should be identified for enhancement. Like a piece of architecture, the city or town planning is a construction in space, but one of vast scale, a thing that could be perceived only in the course of long spans of time.Hence, evolution of town in history might be helpful in planning the future evolution and morphology.

This is crucial because in India, an estimated 47% of urban households depend on these on-site systems, according to the ministry of urban de-

OPTIMIZING THE SUB-URB

There are Certain Physical and Structural Param-

velopment’s National Policy on Faecal Sludge and Septage Manage-

eters that were taken into account before creat-

ment, 2017 (NPFSSM). In Tamil Nadu,

ing the Master plan or Development Regulations.

the number is even higher, with 55% of

Despite the Policies and Projects that harness

households using on-site systems, ac-

these basic coniditions in CGL town planning,

cording to government

existing conditions have immediate problems to

figures.[5]

be addressed.

8

Another dimension of this issue is the infrastruc-

they’ll never know since it gives them the feel-

ture itself. When it comes to sub-urban or Urban

ing of tresspasser. To change that, it should

planning one of the key feature in planner’s head

be characterised by high quality architecture

is the public spaces,the power it has over the rest

which blends well with technological solutions.

of the city’s functioning. There is no fundamental

The visual aspect is one of the elements which

solution if the polluted open space is transformed

lead to a positive public reception of such a

into a steel STP.As much as the city’s social or engi-

plant and to an increase of its public accept-

neering infrastrucure, a public community space

ance.

is also important.These are the two places when the people are citizens and not mere consumers.

Also, it is important to explore other innovative

When it comes to Chengalpattu, the town’s forti-

design applications by material or technolo-

fying hills and lake are natural open spaces that

gy revolution on the sub-urban planning.Post

attract public, which unfortunately are not active-

COVID environment is also important for men-

ly used. The thesis also focuses on creating public

tal health

spaces, a place where this community refurbishes and welcomes the urban crowd to be a part of old

3.C.3 The Sewage is getting disposed at nearby lake, Kolavai lake, a perennial waterapproach is to use social infrastructure as a pubbody.[9] town. Rather than creating a exclusive park, the

lic space open to all , to retain the sub-urbia while upgrading it to city rank.

a multitude of uniform, unidentifiable houses, lined up inflexibly, at uniform distances, on uniform roads, in a treeless communal waste, inhabited by people of the same class, the same income, the same age group, witnessing the same

television

performances,

eating the same tasteless prefabricated foods, from the same freezers,

conforming

in

every

outward and inward respect to a common mould.[1] 3.C.2. To observers like Mumford, American urbanist writer in 1961 ,Suburbs were not just unfortunate urban appendages; they were anti-urban.

OPTIMIZING THE SUB-URB

In order to avoid this, increased community participation is important.When the typology falls into social Infrastructure namely ‘Sewage treatment plants’ – just like practically any pro-environmental work of architecture – it becomes another building which functions for the citizen but

The Pollution and Problems in the town takes a toll on its natural environment.

Proper analysis and planning can find a nodal point in which these pronlems arise and give a solution.The livelihood of about 100 fishermen still depends on the water body, which has a capacity to store about 400 million cubic feet of water. The fisheries department generates an annual revenue of Rs. 1.80 lakh by leasing out the lake to fishermen.But the lake has been constantly overexploited over the years.By finding the right chord of the lake, the first tier of fisherman and last tier of town people in maslow’s list could be enriched.

9 DATA COLLECTION

4.A PHYSICAL STUDY

A radius of 3 sq.km of central chengalpattu is taken into account as study area, A careful 1.5 sq.km of Municipality precinct of Chengalpattu Town area and an equal part of Census town of Melamaiyur close to the chengalpattu core is studied. .Chengalpattu Municipalty area (14 Wards ) and Melamaiyur Census Town.(3 Wards)

OPTIMIZING THE SUB-URB

This includes the small water bodies such as Guntur Lake and three more temple ponds. It also includes two hills, Semmalai and Sivan Malai. Grand Southern Trunk Road dividing the town into two parrallel with Railway Track.A Satellite Imagery is decoded to identify first impression on the Physical fabric of the town.

10

2004

2010

2015

2020

Increase in physical density is observed , especially after2010, this is because of the construction of new bridge connecting the western and eastern precincts of the study area.This increased the comercial land value and expansion of residential areas.

OPTIMIZING THE SUB-URB

4.A.2. BLOCK PERIMETER

GRID POCKETS

U- SHAPED

LINEAR POCKETS

L-SHAPED

Blocks are parcels of land enclosed by streets and block perimete refer to block sizes in the area.Here, shorter block sizes mean more intersections and therefore allows a person to travel shorter distances with many route choices.Block sizes measure the connectivity in terms of distance.Chengalpattu enjoys an average block perimeter of 400m.

11

The Terrain of Chengalpattu has balanced mod-

4.A.4 ACTIVITY MAPPING

erate hilly region and water bodies.Density of human setllements spread out gradually from the highlands towards downstream.

Built Spaces Open Area

During the day, activity is found to be predominant among the main roads connecting

4.A.3 STREET HEIRARCHY

amrket, schools and banks. Later evening the activity shifts among collector roads inside the residential area to bus stop and religious spaces.

By comparing the day and night activity of the study area, we can clearly find two roads shifting, roads connecting from Station to Eastern precinct and another collector road leading to western hill. This change is created by the people in terms of safety during late evening travel

3.Lake avenue 1st cross

CROSS

2.Varadharajan Street

COLLETOR

1.G.S.T.Road

MAIN

through these isolated links.

Streets have always been vital to city’s growth.Le OPTIMIZING THE SUB-URB

Corbusier compared streets act as veins that help move people within a city.Although it works for city, town streets do more than just move people.

They create public spaces for social interaction.

Despite the width of the roads, the landmarks, use of the streets and their safety decides the heirarchy of the roads.

12

Thus an activity mapping based on all the amen-

From studying the physical character of the

ities have been studied.

town, we can clearly observe that

(1) connectivity; (2) linkage with other modes;

-Population density is evidently rising in the

(3) fine grained land use patterns;

CT area after the construction of bridge.Even

(4) safety;

though this town is under considerable influ-

(5) quality of path; and

ence of floating population ,the activity map-

(6) path context.

ping proves us the native circulation of the M area is undisturbed by G.S.T Traffic.

-The effective functioning of town is observed in CT area, as it is interconnected with narrow streets where pedestrians and two wheelers dominate the flow,whereas, CT area depends on the other side and due to lack of proper connectivity lacks efficiency - Some blindspots right in the centre of happening town, decays due to change of its course.

While the construction of bridge increased the

4.A.5 RIGHT OF WAY Right of Way (RoW) of a street refers to the clear distance between the property edge (private or public) on both sides of the street. It is the space available for various on-street activities including mobility. Since streets are designed based on the available RoW, this map will guide the city in creating pedestrian, cycle, PT networks, detailed

OPTIMIZING THE SUB-URB

street designs, and budget estimates.[10]

land value, it is developing detroit to the local stores (context of path) along its existing path.

-This further affects the safety and quality of walkable streets.

13

4.B SOCIAL STUDY Chengalpattu district came into existence on 29.11.2019, when it was carved out of the erstwhile Kancheepuram district. From 600 AD to 900 AD the region was under the Pallava rule. Following the decline of the Pallava Empire, the Chengalpattu region came under the Imperial Cholas from 900 AD to 1300 AD. Another important phase of the history of Chengalpattu district is the one when the region was reigned by the Vijaynagara Empire from 1336 AD to 1675 AD. [11] The town of Chengalpattu was formerly a capital of the kings of Vijayanagar after they were defeated by the Deccan sultanate in the battle of Talikota in 1565.

The fortress at Chengalpattu, built by the Vijayanagara kings in the 16th cen-

OPTIMIZING THE SUB-URB

tury was of much strategic importance owing to the swamp surrounding it and the lake situated beside it. Chengalpattu was taken by the French in 1751 and was retaken in 1752 by the British Governor Robert Clive.

14

CURRENT POPULATION IN THE STUDY AREA: 14 Wards in Muncipality Townarea with a population of about 21885.

Considering 1 Census town (Melamaiyur) to study the contrast which is 3 wards containing 3410 4.B.1 FIELD SURVEY TRANSPORTATION

Random sampling method- survey was conducted in Study area of Chengalpattu, people

Sub-urbs are conventionally considered better places for residential investments, but

from all over the town were approached and asked questions about the physical conditions

how effective is that if all you can see for a radius of 20 sq.km is houses and neighbours. Despite Govt., efforts of unlimited infrastructure to connect the town to the city, it is still not a solution when you spend hours on travel,fuel and polluting to get to work, it will be a simple solution if the work is accessible in rational time.

CONNECTIVITY:

WATER

Equally half percent of the peopulation answered

58.78% Tap water from treated

take more than one hour to reach their work

water source

place.

5.1% Handpump

Even though people had private vehicles they

9.63% Tube or Bore well

had to depend on the Public Transport for two reasons,

15% Untreated water source /

SHELTER

-the public transport connectivity is fairly good -ironically, the 40 % of the floating population and

87.5% Of Good Household

the 60

12% Livable dilipated

5 native population have their jobs distributed radially in the outskirts of the town i.e closer to the

Piped Sewer 9.43% Student

Occupational Status of Subjects

SEWAGE DISPOSAL

Teacher

Software Engineer

Architect

Engineer

Doctor

Biotechnologist

House wife

Business man

Railway quaters

Tution teacher

IT employee

Judicial Assistant

College student

OFFICER IN SBI

OPTIMIZING THE SUB-URB

city or sub-urbs

Septic Tank 72.9% Other 0.7%

15

Closed Drainage 34.9 Open Drainage 55.32 No drainage 9.69

INDUSTRIES -Siruseri SIPCOT IT Park which is the largest IT parks in Asia is situated in Thirupporur taluk.

(45km)

Evidently, a 100% had toilets and septic tanks at home, linked with sewage drains but the problem lies in between where the links are missing because the land hasn’t been occupied, and the density has increased n those areas.This proves that one of the effective methods of diposal have

-Madras Export Processing Zone has large number of IT and BPO based companies in Tambaram.

(35 km) -Mahindra World City has large number of companies in IT SEZ,Auto Ancillary SEZ, Ap-

stopped working in recent past.

parel & Fashion SEZ and DTA.(10km)

What is the depth of the Borewell at your

Kalpakkam.(30)

house?

-Marg Swarnabhoomi SEZ present in Kodur.

-Madras Atomic power station is present in

(50) -Ultra Mega Power Projects (UMPP) is about to be setup in Cheyyur by government of India.

(58) -Distilleries are present in Chengalpattu and Madurantakam areas.

Almost 70% of people have answered their locality is walkable, but another interpretation was needed to identify the majority of the people saying yes fell under Zone 2 (municipality planned area). This means that even the existing zoning is working for the 70% of population.

AGRICULTURE Even though the district is very close to Chennai, agriculture is the inevitable occupation of the people living in this district. Rice is the major crop OPTIMIZING THE SUB-URB

grown throughout all over the district. But the study area comprises of no agricultural lands currently.

Chengalpattu Municipal Area: Of total working population, 84.93 % were engaged in Main Work while 15.07 % of total workers were engaged in Marginal Work.

Melamaiyur Cenus Town; Of total working population, 2480 were engaged in Main Work while 937 of total workers were engaged in Marginal Work.

RECREATIONAL SPACE

16

NOTABLE SCHEMES -Swatch Bharath Mission Toilets are successfully implemented across the town, but thse publis toilets are found with padlocks everywhere.

-A bio-mining plant is set up at the north western part of the town along the NH45, where the town’s solid dumping yeard was partially revamped.

-From the Population differences,we can understand how the sub-urban is different from city. Jane Jacb’s ‘Togetherness or Nothing” would not could not apply here.

-Maslow’s heirarchy of needs seems properly distributed.Water and Shelter agreeable ratio Although future population in unaccounted for.

OPTIMIZING THE SUB-URB

-Development of Industries and IT sector in proximity creates abundance of opportunities, although basic resources and and lifestyle of Cultivators and Foos industry is questionable.

-The Model shows the Sewage as root cause for all the environmental and unhygeneic problems.

-When the service problems are solved, the psycological needs of the residents should be taken into account.

17

4.C ECOLOGICAL STUDY Kolavai Lake is one of the largest lakes situated about 200 m on the north east of Chengalpet and close to Pulipakkam village, running parallel to the national highway. This lake receives water from 12 tanks and the surplus flows into Palar, Neenjal and Madura rivers. . Presently 11 villages are benefiting from this lake.

It is rich in both flora and fauna.

The Pallava period Rock-cut temples namely Sri Karivartharaja OPTIMIZING THE SUB-URB

Perumal Temple, Siva Temple and Sri Vedhandheeswarar Cave Temple in Vallam village which is 3 km from Chengalpattu Taluk, Kanchipuram District, are declared as protected Monument of State Department Archaeology as per GO (Ms)No.263, Tourism, Culture and Religious Endowments (MA2) Department, dated 31.10.2016 [12]

18

4.C.1 THE LAKE

INLAND FISHERIES Other species such as Anguilla bicoalr, Anabas testeudinus, Channa punctatus, Channa striatus, Mystus vittatus, Notopterus notopterus, Chanda nama and Chanda ranga were also A network of 25 man-made upper tanks drain surplus water into Kolavai. Rainwater from the surrounding hillocks flow through this network.

economically important species. These are illegally exploited by the people of this area without licensed practice.

The lake helps maintain groundwater table in

The study shows that Kolavoi Lake is very rich in

Chengalpet town. At present water from the lake

fish diversity and sustains high productivity but

is used mainly by industries in the SEZ, but envi-

only a small part of this Lake is utilized for fish

ronmentalists it holds a promise to western parts

culture and proper care are needed to upgrade

of Chengalpet that at times face drinking water

the fish production and there by the fish diver-

problem. “Water from Kolavai can be potable if

sity in this lake.[13]

treated BIRD WATCHING STAKEHOLDERS

Lake Kolavai is home to many winged migrants, as the Madras Naturalist Society discovered during their annual waterfowl census. They conduct our census in January, which is the ideal time for migration of birds such as the whiskered tern, Indian spotbilled ducks, moorhens, coots, small waders etc.,[14] Fishing at this lake has been going on for years.

The lake consists of both fish species natural to

-RAILWAY STATION (POTENTIAL STAKEHOLDER) -CHENGALPATTU TOWN (STUDY AREA) -SATELLITE TOWNSHIP MAHINDRA WORLD CITY (IT CORRIDOR) -AGRICULTURAL LAND (RURAL EDGES OF THE

the lake by the government. Some of the natural fish species include rohu (Labeo rohita), vral, mirigla (Cirrhinus mrigala), etc and the species introduced by the government include silver fish,

TOWN AREA)

catla (Catla catla),9 jelabi,etc.

A total of 141 wetlands have been identified as pri-

The villages surrounding the lake are: Aman-

oritised wetlands in Tamil Nadu. Through funding OPTIMIZING THE SUB-URB

the lake and also new species introduced into

received from the State Planning Commission, Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON) has completed the preparation of Brief Documents for 141 wetlands.[15]

apakkam, Chengalpattu (town), Pulipakkam, Paranur, Malayampakkam, Hanumanthai, Terukkupattu, Esenkaranai, Kunnavakkam, Pattaravakkam, Ilanthopu and Thenur.

19 LITERATURE STUDY

5.A. DEATH AND LIFE OF GREAT AMERICAN CITIES JANE JACOBS

.“There is a quality even meaner than out-right ugliness or disorder, and this meaner quality is the dishonest mask of pretended order, achieved by ignoring or suppressing the real order that is struggling to exist and to be served.” [7]

OPTIMIZING THE SUB-URB

City is safe only when the streets are safe

Streetwalks are multi-

Mix in land use zoning

20

-Streets

*clear demarcation be-

in cities serve

tween what is public and

many purposes be-

private

sides carrying vehicles,

*eyes on the street,

and city sidewalks-the

buildings equipped to

pedestrian parts of

handle strangers and to

streets-serve

insure the safety of both residents and strangers,

must be oriented to the street.. *the sidewalk must have users on it fairly continuously

-Di-

*Users are not absolute.

versity is not

Planners tend to beleive

about color or ethnicity

big buildings are way to

alone.It involves econom- development

but

the

Jane Jacobs dedicated a full chapter to this

ic class,the intentions

choice to small means

vicious cycle in her groundbreaking book The

of each individual for

can only ensure growth.

Death and Life of Great American Cities (1961).

visiting or living

Homogeneity seems or-

Under strict separation of uses, it is necessary

derly but it does not em-

to make many trips per day. In fact, each time

brace the harmony in the hidden order of nature

the daily routine shifts from housing to school-

of things.

ing, from schooling to working, from working to shopping, from shopping to schooling,

5.B MIXED-USE ZONING AND HOME BASED

from schooling to recreational, from recrea-

PRODUCTION IN INDIA

tional to housing, and so forth, a new (at least

MATT NOHN

medium-distance) trip is likely necessary to relocate from one zone to the other. The high

It is difficult to class people into neat categories,

number of trips increases the demand on our

and equally difficult to categorize human activi-

transportation systems. In turn, cities demand

ty and imagine that it will not change over time.

larger and larger roads, which consume land

While making ample provision for the classes

and, thus, reduce built-up densities. This in

of people the city was originally meant for – ad-

turn requires longer and more frequent trips –

ministrators and bureaucrats, politicians and

because (i) lower density requires longer trips

refugees – the Chandigarh plan made very little

to reach the same number of facilities, and (ii)

concession towards the people who actually ran

walking becomes a less likely option – which in

the city – the sweepers and the rickshawallas, the

turn requires more and more roads. In addi-

street vendors and the hawkers, the construction

tion, people lose time and money (for fuel or

workers and the hired labour. It is these people

tickets) and pollution increases

OPTIMIZING THE SUB-URB

and their daily business that fills up the interstices of the city – the spaces which are no-man’s

This report was commissioned under the Inclu-

land, which belong in principle to everyone and

sive Cities Project by WIEGO’s Urban Policies

thus to no-one.

Programme Director Caroline Skinner, who is based at the African Centre for Cities Town.

The Indian planner Dr. Ashish Nangia(2004)[8]

21 CASE STUDIES

6.A. INCREMENTAL HOUSING PROJECT : HOUSING FOR LIG LOCATION : PUNE ARCHITECT: FILIPE BALESTRA AND SARA GÖRANSSON When Filipe and Sara Started working on City In-Situ Rehabilitation Scheme for Urban Poor Staying in Slums in City of Pune Under BSUP, JNNURM. They designed a strategy strengthening the informal and aims to accelerate the legalization of the homes of the urban poor. Their strategy was arranged to fit the

OPTIMIZING THE SUB-URB

parameters of this grant.

22

All proposals are for one family and 270 sq foot

6.B TUBE HOUSE

area (grant regulations). Also, each house will have a new individual toilet and kitchen.

PROJECT: HOUSING MODULE LOCATION: AHMEDABAD

Each family is free to choose one of the 3 incre-

ARCHITECT: CHARLES CORREA

mental prototypes: House A: a 2 story house structured as a 3 story house, allowing the owner to extend the house vertically without structural risks in the future.

House B: a 2 story house on pilots, allowing for the owner to either leave the space open for parking or to increment it as a shop or an extra bedroom.

House C: a 3 story house with a void in the middle. This void can be used like a veranda, living or working space, and the family can close it in order to create a new bedroom in the future.[16]

Correa’s take on designing a low cost housing unit in 1960 in Ahmedabad was to respond to the hot temperatures of the city. With the tight dimensions of 18.2 metres long by 3.6 metres wide (60 ft x 12 ft), the unit minimizes the use of doors and windows. The roof slopes rather dramatically to protect the inner volume of the house from the harsh sunlight. A small internal courtyard, reminiscent of traditional Indian houses and a recurring element in Correa’s work, is covered here by a pergola grid to minimize the heat impact and ensure security.

The slits in the sloping roof, along with adjustable louvers by the entrance, use the simple principles of “Hot air rises” and apply it to utilize the conventional flow of air currents to naturally

OPTIMIZING THE SUB-URB

ventilate and cool the house. An open floor plan distributes the functions on different levels of the section of the house, which enables privacy and creates visual barriers without the use of walls or doors. [17]

23

6.C SABARMATHI RIVER FRONT DEVELOPMENT ARCHITECT: BIMAL PATEL-LED HCP DESIGN, PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT PVT. LTD LOCATION: AHMEDABAD COMPLETION: 2012 (PHASE)

1. Garden 2. Gujari Bazar (Riverfront market), 3. Dhobi Ghat, (Washermen Wharf/Laundry Campus) 4. Event Ground and Exhibition Centre 5. Flower Park 6. Elaborate road network for access to the sites.

7. Creation of new areas with best practices in urban design.

8. Recreational Activities COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: The Sabarmati Riverfront Development Project is beinG implemented in the city as an urban design, urban renewal, ecological and environmenta improvement project. This project aims to transform Ahmadabad’s historic but neglected river into a vibrant and vital focus for the city along with widely landscaped parks and gardens, clean ghats,serene environment, clean water, diversion of sewerage, and improved conditions for urban poor resident on the riverbed. The development project encompasses both banks of the Sabarmati for 11.5 kms stretch, creating approximately over 200 hectares of reclaimed land.[19]

As an important first step, activities such as heritage flea market based near the Ellis bridge, Washmen Wharf near Nehru Bridge, and events, exhibitions and informal activities were identified as key activity nodes. For instance, 1200 vendors and 162 washer men were identified as important stakeholders.

A laundry campus has been created to provide state-of-the-art facilities for the washing community that traditionally used the river banks for laundering. The laundry campus is spread over approximately 9400 sq.mts area, has vehicular access, parking and lighting within the site.The seven blocks on the campus have been provided with wet areas on the ground level

OPTIMIZING THE SUB-URB

and terraces are equipped for drying clothes.

Area: 9380 Sq. Mt. Capacity: 168 Dhobi at a Time Toilet Block, Admin Office, Electric Sub Station

24

Several

areas

Creation of Permanent Infrastructure for 1200

have particular fo-

vendors of the informal market, and 162 wash-

cus in the project,

er man of the Dhobi Ghat is complete. Almost

namely

95% Road Network is complete. For instance, as a unique project, the first organized laun-

(i) Cleaning of the

dry campus is created in the country in the

river to improve

form of the Dhobi Ghat is now operational.

the river ecology and greening of

All 162 Washermen who have been given per-

the environment

manent facilities well equipped individual units for washing clothes.

(ii) Rehabilitation and resettlement

- Now it is possible to retain surface water in

of the Urban Poor

the river all year around

on the Riverbank including sustain-

-The ground strata are recharged with storage

ing and

of 12.5 million cubic meter river water.

(iii)

-More than 250 MLD sewage is diverted from

Revitalizing

the traditional informal

the river and pollution is eliminated.

activities

happening on the

-The river is protected from the scour and

river bank

stopped the erosion of the river banks with Diaphragm walls.

(iv) Creation of the new area through

-202 ha. land is available by retaining wall on

best practices in

both sides for further development for the city

urban design and

and flood protection.

urban renewal.

-The embankments provided with wide walkways, green space with tree plantation and RECREATIONAL SPACES Riverfront Park at Subhash Bridge: An Urban Park located on the opposite bank of the Sabarmati Ashram, and from Subhash Bridge to Rishi Dadhichi Bridge on East bank. The garden is exclusively developed with the many at-

OPTIMIZING THE SUB-URB

tractions like Sun Dial (Surya Ghadi), Promenade/ Walk area, Different shape mounds, Amphitheatre, Children play area, Step well, 19 Shopping Plaza, 7 Food court/Eateries. River Front Park at Usmanpura:

many other facilities.

- Rehabilitation of resettlement of 10046 slum dwellers in great pukka houses -Traditional users of a river like washer men and unorganized vendors are now provided with organized facilities.

-Easy access to the river water through Ghats, Stairs/ Ramps.

-Access to sites will be easier with proper road network and parking.[18]

25

6.D WILLAMETTE RIVER WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT ARCHITECT: MILLER HULL PARTNERSHIP CLIENT: TUALATIN WTER DISTRICT LOCATION:WILSNVILLE, OREGON, USA

This project is situated next to the Willamatte River in one of the fastest growing cities in oregon.

It accomodates treatment pant, and is thus analysed to inform programmatic requirements.

Scope of this project includes a wastewater treatment plant, admin building, lab, conference room, and support offices. The typology of this facility communicates the water cycle, which is demonstarted by the use of water as a unifying element that draws the senses together.

This facility related the ecological context in a sustainbale and regenrative manner through the use of advanced wastewater treatment methods and site neutralization.

The public park includes series of ponds, which enhance the local wildlife corridor along the buildings western edges by providing natural bioswales,eddies and aquaticv= vegetation. The OPTIMIZING THE SUB-URB

plant uses a 6 phase process that treats approxiamately 15 mld per day and serves population of 37000.[20]

26

•

Use water as a navigation tool to guide the visitors

•

Integrate the existing landscape into site planning and built layout

•

Relate to ecological context in a sustainable and regenerative manner

•

Use water and light to create opaque perception

•

Design the building with possible expansion in mind, as demand becomes larger

•

Regenerate the existing wetland system, which has been negatively impacted by hu-

OPTIMIZING THE SUB-URB

man development and indstrial activity.

27 PROGRAM SCHEDULE

SEWAGE PUMP STATION

BOATING CLUB

HYDRO ENTRY

BAY AREA

INCOMING CHAMBER

SEPERATE BAY FOR FISHER-

WASTEWATER SCREENER

MEN

WET WELL

PUBLIC DECK FACILITY SERVICES

ELECTRICAL ROOM WATER PUMP ROOM MECHANICAL ROOM WATER STORAGE

RAINWATER COLLECTION STORM DRAINS GREY WATER MANAGEMENT

ECO-EDUCATION CENTRE RECEPTION AND WAITING R&D LAB MIXED-USE SPACE PUBLIC TOILETS SENSE-SCAPE VIEWPOINT ADMIN OFFICE STORAGE TOILETS

WATEWATER TREATMENT

FRESH WATER CUISINE

INFLUENT DUMPING

DINING AREAS

SCREENING ROOM

DATA VAULT STAFF DINING AREAS

PRELIMINARY TREATMENT

OPEN KITCHEN (COOKING

(SCREENERS)

AREA)

LAKE PROMENADE

PRIMARY TREATMENT

FUNCTIONING KITCHEN

PUBLIC TOILETS

SECONDARY TREATMENT

(FISH PROCESSING AREA)

CYCLE STANDS OPEN DECK

MONITORING AND TESTING OPTIMIZING THE SUB-URB

CCTV CONTROL

LAB

STAFF ROOMS

EFFLUENT DISCHARGE

TOILETS

BIRDWATCHING TOWER

OPTIMIZING THE SUB-URB

28

SITE

29

BIBLIOGRAPHY

1.

https://www.economist.com/essay/2014/12/06/places-apart

2.

.https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/forefathers-foresight-keep-this-lake-alivein-drought/articleshow/59921995.cms

3.

.http://cms.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2020/jan/19/victims-of-urbanisation-villages-quenching-chennais-thirst-go-parched-2091399.html

4.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/328620595_Urban_Planning_and_the_Suburbs_ Solutions_for_Sustainability_from_the_Edges

5.

http://architectureupdate.in/this-tamil-nadu-towns-sanitation-model-helps-manage-sewage-waste-better/#.X1WknXkzb6Q

6.

https://www.tnurbantree.tn.gov.in/chengalpattu/sewerage/

7.

The Death and Life of Great American Cities by Jane Jacobs

8.

http://www.wiego.org/sites/default/files/publications/files/Nohn_WIEGO_TB3.pdf

9.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/project-promises-fresh-beginning-for-chengalpattu-lake/article4555267.ece

10.

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11.

https://chengalpattu.nic.in/

12.

https://www.tnarch.gov.in/vallam

13.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/273135798_Studies_on_Ichthyofaunal_Biodiversity_ in_Kolavai_Lake_Chengalpet_Tamil_Nadu

14.

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/dragonflies-out-in-the-sun/article30005789.ece

15.

http://tnswa.org/projects

16.

https: //www.archdaily.com/21465/incremental-housing-strategy-in-india-f ilipe-bal-

OPTIMIZING THE SUB-URB

estra-sara-goransson

17.

http://architectuul.com/architecture/tube-housing

18.

https: //www.dnaindia.com/ahmedabad/report-ahmedabad-riverf ront-shops-yet-tohear-the-buzz-of-biz-1934497#:~:text=Going%20by%20entry%20fees%20and,to%20 5%2C000%E2%80%936%2C000%20at%20weekends.

19.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/315825242_Waterf ront_Development_A_Case_ Study_of_Sabarmati_Riverfront

20.

https://issuu.com/rohanvaneeden/docs/rohan_thesis_binde