Iqbal Maidan- Bhopal, Documentation and Interventions

Published by DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE The School of Planning and Architecture 4-B, Indraprastha Estate, New Delhi- 110002 , India Copyright 2011, School of Planning and Architecture New Delhi Limited Edition printed in May 2011 Editing and Production: Kabilan S. Rohan Patankar Front and Back Cover: Sketches: Navaneethakrishnan N. Editing: Kabilan S.

Acknowledgements This project would not have been possible without the support and guidance of the Head of the Department of Architecture, the Dean of Studies and the Director at SPA New Delhi.

We would like to heartily thank our 3rd Year Design Studio director, Prof. Ranjana Mital for her constant guidance through the project and our design studio faculty team Ar. Sandip Kumar, Ar. Priyamvada Chadha, Ar. Amit Khanna and Ar. Rupa Meryll Kujur for their support and critique through the course of the project.

We are thankful to Ms. Meera Das, Convener, INTACH, Bhopal Chapter for giving freely of her time and information .

Thanks are also due to Ms. Savita Raje, MANIT, Bhopal for the heritage walk she conducted as well as for giving us some interesting and useful information about current issues of concern in Bhopal.

Special thanks to Aishwarya BK and Vatsalya Sharma for organizing the trip to Bhopal as well as to Mr. RK Chaurasiya for taking care of the lodging and travel arrangements in and around Bhopal.

Lastly, thanks to the print shop bhaiyas at Architecture Block, SPA New Delhi and the other printing centres for helping us realize this documentation through its many stages.

Editors: Kabilan S. and Rohan Patankar.

May 2011 Title Page Photos: Kabilan S. Udit Mittal

Contents • Foreword

• The Bhopal Project • The Semester Programme • Documentation & Analysis 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Bhopal: An Overview Gauhar Mahal Precinct Iqbal Maidan Jama Masjid Precinct Taj-ul-Masajid Precinct

• Proposals for Design Interventions 1.

2.

Design Brief Design Solutions

Foreword This report is a culmination of five months, August to December 2010, of rigorous work in the Design Studios of III yr Bachelors of Architecture, Sec A at the School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi.

A field trip to Bhopal involved surveys of selected urban precincts identified on the basis of their heritage and architectural importance and included collecting archival information and identifying resource persons.

Detailed surveys were also conducted at the Iqbal Maidan, the site identified for the studio programme.

Field studies over, the studios in Delhi saw students carefully documenting their findings while being involved in intense discussions on the nature and need of revival strategies for such a culturally rich and complex urban precinct as Iqbal Maidan.

Thus analyses, programming and eventually proposing design interventions in and around the study area brought the semester to its finish.

The Bhopal Project Stage I 17 Sept - 1 Oct 2010 The class went to Bhopal( 17 Sept – 23 Sept 2010) to study the old urban centre there. The study done in groups tried to understand Bhopal at two levels. The first was to get a quick ‘feel’ of the place and then focus on a specific study area.

Accordingly the student began by studying previously identified ’centres’ which had potential for a study of context, physical fabric, etc. Next, they focused on studying their site which was the area around the Iqbal Maidan.

That done the class came back - full of Bhopal and their interaction with the students from SPA, Bhopal - and documented and analysed their respective study areas.

Then they deliberated on what they considered the best or most necessary in terms of planned intervention for the area both facility-wise and architecturally.

On the basis of the class discussions the studio team formalized the proposed activities/ building types and then back the students went to study these various facilities through prescribed standards and case-studies..

We had art galleries, museums, eating places large and small, tourist information centres, library( there already exists one on the Maidan which was proposed to be removed) and an auditorium.

The students also made power point presentations on their understanding of people-places and their research into the many ways in which architectural interventions have been made in places of strong historical and/ or architectural contexts. All this work was done in groups to facilitate discussion outside of studio and avoid unnecessary duplication of information.

The next stage saw the buildable area and area programme decided collectively. Some broad guidelines were also attempted translating often as the dos and donts at Iqbal Maidan. This ended group work.

Stage II 20 Oct – 13 Dec 2010 Individual work on revitalizing Iqbal Maidan started once classes resumed after the Dusshera break, ie from 20 Oct 2010. In other words actual design proposals were conceived, developed and presented in a space of about 7 weeks.

With the area programme in place and broad scope and limits of intervention set out the students had to think about /be convinced of their strategy and give us an idea of their proposal through basic volumetric exercises, broad circulation patterns and zoning.

A mid-course correction became necessary and the number of buildings to be detailed was reduced to allow for more detailed design.

The Semester Programme In the design studio of the third year at SPA in the second half of the first semester, it is proposed, the students study an urban centre as per syllabus requirement to appreciate the dynamics of urban form.

Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh has been identified as the study area for the current studio. The students will spend 6-7 days in Bhopal observing and surveying their specific area of study and collecting relevant information and data.

At the end of the study it is expected that the students will be able to: •

•

Identify the chief characteristics of the physical fabric of an urban settlement and appreciate the need for sensitive planning and architectural intervention along with the participation of all concerned players.

Make a convincing report and presentation on the study area towards evolving a programme and architectural design for suggested developmental interventions.

As an adjunct to the main study a quick study in contrasts between the old city and the new is also proposed to highlight among other issues, the strong contextual references in each centre.

The Studio is to be conducted in the following phases: A. Pre-Visit phase, at the School, of gathering background information, familiarising with the context.

B.

Site visit to Bhopal for 7Days, to observe, document (17th Sept- 23rd Sept 2010)

C. Detailed documentation phase, upon return from site visit. (23rd Sept - 1st Oct 2010) D. Detailed Design Phase (20th Oct – 13th Dec 2010)

In Groups

In Groups

In Groups

Individual

III rd Year Section A Aishwarya Bharatkumar Amit Kurien Ammani Nair Amri Chadha Ankit Sampatram Anuj Mittal Atul Shekhar Bhavika Aggarwal Edson M. Garima Mendiratta Ishan Khan Kabilan S. Kaushik Naarayan.B Kundan Khalkho Mahboubah Touri Mahendra Kr. Suthar Maulik Yagnik Mebanshanbor Marbaniang Navneeth Krishnan Nikit Deshlahra Nishant Gupta Prabhat Tiwari Priyanshi Shukla Rohan Patankar Sandeep Ahuja Shila Abdula Shobitha Jacob Shruti Jalodia Sumati Mattoo Tarun Sharma Udit Mittal Vani Sood Varun Bajaj Vatsalya Sharma Velyne Vishal Jayan Zoya Ajaz

View of Iqbal Maidan

1

Bhopal: An Overview

 Introduction……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….01  Geography and Climate ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...…….02 Brief History ………………….…………………………………………………………………………………...………………………………..…….03  Evolution » Pre Independence …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….04 » Independence ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….………….06 Drainage …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….09 Lakes …………………………….…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….11  Old & New » Connects ………………………….……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….13 »Planning ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...…….14 » Streetscapes ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….….15 » Public Places …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….17  New: Chaotic v/s Planned ………………………………………………………………………………………………...……………………….16  Traffic …………………………………….………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……….17  Religion & Culture …………………….…………………………………………………………………………………………...………………….20  Public Art and Awareness ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….21  Conclusions » Notions v/s Reality …………………………………………………………………………………………………………..………………22 » Old & New disconnect …………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……….23 »Why intervene? ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….24 » Suggested interventions ………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……….25

BHOPAL: An Overview

Ammani | Amri | Bhavika | Ishan | Maulik | Rohan | Varun

Contents

Hindustan ka dil dekho!  Capital and second largest city of Madhya Pradesh  Upper Lake is the largest artificial lake in Asia  Administrative headquarters of Bhopal district.  Municipality covers 298 square kilometres  Population: 14,58,416

IDGAH HILLS

ARERA HILLS LOWER LAKE (CHOTTA TALAAB)

HOW HE SPEAKS  Ko Khan, Kaise? – How are you?  Ustaad rokke challnaa, ek ladies aa ri hegi! (in minibus / tempo)  Kon Khan Kan Ja Riye Ho!! (where are you going?)  Miya kallaat (kal-raat) se bhot STD (acidity) ho ri hegi mein

UPPER LAKE (BADA TALAAB)

SHYAMALA HILLS

BHOPAL BHOPAL

WHAT HE EATS  Spicy achar gost (pickled lamb), sumptuous keemas (minced meat), delectable rogan josh (mutton dish) and a variety of pulaos (aromatic rice) .  Most famous for is the Bhopali Paan (betel leaf)

Introduction

B.Arch. IIIrd Yr. A SPA, New Delhi

350

Precipitation (mm)

300 250

UCIL FACTORY

No of Days

200 150 100

OLD BHOPAL

50 0

UPPER LAKE

J

LOWER LAKE

VAN VIHAR

F M A M J

J

A

S

45

NEW BHOPAL

O N D

Average Tempreture Range

40 35 30

25 20

15 10 5

0 J

AREA

F M A M

J

J

A

S

O N D

RELIGION ROADS

HINDUS

FORESTS

MUSLIMS

BUILT AREA

OTHERS

SEX RATIO FEMALES

 Co-ordinates 23.25N, 77.42E  Soil Mostly Red soil but Black soil(fertile) on Eastern side.  Elevation 499 metres  Located on Malwa Plateau, in central India  Total planned area 24072 ha or 268 sq.km  Total annual rainfall: 120mm – 1600 mm

MALES

Geography & Climate BHOPAL: An Overview Ammani | Amri | Bhavika | Ishan | Maulik | Rohan | Varun

1010-53

1236

Creation of Bada Talab, Bhojpala and Bhojpur Bhojpala ravaged

17 C

1715

Bhojpala is an overgrown, decayed village

1794

1722-28

1819

annexes Bhojpala from Gond queen Kamalavati

1947

1857 Bhopal supports the British regime

1956

Bhopal accedes to India

City expands Dost Mohammad Khan attacks Jagdishpur, renames it Islamnagar

Independence Creation of Chota Talab

Raja Bhoj’s reign

Great Revolt

Establishes Fatehgarh Fort

Iltutmish invades

Dost Mohammad Khan

Alliance with East India Company

Creation of Madhya Pradesh with Bhopal as capital

BHOPAL DISASTER On the night of December 2–3, 1984 at the Union Carbide India Limited pesticide plant , a leak of methyl isocyanate (MIC) gas and other chemicals resulted in the exposure and subsequent deaths of several thousands of people, both immediately and later, due to gas-related diseases.

Dost Mohammad Khan

Shah Jahan Begum

Brief History

Coat of Arms Bhopal State

B.Arch. IIIrd Yr. A SPA, New Delhi

1010

1130

1800

1715

1801

1837

ISLAMNAGAR

JAMA MASJID SABHA MANDAL

UPPER LAKE (BADA TALAAB) LOWER LAKE

GAUHAR MAHAL

UPPER LAKE (BADA TALAAB)

 Upper lake created using earthen dam by Raja Bhoja.  A temple, Sabha Mandal built and fort walls erected.  Bhopal divided into small villages.

 1715 A.D. Mughal Army Commander Dost Mohammed Khan attacks Bhopal.  Establishes capital at Islamnagar - 11 km North of Bhopal  1723 A.D. Construction of city wall and Fatehgarh Fort starts.  1794A.D. Pul Pukhta Dam constructed by Chote Khan, wazir of Bhopal, forming the Lower Lake.

BHOPAL: An Overview

Ammani | Amri | Bhavika | Ishan | Maulik | Rohan | Varun

 Begums come into power.  Qudsia Begum builds the first Palace, Gohur Mahal and Jama Masjid that soon becomes the epicentre of growth.

Evolution

1838

1868

1890

1869

1947

1891

BROAD GAUGE RAILWAY LINE

SHAUKAT MAHAL SHAHJAHANABAD

KHIRNIWALA MAIDAN

IQBAL MAIDAN

JEHANGIRABAD

MOTI MASJID

UPPER LAKE (BADA TALAAB)

 Upper lake created using earthen dam by Raja Bhoja.  A temple, Sabha Mandal built and fort walls erected.  Bhopal divided into small villages.

 1715 A.D. Mughal Army Commander Dost Mohammed Khan attacks Bhopal.  Establishes capital at Islamnagar - 11 km North of Bhopal  1723 A.D. Construction of city wall and Fatehgarh Fort starts.  1794A.D. Pul Pukhta Dam constructed by Chote Khan, wazir of Bhopal, forming the Lower Lake.

Evolution

 The Khirniwala Maidan colonnade with two gates is demolished, leaving a huge space with no definition and is renamed Iqbal Maidan.

B.Arch. IIIrd Yr. A SPA, New Delhi

BHEL

DIFFERENT PHYSICAL FEATURES ASSIGNED DIFFERENT FUNCTIONS:

SHYAMLA HILLS

INDUSTRIAL ADMINISTRATIVE/ INSTITUTIONAL AFFORESTED

VAN VIHAR

EDUCATIONAL MANIT

OLD BHOPAL

RESULTED IN

WHY EXTENDED SOUTH?  Need for expansion  Administrative demands of capital city  Could not expand west: low lying flood plains and steep slope  City contained by railway line on north and east

 Employment opportunities- economic growth  Plentiful housing triggered more development  Creation of ancillary activities (markets, etc.) nearby

 1956  Dedicated industrial area to east of city  Separate township- almost independent of the city

Recently gave land back to the city: allowed for development of ISBT and expansion of Habibganj station

BHEL UPPER LAKE LOWER LAKE

BHEL

BHOPAL: An Overview

Ammani | Amri | Bhavika | Ishan | Maulik | Rohan | Varun

NEW BHOPAL

Evolution

BHOJ WETLAND PROJECT  Lakes declared a RAMSAR protected site in 1971  Project to conserve and manage the Bhoj Wetland launched in 1995  Concentrated on dredging, desilting, forestation of catchment area, prevention of pollution (sewage, drainage, dhobighats)

RESULTED IN  Beautification of Upper Lake periphery  Increased attraction for tourists  Greater public awareness

RAILWAY LINES BOUNDARIES OF THE CITY

OLD CITY

 Bhopal mostly contained within the railway lines  Only one over pass (Chetak bridge)-others are all level crossings  Long waiting time–inconvenient- thus restrained expansion on the other side of tracks

BHEL

BYE LAWS FOR BUILDING IN THE OLD CITY  Max. 80% ground coverage for commercial areas on ground floor of existing buildings within the controlled area  High density low rise form of development preferred

CHETAK BRIDGE

NEW CITY

Evolution

OUTSKIRTS

B.Arch. IIIrd Yr. A SPA, New Delhi

FACTS  Sewage treatment plants near all catchment areas prevent waste from directly entering lakes  Lower lake fed by seepage from the Kamlapati dam from Upper lake  40% regular water supply in monsoons through wet weather flow

HATAYEKHEDA LAKE

MOTIA TALAAB

UPPER LAKE

LOWER LAKE

UTILIZED  Shahpura Lake is used as an oxidation lake  Kaliasot Lake provides the city with fresh water

UNDERUTILIZED

KALIASOT DAM

 Smaller lakes like Motia Talaab and Munshi Hassan Talaab were once fresh water lakes but are now polluted.

SHAHPURA LAKE

CONSTRUCTED DRAINS

BHOPAL: An Overview

Ammani | Amri | Bhavika | Ishan | Maulik | Rohan | Varun

SMALL TRIBUTARIES

Drainage

RIDGES

UPPER LAKE

LOWER LAKE

Lakes

B.Arch. IIIrd Yr. A SPA, New Delhi

UPPER LAKE  Designated points for fishing  Segregated lanes for vehicular and pedestrian movement  No direct access to lake from VIP Road  basic public awareness is stressed upon by authorities and followed by the citizens  The Lake creates a micro-climate in the heart of Bhopal that is breezy, windy and slightly cooler than the surrounding areas

LAND USE Commercial

UPPER LAKE

Institutional LOWER LAKE

Residential Recreational Religious

UPPER LAKE BOAT CLUB

SOUTHERN EDGE  Pedestrian walkways, public art, benches along the road  After a point, the pedestrian walkway goes down and road goes up  The Boat Club is situated here  Boating and water sports  Illegal housing was recently demolished

6m

4m

Section Across Road Near Boat Culb

BHOPAL: An Overview

Ammani | Amri | Bhavika | Ishan | Maulik | Rohan | Varun

Lakes

LOWER LAKE  Northern edge is dotted with mosques and temples  The road along the lake is lined mostly with the back facade of buildings  Eastern edge is predominantly commercial  Further south-east is institutional, hemmed by a strip of encroachments on one side and Jehangirabad on the other.

4m Section Through Northern Edge Of Lower Lake

Section Through Upper Lake

Lakes

B.Arch. IIIrd Yr. A SPA, New Delhi

Jehangirabad

KAMLA PARK INTERSECTION

Pul Pukhta

Eastern edge of the Upper Lake. A gradual transition from New to Old.

VIP ROAD

Lower Lake

 Leads left towards Raja Bhoj Airport, bypassing old city  Only first layer of old buildings visible, like Gohar Mahal  Smooth traffic movement, just like the new city  Unusable lakefront, but prevention of encroachment

Jehangirabad Ext,

Iqbal Maidan

PUL PUKHTA DAM

NH 12 Moti Masjid

 Leads straight to the chowk near moti masjid  After a row of new shops, an obvious change from the new city

KAMLA BRIDGE

KAMLA PARK  Popular public space  Includes Kamlapati Palace and other ruins

JAHANGIRABAD

Upper Lake

 Housing - mixed use, grid iron plan  Dense

Qila Kohna Dam

 Drain pipe along the road  Pseudo lakefront  People congregate, specially during sunset

North Eastern edge of the lower lake. Stark transformation from the old to the new.

Kamla Park

JAHANGIRABAD EXTENSION Lower Lake

 Cantonment area during the Begum period  Presently used as government houses, police headquarters etc.

NORTHERN LAKE FRONT Vrindavan Garden

BHOPAL: An Overview Ammani | Amri | Bhavika | Ishan | Maulik | Rohan | Varun

 Small part of the edge used as ghats  Thick layers of two storey houses, dotted with temples and mosques

Old & New: Connects

OLD CITY

ORGANIC

Green, open spaces Planned for private as well as public use

Chaotic plan shahjahanabad

GRID IRON PLAN NEAR JAMA MASJID

NEW CITY Planned Rapid urban development Occurred around historic pockets

PLAN NEAR T.T NAGAR

Old v/s New

B.Arch. IIIrd Yr. A SPA, New Delhi

OLD CITY

A GRID IRON MAZE The old city roads, planned or not, all have an organic, maze like character.

WIDTHS  Between 3 to 6 metres

SETBACKS  None whatsoever, apart from open drains covered in places with vindhyan sandstone slabs, about 0.5 mts wide

MAINTENANCE  Quite dirty - heaps of garbage by the roadside, spitting etc.  No dustbins

LIGHTING  Very sparse lighting, mostly from neon shop signs  Street lighting at large intervals

UNIQUE FEATURES  Characteristic land-use: Ground floor = Commercial Upper floors = Residential  Balconies, Dalaans, Patias (seating outside main door) as spaces of interaction

4 mts

Section Of Street In Chowk Bazaar

BHOPAL: An Overview Ammani | Amri | Bhavika | Ishan | Maulik | Rohan | Varun

Old & New: Roads

NEW CITY -

AN URBAN HAZE

4 mts

Section Of Street Through Link Road 2

8 mts

8 mts

5 mts

28 mts

UNIQUE FEATURES

WIDTHS Cars

 Between 8 to 30 meters Buses

SETBACKS  Approx. 2 meters of paved area + 2.5 meters of green cover  Trees like Gulmohar, Mahua etc

Two Wheelers Pedestrian

Auto Rikshaws

TRAFFIC: OLD CITY

MAINTENANCE  Quite Clean, though dustbins are hard to find

Auto Rikshaws Cars

LIGHTING

Buses

 Adequate street lighting along footpaths and pavements

Two Wheelers

Pedestrian

TRAFFIC: NEW CITY

Old & New: Roads

 Proper allocation of open + green spaces  Strong distinction between residential and commercial streets  Low buildings – mostly between G+1 to G+3

B.Arch. IIIrd Yr. A SPA, New Delhi

OBSERVATION: 652 vehicles along Sultania Road, Iqbal Maidaan from 15:56-16:56 on 22/9/2010 10% vehicles in the wrong direction

SOUTH

NORTH WEST Outskirts of the ‘Old City’;Newer developments

The ‘New City’, mostly to the south of Kamla Park.

ROADS

ROADS

 Poorly maintained roads, ‘kaccha’ in parts, with little lighting, haphazard wiring, no paved footpaths  Houses without defined boundaries, various temporary constructions

PLANNING

 Wide roads with adequet setbacks, greenery, light fixtures  Plots with boundary walls for security

CHARACTER

PLANNING

 Unhygienic, full of stray dogs and cows

 Cars and scooters; Vehicular  Quite clean

 Cycles and pedestrian

 Very planned, with 3 link roads and a loose grid iron.  Hierarchy of roads – Main roads, streets, gulleys etc.

CHARACTER  More village like, unplanned and organic.

Settlements are along drainage lines sloping towards smaller lakes

6 mts

BHOPAL: An Overview Ammani | Amri | Bhavika | Ishan | Maulik | Rohan | Varun

Section Of Street In Chowk Bazaar

New: Chaotic v/s Planned

TRAFFIC CONGESTION IN OLD QUARTER Initial open space converted into national highway +no footpath on the north edge= Not pedestrian-friendly

Permissible traffic flow

Additional unwanted traffic flow

 Conversion of pedestrian streets into vehicular roads  Hamidia Hospital , towards west serves entire city, thus increasing load  Increase in no. of vehicles

Traffic on Sultania road

Moti Masjid

Traffic islands in the city

TRAFFIC ISLANDS POSITIVE  Well landscaped, manicured and maintained  Facilitate better flow of traffic

NEGATIVE  Difficult to cross roads and access them  A lot of statues, no benches etc.  No flat open space

Traffic

B.Arch. IIIrd Yr. A SPA, New Delhi

BHOPAL JUNCTION [BPL]  In the old city  Large crowd and little parking area  Constructed in 1910  4th Major Railway Junction of India  6 Platforms - 12 tracks  More than 140 daily trains

BHOPAL HABIBGANJ [HBJ]     

In new city Large parking area Constructed in 1959 5 Platforms - 6 tracks Average passengers daily– 1,60,000

SERVICES AT HABIBGANJ  Waiting Room  Dormitory/ Retiring Rooms

SERVICES AT BHOPAL JN.  Waiting Room  Dormitory/Retiring Rooms

    

Refreshment ATM Food Plaza Internet Cafes STD Calling Booths

BHOPAL: An Overview Ammani | Amri | Bhavika | Ishan | Maulik | Rohan | Varun

Old & New: Railway Stations

Refreshment ATM Food Plaza Internet – Café STD Calling Booths Exit Doors for Disabled Emergency Exit Doors

MARKET

STADIUMS TATYA TOPE STADIUM

NEW MARKET     

Allotted parking spaces All sorts of amenities, facilities and things available.

Wide streets in and around the market No residences on the upper floors Wide, Open area

CHOWK BAZAAR  Negligible Parking space  Dedicated areas/ lanes to various types of articles  Narrow streets ,gullies causing jams  Mixed use units where Ground floor is Commercial Above that is residential  Densely-packed area

Stadiums

 Located in new Bhopal  Used in state-level sports competitions  Formal practice sessions and coaching classes held  Well-maintained

BABE ALI STADIUM    

located in old Bhopal Informal Practices on regular basis Comparable to a Park Not well-maintained

B.Arch. IIIrd Yr. A SPA, New Delhi

WHY INTERVENE IN IQBAL MAIDAN?  Intact historical character will be lost without intervention  Despite being one of the few big, open spaces in the old city, it is not being used to its full potential  To improve image and awareness of the this heritage among the people of Bhopal  Earlier a popular gathering space, the maidan has now become an impersonal island - It needs to function like a public place again, with activities et al  To restore the lake front  To make the area more accessible and pedestrian friendly

1

3

2

4

5

1. Iqbal maidan; devoid of activity 2. Maidan used only for afternoon siesta 3. Degradation of historical character 4. Heavy LMV and pedestrian traffic 5. VIP Road along the lake

BHOPAL: An Overview Ammani | Amri | Bhavika | Ishan | Maulik | Rohan | Varun

Conclusion: Justifications

REVITALIZATION Iqbal maidan today, is merely a public space.

The idea is to attract people to it and provide them with activities and facilities, so that it becomes a public place, once again.

PEOPLE PULLERS  Sound & Light show  Attractions for children  Multiple food options

CULTURE      

Museum Cottage Industry Emporium Training Center Intimate public spaces for women Library (Relocated)

ACTIVITIES  Chess  Cycling/Jogging paths  Street furniture + interactive public art

FACILITIES    

Conclusion: Suggested Interventions

B.Arch. IIIrd Yr. A SPA, New Delhi

Restaurant / Cafe’ Toilets ATMs Tourist Information

RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY

FESTIVITIES BY THE LAKE Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with viguor in Bhopal, owing to a large population of Marathis. Since the Bhoj Wetland Project, only the lower lake is used for immersing Ganpati Idols.

NEW CITY  Not as dense in terms of religious buildings  Mostly temples, with smaller mosques  Dussehra Grounds for seasonal festivities

Other important festivals include:  Diwali  Eid  Dussehra

OLD CITY  Mostly large and small mosques  Many small temples, some showing Islamic characteristics as well  Skyline dominated by minarets and some shikharas

BHOPAL: An Overview Ammani | Amri | Bhavika | Ishan | Maulik | Rohan | Varun

Religion & Culture

INSTALLATION ART  Address social and environmental issues and depict nature  Certain motifs and patterns repeated throughout the city  Artistically appealing, easy to comprehend  Can be found along the upper lake, at the stations and certain roundabouts as well Semicircular modules along lower lakefront

AWARENESS CAMPAIGN With the implementation of the Bhoj Wetland Project, a keen attempt has been made to keep the city clean, especially the lakefront.

Shaheen’ – A sculpture in Iqbal Maidan

 Information tablets stating facts about the city and its lakes  Paintings and signboards with rules and/or motivational messages, along roads  Dustbins along the upper lakefront, though there are few in the city itself Installation near Boat Club, upper lake

Signboard near Gohar Mahal Paintings on a wall along the lakeside, with scenes depicting good civic behavior

Public Art & Awareness

B.Arch. IIIrd Yr. A SPA, New Delhi

We reached Bhopal with some preconceived notions of the city as a whole, which, upon experiencing the culture and architecture, were found shattered.

GREEN CITY? Bhopal isn’t evenly green, and the old city is surprisingly pretty bereft of vegetation.

‘CITY OF LAKES’ The lakes seem to be just a geographic feature, from which the city might have originated, but which did not influence the later development of the city.

Why?  Origin of the city  Microclimate However…  Few lakes, like the Kaliasot which supplies water to the city, are used, while the others are not harnessed properly  Apart from the boat club and a few other points, there is no link between the people and the lakes

SOORMA BHOPALI The pronounced old ‘Bhopali’ character -grand in scale, style and personality- didn’t come across, architecturally or culturally.

1 of ?

Notions v/s Reality BHOPAL: An Overview Ammani | Amri | Bhavika | Ishan | Maulik | Rohan | Varun

Moti Masjid

2 Gauhar Mahal Precinct

Contents 1.

CONTENTS

1

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

IMAGES THE SITE CIRCULATION AND THE GHATS CONTOURS LAND-USE, FIGURE GORUND, CONNECTIVITY TYPOLOGY, CULTURE, OPEN SPACES

2 3 4 5 6 7

8.

9.

THE GHATS – SKETCHES THE GHATS – IMAGES

8 9

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

GAUHAR MAHAL – GAUHAR MAHAL – GAUHAR MAHAL – GAUHAR MAHAL – ISSUES

HISTORY PLANS ELEVATION SECTIONS

15. STUDY – TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE 16. STUDY – PROPORTIONATE AREAS 17. STUDY – EATERIES (FOOD KIOSKS)

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

1

2

3

THE

4

GHATS

5

6

7

8

Ghat - 1 Ghat - 2 Ghat - 3

THE Detail of Ghat - 1

GHATS

The Gohar Mahal area exists as a set of built up blocks between the teo major open spaces of the area, Iqbla Maidan and the Lake.

Its major characteristic is that it is penetrated by several ‘galis’ connecting the two.

In the older days they used to be Ghat leading to the lake. The ones closer to the Mahal were pehaps exclusively for the royalty while the ones further away for the public.

An Overview of the Iqbal Maidan – Gohar Mahal area

Detail of Ghat - 3

The development of the VIP Road hah removed some of these ghats and at the same time made the remainder redundant and pulluted.

The road has created a volume of water between the shore and the road that does not flow in and out of the lake, hence becoming stagnant and filthy.

A view of Iqbal Maidan

THE

GHATS

Ghat – 1 Leads from the Iqbal Maidan to the current front entrance of the Gohar Mahal.

Ghat – 2 Leads from the Iqbal maidan to the back of the Gohar |Mahal and the Lake through the underside of the VIP Road, through the Sikander Gate Ghat – 3 Leads from a densely populated residential area behind the BMC offices to the Lake.

It is the best preserved of the Ghats and is also used frequently by the local populace despite the pollution caused by the VIP Road.

Ghat - 1

Ghat - 2

Ghat - 3

9

10

11

12

13

14

Tourist Information Center SPACE

FUNCTION

NUMBER OF PEOPLE

FURNITURE

AREA (sqm)

Administration

Maintenance Accounting

4

3 Workstations

15

Information desk

Weekly events, monument visiting hours, Places to visit, General information (Restaurant, hospitals, hotels)

4

1 desk, 4 chairs

7

Guided tour

In city and city outskirt tours, booking cabs, information on places to visit, ticketing, timing

3

1 desk, 3 chairs

5

Souvenir shop

Display, purchase

6

Display shelves, 1 chair, 1 desk

10

Shop Storage Sitting

3 Main lobby

30

30 seats, Touch screens, coffee machine, water cooler

Storage

60 15

Cyber cafĂŠ

Internet access

5

5 computers

12

ATM

Money access

1

ATM machine

6

Toilet

-

30

4 washbasins, 3 WC's, 2 urinals, I storage

30

Parking

-

-

2 buses, 10 scooters, 10 cars

300

TOTAL

463

The bus service shall be frequent, with the loading and unloading happening near the eateries

The tourist information centres should have provisions for the physically challenged.

There shall be brochure stands and touchscreens (5) in the main lobby providing general information

15

Proportionate Areas

Info

Guides

Transition

Service to hire personal guides shall be provided

The Transition space shall be used to create a gradual flow between the inside and the outside

TRANSITION SPACE

PARKING FOR 2 BUSES 10 SCOOTERS 10 CARS

ATM

ADMINISTRATION STORAGE INFORMATION DESK

MAIN LOBBY

Information regarding local Sim cards and telephone networks shall be provided

GUIDED TOURS

SHOP STORE SOUVINER SHOP

AREA (sqm)

Administration

Information desk Guided tour Souvenir shop Shop Storage Sitting Storage Cyber cafĂŠ ATM Toilet Parking

16

Eateries (Food Kiosks) SPACE

DIMENSION (in m)

AREA

SOURCE

Phone Booth

0.9 x 0.9

ATM

2 x 1.2

Newspaper/books kiosk

6x3

Eating display kiosk

2.4 x 1.6

3.84

restaurantequipment.net

Refreshment/Coffee/Tea

1.3 x 1.5

1.95

Janak puri metro station

Ice cream kiosk

1.8 x 1.5

2.7

TOTAL

0.81 2.4 9

dimensionsguide.com PNB atm, hari nagar dimensionsguide.com

Gelato

20.7

The eateries should be ideally placed near the pickup and drop-off points of the tours.

This will allow the tourists to relax and refresh while waiting

All the eateries should have provisions for the physically challenged.

The ideal slope should be at least 1 in 6

Sufficient parking for these buses must also be provided as long as the eateries are to be placed close to the bus points.

17

View of Iqbal Maidan from Moti Masjid

3 Iqbal Maidan

View of Sikander Gate

4 Jama Masjid Precinct

Loha mandi

Iqbal maidan

lakhedapura Chowk bazaar

5 SITE PLAN

SHEET NO 1

OVERVIEW: set in the north of old bhopal, shahjahanabad was the walled city of the shahjahan begum. built around 1837,its palace complex consisted of royal chambers, gardens, educational institutions, mosques and military quarters.

Taj Mahal The palace comprises of residential quarters around large courtyards approachable through five highly embellished double storied gateways that punctuate the external high blank wall. The main entrance way is however towards the east. This seven-storied structure is the grandest entrance to any structure of Bhopal. The rectangular plan of the palace revolved around a large central rectangular courtyard with its water bodies and charbaghs.

Benazir Palace Benazir was a pleasure pavilion in the garden and was essentially built as shahjahan Begum’s summer palace, overlooking the expanding landscape to its east and from it the arrangement of the three water bodies could be seen – the Motia Talab which was the uppermost, the intermediate Noor Mahal Talab and the lowermost the Munshi Hussain Talab.

The palace is a merger of the Mughal and Colonial architecture. The H shaped building enclosed green stepped terraces and gurgling fountains; and a series of steps and plinths descended down to the water. The grounds attached to the palaces were used for ceremonial processions, parades and were also congregation grounds for the subjects.

the independence period saw the influx of refugees and thereby steered the complex towards the urban village that it Taj-Ul-Masjid The Taj-Ul-Masjid is the biggest covered area mosque of is today.

The broken walls and the gates are the only remainders of the city boundary.

SHEET NO 2

Asia, and third largest in the world. The mosque could not be completed during Begum’s reign due to the costs involved. It is placed on a high platform with a huge courtyard. The main entrance is 74 ft high. The internal northern part was reserved for the veiled women for performing ‘namaz’. Every year an International three day Iztima held in the mosque where religious and theological discussions take place.

Pari bazaar Pari bazaar was established by Shahjahan Begaum exclusively for the women. It is enclosed by high masonry walls with only one entrance gateway. A seasonal market was organised for one month twice a year with a provision of royal incentive for the best stall. Women came in colourful attire adding to the fervour of the place, hence the name Pari bazaar.

Karbala Gate The octagonal arched gate is made of chiseled stones. There is a staircase to reach the upper portion which has a room. The gate forms a portion of the fort’s wall which encircled the Idgah and extended upTo Benazeer. It was declared as Shahid Smarak in 1997, in which a small collection pertaining to freedom struggle has been displayed.

Bab-e Ali Gate This is an arched and decorated gate with a triangular balcony to enter the Bab-e-ali ground. Both sides of the gate have projected rooms which have half-circular pillars with arches.

Idgah The largest open public space of bhopal, then and now, has always been foremost guiding factor of urban planning of Shahjahanabad.

Kala Gate

Benazeer Gate

SECTION

DOCTORS RESIDENCE

PRESENT VIEW

VISUALIZED VIEW

DOCTORS RESIDENCE

SHEET NO 4

PARI BAZAAR

PARI BAZAAR Pari bazaar established by Shahjahan Begaum exclusively for women.

Enclosed by high masonry walls with only one entrance gateway.

Seasonal market was organised.

Women came in colourful attire hence the name Pari bazaar.

SL

PRESENT VIEW

BENAZEER PALACE

SITE PLAN

MOTIA TALAAB

Benazir was a pleasure pavilion in the garden and was essentially built as shahjahan Begum’s summer palace, The palace is a merger of the Mughal and Colonial architecture. The H shaped building enclosed green stepped terraces and gurgling fountains; and a series of steps and plinths descended down to the water. The grounds attached to the palaces were used for ceremonial processions, parades

SHEET NO 5

SECTION

PEOPLE FEEDING FISH

PRESENT VIEW

BENAZEER PALACE

TAJ UL MASJID

BENAZEER PALACE THE LAKE INTERFACE ACTS AS A VERY IMPORTANT SOCIAL PLACE AS WELL AS A PLACE WHICH PROVIDES A DISTINCT IDENTITY TO SHAHJAHANABAD.PEOPLE KEEP COMING AND FEEDING THE FISH WHICH INTURN BRINGS LIFE TO THE WHOLE PICTURE

SHEET NO 6

SL

A VISUALIZED IMAGE OF THE SAWAN BHADO HAMAM.

SITE PLAN

TAJ MAHAL

TAJ MAHAL

SECTION SL

BAAB E ALI MAIDAN GATE

BAAB E ALI MAIDAN

SITE PLAN

THE BAAB E ALI STADIUM WAS PREVIOUSLY A GARDEN LINKED TO THE TIMES OF THE EARLY BEGUM WHICH WAS LATER CONVERTED TO A CRICKET STADIUM AND NOW EVERY SEASON MATCHES ARE HELD HERE

SHEET NO 8

GROWTH PATTERN

Palatial Complex Initial refugee settlement Post independence Recent development The system of three talaabs, has been the governing factor in the growth of Shahjahanabad. While Motia Talaab was primarily a private reservoir for the royalty, the excess surface run-off spilled in the other two talaabs which were at that point integrated to the whole scheme by extensive landscape of the palatial gardens.

Later, when the refugees came to settle they were allocated land near Munshi Hussain Khan talaab, thereby maintaining the privacy of the Motia Talaab, with the existing nallahs dictating the street pattern.

After theindependepence, Shahjahanabad experienced even greater immigration leading to a dense fabric closing in towards the palatial complex.

SHEET NO 10

CITY TRANSFORMATION Old axis Processional axis nallah City wall

The ad-hoc development has transformed the Shajahanabad into a complex composite comprising of many layers. The gradient of social hierarchy has been interrupted to an extent that the transition from one part to the other is quite abrupt.

The built-open relationship has been so adversely affected that the remaining open spaces are devoid of any public activity.

The processional East-West axis of the Taj mahal is completely extinct.

Also the city wall and the palace wall have perished slowly giving way to new development

COMPARITIVE ANALYSIS Public Activity Owing to its strategic location the Iqbal Maidan continues to function as the focal point of the city: a city centre. It was a pocket for the general public amidst a circle of nobility. It still has lot of political activity apart from the daily informal usage both during daytime and night.

Shahjahanabad on the other hand served as an intermittent seat of power for a brief period of time. Due to its transformation into an urban village, the open spaces in Shahjahanabad are practically redundant at present but they possess a strong potential for urban regeneration.

Transformations Although the development around the Iqbal Maidan happened centuries ago, being the active city centre it has sustained its character to a large extent. All the buildings surrounding it are still in use housing important functions.

But Shahjahanabad because of rapid influx of refugees during independence, developed a urban village like character. This led to the loss of the monumentality of the royal complex. In its dilapidated state Shahjahanabad appears far older than its counterparts.

SHEET NO 12

COMPARITIVE ANALYSIS Influence of the Mosque Taj ul Mosque in its siting and by its proportions completely dominates the sky line of Shahjahanabad. Its tall minars can be seen from a large distance and therefore serve as a landmark. Its imposing steps act as an active public place after the prayers. The height of the plinth of the mosque not only serve as a vantage point but convey the lost granduer of the original scheme.

Where as Moti Masjid despite being a religious building does not stand out in proportion to the other buildings in its vicinity. This provides the enclosure of Iqbal Maidan a sense of human scale with no over-riding orientation.

Response to the Waterfront While laying out the royal complex of Shahjahanabad comprising of the Taj Mahal, The Benazeer Palace and the Taj-ul-Mosque, the Motia Talab was ingenously incorporated in the planning to create a favourable microclimate besides availing the expanding landscape to its east and the arrangement of three water bodies from it could be seen. Currently the talaab functions merely as an incidental respite to a busy street up east, and there is a dhobi-ghat on the southern edge skirting the Taj-ul-Mosque.

The connection between the Iqbal Maidan, Bada Talaab and Kamla Nehru park has also lost its essence considerably due to the advent of the VIP road.

The Bhopal Project Stage I 17 Sept - 1 Oct 2010 The class went to Bhopal( 17 Sept – 23 Sept 2010) to study the old urban centre there. The study done in groups tried to understand Bhopal at two levels. The first was to get a quick ‘feel’ of the place and then focus on a specific study area.

Accordingly the student began by studying previously identified ’centres’ which had potential for a study of context, physical fabric, etc. Next, they focused on studying their site which was the area around the Iqbal Maidan.

That done the class came back - full of Bhopal and their interaction with the students from SPA, Bhopal - and documented and analysed their respective study areas.

Then they deliberated on what they considered the best or most necessary in terms of planned intervention for the area both facility-wise and architecturally.

On the basis of the class discussions the studio team formalized the proposed activities/ building types and then back the students went to study these various facilities through prescribed standards and case-studies..

We had art galleries, museums, eating places large and small, tourist information centres, library( there already exists one on the Maidan which was proposed to be removed) and an auditorium.

The students also made power point presentations on their understanding of people-places and their research into the many ways in which architectural interventions have been made in places of strong historical and/ or architectural contexts. All this work was done in groups to facilitate discussion outside of studio and avoid unnecessary duplication of information.

The next stage saw the buildable area and area programme decided collectively. Some broad guidelines were also attempted translating often as the dos and donts at Iqbal Maidan. This ended group work.

Stage II 20 Oct – 13 Dec 2010 Individual work on revitalizing Iqbal Maidan started once classes resumed after the Dusshera break, ie from 20 Oct 2010. In other words actual design proposals were conceived, developed and presented in a space of about 7 weeks.

With the area programme in place and broad scope and limits of intervention set out the students had to think about /be convinced of their strategy and give us an idea of their proposal through basic volumetric exercises, broad circulation patterns and zoning.

A mid-course correction became necessary and the number of buildings to be detailed was reduced to allow for more detailed design.

Proposals for Design Interventions

IQBAL MAIDAN IS A SITE LOCATED IN BHOPAL. IT IS SITUATED NEAR THE LAKE ON THE EDGE OF THE OLD AND NEW CITY. IT WAS EARLIER USED AS A HOCKEY GROUND.

IQBAL MAIDAN

SITE INFORMATION KIOSK AND CAFÉ WITH OUTDOOR SEATING

A FREE AND OPEN EXHIBITION ABOUT IQBAL MAIDAN AND THE ARCH

MUSEUM

AUDITORIUM

TOURIST INFORMATION CENTER ART GALLERY CAFÉ AND LIBRARY

BIRD’S EYE VIEW OF DESIGN FROM LAKE SIDE

OPEN SPACES SHADED BY CANTILEVERED FLOORS AND MUTUAL SHADING

A VISUAL CONNECT IS THERE AS ONE CAN SEE IQBAL MAIDAN FROM THE GAUHAR MAHAL PARKING ITSELF.

THE LANDSCAPE CONNECTS THE GATE TO MAIN PLAZA THE STEPS DOUBLE UP AS SEATING A FREE EXHIBITION ABOUT THE IQBAL MAIDAN AND THE GATEWAY WITH GLASS WALLS FACING THE BROKEN ARCH

Revitalizing A Public Space

Sheesh Mahal

BRINGING BHOPAL TOGETHER The aim of the project was to bring the old and new city of Bhopal together, to attract tourists, to rejuvenate the heritage that surrounds this central open space in terms of surrounding built form and to give the city of Bhopal it’s own public space.

Shaukat Mahal

Moti Mahal

Moti Masjid

Bab-e-Sikander

Mosque

Library entrance

•Central courtyard of complex with cascading levels, covered in part by green space frames, accessible to all buildings •Museum and cafeteria(open at ground level) •Open air public art gallery (maze) partially covered by spaceframe, accessible from all sides.

•All built forms have landscaped green seating running along the peripheral walls.

•Public Library (with courtyard and computer resource center) and Small cafeteria •Steps down from Bab e Sikandar to lake. Staircase access from VIP road.

Gauhar Mahal

Site from Moti Masjid

Iqbal Maidaan Intervention | bhopal

•Emergency access for site.

•Bus drop off point for site.

•Snack bar/ info kiosk in middle of park with paths to and from all access points •Tourist Information Center with ATMs, accessible from 3 sides: landscaped green, gali from Gauhar Mahal, and gali under space frame from Central Courtyard.

•Art gallery with landscaped sculpture courts.

Complex from Gauhar Mahal

Bus drop-off point

View from Bab-e-Sikandar

amri chadha | a/2044/2008 | 3rd yr b-arch | spa-delhi

Bab-e-Sikandar

Gauhar mahal

Museum Wing

Ticketed Gallery

Sculpture Court

GaliTourist Info

Sultania Gate

Moti Mahal

Snack bar

Open Air Gallery

Section from Maidaan to VIP Road (Lateral Section)

Bab-e-Sikandar

Museum terrace

WC

Tourist Info Center Gali

Library

Cafeteria

Gali

Section from Moti Masjid to Moti Mahal (Longitudinal Section)

• vertical slit long recessed windows giving diffused light •burnt brick façade and green complements existing elevation colours, tones down warm feel of maidaan; muted colour swatch respectful of context •Staggered elevations with an ‘L’ language to create interesting spaces and allude to the ‘labyrinth’ like feel in spaces with closer walls.

•Courts and courtyards to encourage social interaction •Public art gallery promotes local art work and encourages interest in art.

amri chadha | a/2044/2008 | 3rd yr b-arch | spa-delhi

Iqbal Maidaan Intervention | bhopal

•Main Highlight is to create a Public Space, having multiple entries.

•Creating a Pedestrian Paradise.

•Making a Piazza infront of the structure.

•Back area as open exhibition and play area for children.

•Spaces around the building block as a live Art and Craft workshop, having display at the steps.

Children Play Area

Mini Haat Area

Sit Out for Parents

Art Display Area

•Channelizing the whole traffic in a systematic way.

•Open Public Spaces inside the building block also.

Systemized Parking Piazza

1:1000

Section

West Elevation

Pan

North Elevation

Drawings

REJUVENATING

N

Iqbal Maidan Iqbal Maidan forms the royal precinct of Bhopal. Surrounded by palaces and mosques, the 200 year old maidan is also one of the few large open public spaces in the old city.

Presently the maidan is fringed by a busy vehicular road. Besides the historical buildings (many of which lie unused), garages, shops and a library are also located off the maidan. The old construction is generally degenerating while the new construction is insensitive and intrusive.

The challenge was to create a successful public space within a strong but deteriorating historical context.

15

13

12

14 10 9

11

8

7

5 15

6

3

4

1 2

NO VEHICULAR ACCESS Traffic is diverted and looped around the site to make the maidan pedestrian friendly.

Parking facilities are provided in front of Daftar and Gauhar Mahal.

ORGANIZATION OF SPACES The more tourist oriented spaces are kept separate from the everyday spaces.

The tourist information centre, art gallery and museum form one complex. The library, restaurant, chess arena and children’s park are separate.

LANDSCAPE Landscaping creates smaller spaces within the larger maidan and directs visitors to the OAT and later to the lake front.

MOVEMENT The scheme emphasises on movement and flow through the maidan: there are multiple entry and exit points and the open spaces flow into each other.

REJUVENATING IQBAL MAIDAN, BHOPAL: BHAVIKA AGGARWAL | A/2004/2008 | III YEAR | SCHOOL OF PLANNING AND ARCHITECTURE, NEW DELHI

PROPOSED SCHEME 1. Restaurant + Shops 2. Observation Tower 3. Art Gallery 4. Café 5. Tourist Information Centre 6. Museum 7. Lecture Theatre 8. Informal Food + Craft Stalls 9. Open Air Theatre 10.Library 11.Chess Arena 12.Children’s Park 13.Bazaar 14.Iqbal Maidan Or Khirniwala Maidan 15.Parking

VIEW Stress on the ‘view’capitalizing on the main plus point of the maidan.

All buildings have dedicated view points.

RECREATING KILA KOHNA The art gallery + museum + tourist information centre + lecture theatre complex is organized like an old fort.

The unified building mass is easy to navigate and flows down to Gauhar Mahal and the lake.

Arched gateways lead into the focal court.

The complex is organized around a large central court which forms the main assembly point.

FORM + FINISH The built mass is clean and streamlined. Drama is created by using the form itself rather than smaller decorative elements.

Main exterior textures would be smooth finished concrete, white paint and glass

RESTAURANT + SHOPS The permeable form of the restaurant addresses the missing gateway.

Open kitchen+seating on upper level means diners enjoy great views.

The staircase/ gallery wraps around the structure.

TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE

OBSERVATION TOWER

OPEN AIR THEATRE

The observation tower, part of the tourist information complex and open to all, forms the bastion of the fort.

Staircase winds up to the terrace level, which offers visitors views of the entire maidan.

The curved wall is mostly glass and cerates a visual connection between the inside and outside: the busy road and the masjid.

The ‘public’ OAT encourages unrestricted, impromptu and free performances.

CHESS ARENA A chess ‘arena’ Is created for the locals by placing boards around a tree.

LANDSCAPING DETAILS

• Spiral seating below Iqbal Maidan trees • Slopes and steps merge into each other • Stone tiles engraved with history of princely Bhopal direct visitors to the oat and lake

The tourist information centre is easily accessible from all entry points.

It is open and permeable: connects the maidan and the court.

Separate quick information desks, help desks and brochure area.

INFORMAL STALLS

LIBRARY

Informal crafts/ food stalls liven up the court

The library is separate from the more tourist oriented activities.

Reading areas look out onto the park or the maidan.

CHILDREN’S PARK The children’s park is sheltered from the main maidan.

REJUVENATING IQBAL MAIDAN, BHOPAL: BHAVIKA AGGARWAL | A/2004/2008 | III YEAR | SCHOOL OF PLANNING AND ARCHITECTURE, NEW DELHI

Site – The historical center of Bhopal Iqbal maidan in the middle surround

by Gohar mahal, Moti mahal, Sheesh mahal, Shokat mahal

Tourist info centre – Iqbal maidan is a famous historical tourist place so tourist always came here.

So placing tourist info centre in the middle of the complex Oval shape makes it attractive and eye catching .

IQBAL MAIDAN REVITALIZATION

- ISHAN KHAN

The central area of Iqbal Maidan will remains as a open park because it is still a playground for children and as well as major function area.

Open park provides a large free space for playing and piknik.

A 4.5 m passage starts from Parking area and extends towards Iqbal maidan in between a central courtyard created

DRAWINGS:

Details of Library and tourist info center

Library Courtyard

Sections

Plans:

1 - Ground floor

IQBAL MAIDAN REVITALIZATION

2 - First floor

- ISHAN KHAN

3 – Roof plan

Section AA’

Section BB’

3D- Views

BHOPAL IQBAL MAIDAN INTERVENTION

Café Spill out

cafe

Cricket ground Open area theater

Kid’s playground

library Haat area

Museum Art gallery

parking

Tourist info. Center

SITE PLAN of Iqbal maidan

Section of the maidan

Negatives in maidan : •No traffic management •Lack of public parking •Lack of shaded areas to seat for expected number of people •Bad maintenance in surrounding buildings •Contrast between new structures and old heritage •No defined areas for present activities (not planed) •Identity and importance of the maidan getting lighter day by day due to government new policy

REVITALIZING IQBAL MAIDAN

3 dimension views of the maidan

Design strategies : •Respectively building new structures which will help the maidan to become the main city center in terms of activities •Keeping in mind the historic context of the maidan by maintaining the soul and revitalizing the same historical buildings by assigning new activities to them •Link the present to past

Mahboubeh touri A/2089/2008 IIIrd Year

PROBLEMS EXISTING ON SITE

Shaukat Mahal

Bab-eSikander

Critical Zones

Iqbal Maidan

Sheesh Mahal Moti Masjid

Traffic

•Buildings are too segregated from each other so there is no connection between them.

•No connection between the Maidan and surrounding Historical Buildings.

•No tourist magnets in the area, hence it is almost a waste of land which serves such importance in history.

•Traffic surrounding the Maidan makes it difficult to access the place.

IQBAL MAIDAN INTERVENTION

STRATEGIES AND INITIAL CONCEPT •To cut of traffic along the mahal complex and hence make it effectively a pedestrian zone.

•To introduce people-puller (restaurants, fireworks at night, a tree museum, etc) so that it would attract tourists from outside the region •To also revamp and maintain the heritage buildings that re already present and to use them as part of the new complex. This would allow for a deeper understanding of the heritage of this place by the people who live there themselves.

In the first attempt, a plan was drawn in which there was a permeability throughout the site. This was to a maintain a porousness in the site and allow for extensive visual and physical connection.

Ground Floor Plan: First Attempt

In the final attempt, edges and corners were recognised and treated such that the built-form was strong and yet still maintained the porousity that was part of the initial concept.

Pictures of the Site Model 1:500

Ground Floor Plan: Final Attempt Meban S M III Yr Sec A A/1983/2007

LIBRARY BLOCK

NORTH ENTRANCE

CAFETARIA AND EATERY TOURIST INFO CENTRE OPEN EXHIBIT

MUSEUM CENTRAL COURT CAFÉ DINING AREA

ART GALLERY

ENTRANCE PORCH SOUTH ENTRANCE

IQBAL MAIDAN INTERVENTION

SITE PLAN

NIS HANT GUPTA B.ARCH. 3rd ‘A’ S.P.A., DELHI

LIBRARY BLOCK GROUND FLOOR

FIRST FLOOR

CAFÉ & DINING AREA

NIS HANT GUPTA`` B.ARCH. 3rd ‘A’ S.P.A., DELHI

IQBAL MAIDAN INTERVENTION

BLOCKS AND SECTIONS

IQBAL MAIDAN, the royal playground The Courtyard typology

Ruins of the broken archway

•Iqbal Maidan, the public place revitalized as a universal, unhindered whole supplemented by stratified Semi public functions.

•The extents of the Maidan defined more clearly with a built edge to have a clearly demarcated open space.

•Built mass fairly grounded to respect the existing skyline and get most views of the surroundings.

3 Anchor Points

FIGURE GROUND

OBJECTIVES •Creating a labyrinth of courtyards at different levels overlooking each other that become comfortable extensions of covered functional spaces that are conducive to human scale.

•Horizontal and Vertical stratification of functions to achieve public and semi public spaces conducive to the human scale.

•Fluid connections both physical and visual to the Maidan to maximize ease of access and interaction.

Porous functional spaces achieved by long overhangs and glass/ no walls.

EVOLUTION

Create a built up street edge to demarcate entry to royal precinct

Changing the Maidan edge axis to align to the Moti Masjid

•The Museum walkthrough designed to enhance the Iqbal Maidan experience as one sees it from underground at one point through the glass riser steps of the museum roof .

STRATA PLAY

Revitalization of Iqbal Maidan, Bhopal

STRATA PLAY, the scheme Shaukat Mahal 12

Sadar Manzil

KEY 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

Museum Art Gallery 9 Tourist Information Centre Souvenir Shop Children’s park Weekly Haat/ Bazaar Earth Berm Cobbled Paving Parking Open Air Theatre Restaurant Guest House Crafts Training Centre

Zeenat Mahal

Sheesh 13 Mahal

Pedestrian Street Moti Masjid

7 Iqbal Maidan

The sense of entry at the edge of the Maidan takes cues from the arched entrance into the courtyard of a vernacular haveli/mahal.

6

4

1 2

1 1

5

Gauhar Mahal

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VIP Road

ENTRY

The roofs have functional utility thus making the built fabric more interactive and reducing the building footprint.

ENTRY

SITE PLAN (AT 1200 ABOVE THE CONTOUR LINE) SCALE 1:1500

The steps at the Iqbal Maidan lead one to the old archway ruins, thus reminding one of the old axis, but establishing the new axis. The also demarcate the edge of the Maidan.

SITE SECTION SCALE 1:1000 SECTION A-A’

KEY PLAN

SECTION B-B’

Rohan Patankar, A/2016/2008, 3rd year, section A, SPA, delhi.

B

B’

A

A’

S

Negatives

The maidan has a national highway separating it from the Moti Masjid which creates too much traffic, specially during rush hours.

Tthere was no relation between the surrounding historical context and the maidan, which made the place less inviting.

New Buildins Zoning

Iqbal Maidan is an important public place of the old city of Bhopal due to presence of the historical buildings surrounding it.

Zoning and circulation

Strategies

Iqbal Maidan, Bab-e-sikander and Moti Mahal

• Create an inviting, comfortable open park in Iqbal Maidan.

Allowing people to sit, contemplate and understand the history of Bhopal that is so present around.

• Make an entry to the site as far as possible from the national highway to avoid traffic jams and disturbances to tourists and people who might visit the place.

New Iqbal Maidan

• Relate the new building with the existing context to avoid contrast since is a very conservative area.

• Making Iqbal Maidan a more active space introducing eateries, kids playground, public toilets, etc!

Tourist Center shall be placed in the middle of the park, but near the road side, for ease of access and also for tourists to have a first glimpse of the park.

Use of exhisting ruins for the museum display. (The Broken Arch)

An Open Gallery for sculptures and crafts while climbing up to the Maidan.

CafĂŠ next to bab-e-sikander which cuts through its wall and continues on the Ghat area. A deck with view to the Lake

A vehicle and motorbikes parking lot that connects the 2 main entrances to the place.

Section Through Site and New Buildings

Site Plan LVL +1050

Snapshots of the Site Model in 1:200

MAHENDRA KR. SUTHAR

MAHENDRA KR. SUTHAR

Section Along Vip road

Section Along through Iqbal Maidan and Bada Talaab

Pictures of the physical model establishing the built morpholgy and relationship with context

Tarun Sharma Tarun Sharma

Shaukat Mahal

Iqbal Maidan

Moti Masjid

Moti Mahal

Gohar Mahal

VIP Road

Bada Talaab

Site Plan

Torist info centre

Art gallery

Library

Museum

Basement plan

Ground floor plan

First floor plan

Tarun Sharma

Building ‘a’ has • a bigger Library in ground floor

Building ‘b’ •Info centre, audi in ground floor with three entrances around the floor and an oat at the centre.

a

• the existing Khan Shiksha Samiti’ has also been given space in the ground floor. b

•Storage and issue of sports accessories

SITE PLAN

•Roof top hangout place for youth which overlooks the lake.

GROUND FLOOR PLAN

•ROAD LINKS: THE EXISTING LINK ADJACENT TO IQBAL MAIDAN IS MODIFIED BY ADDING TWO PAVED LINKAGES ACROSS BUT NOT REMOVED

•Art gallery ,along the ramp which spirals up in the southern part of the building • museum on a flat floor plate comes in interval of the ramp on the northern side.

•Panaromic view elevator, at the head of oat…

FIRST FLOOR PLAN

New Mahal …

Bhopal …

Longitudinaly across iqbal maidan

Iqbal maidan to lake

view inside showing ground floor

Revitalizing Iqbal Maidan…

UDIT MITTAL IIIRD YR. A/2018/2008

Some special features of…

2. Building ‘a’, named: SADDLE… having a statue of a ‘chess knight’ at the entrance •The terrace steps up and meets Sikandri Darwaza to maintain a continuity in the form of a wave which is already visible in moti mahal.

1. iqbal maidan

• its named SADDLE because you move into it by the steps in a similar pattern as the knight in the chess board does, ‘two grid then a diagonal on either side’. here the grid is a unit of 5 steps forming a square of side 1.5m.

In response to the arch gateway which existed Between iqbal maidan and moti masjid, ‘ghost of the archway is created

3. Building ‘b’ named: RAJ MAHAL… New mahal amidst many old mahals, Where the king is the building itself…

•At the top of the building is a sculpture of a ‘chess king;.

Revitalizing

UDIT MITTAL IIIRD YR. A/2018/2008

STRATEGY 1: REBUILDING THE FOURTH SIDE OF THE QUARDILATERAL

STRATEGY 2: REROUTING THE TRAFFIC THE ROAD RUNNING ACROSS THE MAIDAN IS REMOVED AND ACCESS IS PROVIDE THROUGH A PRE-EXISTING ROAD LOOP. THE IQBAL MAIDAN ALSO INCREASES IN AREA

CULTURAL CONTEXT

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Iqbal Maidan - totally pedestrian Major traffic to get diverted to the national highway, and loop around Hamidia Hospital to be linked to VIP road Parking - Daftar and Gauhar Mahal parking area

Connection the lake… 

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to

Hamidia Hospital

Major Road connections to reduce traffic on Sultania Road Internal Connecting Road network

National Highway 12

B.Arch IIIrd Yr ‘A’

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Varun Bajaj

Iqbal maidan : Revitalization

Session of 2010-2011 SPA New Delhi

Traffic

Proposed connection Parking

One way traffic Two way traffic

The Retghat area to be connected to the lake by a pathway, going under the VIP road, down to the level of the water The path continues up to the park, which would have crowd pulling activities like fishing, boating etc.

Steps leading down from the Retghat can serve as an interaction space, with food stalls, vendors et al.

Upper Lake

From New City

9.

1.

8.

2.

3.

4.

Broken Archway

5.

 A permanent exhibit about Iqbal Maidan and its relevance, and a small coffee shop to stand where the archway used to be.  The archway remnants on the southern side are visible from almost all points and serve as an orientation marker.

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7.

Site Plan - 100 Mts

[Scale

Permanent exhibit on the history Transition of Bhopal and importance of Iqbal Maidan to Coffee Destination Shop …  Playing up the sense of entry into

the maidan to emphasize it  Having a transitional flow of space

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Gallery + Auditorium

4.

Broken Archway

Library

Museum

Café

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8.

2.

9.

12.

1.

1. Library 2. Café 3. Art Gallery 4. Auditorium 5. Museum 6. Tourist Info Center 7. Souvenirs 8. Iqbal Maidan Exhibit 9. Coffee Shop 10. 3-way OAT 11. Khirni Tree 12. Broken Archway

Longitudinal Section

10..

11.

[Scale 1:1000]

- 100 Mts

Transverse Section

Our site, Old Bhopal, has a very strong historical context so the basic step while designing was that our interventions should not overpower the existing built form.

Zig zag pattern

The existing built form had lot of courtyards so in my intervention removed 1 built side of the courtyards for proper view of historic buildings

HISTORIC BUILDINGS

My intervention Maximum view of historic buildings around

NODES:

Cross ventilation Lighting from all sides plantation

Maximum corners

Maximum corners : •as people like sitting in the corners •To divide such a huge open space into small parts

CONCEPT SHEET

Seating

•The path goes around connecting different nodes together forming a main access •Each node has an importance of its own and acts as landmark •Each node has seating around it.

Pathway

1st view

1st view 2nd 2nd viewview 3rdt view

2nd view 3rd view