A Vibrant Neighborhood

STUDIO

P R E F A C E

The studio focuses on the master planning and design of single-ownership large Greenfield developments/ cleared brownfield development with a key emphasis on the design of livable neighborhoods.

In the past few years, there has been increasing attention to redeveloping vacant and inefficiently used public land within cities to add much-needed housing, amenities, and an accessible and inclusive public realm.

The Ministry of Defense is the largest land-owning public authority in the country, with 17.3 Lakh acres of land under its ownership. The studio unit makes a case for opening up part of the under-utilized defense land along the Sabarmati River in Ahmedabad for redevelopment. This is aligned to the new National Defense Land Policy currently under consideration that encourages the development of surplus defense lands outside Cantonments for public infrastructure and improvements.

The strategic location of the Ahmedabad Cantonment site close to the airport and abutting the riv erfront phase 2 provides a unique opportunity to imagine future waterfront developments and to trigger further investments in the area.

A C K N O W L E D G E M E N T

I would like to express my gratitude towards CEPT University, Ahmedabad and Faculty of Planning for conducting Master Plan Studio in Master’s of Urban Design program for developing the basic under standing of Urban Insert around the restricted zone of the city (Ahmedabad Cantonment).

I would further like to express my gratitude towards Prof. Brijesh Bhatha and Prof. Vanishree Herlerkar who have been active in imparting the best of their knowledge and skills to us.

I am thankful to our Teaching Associate Jugal Bhatt for constantly supporting and guiding towards the best.

My heartiest gratitude towards my family, friends and peer group for encouraging me to the best of my capabilities.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Case Study Site Context Design Strategies Inference

Studio Brief Preface Acknowledgement 01-08 09-14

Background And Site Context Growth Trends of Ahmedabad Cantonment in the City’s Context Delayering Defence Land Exisiting condition of the site

Vision and MasterPlan Framework Vision

Objective and Spatial Strategies Design Strategies Master Plan Character Districts Built Character Open Space Allocation Urban Block Character Views Key Learnings

Conclusion

01 Case Study

Budapest South Gate Masterplan Budapest, Hungary

1. Site Context

- Brownfield Site

- The site provides the unique opportunity to create a lively waterfront for the people of Budapest.

- 60% green-area on site.

- To develop the green infrastruc ture system of Budapest through the renewal of the brownfields.

- The project will be the largest sin gle urban development in the city for nearly three decades.

- The masterplan, on the banks of the Danube river and close to the city Centre, will create green, human scaled neighborhood.

With its strong emphasis on the local ecology, the surrounding infrastructure and post-industrial heritage, our masterplan for Budapest’s South Gate is a campus for life-long learning that will provide fertile ground for existing and future communities to flourish, grow and thrive in the heart of the Hungarian capital.

Our main concept revolves around the establishment of the Blue City, a synthesis of water and technology.

The site, located just south of Budapest’s city centre, bears a strong relationship to the neighbouring Danube river. This mighty waterway has frequently overflowed into the site previously, but instead of cordoning off the river with em bankments or levees, our proposal involves a strategy for the natural formation of wetlands in order to benefit from the surrounding water in the area.

The changing water levels are beneficial for a wide variety of ecological zones. A network of streams, fish ramps, wetlands and water filtering foliage would allow nature to flourish and allow for the return of local wildlife.

1.1 Design Strategies

1.3 Building Typology

Area – 1.35 sq.km

Architect

– Snøhetta Architects

Budapest’s South Gate accommodates 12,000 students, 4,000 mem bers of young families and enables 20,000 work places for new busi nesses.

- Main concept revolves around the establishment of the Blue City, a synthesis of water and technology.

- The site, located just south of Budapest’s city centre, bears a strong relationship to the neighboring Danube river.

- This mighty waterway has frequently overflowed into the site previously, but instead of cordoning off the river with em bankments.

- A network of streams, fish ramps, wetlands and water filtering foliage would allow nature to flourish and allow for the return of local wildlife.

- Residential buildings are placed on the site engage with water.

- Ground floor of the buildings offers a publicly accessible program which engages the passers-by.

- Roofs are green roofs, winter gardens or to generate energy with photovoltaic panels.

- Ground Floor of the commercial buildings are provided with setbacks with accessible program.

- Buildings have courtyard which reduces energy loss through thermal conduction.

- Roof shape has both energy generation reasons (natural ventilation and winter gardens).

- Clearly visible connections to the urban surroundings.

The Wetland park improves the current ecosystem. Natural shoreline and the wetlands are habitat for countless biodi verse flora and fauna.

Recreational opportunities for residents, athletes and visitors. In addition the new ecosystem is able to contribute ecologically water treatment.

Background and Site Context

1. Growth Trends of Ahmedabad

1.1 Cantonment in the City’s Context

In India ‘Ministry of Defence’ is a largest landowner in the entire country.There are 62 notifies cant all over the country, which owns total 17.57 lakh acres of land. 35.2 Lakh Population in 1990 55.2 Lakh Population in 2020 172 sq.km Extent of city in 1990

464 sq.km Extent of city in 2020

Ahmedabad’s municipal boundary increased 20 Sqkm every year since 2006.

Cantonment is a part of the city limits, Further understanding the location of defence land. We take the case of Ahmedabad. Earlier, defence land was located outside cities; however, with growth in urbanisation and expanding of city areas, most of these defense land is now part of cities.

Cantonment is a VOID in the Development Plan, Despite the locational advantage and higher land values, this area is a void in the Development Plan of Ahmedabad due to the earlier restrictions on defence land.

Potential for high-value development, After the comencement of Sabarmati Riverfront Development the property price increased. Hence, making the area around site a high price developable land.

Lies within the proximity of transit modes, As it can be seen that defence land lies within within the proximity of major transit modes & upcoming metro.

Currently there are two existing roads: Airport Road, which is used a major thoroughfare to reach the airport. And Riverfront road, which is more urbanised and used for recreation purpose.

The site lies within the proximity of major transit connections, hence considered as a major potential for the further developable land parcel.

1.2

Delayering Defence Land

It serves as a military base and residential establishment. It has its own infrastructure and self-sustained development. The total area 5.8 acre . The area is divided into various zones where a & B,

However, after the introduction of defence policy This underutilized land offers an opportunity to create new housing stock and provide the social and recreational public amenities for the city.

1.3 Existing condition of the site (Riverfront Development)

Riverfront Phase II emphasises of greener development having stepped green multi layered promenades, excellent road network, active green parks, children’s play area, plazas, Amphitheatre etc.

After the comencement of Sabarmati Riverfront Development the property price increased. Hence, making the area around site a high price developable land. The site lies within the proximity of major transit connections, hence considered as a major potential for the further developable land parcel.

Opportunity Constraints

- Longer side of the site is along the riverfront edge

- Proposed bridge connecting east-west passes through the site

- Airport road and riverfront road are major thor oughfares

- Underutilized defense land is unlocked for devel opment

- Linear site

- Height restrictions due to proximity to the airport

- Cantonment land acting as a barrier due to continuous compound wall

Vision and Master Plan Framework

A Vibrant and Resilient Neighborhood with Inclusive Public Realm, Good Transit Connections and Waterfront Access. Master Plan Studio

3.1 Objectives

3.2 Design Strategies

Primary Street Secondary Street

Airport road and Riverfront road as a major thoroughfares, provides the op portunity to increase porosity across both the sides of the site.

Proposed Secondary vehicular con nection after 100-150m to link both the thoroughfares.

Creating City Level Public Spaces to enhance community engagement to create vibrant districts through public plazas, parks, etc.

Leveraging the major thoroughfares which further frames the districts allocation. Airport road and Riv erfront road as a major thoroughfares, provides the opportunity to increase porosity across both the sides of the site.

Making the Riverfront road accessible through open space strategies. Creating City Level Public Spaces to enhance community engagement to create vibrant districts through public plazas, parks, etc.

Anchoring the Public Open Space to create distinct character zones

Internal Street Network linking primary and secondary streets providing walkable access to each developable land parcel.

Providing Neighborhood level open space along tertiary connections.

Integrating Existing Street Network Interactive Riverfront Edge

Allocation of Districts Open Spaces

Tertiary Street

Public Amenities and Anchors

Public Open Space Private Open Space

Commercial Offices on the Airport Road

Retaining school located on the Airport road

2-3 BHK Residential Apartments Affordable Housing towards airport road

Built Use Master Plan Studio

| M2022

Built - Open 22

Character Districts

SOCIAL DISTRICT

RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT

Social District : Mixed Use Residential Neighbourhood Residential (3-4 BHK)

With the allocation of city level open space and public amenities anchored by that makes it more engaging. The district is accommodate with Commercial buildings abut ting the open space with the podium typology buildings overlooking the open space and the riverfront. And the buildings besides the commercials are the residential apartments with more quiter neighbouhood and aparta ments having their own open space. Hence making it a social district. Open

Urban Block 1 - Analysis

PEDESTRIAN CORRIDOR,

The Pedestrian corridor that connects community spaces and supports active public space. The Urban Block focuses on different segments of a pedestrian priority network leading towards Riverfront. The Open space abutting the streets creates a diverse urban structure and supports an active lifestyle.

The Urban Insert promotes varying mobility options by integrating existing street network and maintain a con nect on either sides of the site. There is a mixed traffic with dedicated cycle lanes, light traffic routes, shared streets, pedestrian streets and paths with green edge. All of this is achieved through robust network of streets that are existing ( Airport road which is 30m wide and Riverfront road which is 30m wide).

Master Plan Studio | M2022

Organize continous building frontage through built to line along primary streets with a setback of 6m so as to establish an identity of township. Focusing on urban retail uses and other programs on ground floor along streets of 18m wide to achieve an active urban characetr of the district. Creating a human scale pedestrian experience through tactile paved streets and junction that becomes wayfinind leading to the riverfront.

Urban Design Guidelines

Building Frontage

Building organization is Built to line along the streets with a setback of 6m.

Porous Ground Floor/Active Edge

Building organization is Built to line along the streets with a setback of 6m.

Porous Ground Floor/Active Edge

Providing commercial retails on the ground floor to achieve an active edge character of the district.

Establish permeability via pedestrian access and con nections between primary streets and neighborhood level public amenities to encourage green mobility. Reserve the existing ecology and respect the existing topography to create hierarchy of green spaces that supports an active lifestyle and create communities, connected to nature.

Residential (having a view of the central green space)

Commercial Retail (Shops on the ground floor increasing the community engagement )

Mixed Use Residential

A view from the Social District, A mixed use residential neighbourhood with ground floor as commercial retail for an active edge. The neighbourhood anchors the central open space and the built typology overlooks the open space and so provides a beautiful lush green open space viewpoint.

Commercial Retail

View is from the Social District, There are High End Commercial Retail stores abutting the central open space and first floor has cafe or restaurants that provides a view. The open space has shading elements to site and chill and there is a shaded cycling track.

Restaurants (having cafes on First floor having a view of the open space)

Commercial Retails (Shopping stores on the ground floor)

Low Rise Commercial Retail

Residential (2-2.5BHK)

Shaded seating (lush green garden)

Private Open Space

Residential (3-4BHK)

Open Cafe

Commercial Plaza

The Residential District has Community Level

Open space which could be used by the residents of the society, the streets abutting the open space are pedestrian priority streets which leads to riverfront.

To meet the daily needs of the residents there is low rise commercia retail along the open space.

The residential apartments has two typologies (with a central open space and with the river front viewpoint).

Shaded Hardscape (jogging or cycling area)

Average Block size - 300m x 280m

Open Space size - 65m x 280m

4.7 Urban Block 2 - Analysis

Urban Design Guidelines

Building Frontage

Building organization is Built to line along the streets with a setback of 6m.

Porous Ground Floor/Active Edge

Providing commercial retails on the ground floor to achieve an active edge character of the district.

Eyes on Street

Building orientation along the pedestrian street.

THE VIBRANT STREET

The Vibrant Street links community spaces and promotes active public space. The Urban Block focuses on various segments of a pedestrian priority network that leads to the Riverfront. The open space adjacent to the streets contributes to a diverse urban structure and promotes an active lifestyle.

The Urban Insert encourages various modes of trans portation by integrating the existing street network and maintaining a connection on both sides of the site. There is mixed traffic with dedicated cycle lanes, light traffic routes, shared streets, pedestrian streets, and green-edged paths.

All of this is accomplished through an existing robust network of streets ( Airport road which is 30m wide and Riverfront road which is 30m wide).

Master Plan Studio | M2022

Organize continuous building frontage along primary streets with a 6m setback in order to establish a township identity. Focusing on urban retail uses and other programmes on the ground floor along 18m wide streets to achieve the district’s active urban character. Creating a human scale pedestrian experience with tactile paved streets and a junction that becomes a wayfinding junction leading to the riverfront.

Master Plan Studio | M2022

To encourage green mobility, create permeability through pedestrian access and connections between main streets and neighborhood-level public amenities. Conserve the existing ecology and respect the exist ing topography in order to create a hierarchy of green spaces that support an active lifestyle and communities

Low Rise Commercial

The Communal Open Space is anchored by a low-rise commercial building in the residential neighbourhood. Which has retail and food joints on the ground floor, thereby activating it. Because it is a quieter neighbourhood, the co-working space is on the first floor. The open space has an open cafe that is sur rounded by tall trees that provide shade. There are also shaded seating areas for the people.

Balcony getting a view of the private green space

Residential Apartments (central open space)

Residential apartments have 2-2.5 BHK accom modations, their own space in the centre, and a balcony with a view of the central open space. There are also commercial retails in the neigh bourhood where you can buy general groceries. The residential block is designed in such a way that it is walkable to the riverfront promenade. The streets are also pedestrian-friendly, making the neighbourhood more peaceful. Kids play area

Residential Apartments (with riverfront view)

High-end residential apartments with a view of the riverfront, a residential plaza, open space with a jogger’s park, and a balcony with a view of the central open space and riverfront. There are also commercial retail establishments in the area where you can purchase general groceries. The residential block is designed to be walkable to the riverfront promenade. The streets are also pedestrian-friendly, which makes the area more peaceful.

View of the riverfront

Surface Parking

Residential Plaza

Joggers Park

Key Learnings

A Vibrant Neighbourhood has three essential elements:

- Distinct architecture resulting in a strong sense of place;

- Functional places for life, work and play;

- A community committed to supporting each other.

The final section discusses the main studio lessons, including any occurrences and process-related details. Furthermore, the major hopes to complete the master plan process successfully. The main lesson was to be aware. Understanding how people act, what they need, and what they want in relation to the various social groups to which they belong.

Conclusion

It is impressive to consider development sensitively in the context of resource scarcity, environmental degradation, climate change, and global warming. This opportunity was used to create a truly sustainable approach to living in a township while adhering to the 2.2 Global FSI in a developing world where most of the building blocks have yet to be built. Finally, the project aspires to be an interesting and inspiring work of Urban Design.

Commercial Offices on the Airport Road

Retaining school located on the Airport road

‘A Vibrant and Resilient Neighborhood with Inclusive Public Realm, Good Transit Connections and Waterfront Access’. "Inclusive, vibrant neighbourhoods and communities"

Enhanced awareness and capacities of national and local authorities and partners to put people at the centre of urban regeneration policies and projects.

Strengthened legal and institutional environments that enable community participation and effective remedies for breach of rights of all parties affected by urban regeneration projects. Improved quality of life in cities and communities living in deprived urban areas targeted through urban regeneration projects while preserving cultural heritage and ecological assets.

Mahima Prakash | PUD21200