UNDERSTANDING THE SPATIAL CHARACTER OF PUBLIC SPACES IN CITIES

Faculty In-charge Ar. Pragya Hotwani Assistant Professor

TDL IV - UNDERSTANDING THE SPATIAL CHARACTER OF PUBLIC SPACES IN CITIES (Course Code - TD22AA01)

Submitted By PARAS MONGIA Roll No. 200MPLUP021

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CONCEPT NOTE: ‘Live-Work-Play’

a very common phenomenon, and how the Fabric have different meanings and typologies for all of these.

Cities are heterogeneous and each Space and Place have their meanings and associations creating a larger part of the public memory. Urban Spaces have proved to have different attributes of Social, cultural, political, economical meaning associated to them from the Great Bath of Indus Valley Civilization to Greek Agora to Roman Forum, from Parks, Gardens, Maidans to Plazas

and Squares, from Market Places, Islamic Souks to the most important ‘Streets’; all of these give an Identity to the Fabric, may sometimes act as Landmarks, or just as places that people want to be. This Course intends to create an awareness amongst individuals of this very vital part of the Urban Environment and how these places have a Sense of Belongingness or prove to have ‘Right to the City’. There are numerous contestations to all these Spaces and have time and again been contested, yet their significance cannot be denied and how they continue to be a vibrant part of the City.

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INTRODUCTION: The Public

Realm

of the City is primarily

the Space against which our daily collective

POSTERS ON THREE DIFFERENT PUBLIC SPACES

lives revolve and it demonstrates the Vibrance of a City Fabric. As designed environments, these spaces have multiple typologies, from streets to market places, from plazas to

INTERNATIONAL CASE STUDY

squares, from parks to riverfronts and so on; and

each

differently.

space These

behaves

and

Spaces

functions have

been

transforming and are heterogeneous in nature, and continue to be significant to the City Life;

RECOMMENDATIONS

and are commonly open to public spaces. The degree of publicness may vary and few of these spaces have been contested or act as a divide, so the Course intends to understand the notion of ‘Place for All’ and how do we see the future of these vibrant Urban Environments.

INFERENCES/ LEARNINGS

The Broader Objectives of this Course are as follows a. Understand the meaning of Public Spaces b. Assessing a Public Space, with a thorough understanding of its Activity Patterns, User Groups, Transformation taken place c. ‘Place for All’ d. Applying their Professional Learning and Experience to achieve a holistic idea for an Appropriate Design for Public Space

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TDL IV - UNDERSTANDING THE SPATIAL CHARACTER OF PUBLIC SPACES IN CITIES (Course Code - TD22AA01)

Faculty In-charge : Ar. Pragya Hotwani MID TERM SUBMISSION (POSTERS ON THREE DIFFERENT PUBLIC SPACES)

Submitted By : PARAS MONGIA Roll No. : 200MPLUP021 MASTERS IN URBAN PLANNING 2nd Year, 4th SEMESTER School Of Planning & Development (SPD)

TERM ASSIGNMENT EndMID Term Assignment

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TDL IV - UNDERSTANDING THE SPATIAL CHARACTER OF PUBLIC SPACES IN CITIES (Course Code - TD22AA01)

Faculty In-charge : Ar. Pragya Hotwani END TERM SUBMISSION (International and National Case Studies)

Submitted By : PARAS MONGIA Roll No. : 200MPLUP021 MASTERS IN URBAN PLANNING 2nd Year, 4th SEMESTER School Of Planning & Development (SPD)

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CASE STUDY 1

KING’S CROSS RAILWAY STATION AND SURROUNDING AREA, LONDON

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LOCATION – KING’S CROSS, LONDON SITE CONTEXT

LOCATIONA MAP OF STUDY AREA

•

King’s Cross is one of the largest and most successful redevelopments in London. Over the past 20 years, what was an underused industrial site has been transformed and rejuvenated with new streets, squares and parks, homes, shops, offices, galleries, bars, restaurants, schools, and even a university.

•

3D VIEW OF STUDY AREA

MAJOR ROUTES

District on either side of EUSTON Road in CENTRAL LONDON, ENGLAND.

MAJOR LANDMARKS

ADMINISTRATION

Served by two major rail terminus; St. Pancras & King’s Cross.

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King’s Cross is one of the major terminus with rail routes between London (Central) and North London.

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Central London’s Opportunity area consist these two stations.

SOCIAL AMENITIES

The location, the connections, the canal-side setting, the heritage, an exciting cultural scene, a thriving business community, and a strong sense of local community. All these things come together at King’s Cross to make it unique and really quite special.

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KING’S CROSS – STATION AREA REGENERATION

2002

2012

2022

In 1756, Euston Road (New Road) kickstarted the development in southern part of King’s Cross Site.

1897 – Development of Euston 1857 – King’s Cross Station 1868 – St. Pancras Station •

•

Low-quality lowstoried terraced houses were constructed.

After WWII during mid 19th century, railways started taking shape in Britain at country’s Level.

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In 1948, transport by rail suffered a speedy decline.

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In 1980s, goods yard mostly Rail lines were being developed in southern part.

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There have been moves to pursue regeneration of king’s cross railway land since mid1980s.

LINKAGES, REGENERATION AND NEW TRANSFORMATION

1942

HISTORY AND EVOLUTION – PAST TO PRESENT

•

•

The present day opportunity area was then affected drastically and was under disuse since then.

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It consists of goods siding , locomotion, turn tables, gas-work stations etc.

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Four developers were selected to submit the plans for the area’s regeneration scheme.

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Out of which two were chosen and finally London regeneration consortium (lrc) got the approval for low-level construction of terminus.

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In 1989, LRC submitted an application for redevelopment of railway lands consisting of offices.

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KING’S CROSS – CONCEPT OF MASTER PLAN CITY CLIENT STATUS SIZE AWARDS

Within 1 mile of King’s Cross Station:

17 cultural institutions 21 museums and galleries 29 libraries and archives Over 50 hotels Over 150 restaurants

MASTER PLAN OF THE OPPORTUNITY AREA The King’s Cross Masterplan established a framework for the incremental redevelopment of this industrial heritage site through a mix of uses and a network of public spaces structuring new urban blocks and knitting the site into its context.

MASTER PLAN DEVELOPMENT AND ITS CONCEPT

USE

KEY MAP

SITE PLAN This case study shows how the dynamic power of imbalances between node and place values can trigger massive regeneration of a former industrial area, creating a major new economic node. King’s Cross is a mixed-use, urban regeneration project in Central London and a major transport hub. The site is an interchange station with six London metro lines, two national train stations (King’s Cross and St Pancras, and an international high-speed rail line (HS1) connecting to Paris, making it the most connective hub in Central London. Investment in high-quality public space and local pedestrian connectivity and mixed-use development triggered a strong market response, raising market potential.

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KING’S CROSS – SPACES, USE, PURPOSE AND ACTIVITIES IMPORTANT PUBLIC PLACES/ SPACES – IMPROVING VIBRANCY THROUGH ACTIVITIES • • • • • • • • • • • • •

TERMINUS OF ONE OF THE MAJOR ROUTES NORTH AND SOUTH LONDON HIGH SPEED RAIL NAMED AS EUROSTAR HAS A HERITAGE OF NURTURING ARTS AND CULTURE FROM HERE TRAVEL CAN BE ACROSS UK AND EUROPE SINGLE TUBE STATION ART CENTRE, KINGS PALACE GORGONIAN GALLERY BRITISH LIBRARY BLOOMBERG THEATRES BARS AND RESTAURANT AROUND CANAL SIDE AND SURROUNDINGS CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS CENTRAL ST. MARTINS AND KINGS PALACE GOOGLE UK AND GUARDIAN NEWSPAPER HEADQUARTES

MAJOR STRUCTURES

KINGS PALACE

REGENT’S CANAL

GRANARY SQUARE

GAGOSIAN GALLERY

DESIGNED IN 1850-52 YELLOW STOCK BRICK WITH IRON RIBBED GLAZED ROOF SYMMETRICAL CENTRAL SECTION THREE ROUND ARCHED ENTRANCE COVERED BY SHADES

Evolution of King’s Cross

SINCE 2006 – 50 NEW BUILDINGS, 20 NEW STREETS,10 NEW PUBLIC SQUARES

BRITISH LIBRARY

FOUNDLING MUSEUM

SHAW THEATRE

CAMLEY STREET NATURAL PARK

ST PANCRAS OLD CHURCH

SIR JOHN SOANE'S MAUSOLEUM

The area of opportunity for urban regeneration spanned over 27 hectares of fragmented land and old industrial buildings located on the site of former rail and industrial facilities to the north of the transport hub and in front of the two rail stations.

Redevelopment has involved restoration of historic buildings and new construction. The site has been regenerated and made attractive by provision of ample public spaces. The plan increases local connectivity, accessibility, and permeability, with a dense pattern of internal streets.

PANGOLIN SCULPTURE GALLERY

LONDON CANAL MUSEUM

FEATURES

PLACEMAKING APPROACH

It creates high place value, with 10.5 hectares of open space, 316,000 square meters of office space, almost 2,000 residential units (42 percent of which are affordable housing), 46,400 square meters of retail and leisure space, a hotel, and educational facilities.

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Promenades at King’s Cross

• • • • • •

• • •

Increasing Node Value Increasing Place Value Keeping the Master Plan Flexible Attracting High-Tech Companies Combining High Density with MediumSize Buildings Reshaping the Image of King’s Cross Creating High-Quality Public Space Ensuring Unrestricted Use of the Public Realm Creating Active Streets

A

B

C

D

E A B C D E

F Transformation of St Pancras Station

%AGE DISTRIBUTION

Rebuilding of the Space in Front

G

MASTER PLAN DEVELOPMENT AND ITS CONCEPT

Active Streets at King’s Cross

MASTER PLAN DEVELOPMENT AND ITS CONCEPT

ACCESSIBILITY, IMAGE, SAFETY, SECURITY AND COMFORT

F

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KING’S CROSS – INFLUENCE, ROLE, PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

SOCIAL, ECONOMIC, CULTURAL, ENVIRONMENTAL VALUES

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CASE STUDY 2

VIRASAT-E-KHALSA HERITAGE COMPLEX, RUPNAGAR, ANANDPUR SAHIB, PUNJAB

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LOCATION, ACCESSIBILITY, HISTORY, CONCEPT –

VIRASAT-E-KHALSA

PRIMARY SECONDARY TERTIARY PEDESTRIAN

LOCATIONA MAP OF STUDY AREA Anandpur sahib was founded by Guru Gobind singh baptized his first five ‘pyaras’ coming from different regions and belonging to different castes and established the order of khalsa. Sri Anandpur sahib, the holy city of bliss is one of the five important sacred places.

PLAN/ LAYOUT OF THE COMPLEX

Anandpur sahib is situated on the lower spurus of the shivaliks and has a picturesque view Of nainadevi.This town is subdivision of roopnagar district of Punjab situated along the Highway connecting chandigarh and bhakranangal power and irrigation complex. By road it is 80 km from chandigarh, 35 km from ropar and 21km from nangal. Road leads to naina devi which is18 km It is also linked by railway line running almost parallel to the highway thereby making Anandpur sahib well connected with prominent cities.

CONCEPT

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IMAGE, SAFETY, SPACES, USE, PURPOSE AND ACTIVITIES

Location : Anandpur Sahib Architect : Moshe Safdie & Associates , Boston, USA Associate Architect : Ashok Dhawan, New Delhi Museum design : National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad Construction : Larsen & Turbo limited, India Client : Anandpur Sahib Foundation Trust Accessibility : From main highway approx.1/2 km and about 1/2km from Gurudwara Keshgarh Sahib.

Inception date : 1998-01-01 Completion date : 2010-04-13 Total area : 100 acre Built up area : 40 acre Project cost : Total estimate cost including exhibits 224 crores The Khalsa heritage complex was designed to commemorate 300 years of one of the nouvel religions and most vibrant cultures in Indian history: THE SIKHS. The project has been designed by the internationally acclaimed architect , MOSHE SAFDIE. The complex is intended to transform itself into a narrative of the history and culture of the sikhs. It has been located overlooking the ancient fort of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth and last guru of the sikhs at Anandpur sahib.

MAJOR ACTIVITY ZONES OF THE COMPLEX The Khalsa heritage complex., the first of its kind, provides a space in which the impassioned drama of this heritage shall unfold. “For the sikhs, this complex serve as a reaffirmation of roots. For the non sikh, it is an inspiring journey into a spirited culture, providing a fascinating insight into the sikh faith and its history.

THREE BLOCKS OF THE COMPLEX

CURVED ROOFS AND ORGANIC FORMS

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COMPLEX A

• • •

•

The western complex forms the gateway From Anandpur sahib to the museum.

The north wing bridges a second ravine and Accommodates changing exhibition galleries and meeting rooms.

The arcade along the inside or eastern face of the complex leads to the auditorium building.

On the other side of the piazza is a two level library building.

COMPLEX B

• • • • •

It mainly consist of pedestrian bridge, cafeteria and kitchen block The 165m long end wide pedestrian bridge, which is connecting complex A & C, primarily consists of four independently tied arches (three 33m long and one 27m long).

Cafeteria and kitchen blocks consist of cafeteria of covered area as 1424 sqm. level of café dining is 316.4 m.

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COMPLEX C

• • • • •

Permanent, exhibit building which is also called crescent, building, heritage museum, media exhibit that is, the petal shape building and entrance lobby The covered area for the building is 17, 151 sqm.

Foundation level is 311.5m and top level of highest roof is 356.15m.

This complex has a total no. of 3 lifts.

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ANALYSIS / RECOMMENDATIONS – King’s Cross, London • King’s Cross is geared towards satisfying a ‘treat’ mindset. One consequence of this is that people who can’t afford the things on offer can feel at a disadvantage.

• Granary Square, located directly north of the Kings Cross/ St Pancras main rail stations in North central London, a former goods yard, a site that has been in ‘development’ for twenty years or so, but is now rapidly being built out.

• The regeneration project’s prime aim was to transform the area for the

use of public consisting of mixed-use activities and functions. But, most of the public spaces are mere for the purpose of collecting revenues and profit. They are more or less converting into privatized public space.

“Locating shops between communities can serve the interests of different groups of people, due to location or need. These shops could be valuable assets for interaction between the existing and the new King’s Cross communities” Caring for the other side of the edge creates a greater sense of permeability between developments and surrounding communities. It need not be designed in the same way, but it should not be neglected space either – clean, safe and cared for is enough

• Quasi-public spaces started to dominate the area at present. They are only accessible to people for specific purpose only/ occasionally.

• The openness of a square generally imposes a certain quality to interactions: the middle makes them feel exposed, so people tend to stick to the edge.

• There are no ‘routine’ shops – no banks, post offices, corner shops or pharmacies.

• Signs and maps are important features that help to make sense of public

space. Crucially, they can soften the edges between very different places and encourage permeability. There is little on-site that leads out into the neighboring communities – for example, towards main transport links.

• Currently, the signs on the site reinforce the exclusive, inward-looking nature of the development. There are no signs directing people to public toilets, only small icons on the site maps

Spaces within the area should be more accessible and safe for people visiting there

Should provide clear understanding of the linkages/ interaction with surroundings Many things are already there, but lacks the connection with edges

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COURSE INFERENCES / LEARNINGS •

As a part of this TDL course, we got the opportunity to learn, to engage with each other with full of enthusiasm and spirit

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We understood the role of basic principles and components of public spaces such as accessibility, comfort, safety, imageability, sociability etc.

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We were able to grasp things easy only by listening and seeing visuals of different public spaces around the world

It helped us in doing our first exercise of poster making. We were able to think with open mind having different perceptions of looking at a place, feel the essence and its multiple functions.

Then we were allotted different case studies of variety of public spaces both International and Indian context. It was a brainstorming exercise for us to critically think about each case in detail.

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We studied the case areas in depth, based on certain parameters to understand the role, function, its context, relevance, location, usability, form, psychology etc. Then we were able to generate the inferences/ outcomes for its upgradation to resolve its issues based on its potential values.

I would like to thank and give my gratitude to our faculty in-charge of this course, Ms. Pragya Hotwani.

She really motivated and inspired me to complete the tasks that were given and it really helped me in my thesis that I am pursuing. I really enjoyed working throughout this course as my personal interest lie in this topic.

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REFERENCES •

https://www.alliesandmorrison.com/projects/kings-cross

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https://tracarchitects.weebly.com/archive.html

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http://townshendla.com/projects/kings-cross-central-9/

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https://historicengland.org.uk/content/heritage-counts/pub/2017/case-studyargent-developer-pdf/

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https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/26405

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https://journals.open.tudelft.nl/iphs/article/view/1283

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https://argentllp.co.uk/places/kings-cross

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https://www.irjet.net/archives/V6/i5/IRJET-V6I599.pdf

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https://www.slideshare.net/ShahnazSandhu/virasat-ekhalsamemorial?qid=ca184534-8a94-45ce-805efa6534d67590&v=&b=&from_search=8

Thank You End Term Assignment 16