Cover page: Photo of Havelock Bridge after it’s construction in 1897
Source: ECLA Archives, Colourized by Vinay Maddipudi
GNT Road
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Urban Food Plaza
Development of Smart Roads
The ambitious development project for GNT Road in Rajamahendravaram, spanning from Y-Junction to Lalacheruvu Junction of 3 kilometres, signifies a transformative vision to redefine the urban landscape. It is evolved from the idea of Intercity Challenge conducted across all the urban local bodies in Andhra Pradesh under “Jagananna Smart Roads” to design and develop streets as mobility corridors with designated vehicular, NMT and pedestrian friendly movement and public spaces while promoting green and human interaction with the streets. This project envisions the evolution of a 100 feet wide corridor, strategically incorporating elements that prioritize both functionality and aesthetics to create a contemporary and engaging urban space.
GNT Road 1
THE VISION
The vision for GNT Road is to cultivate an exemplary street design that harmonizes aesthetics, functionality, and community appeal. This project focuses on creating a visually stunning and welcoming urban space. From carefully curated landscaping to strategically placed street furniture, the design aims to evoke a sense of identity and pedestrian experience. A notable aspect of the development is the inclusion of on-street vending slots, specifically assigned to unorganized vendors along the road. This not only supports local businesses but also adds a unique character to GNT Road and economic opportunities for the unorganized sector. This vision is dedicated to crafting a road that stands as a testament to the artistry and functionality of great street design, enriching the urban fabric of Rajamahendravaram.
Reorganising the Right of Way
DESIGN PRINCIPLE - REORGANISING THE RIGHT OF WAY
Central to the design is the integration of key features aimed at improving the overall experience along GNT Road. A dedicated pedestrian pathway ensures safety and convenience, while the introduction of a multi-function zone accommodates street vending and parking spaces, creating a lively atmosphere.
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PRIORITIZING PEOPLE IN STREET DESIGN
In the development of GNT road, a key focus is on prioritizing pedestrians and creating a people-centric design. This involves incorporating wide sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, and public spaces to enhance the overall experience for those on foot, creating a safer and more inviting environment.
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Prioritizing People in Street Design
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ORGANISED STREET VENDING
GNT road integrates organized street vending zones, allowing for a vibrant and inclusive streetscape. By providing designated areas for vendors, the design not only supports local businesses but also maintains order and safety for both pedestrians and vendors.
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Organised Street Vending at Multi-Utility Zone
DESIGN MOVES IN STREET DESIGN
GNT road incorporates innovative design elements that enhance the overall aesthetic and functionality. These design moves may include unique paving patterns, street art installations, or interactive features that contribute to a visually appealing and dynamic urban environment.
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SENSE OF PLACE AND WAYFINDING
The development of GNT road places a strong emphasis on creating a distinct sense of place through thoughtful urban design. Incorporating landmarks, signage, and wayfinding elements ensures that pedestrians and motorists can easily navigate the area, creating a sense of identity and connectivity within the community.
Sense of Place and Wayfinding
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IMMEDIATE CONTEXT
GNT road’s design takes into account the surrounding context, including the architectural style of nearby buildings, cultural influences, and historical significance. This contextual approach ensures that the street design harmoniously integrates with its surroundings, contributing to a cohesive urban fabric.
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Design considerations at street design
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STREET FURNITURE AND PLACEMAKING
GNT road features carefully placed street furniture, such as benches, planters, and public art installations, to create inviting and functional public spaces. This placemaking strategy enhances the quality of the environment, encouraging people to gather, socialize, and enjoy the public realm.
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Street Furniture and Placemaking
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GEOMETRY AND SEGREGATION OF SPACES
The road geometry in GNT road is designed to efficiently accommodate different modes of transportation while strategically segregating spaces for pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicular traffic. This approach promotes safety, minimizes congestion, and enhances the overall flow of movement along the road.
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Geometry and Segregation of Spaces
INTERSECTIONS AND ROAD SAFETY
GNT road prioritizes safety at intersections by implementing traffic-calming measures, clear signage, and pedestrianfriendly crossings. These design considerations aim to reduce the risk of accidents and create a more secure and accessible urban environment.
Intersections and Road Safety
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PEDESTRIAN TOOLBOX
The design incorporates a pedestrian toolbox, including features such as well-marked crosswalks, pedestrian plazas, and dedicated pedestrian paths. This toolkit enhances the pedestrian experience and encourages walking as a viable and safe mode of transportation.
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Components of Pedestrian Toolbox
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PAVEMENT AND GREEN POCKETS
The development integrates green pockets and well-designed pavements to enhance the visual appeal and sustainability of the street. Incorporating greenery not only contributes to environmental well-being but also creates a more pleasant and comfortable urban atmosphere.
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Pavement and Green pockets on Sidewalks
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MULTI-MODAL STREETS AND TRAFFIC CALMING
GNT road embraces a multi-modal approach, accommodating various transportation modes such as bicycles, public transit, and pedestrians. Traffic-calming measures, such as reduced speed limits and strategically placed traffic islands, contribute to a safer and more efficient multi-modal streetscape.
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Multimodal streets and Traffic calming measures
SIDEWALKS AND MULTI-UTILITY ZONE
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GNT road features expansive and well-maintained sidewalks, providing ample space for pedestrians. The multi-utility zone accommodates various functions, including seating areas, outdoor cafes, and bicycle racks, creating a versatile and engaging urban environment.
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Design of Sidewalks
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SIDEWALKS AND MULTI-UTILITY ZONE
The sidewalks in GNT road are actively designed to be expansive and well-maintained, providing ample space for pedestrians. Designers strategically incorporate a multi-utility zone, allowing for various functions such as seating areas, outdoor cafes, and bicycle racks, creating a versatile and engaging urban environment. This intentional design promotes a sense of community and encourages diverse activities, contributing to a lively and inclusive street atmosphere.
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Design of Sidewalks
Rajamahendravaram’s Arts College holds a venerable history, spanning over 150 years. This historical institution has been a cornerstone of education and culture, deeply intertwined with the city’s heritage. The street adjoining the Arts College campus was once an isolated and underutilized area, devoid of proper urban lighting during nighttime. Primarily used for vehicular access, it has undergone a remarkable transformation and now thrives as a bustling food hub, breathing new life into the city’s urban landscape. This street, being a crucial connector to both the urban square and the newly developed GNT Smart Road, plays a pivotal role in integrating these significant areas. It not only enhances the overall urban experience but also contributes to the accessibility and convenience of the city’s modern infrastructure.
Urban Food Plaza 2
EAT STREET AS A PUBLIC SPACE
THE DESIGN
The design of the 200-meter linear stretch is a meticulously planned endeavour. It involves the strategic segregation of the street into different zones, each serving a specific purpose. This includes dedicated vending zones for street food vendors, safe carriageways for vehicles, cycle tracks for eco-friendly commuting, pedestrian walkways for the convenience and safety of pedestrians, comfortable seating areas, and beautifully landscaped zones. Additionally, the infrastructure of drainage and street lighting is carefully considered to create a safe and pleasant environment for everyone. Moreover, considerations are given to drainage infrastructure and street lighting to ensure the area is safe and aesthetically pleasing.
ZONING STRATEGY
The design of the linear stretch is characterized by a meticulous zoning strategy, where the street is purposefully segregated into various zones. Each zone serves a specific function, including dedicated areas for street food vendors, safe carriageways for vehicles, eco-friendly cycle tracks, pedestrian walkways prioritizing safety, and aesthetically pleasing landscaped zones.
Strategic zoning of street into various activity areas
Street art and Installations at the entrance of urban food plaza
