Interpreting Urban Life | Elements of Urban Design

Interpreting the Public Life Samriddhi Jain | PUD20305

Elements of Urban Design| Portfolio

Masters in Urban Design | Spring semester 2021

Studio Brief The studio is structured as introduction to urban design representation and how it is used as a means of design thinking. The premise is that urban design is best understood and expressed through study and representation of the built urban environment. Hence the studio will focus on the study and representation of the key urban elements in cities and will be structured in multiple modules running through the semester, each culminating with an exhibition of the outcome. These modules will significantly focus on effectively capturing and communicating the spatial qualities of the urban built environment.

Module 1 will involve perceiving and representation of the key elements of urban design. The premise is that building types, urban blocks, streets and public open spaces form the key elements that come together to make any functional urban space. The exercises in this module will enable student with methods to study each element and how they contribute to the scale, form, character and their relationship with the larger urban context. Module 2 will be the final exercise which will involve design of public places The learning outcome of the studio are: to prepare design drawings to graphically communicate the key spatial characteristics of an existing urban built environment with focus on its elements and prepare a design for a given urban area in the form of a framework plan, design analysis and 3-dimentional illustration to represent the design.

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Contents

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What is your city talking about?

Pedestrianisation of Chandni Chowk, Delhi 04

2 Elements of Urban Design 2a Building types 08 2b 2c 2d 2e

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Open Space 14 Streets 18 Urban Blocks 24 Synthezing Urban Blocks 30

Public Place Design

Re-imagining Janpath Market Street, Delhi 36

Relevance of Project

Site Context Mapping the site Stakeholders Matrix

Challenges and Potential Strategies Design Proposal

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37 38 39 40 41 42 43

Key Learnings 54

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1 What is your city talking about?

Project Type- Individual

This exercise focussed on the current urban issues in the cities that are either exciting or concerning.

It required to identify such urban topics that are debated by citizens or are in the media indicating evidence of interest from the city and citizens.

Shahjahanabad (Walled City of Delhi) is regarded as an important Historical icon, which has a distinct identity and character. Today Shahjahanabad is deteriorating environmental as well as economically.

The routine traffic Jams make movement to and within Walled city difficult while collapsing civic amenities.

A 1.3-km stretch between the Red Fort and the Fatehpuri Masjid is being turned into a car-free zone and beautified keeping the Mughal-era architectural style in mind.

Aim

Decongest mixed traffic

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Creating Heritage environment, promote tourism

Improve quality of public realm

Project Proposal Pedestrian Street Furniture in Landscaping movement Mughal architecture

NMT movement during day

Landscaping

Transformers

Overhead cables moved underground

Informal Activities

Motorised vehicle allowed during night Toilets

Water ATMs

5m-13m wide Northern side footpath

5.5m wide Carriageway

3.5m wide Central verge

5.5m wide Carriageway

5m-9m wide Southern side footpath

Source for section - PSDA Architects

But is everyone happy?

Conflicts by Historians and Architects

Religious conflicts

Tussle between Traders & Proposal

As a part of design proposal and as per Court orders, MCD will be removing the Hanuman Temple which was considered as “encroachment”.

Pedestrians happy, shop owners not so much

“There are so many religious structures that are on the road. I can make a list of at least 20 such places in Delhi.

If redevelopment is priority, then that should be the case across the capital, why just demolish our Hindu temple?”

Resident of CC said.

The traders association were opposing the plan as the restriction on entry of motorized vehicles in the area will have a negative impact on their sales and income.

This was resolved by a multi-level parking facility at Chandni Chowk’s Gandhi Maidan.

Another concern of traders was loading and off-loading of goods.

This issue was solved, and it was decided that post 9 pm, loading and off-loading of goods in motorised vehicles is allowed.

Petitioners depict how installing the oil-type transformers on the central verge pose a major fire hazard to life and property and create a visual barrier between the sides of the street.

(Photo: Special arrangement by Smita Datta Makhija) Source – https://www.dailyo.in/variety/chandni-chowk-redevelopmentred-fort-fatehpuri-masjid-delhi-government-rgo/story/1/31890.html, Jan 6, 2019

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Source – https://citizenmatters.in/ delhi-walled-city-chandni-chowkredevelopment-project-22507, Dec 3, 2020

Source – Times of India

Is there a need for pedestrianization?

Yes! A much-needed design intervention.

WHY? Mixed traffic flow | On street Parking | Encroachments

AFTER

BEFORE

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

Source- PSDA Architects

Source- https://www.downtoearth.org.in

Where shouldWhere we walk? should we walk?

Source- https://www.downtoearth.org.in Source- https://www.downtoearth.org.in

I can’t Wheremove I can’ton should we move on this road. walk? this road.

I can’t move on this road.

It’s taking It’s forever taking It’sto taking forever to forever to reach. reach. reach.

We can

Source- PSDA Architects Source- PSDA Architects

I can easily

Better to park

Better to park Better to park We can walk We can vehicle and I can easily I canroam easily freely around vehicle andvehicle and walk freelynow. walk freely roam around roam around move freely. and shop move freely. now. now. and shop and shop move freely.

•

History needs to be preserved.

But the historical areas in dilapidated conditions need to be redeveloped.

•

The new redeveloped area will attract more business, visitors and tourists.

•

The redevelopment plan benefits both traders and customers. Due to traffic congestion, customers avoided going to CC. Hence, the business suffered.

•

Potential to become a global tourist destination.

But a European style formal makeover to a vibrant informal Indian street is the right solution?

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2 Elements of Urban Design

2a Building types Project Type- Individual

2b Open Space 2c Streets 2d Urban Blocks 2e Synthezing Urban blocks

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2a Building Types 1. Apartments

2. Independent House

Semi- Private Domain

Private Domain

For Apartment private open spaces are key requirement.

For Bungalows, privacy and security are key requirements.

•

In Indian case, the private open spaces are provided in the form of terrace for every unit.

•

In Indian case, the bungalow is enclosed within a boundary wall which gives a sense of privacy and security.

•

Whereas, for International, a common semi-private space is provided at mid level accessible only to the residents of the building.

Also, the building is directly connected to nearby open spaces as there are no physical barriers.

•

Whereas, for International, the contoured site itself segregates the plot without the need of a boundary wall.

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3. Row House

4. Office

Private Domain

Semi- Public Domain

Since the walls are shared for Row houses, physical and visual connection is important. Elevation is crucial for Row Houses.

• In Indian case, the physical connection to road is through a boundary wall and visual connection through balconies.

•

Whereas in International case, there is no boundary wall and physical connection to road is though footpaths. Visual connection is achieved through fenestrations.

For office buildings, space for parking, recreation and facade are key requirements.

• In Indian case, the building complex is enclosed within compounded wall with parking and recreation activities on ground.

•

Whereas in International case, the parking is underground and the ground stilt floor is utilised as recreation zone. Thus compound wall is not needed.

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5. Institute

6. Auditorium

Semi- Public Domain

Public Domain

Institutes require open spaces for gathering or outdoor activities for students.

• In Indian case, large open space is achieved through large site having large setbacks.

Auditoriums being public buildings require higher accessibility.

Location of building on edge of the street increases accessibility.

• In Indian case, the bungalow is enclosed within a compounded complex with parking facility.

•

•

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Whereas, for International, there are no setbacks. The need of open space is achieved by providing central open-to-sky courtyard and terraces.

Whereas, for International, the building is set in loose and low density urban fabric, thus not enclosed within a compound wall.

7. Shopping Mall

8. Hotel

Public Domain

Semi- Public Domain

Shopping malls require open spaces for spill over and recreation purpose.

• In Indian case, the mall has open space near the vehicular entrance which makes it less usable.

Hotels require on-site parking and open recreational space for guests.

• In Indian case, the recreation space is provided at higher level to give a sense of privacy to guests.

•

•

Whereas, for International, the open space is near the pedestrian entrance and thus making it more active and lively.

Whereas, for International, recreation space is provided on the ground level in an enclosed space.

Inference Presence of open spaces on multi level enhances the quality of life.

• Gives more visual connectivity to surroundings.

• Easily accessible to all.

The location of built form on a street plays an important role to understand the accessibility to pedestrians.

• Buildings enclosed in a compound have lower accessibility.

• Buildings on a street edge have higher accessibility.

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2 Elements of Urban Design

2a Building types 2b Open Space Project Type- Individual

2c Streets 2d Urban Blocks 2e Synthezing Urban blocks

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2b Open Space

Edge Type

The illustration shows Pershing square during three different times. It clearly depicts that the square is mostly active during events and least active for the rest of the days.

Pershing square acts as a multi-purpose area, mostly active during events.

The three intangible elements are the user experience during different times.

Inference For any open space to be active, its surroundings and location is important.

• An open space enclosed by heavy traffic road is least utilized.

• The open space enclosed within commercial activities attracts mostly crowd during commercial events and not utilized much daily.

Ground floor building use

Various landscape features can be used for varied purposes during different seasons/events.

• Levels play an important role in segregating different zones.

Peak Hour Activity Graph

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Pershing Square|Los Angeles

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2 Elements of Urban Design

2a Building types 2b Open Space 2c Streets

Project Type- Individual

2d Urban Blocks 2e Synthezing Urban blocks

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2c Street The illustration shows MG Marg during day and evening. It depicts that the during evening the footfall increases since tourists retreat to town and roam around the street.

The three elements are active shopfronts, greenery on median which enhances the visual experience, benches along the median.

Inference Presence of footpath on a shopping street segregates the pedestrians and the customers.

However, it reduces the level of informality on the street.

Edge Type

Distribution of Public Right of way

Ground floor building use

MG Marg|Gangtok

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2c Street The illustration shows the vibrant Istiktal street during evening.

The three elements are active shopfronts, tram line at the centre of street, musicians and performers who make the building edge active.

Inference The active shopfronts attract various informal activities on the built edge.

Edge Type

Distribution of Public Right of way

Ground floor building use

Istiklal Street|Istanbul

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2 Elements of Urban Design

2a Building types 2b Open Space 2c Streets 2d Urban Blocks

Project Type- Individual

2e Synthezing Urban blocks

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2d Urban Block The shopping arcades at Connaught Place act as a transition space between open and built form and provide direct accessibility to shopfronts.

The facades have an identical architectural character which makes the block a unique landmark.

The entire block is pedestrian friendly with seggregated pathways for pedestrians and vehicles.

The block acts as a vibrant urban public place.

Built-Open

Building use

Street Network

Connaught Place|Delhi

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2d Urban Block The neighbourhood has schools and hospitals in proximity making it a self sufficient entity.

The buildings are high rise which is a distinct character of Manhattan. Despite being high rise, the building edges are active due to presence of retail shops on ground floor.

The shopfronts are directly accessible via footpaths.

The buildings form a perimeter block with private open spaces at back side.

Built-Open

Building use

Street Network

Lenox Hill|Manhattan

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2 Elements of Urban Design

2a Building types 2b Open Space 2c Streets 2d Urban Blocks 2e Synthezing Urban blocks Project Type- Group

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Grid Iron

1e Synthesizing Urban Blocks

A N A L Y S I S

Mix

O F O P E N

Radial

Non-Linear

S P A C E S

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This study on urban blocks is initially based on the analysis of open spaces and block perimeters across a pallet of 66 samples of urban blocks sized 500 x 500m situated across the continents.

Study is conducted by analysing following parameters:

• • •

Percentage of Open Space Block Perimeter Link-Node Ratio

• • •

Walkability and Permeability Network Pattern Accessibility

Analysis of Open space There are 4 categories of patterns in which the urban blocks are arranged namely Grid, Mix, Non-Linear and Radial, which are arranged in decreasing order of percentage of public open spaces.

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The GRID pattern is characterised by spaces organized within a structural grid which is formed by parallel or perpendicular street network.

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The NON - LINEAR is something which does not follow any notable defining pattern;

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The Mix has multiple patterns observed

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RADIAL pattern constitutes a central space from which linear organizations of space extend in a radial manner

In the observed cases, when there are designated open spaces and wide roads in the urban blocks the percentage ranges from 25%-80%. Where as in cases where there are only roads as open spaces the percentage ranges between 10-20%.

Furthermore the average block perimeter ranges across 200-1030m for Non-Linear and grid patterns and around 100-700m for mix and radial.

Public Open Spaces Urban Blocks

0

100

200

500

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Grid Iron

0.80

347m

2.3

0.80

390m

2.2

0.76

177m

1.8

0.81

330m

1.8

0.69

530m

1.9

0.67

180m

1.4

0.72

350m

1.5

0.83

450m

1.8

0.66

Mix

1.5

Non-Linear

P E R M E A B I L I T Y

300m

Transit Node Destination

Travelled Path

Radial

C O M P A R I N G

Effective Displacement

Average Effec Displacement

400m radius fro Transit Node

418m

1.5

0.76

425m

1.8

0.78

615m

1.8

0.76 0

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50

100

250

h

t

ctive t

om

Comparing Permeability The objective is to study and compare the permeability across blocks.

To perform this study, three typical examples from each street pattern category are selected with a diverse range of average block perimeters.

Starting from a major public transit node along the primary street, several routes leading into the blocks are marked till a range of 400m distance selected on the basis of maximum displacement from the public transit node.

The ratio of average effective displacement and the maximum possible displacement of 400m is calculated to find the permeability ratio, graphically represented by the concentric arcs.

This ratio helps in quantifying and relative comparison of permeability across similar size blocks of 500 x 500m.

Permeability Ratio

=

X Y It is found that blocks across different patterns with similar block perimeter ranging between 350-400 show different properties of permeability and connectivity, that is link node ratio.

For example in grid, non-linear and radial patterns the middle blocks having similar average block perimeter and decreasing link node ratio due to different block arrangement, but still have a high permeability ratio due to the size and arrangement of the blocks around the transit node.

However in the mix pattern the second block having a similar average block perimeter and high link node ratio shows a low permeability ratio due to the positioning of large blocks between the inner blocks and the transit nodes.

The block perimeter and link node ratio generalizes the accessibility and connectivity of the block, and does not consider the ground realities of size variations and travel paths.

Whereas the permeability ratio which is specific to the location of the primary transit node and the common travelled paths within the inner blocks, portrays a better understanding of the user’s conveniences.

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3 Public Place Design Re-imagining Janpath Market Street, Delhi Project Type- Individual

About Janpath Being one of the oldest and most popular markets of the capital city of Delhi, Janpath Market is highly adored by tourists across the globe. It has an abundance of stationary as well as mobile vendors selling clothing, accessories, handicrafts etc.

Vision The project aims to refurbish the iconic Janpath street markets with enhanced shopping experience and explore the opportunity to feel the public place while retaining its informality and vibrancy.

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Relevance of the project Street Markets of Delhi A trip to the capital city of Delhi remains incomplete without exploring the nooks and corners of the vibrant street markets that deal with everything from local food to clothing and accessories to home décor items. While there are numerous air-conditioned shopping malls in the posh regions, the raw essence of the city lies in the small stalls in the markets run by local traders.

Even today, people prefer shopping in a street market over mall since everyone cannot afford to shop at malls or branded stores.

Chandni Chowk

Janpath

Sarojini Nagar

Janpath This photograph shows a vibrant Janpath street, buzzing with activities with active shop fronts on both sides. The formality and informality together make the street lively.

However, the overlap of formal and informal activities creates problems.

The increasing number of informal vendors and encroachments by formal vendors causes hindrance in pedestrian movement and negatively impacts the shopping experience.

There is a need to organize the activities on the street to make the street shopping environment friendly for shoppers as well as shopkeepers.

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Site Context

5 0

25

50

10

Due to it is in proximity to the famous Connaught place, Janpath is one of the most favourable shopping streets in Delhi.

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Mapping the Site Activity map

Formal shops Informal vendor Mobile vendor Pedestrian Vehicle

Within the street, presently the pedestrian movement is along the shops in 2 linear lanes.

5 0

25

50

25

50

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Shade analysis

Entire street is well shaded naturally with trees. This is a plus point for the site as it enhances the shopping experience.

5 0

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Traffic analysis

Since the vehicular traffic intensity is maximum on the entrance points of the street, it causes congestion and clash between pedestrian and vehicles.

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Pedestrian traffic Vehicular Traffic

5 0

25 10

50

Stakeholders Matrix

Stakeholders

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Stationary Informal vendors

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Mobile vendors

•

Formal vendors on street edges

Requirements

Rent payment

Dedicated space for setting up stalls

Do not pay any rent

Space to move and set up Do not pay any rent stalls

Clear shopfront for customers

Pay rent

Urban Design Intervention

Dividing the ROW, demarcating zones for informal vending activities, Designing space for temporary stallscan be used for multipurpose during different times.

Demarcating boundary for vending activities spill over, discourage encroachments, more space for pedestrians and informal activities.

Clear walkway/ Shoppers / Pedestrians Recreational zones/ Drop off zones

Dividing ROW to attain proper width for pedestrians; Provide shaded spots at intervals for resting; using landscape elements for pleasant environment.

•

Cars (movement till parking lot)

Segregated vehicular zone

Provide separate lane for vehicles to access the parking lot; Limiting the movement of vehicles till the parking.

•

Auto/Taxi waiting

Auto/taxi waiting area

Entrance plaza with drop off; Auto/taxi stand

•

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Challenges

5

Potential

25

0

5 0 42

50

10

25 10

50

Strategies

1

Connect the market with surroundings

3 Breaking the linearity.

Make the monotonous pedestrian movement pattern to an exciting one.

Developing a welcoming entrance.

the publicness and 2 Increasing create and identity.

Creating space for art installation depicting city’s culture

4 Retain the informality on street.

Not disturbing the formal vendors; Organising space for informal vending activities.

Using colourful and interesting flooring patterns to define the movement pattern and segregating different zones.

Design Proposal Segregated vehicle path

Entrance and Drop off Plaza

Existing shops

Central verge for resting and informal vending

Refueling plaza with food zone & art installation

Raised Pedestrian crossing

Entrance and Drop off Plaza 5 0

25 10

50 43

Design Proposal

Refueling/ Refreshment plaza

Entrance Plaza and drop off

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Entrance Plaza and drop off

Central spine for resting & informal activities

The proposal aims to revitalize this iconic street with enhanced shopping experience and explore the opportunity to feel the public place while retaining its informality and vibrancy.

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Entrance and Drop off Plaza The first idea was to create a welcoming entrance for the market with proper drop off.

Entrance Plaza and drop off

Entrance Plaza and drop off

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Existing

Presently, the main entrance to market is congested due to taxis/autos waiting. The barricaded entrance disconnects the market from surroundings.

There are no proper drop off points the entrances.

Proposed

To avoid the congestion at the main entrance, the proposal includes a drop off plaza for vehicles and a raised pedestrian crossing. The proposed plaza will have colonnade entrance, the character of Connaught place. The segregated paths for pedestrians and vehicles will create unobstructed and welcoming entrance.

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Inside the Street Within the street, presently the pedestrian movement is along the shops in 2 linear lanes. The idea was to break the linearity and monotonous pedestrian movement, by using the concept of tactical urbanism and arrangement of street furniture.

Movement Pattern

Central spine for resting & informal activities

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Existing

Presently, there are no resting spaces in the market. Also, the majority of ROW is enchroached by shopkeepers or informal vendors.

Proposed

To avoid the encroachments and organising activties on the street, zones are demarcated usng different flooring patterns.

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Refueling / Refreshment Plaza The central elliptical plaza will act as a refueling zone with food zone and recreational activities. The plaza will have breathing space away from all the hustle bustle of the market.

Refueling/ Refreshment plaza

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Proposed

The idea is to introduce a space for art installation for selfie point. This art installation could reflect city’s culture. Also, the food vendors can be re-located in the food zone.

The central elliptical plaza will act as a refueling zone with food zone and recreational activities. The plaza will have breathing space away from all the hustle bustle of the market.

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Proposed Section

1.8m Formal vending zone

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Pedestrian

4.5

Resting and infor

ROW 1

This urban design intervention can make the famous Janpath market into an exciting public place which can be enjoyed by visitors as well as vendors. The market street will have its own identity and attract more tourists to this vibrant public place.

5m

rmal vending zone

15m

1.8m Pedestrian

Formal vending zone

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4 Key Learnings

Urban space is an amalgamation of various urban design elements- Buildings, Streets, Open Space, Urban Blocks. These elements are interdependent on each other and hence help in functioning of urban space for the people.

The study of elements of urban design helped to understand the relationship between these elements by analyzing the context, condition of built edges, scale and proportions of various elements.

How human eye perceives a space plays a crucial role for any space. User experience should be kept in mind while designing any urban space.

While understanding various streets across the world, it can be said that streets are not only meant for circulation, but they act as public place in day to day life.

Street markets have historically been favoured destination for shoppers. Not only shopping, these streets are a vibrant public place buzzing with activities.

Through my design proposal to re-imagine and refurbish the famous Janpath street market, can make the street into an exciting public place which can be enjoyed by visitors as well as vendors. The market street will have its own identity and attract more tourists to this vibrant public place.

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Samriddhi Jain | PUD20305

Masters in Urban Design | Spring semester 2021