Exploring Urban Voids

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 Index

Chapter 1
1..1 Introduction
1.2 Statement of the Problem
1.3 Aim
1.4 Objective
1.5 Goals
1.6 Question to Address
1.7 Hypothesis
1.8 Importance of Study

Chapter 2
2.1 Historical Background of Urban Void
2.2 Urban Solid
2.3 Urban Void
2.4 Urban Void and its Types
2.4.1 Vacant Land
2.4.2 Derelict Land
2.4.3 Brownfield Land
2.4.4 Lost and Dead Spaces

Chapter 3
3.1 City and Urban Landscape
3.2 Evolution of Cities
3.2.1 The First Phase
3.2.2 The Second Phase
3.2.3 The Third Phase
3.3 Planning of The Cities
3.4 What is Urbanization

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3.5 Urban Design and Space Use
3.6 Urban Design of City Centre, Tanzania
3.6.1 Land Use Pattern

Chapter 4 - Related Literature , Roger Transik

4.1 Figure Ground Theory
4.2 Linkage Theory
4.3 Place Theory
4.4 Analysis of Case Study for Figure Ground Theory
4.5 Analysis of Case Study for Linkage Theory
4.6 Analysis of Case Study for Place Theory
4.7 Conclusion
4.7.1 Figure Ground Theory
4.7.2 Linkage Theory
4.7.3 Place Theory
4.8 Six Typological Pattern of Solids and Voids
4.9 Three Type of Special Linkage
4.9.1 Compositional Form
4.9.2 Mega Form
4.9.3 Group Form
4.10 Analysis of Urban Solids and Voids

Chapter 5 – Related Literature , Robert Krier

5.1 The Typological and Morphological Elements of Urban Space
5.2 The Arrangement of Krier’s Typology for Urban Space
5.3 Morphological series of Urban Space
5.4 Erosion of Urban Space

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5.5 Temporality Of City
5.6 Opportunities
5.6.1 Access to Space
5.6.2 Create A Better Environment
5.6.3 Stimulates A Sense of Space
5.6.4 Avoiding Waste
5.6.5 Achieving Direct Outcome
5.6.6 Experimentation
5.6.7 Civic Pride

Chapter 6 – Case Studies

6.1 Philadelphia
6.2 New York
6.3 Toronto
6.4 City Centre (Salt Lake City, Kolkata)
6.5 Freedom Park, Bangalore
6.6 Indian Habitat Centre, Delhi
6.6.1 Key Points of Case Study

Chapter 7
7.1 Urban Void and Public Relation
7.2 Conclusion

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Chapter 8
8.1 Selection of the City
8.1.1 Location
8.1.2 Scale
8.1.3 Urban Context
8.1.4 Site
8.2 Design Approach
8.3 Pelican Park, Nashik – An Urban Void
8.4 Site Analysis
8.4.1 Lack of Urban Needs in Provisions in Site Surroundings
8.4.2 Site Photographs
8.4.3 Proposed Site Details

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Chapter 1

1.1 Introduction

Cities are always in transition and so the city’s architecture

should reflect it. Transition brings opportunities of growth, expansion,
improvement in the social and urban fabric along with new development
strategies. I feel today's trend of development is mostly focused towards
building environment. This kind of development effects in lots of “VOIDS”
between “SOLIDS”.
Here “Void” comes for “left out spaces” and “Solid” comes for “built
environment”
I feel that land is most most important factor in today’s
urban needs of the city. Each piece of land has lots of potential to serve the
city needs and thus we just can't waste pieces of irregular shape of lands
just as left over space between built objects.
The limitless potential of voids in buildings and urban
spaces has often been overlooked in architectural discourse. Through a
careful historical, semantic, and explorative investigation into concepts of
space and void, this dissertation tries to refocus awareness to that which
traditionally is forgotten or unobserved, altering user perception and
heightening spatial experience through the inversion of preconceived
notions of solid and void. Many historical practices and indigenous
architectural solutions have reflected a great sense of environmental and
social sustainability, with respect to the technical advancement, economic
and socio-political aspects. In most of post modernism revivalist
movements, emphasis was placed on the stylistic approach and typologies
of historical architecture, and analysis was focused on the cultural and
stylistic authenticity. Little emphasis was placed upon functional, climatic
and socio-spatial aspects.

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 On the contrary, the functionally oriented contributions
have, to an extent reflected a limited fundamentalists approach to the role
which vernacular architecture can play, through a continuous process of
straight revivalism. The concept of “the void” is neither autonomous nor
singular: Its existence is shaped by the presence of mass and skin; its
subsistence is one of dynamic multiplicity. Never singular, voids come in
many types, each defined by scale, spatial quality, functionality, and the
process in which they are created.
The thesis discusses the meaning of the ‘void’ in traditional
periods and philosophy, when it was perceived as a positive, meaningful
space and regarded to have a complementary relationship with the solid.
This dialectical relationship is embodied in traditional architecture, in which
the void is always constructed as part of the solid and both together create
a specific meaning. Traditional Chinese architecture conveys the
harmonious and balanced relationship between the void and solid, natural
and artificial, and landscape and human.

7
1.2 Statement of the Problem:-
Creating positive voids in urban design or using “space as object”.

1.3 Aim:-
To explore the transition of development by layering solids and voids with
the new urban development in the city.

1.4 Objective:-
1) To reinstate the importance of lands in social context.
2) To strengthen the bonds of society in the urban city.

1.5 Goals:-
1) To find out the solutions from which we can avoid the uneven shape on
voids on a particular piece/ plot of land while putting solids on it.
2) To generate maximum yield from the pattern of Void’s which can serve
the Solid’s (built objects) around them as well as play contrast role to
balance the pattern of Solid’s and Void’s.

1.6 Question to Address:-

1) What are the driving forces behind this accelerated transformation, and
what is the logic that underlies it?
2) Why there is need of studying voids in the urban design?
3) What are the key spaces and their potential in congested regions of the
metropolis?

1.7 Hypothesis:-
Essence of the Environment between Built and un-built Spaces when
Solid’s and Void’s has Given equal Importance.

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1.8 Importance of the Study

Urban Solids and Voids is the study of the form of human

settlements and the process of their formation and transformation. The
study seeks to understand the spatial structure and character of
a metropolitan area, city, town or village by examining the patterns of its
component parts and the process of its development. This can involve the
analysis of physical structures at different scales as well as patterns of
movement, land use, ownership or control and occupation. Typically,
analysis of physical form focuses on street pattern, plot pattern
and building pattern, sometimes referred to collectively as urban grain.
Analysis of specific settlements is usually undertaken using
cartographic sources and the process of development is deduced from
comparison of historic maps.
Special attention is given to how the physical form of a city changes over
time, and to how different cities compare to each other. Another
significant part of this subfield deals with the study of the social forms
which are expressed in the physical layout of a city, and, conversely, how
the physical form produces or reproduces various social forms.

Fig-1 Fig-2 Fig-3

Fig 1: - Solid Void plan of the “Apartment Condition” inhabiting a

thickened wall.
Fig 2: - Positive Void; reversing main and auxiliary space.
Fig 3: - “Actual Condition”; inhabitable spaces.

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 The figures above are the basic examples to explain the
present scenario and need of study on it. Since the close of the 1960s, the
landscapes of major metropolises have been more and more characterized
by the presence of "urban voids". Today these "voids", which are often
heterogeneous in their manifestation, dominate the discussions around the
transformation and the future of urban regions. Now a day we primarily
and majorly focusing on the solids that is built space, which create uneven
Voids in between Solids. Thus, they can't be use positively and they remain
as it is just as left out spaces.
This study will focus on finding solutions to such urban
problems where now land became a most important part in Urban
Development in which such unwanted Voids covers more land and become
negative spaces in the center of the city, whereas such Voids has lots of
positive potential in it.

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Chapter 2

2.1 Historical Background of Urban Void

The decline of industrial revolution in the late 1960s gave

birth to many urban voids in the city fabric in the developed world. Today
these voids are often varied in their manifestation and the dominate the
discussion about the regeneration of the urban area.
In the end of sixties as indicated by Scaramella and Police
(2001), the concept of reclamation appeared in the international, political
and cultural debate. Certainly the seventies observed a shift from merely
quantitative urban growth philosophy which appeared during the second
world war and was predominant over a period of twenty years, to a
qualitative philosophy which was based on transformation of the existent
and emphasized reuse. Also Dematteis points out at until then, the most
essential thing was to build, since it represented not only the drive behind
the economical and occupational growth, but it was also the core of strong
speculative interests.
The general process of economic and social restructuring
from industrial to post-industrial societies was reflected by the urban
decline in the industrial cities. Therefore as observed by many researchers,
essentially old industrial cities were and are most severely affected by
changes like industrial decline, social polarization, high unemployment, job
changes, city exodus and abandonment of properties and houses. The
quality of town centers was damaged due to unauthorized building,
congestion, the prevailing of personal interests over public ones which
also prevented their redevelopment. This rough urbanization caused a
profound change in the characteristic of towns, rapidly becoming a
worrying event.

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 This was the reason public administrations and people in
general adopted a new approach to environmental problems and the
quality of life.
After the post-industrial issues, there was a growing interest
in industrial archaeology, at the same time the interest in the reclaiming
and reusing of the several abandoned buildings was increasing. In this new
perspective, the reclaiming of abandoned areas represents not only the
solution to several problems. Such as housing problems and the
deterioration of the historical and cultural heritage, but also an alternative
to the blind expansion of towns.
So in this context, it is necessary to find creative ways to
tackle the issue of these urban voids which in turn demonstrate a more
functioning and dynamic city.

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2.2 Urban Solids :-

The first important type of urban solid can be characterized as

public monuments and institutions, which serve as centerpieces in city
fabric. These object buildings, often visual foci, need to sit prominently in
open space to announce their presence and express their social and
political significance. The forecourts of public monuments and institutions
with their grand entrance stairs and the open space surrounding them, are
often as important as monument themselves.
a second major type of urban solid can be define as the
predominant field of urban blocks. According to Leon Krier (Dutch architect
and urban planner) the size, pattern, orientation of the urban block is the
most important element in the composition of public spaces.
another category of solids in the city is formed by directional
or edge defining buildings that are generally nonrepetative, specialized
forms, often linear in configuration.

2.3 Urban Voids :-

As in the case of urban solids, there are certain definable

urban voids. These needs to be carved out of and pushed into solids to
provide functional and visual continuities, thereby creating an integrated,
humane city in which architecture and exterior space are inextricably fused.
Five types of urban voids play a part in the exterior city. The
first is the entry foyer space that establishes important transition , or
passage from personal domain to common territory. The entry space is a
privet gateway visible to a select few and announcing the arrival of
individuals to there living or work spaces.

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 In form it can be forecourt, mews, niche, lobby or front yard.
In scale it is intimate, a place where one can be both public and privet.
The second type is the inner block void, a semiprivate
residential space for leisure or utility or a midblock shopping oasis for
circulation or rest.
A third type of void is the primary network of streets and
squares, a category that corresponds to the predominant field of blocks
and that contains the active public life of the city. Historically, the streets
and squares were the unifying structures of the city, in modern times , they
have lost much of their social function and physical quality. As extensions
of the homes and places for discourse among neighbors. Urban streets and
squares traditionally form a systematic hierarchy of ordered from locally
controlled space to city wide routes for communication.
Public parks and gardens are the fourth type of larger voids
that contrast with architectural built forms. Acting as nodes for the
preservation of nature in the city, they are incorporated in urban grid to
simulate rural settings, to provide both relief from hard urban environment
and accessible recreation. Parks and gardens shape adjoining sites by
enhancing property values at their edges, but they are independent
landscape compositions internally.

2.4 Urban Voids and Its Types -

Voids as defined in oxford dictionary means completely
empty space, free form, vacant and lacking of physical and mental content,
and urban means belonging to the city. So urban voids can be defined as
spaces in the city which are completely empty and waiting to be defined.

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 Bo Gronlund (1994) talks about the lacking aspect of Urban
Voids in his article “ Filling the void of Urbanity” by trying the terms Voids
as:-
“ Many different kind of phenomena, as we are not talking about voids in
an absolute sense. Lacking functions. Lacking people. Lack of aesthetic
experiences. Lack of difference. Further, voids can be stronger and more
vast in areas of the cities outside the historical cores, especially the sub
urban void. Even more serious: “the concept of the city” or “the urban”
can be seen as a void.”

2.4.1 Vacant land-

Vacant land is the most commonly used term for such land.
The oxford dictionary defines vacant as not occupied, empty or not filled.
So a vacant land is a place of land or property which is empty or not
occupied.
In a survey examining vacant land and abandoned structures in 70 cities of
USA Pagano and Bowman (2000) defined it as:-
“vacant land includes not only publicly-owned and privately-owned unused
or abandoned land or land that once had structures on it, but also the land
that supports structures that have been abandoned, derelict, boarded up,
partially destroyed or razed.”

2.4.2 Derelict land-

Derelict land is defined as ‘land so damaged by industrial or
other development as to be incapable of beneficial use without treatment’.

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2.4.3 Brownfield land-
Land which is or was occupied by permanent structures
(excluding agricultural and forestry buildings) and associated fixed surface
infrastructure.

2.4.4 Lost and dead space-

These are the left-over unstructured landscapes which are
generally found at the base of high-rise towers. They can be the un-used
sunken plazas which are away from the pedestrian flow and activity in the
city. They are the undesirable urban areas and anti-spaces which make no
contribution to the surrounding

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Chapter 3

3.1 City and Urban Landscape

“The city is fascinating – preserve, complex, sometimes

maddening, sometimes startlingly beautiful, fill of the middle stories whose
beginnings and ends your nerve see.”

Fig-4 Fig-5

The geographies of cities, both physical and human, are

diverse. From the ancient civilizations of Egypt, china and Mesopotamia to
the Mediterranean world of Greece and Rome to the stone citadels of the
Maya and the Aztec all the way to today’s bustling metropolises, cities have
been at the centre of the greatest civilizations. They have been called the
highest forms of social organization.
Indeed, the cities of today have grown into very complex and
contradictory places, holding the promise of progress but also carrying the
threat of disaster.

3.2 Evolution of Cities

“To change life, we must first change space”

- Henri Lefebvre, French writer, philosopher

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 With their industries , traffic jams and sleek buildings, cities
are often seen as new development in history. In fact the origin of the cities
goes back thousands of years and passes through at least three distinct
phases.

3.2.1 The first Phase

From small agricultural bases settlements in river valley
civilization to larger centers for merchants, craftsman, traders and
governments officials.
The division between “town” and “country”, “urban” and
“rural” had begun. A similar path was taken by later civilization such as
the Greek, Iranian, Roman.

3.2.2 The Second Phase

With the industrial revolution in Europe around the middle
of 18th century. Factories needed a large labour force and a rise in
commercial activity created new opportunities in cities. Looking for
employment and better life, people moved from rural areas into cities in
greater numbers than ever before.

Fig-6
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3.2.3 The Third Phase
It began after the second World War . The largest and fastest
growth in the world’s urban population has taken place in the decades
since 1950 . As the world economy became more international and grew in
size, cities all over the world began to grow larger at a very first pace.

3.3 Planning of Cities

Fig-7 Fig-8

Urban planning is concerned with the ordering and design of

settlements, from the smallest town to the world’s largest cities. Beautiful
cities are the result of dense, long lasting systems of prohibitions and
guidance about building sizes, uses and features. These allowed substantial
freedom, yet enforce styles, safety and often materials in practical ways .
Many conventional planning techniques are been repackaged using the
contemporary term, small growth.

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3.4 What is Urbanization

“Cities ,Like Dreams, are made of desire and fears…”

- Italo Calvino , Italian Novelist
Cities play an important role in all our lives today and in the years ahead.
After the industrial revolution, urban centers grew rapidly and over the
past 50 years there has been an explosion in the growth of the cities, both
in their numbers and in their size – this is called “Urbanization”.

Fig-9
Today, the most
rapid urbanization is taking place in
countries in Asia, Latin America
and Africa. Cities have always been
at the centre of economic growth,
technological advances and
cultural production. But their rapid
Fig-10
growth has also brought negative
things: urban violence and poverty,

Homelessness, overcrowding and health problems, pollution

and waste, Cities have had a great impact on our lives and on
world civilization in general. They are becoming more and more
imprtant as their sizes and numbers grow.

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3.5 Urban Design and Space Use

Urban Design has considerable implications on usage pattern

in public urban spaces. For instance, it has substantial influence on the
degree of diversity, intensity, compatibility, and even spatial distribution of
activities in public urban space. Implemented urban design can therefore
enhance or determine meaningful use of public urban spaces. The
influence of urban design on space use is collective, emanating from its
major aspects that is planned land use pattern, traffic circulation system,
physical densities, geometrical dispositioning of urban solid’s and urban
space treatment.
Despite this understanding about the influence of urban
design on space use, urban design Endeavour's geared towards enhancing
meaningful use of urban spaces often put more emphasis on certain
aspects than others. For example many attempts on revitalizing modern
urban spaces tend to emphasize urban space treatment as if the influence
of other aspects of urban design on space use is less significant. So that
this narrow perspective of the relationship between urban design and
space use is detrimental to such Endeavour's. Through examination of
major aspects of urban design and use of public urban spaces in Dar es
salaam city centre, Tanzania, shows how the different aspects of urban
design jointly influenced space use in that area.

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3.6 Case Study :- Urban Design of the City Centre, Tanzania

Fig-11

“Dar es Salaam” city is located at the eastern part of

Tanzania along the Indian ocean coast, with the City Centre on the eastern
part. Most of the city centre was planned and built between the beginning
of this century and 1970’s.

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3.6.1 Land Use Pattern :-
The urban design of the city centre shows a rigid
separation of urban functions in terms of designated broad land uses and
specific activities. In the west, the land use pattern strictly consists of
mixed commercial, institutional and residential use, while in the rest of the
city centre commercial, institutional and very limited residential use.

Fig –12 – Showing Solid’s and Void’s pattern of western part of city centre,
Tanzania.

Solid’s and Void’s relationships in the western part :

Implemented high plot ratios together with zero front set
backing of buildings led to a tight system of urban blocks consisting of
closely located buildings unified by well defined central courtyard

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Fig – 13 – Showing Solid’s and Void’s pattern of eastern part of city centre,
Tanzania.

Solid’s and Void’s relationships in the eastern part :

A loose urban spatial tissue emanating from implemented
low plot ratio coupled with priority to urban solids. In this area urban solids
are figure and voids are ground.

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Chapter 4 – Related Literature, Roger Transic

On the basis of evolution of modern space and the analysis of historic

precedents, three approaches to urban design theory can be identified:-

4.1 Figure Ground Theory :-

Each urban environment has existing pattern of solids and
voids and figure ground approach to change the physical geometry of the
pattern. A predominant field of solids and voids create this urban pattern,
often called the fabric and is punctuated by object buildings and spaces
such as major landmark and open spaces that provide focal points and sub
centers within the Field.
The figure ground theory is founded on the study of the
relative land coverage of buildings as solid mass (“Figure”) to open voids
(“Ground”). The best illustration of the figure-ground theory of urban
design is Giambattista Nolli’s map of Rome, drawn in 1748.

4.2 Linkage Theory :-

The linkage theory is derived from “lines” connecting one
element to another. These lines are formed by streets, pedestrians ways,
linear open spaces or other linking elements that physically connect the
parts of the city. Movement system and efficiency of infrastructure take
precedence over patterns of define outdoor space.
Linkage is simply the glue of the city. It is the act by which we
unite all the layers of activity and resulting physical form of the city. Urban
design is concerned with the question of making comprehensible links
between discrete things. The best illustration of Linkage theory of urban
design is Kenzo Tange plan for a new community.
Cambridge, Massachusetts. M.I.T. 1960’s.

25
4.3 Place Theory :-

The place theory goes beyond figure ground and linkage

theories in that it adds the components of human needs and culture ,
historical and natural context. Advocates of the place theory gives physical
space additional richness by incorporating unique forms and details
indigenous to its setting. This response to context often includes history
and the element of time and attempts to enhance the fit between new
designs and existing conditions. Place represent the third category of
urban design theories. The essence of place theory in spatial design lies in
understanding the cultural and human characteristics of physical space. If
in abstract, physical terms, space is a bounded or purposeful void with the
potential of physically linking things, it only become place when it is given a
contextual meaning derived from cultural or regional content. The best
illustration of Place theory of urban design is John Wood the Yonger. The
Circus and Royal Crescent in bath, England, 1764 and 1769 plan.

26
4.4 Analysis of Case study for figure-Ground Theory

Fig – 14 - Giambattista Nolli’s map of Rome, drawn in 1748.

The nolli map reveals the city as a clearly define system of

Solids and Voids. The building coverage is denser than exterior space,
thereby giving shape to the public openings- in other words creating
positive voids or “space-as-object”. The open space in Rome is carved out
of the building mass as a continuous flow linking interior and exterior
spaces and activities. Without this critical land coverage , the spatial
continuity would be impossible. In Nollis map the outdoor civic space is a
positive void and more figural than the solids that define it.
Space is conceived as a positive entity in an integrated
relationship with the surrounding solids. This is the opposite of modern
concept of space, where the buildings are figural, freestanding objects, and
space is an uncontained void. In Nolli, the Void is figural.
The figure ground relationship in Nolli map is one of overall
coherence featuring the mesh between block pattern and individual
buildings. Object buildings are distinguished by their larger civic spaces in
front and from the predominant field of tightly packed streets and squares
registered within a continuous building mass.

27
 Fig - 15 - Robert F. Wagner, Sr. houses. Upper
east side. New York, New York.

In contrast to Nolli’s map, the predominant field is void in

most modern cities. Buildings read as individual and isolated objects and
the spaces between them are unformed. When buildings are principally
vertical there is inadequate ground coverage and the intentional shaping of
exterior space is virtually impossible.

28
4.5 Analysis of Case study for Linkage Theory

Linkage theory was highly

popular in design thinking of the 1960’s. a
leading figure exploration of structures
generated by linkage was Kenzo Tange.
Tange and other architects of
1960’s attempt to redress the problems of
the modern city by looking at the
possibilities offered by the mega structures.
Although important as studies in the
potential of linear structures to create
efficient linkage, these experiments
Fig- 16 – generally lacked a concern for well shaped,
Kenzo Tange plan for a new useful exterior open spaces.
community. Cambridge,
Massachusetts M.I.T. 1960’s

Regional plan association . The

three dimensional grid.1969. Linkage
dominated planning theory during the
1960’s. In this scheme horizontal
connections between vertical structures
are effectively created, but there is no
system of contained exterior spaces. Thus
Fig- 17 – it became an introvert linkage pattern
Regional plan association,
The three dimensional grid. between restricted boundaries.

29
 In the group form of the
traditional agrarian village, street is the
armature that unifies the community.
Individual buildings can be added or
subtract without injury to the basic
organization.

Fig- 18 –
Japnese Village Street

4.6 Analysis of Case study for Place Theory

The effectiveness of the curved
crescent of bath does not stem merely a
physical object in space but also has a
unique presence expressing the
environment it grew out of encompasses
and exist within. As special “Places” they
gain meaning as responses to the
environment they evolved within,
encompass, and have helped from. The
primary spatial design moves include the
circus ( enclosed circle at the centre of the
Fig- 19 –
John Wood the Yonger. The plan ) , the Royal crescent ( open elliptical
Circus and Royal Crescent in arc to the left ), and the Lansdowne
bath, England, 1764 and 1769
plan crescent ( serpentine wall at the upper left )

30
 In recognition of the importance
of the sense of place, member of Team 10
experimented with edge-defining perimeter
walls and concepts of the “pedestrian net
over the street net.” Although the
intention in this project was well meant, it is
doubtful that the physical expression was
an appropriate response to the existing

Fig- 20 – context or the need for diversity at street

Peter and Alison Smithson, level.
Scheme of the haupstadt,
Berlin, West Germany

Each of these theories approaches has its own value, but the
optimum is one that draws on all three, giving structures to the solids and
voids, organizing the links between parts and responding to the human
needs and unique element of the particular environment.

31
4.7 Conclusion :-

4.7.1 Figure Ground Theory :-

In this approach the starting point for understanding of
urban form in the analysis of relationships between mass and open space.
This theory helps us in analyzing and identifying the textures and patterns
of urban fabric as well as problems in its spatial order.

4.7.2 Linkage Theory :- Fig-21

In this approach dynamics of circulation become the
generator of urban form. The emphasis on connection and movement is a
significant contribution.

Fig-22
4.7.3 Place Theory :-
As we all aware of the importance of historic, cultural and
social values in urban open space. Already contextualists have argued
strongly against the tendency of the factionalists to impose abstract
designs from outside.

Fig-23

32
4.8 Six typological patterns of solids and voids

The solid void relationships formed by the shapes and

locations of buildings, the design of the site elements (plantings, walls) and
the channeling of movement results In six typological patterns.

1)Grid 2)Angular
3)Curvilinear
4) Radial/concentric
5)Axial6) Organic

Fig-24

4.9 Three Types of Spatial Linkage

4.9.1 Compositional form :-

Individual buildings are placed on a two directional plane .

4.9.2 Mega forms :-

Structures are connected to a linear framework in a hierarchical , open
ended system where linkage is physically imposed.

4.9.3 Group form :-

It results from an
incremental accumulation
of structures along an
armature of communal
open space and linkage is
naturally and organically
Fig-25
evolved.

33
4.10 Analysis of Urban Solids and Voids

Fig- 26 - Diagram of the types of urban Solids and Voids

In the traditional city three principal types of urban Solids

have evolved : Public monuments and institutions (A) ; The predominant
field of urban blocks (B) ; and edge defining buildings (C). There are five
main types of urban Voids that performs various functions at exterior space
of the city : Entry foyers (D) acts as passageways between privet and public
space ; Inner block Voids (E) are semiprivate transition zones ; The network
of Streets and Squares (F) corresponds to the predominant field of blocks
and contains the active public life of the city ; Parks and Gardens (G) are
nodes that contrast with architectural urban forms ; While Linear Open
Space System (H), usually associated with natural features such as river
ways, waterfronts and wetlands cut through urban districts to establish
edges and create larger connections.

34
Chapter 5 – Related Literature, Robert Krier

According to Robert Krier, continuity and aestheticism are

ways of reviving the art of architecture that is lost its way in modernism
The aim of the book ‘Urban Space’ is to search how the traditional
understanding of urban space has been lost within the modern cities.
Robert krier in his terms urban space examines whether the concept of
urban space retains some validity in contemporary town planning and on
what grounds.

5.1 The typological and morphological elements of the urban

space

He describes urban space as an external space in town. An

open, unobstructed space for movement of people in public, semi-public
and private zones. The ‘concept of urban space’ is to designate all types of
space between buildings in towns and other localities as urban space.
Square and the street are the basic elements of the urban space. The
dimensions of walls bound them and by the patterns of function and
circulation which characterise them. In brief descriptions, square is
produced by the grouping of houses around an open space and the street
is a product of the spread of a settlement once houses have been built
along the available space.

35
5.2 The Arrangement of Krier’s Typology for Urban Space

Krier describes that the spatial forms of urban space are

derived from the three basic geometric shapes: (square, circle and
triangle). These three shapes are affected by modulating factors which are
angling, segmentation, addition, merging, overlapping and distortion.
These factors can produce regular and irregular results on all three spatial
types. In addition, the large number of building sections influences the
quality of the space at all these stages of modulation. Moreover, space that
is completely surrounded by buildings produces ‘closed’ space and the
partially surrounded produces ‘open’ space. Finally, the differentiation of
scale plays an enormous role in all spatial forms, such as the effect of
various architectural styles on urban space.

Fig-27
The square as intersection of two roads, fixed point of
orientation, meeting place

Square as a meeting place was the first way man discovered

of using urban space. It is produced by grouping of houses around an open
space. The houses were as an defense to those open spaces. It had an
symbolic value and so was chosen to use to build holy spaces. This was
transformed to the future in the form of courtyard with surrounding rooms
in a single housing unit.

36
 The activities of urban take place in public and private
spheres. The behavioral pattern of people are similar in both so the result is
that the way in which public space has been organized has in all periods
exercised a powerful influence on the design of private houses.

Fig - 28 - Different behaviors of central square due to the surrounding

building or space

37
The street

The street is a
product of the spread of a
settlement once houses have been
built on all available space around
its central square. It provides a
framework for distribution of land
and private spaces. It has more
Fig-29
function than a square. The street
is sometimes deprived of a vital
activity. The result is a state of
competition between internal and
external urban space.

The street as an artery and means

of orientation.

Fig-30

38
5.3 Morphological Series of Urban Space

Robert gives various examples for a morphology of urban

space within this chapter, there being an almost inexhaustible range of
possible forms exists that are mostly from our historic town.
For example Hanover Square in London from the18th Century is an example
for orthogonal regular ground plan with four central intersections. Piazza
Navona in Rome is an example for a geometrically complex form. It is a
combination of several spatial forms and many streets enter the square.
Place Dauphine in Paris is a regular triangular square that is extremely rare
in the history of town planning. These are usually formed by two roads
forking. Although these forms are clearly obvious in town planning history,
in our modern cities they are criminally neglected in the author's view.
Robert examines the erosion of urban space in the
20thcentury. It is an continuous process from last 5 decades in the era of
technological progress The need of protection had imposed a new
discipline on every town: its construction, rebuilding and expansion.
However, the colossal pressure for expansion of cities led planners over
rapid decision making on town planning which has resulted with
unstructured developments. Architecture was a low priority. Functional,
constructional and capital concerns were being the most important issues
of the day. Additionally, the influence of industrial building on the urban
planning is another disaster. It leads to numerous misguided developments
which caused the failure of present-day architecture.
For example: The movements towards a purely functional or
constructional orientation. The developing proposals of planners for new
ideal cities during the 20th Century and 19th Century industrial building has
taken away the control of the concept of urban space and architecture.

39
 Krier finalized this chapter by showing his illustrations to
support his thesis that modern town planning dominates over the concept
of urban space which has largely fallen into disuse.

From a distant view, the spatial range of a inter connected

traditional urban structure can be compared to the barriers which channel
pedestrian movement. The spatial arrangement of the modern city is
composed of lonely and isolated sections of barrier, battered on all sides by
every possible stream of activity and with no margin left for meaningful
activity or orientation.

40
 Fig-31

This series of spatial forms is according to the geometrical

characteristics of the basic shape. It indicates the wealth of spatial forms
which is our town-planning heritage. This type of irregular or organic
architecture is more beautiful than a group of urban buildings planned
linearly.

41
 Fig-32

Also the large number of possible sections influences the quality of the
space at the stages of modulation.

42
Fig - 33 - Orthogonal plans for squares

43
 Fig - 34 - Open squares for buildings introduced

A clear, geometric urban spatial form calls for architecture of extreme

delicacy and high quality. In the case of irregular forms, variety is the over-
riding characteristic.

44
Fig – 35 - Circuses containing buildings and modulations of this spatial type

45
5.4 Erosion of urban space

Robert examines the erosion of urban space in the

20thcentury. It is an continuous process from last 5 decades in the era of
technological progress The need of protection had imposed a new
discipline on every town: its construction, rebuilding and expansion.
However, the colossal pressure for expansion of cities led planners over
rapid decision making on town planning which has resulted with
unstructured developments. Architecture was a low priority. Functional,
constructional and capital concerns were being the most important issues
of the day. Additionally, the influence of industrial building on the urban
planning is another disaster. It leads to numerous misguided developments
which caused the failure of present-day architecture.
For example: The movements towards a purely functional or
constructional orientation. The developing proposals of planners for new
ideal cities during the 20th Century and 19th Century industrial building has
taken away the control of the concept of urban space and architecture.
Krier finalized this chapter by showing his illustrations to support his thesis
that modern town planning dominates over the concept of urban space
which has largely fallen into disuse.
From a distant view, the spatial range of a inter connected
traditional urban structure can be compared to the barriers which channel
pedestrian movement. The spatial arrangement of the modern city is
composed of lonely and isolated sections of barrier, battered on all sides by
every possible stream of activity and with no margin left for meaningful
activity or orientation.

46
 Robert also explains his viewpoint towards redeveloping city.
Krier has suggested possible approaches to reconstruction for various parts
of Stuttgart. The previous clear urban structure of Stuttgart was destroyed
to a disastrous extent during the Second World War. The heart of the city
was broken up into a large number of small islands battered by waves of
heavy traffic. In Rob Krier’s schemes for Stuttgart, he tried to win back
downtown of the city for pedestrians, without excluding the car in the
process. In practical terms, this means using redevelopment to weld
together effortlessly the isolated areas at those critical points, whose
significance for the pedestrian’s spatial awareness was eroded during the
post war years because of costly civil engineering programmes.
Particular attention is paid in these studies to restoring the continuity of
spatial experience within an urban context. Additionally, he designed
streets and squares for pedestrians, harmonised as closely as possible with
the existing structure and showing the utmost consideration for the legacy
of the past.
This study is very useful to understand the town planning
achievements of the present and the past. It is also a well-structured book
which gives an historical summary of town planning and how it has been a
miserable failure in the contemporary town planning.

47
5.5 TEMPORALITY OF CITY

The essay “ THE CHANGING IMAGE OF CITY” by Greer

describes the study of city as the study of a temporary product of
increasing scale- the changing nature of human settlement. He states that
the growth and structure of cities becomes a dependent variable as new
technology makes possible ever further consequences of geographical
spaces. The city simply becomes a convenient spatial location for centers of
control, work and residence rather than the generator limiting condition of
increasing scale.

The synopsis of the book “ the temporary city” by Peter

Bishop and Lesley Williams describes the time factor as an important
dimension in decision making system of the city. A three dimensional way is
followed in most of the professional training, strategies and thinking of
urban planners and designers. Whereas in reality the course of a city is four
dimensional and time is the important dimension that influences the
planning and design strategies.

Temporality is having a short life or existing for a while. In

the emerging age of media city as Scott McQuire (2010) argues in his book
“The Media City: Media, Architecture and Urban Space” that we are
moving from central space of classical renaissance city to a juxtaposition of
past and future in the relationship space. The changing social functioning
of media is changing the space and the rhythms of the contemporary city.
So temporality manifests itself in the mode or rhythm of the city and not
only in short term festivals or creative art installations.

48
 Positioned in a wider perspective, all functions, uses, and
programmes in the city are in one sense temporary, but the degree of
‘temporariness’ is usually legally sanctioned and deliberately controlled by
event permits and planning regulations. However the temporary uses can
in introduce diversity and social interaction in a different timeframe, and in
a way impossible to the usual patterns of architecture and planning. The
concept of temporary use for the policy of city planning or urban spaces is
concerned with small places, usually only for a brief span of time and also
the condition at various points in time.

49
5.6 OPPORTUNITIES-

5.6.1 Access to space-

For projects not yielding adequate excess to pay commercial
rents and rates, can lead to more diversity on the high street and overtime
add interest to the high street space.

5.6.2 Create a better environment-

Using empty spaces, be it whole buildings, shops, or land
reduces stain such as anti-social behavior, gets places cleaned up and active
and more attractive for long term reuse.

5.6.3 Stimulates a senses of place-

By introducing activity that benefits the community, a
different type of football is created and new activities emerge, create
character and a destination.

5.6.4 Avoiding waste-

New functions are able to use spaces that are no longer fit
for the original, attracting different users and experimenting with ideas. As
space remains at a premium, especially in urban areas, meanwhile use
reduces the costs associated with a vacant asset.

5.6.5 Achieving direct outcomes-

social enterprises, new ventures, employment and enterprise
activities or community and social projects can use empty spaces for
specific projects that struggle to find space because of their temporary
nature or lack of set-up finance.

50
5.6.6 Experimentation-
Empty spaces can be used as opportunities to experiment
and test ideas that might make a long term contribution.

5.6.7 Civic pride-

Empty spaces can be used as civic salons for the informal
exchange of local knowledge, to shares ideas about their community, their
high street, their schools or what businesses may or may not work on their
doorstep.

51
Chapter 6 – Case Studies

6.1 Philadelphia

Philadelphia has decided the best

course of action to create public
space out of the once private space.
Filling the urban voids with green
space and parks for public use. The
battle arises in realizing the
Fig-36
abandoned land, but in case of
Philadelphia there were more than
40,000 abandoned lots to fell into
the position of the city. It has taken
7000 of that lots and dedicated
them to green space, horse-
paddock fenced parks and urban Fig-37
farms. It is more useful to focus on
what you have and how it can be
improved rather than trying to
recreate the former glory. In the
case of Philadelphia it meant to
invest in the public and parks. By
Fig-38
converting these lots of land
scattered about the urban area the
city took a gamble and a
commitment with only a hope that
this would start to solve the
problem. It was decided to go forth
with the green infrastructure plan. Fig-39

52
By investing in the new green
infrastructure it could raise property
values in affected areas by up by
25%. Streetscape planting, pocket
parks and other green initiatives
provide visual comfort and long
Fig-40
term equity in property value.

Fig-41

Another side effect of

becoming a green city is the new
“green colour” jobs that are
created. To develop this new green
infrastructure takes a small army of Fig-42
volunteers and city employees.
Philadelphia used these new jobs to
provide income and training to the
lower-income residents that resides
in these affected neighborhoods.
Fig-43
The cities new green space has
found a place in the hearts of the
citizens of Philadelphia, although
“the city doesn’t own the land, but
it owns the problem and it needs to
take charge”.
Fig-44

53
 Philadelphia has just started to address the problem of
abandonment. This is one of the best examples of a shrinking city, it is
facing the problem head on and providing an example for cities that are
suffering the same fate. Green parkways, urban bike trails, and pocket
parks are not a new idea and have been greatly utilized in cities like Scattle
and Portland.
However these cities are very young compared to the
industrial cities of the east and central united states, and have always been
experiencing growth. It only makes sense to look and the success of the
growing cities to and even recreate it in these post industrial shrinking
cities. Providing urban green space may not be the only solution or way to
address the problem. It is however a positive stance to take to try and
resolve the problem.
Since 1974, Philadelphia Green has supported the
development and ongoing care of community gardens, neighborhood
parks, and green spaces . Working in partnership with neighborhood
residents, community organizations and the city agencies, the program
uses greening as a community building tool. Additionally it educates people
to make the city a more livable place through horticulture. In more than
400 community gardens, residents are tending plots, growing fresh
produce, sharing food with neighbors.
Although the city has not formed a urban farm, there are a
number of community gardens that fill once vacant lots. A sense of
ownership is felt city wide for the green initiates that it has undertaken

54
6.2 New York

The High Line is 1 mile built on a section of the former

elevated freight railroad, which runs along the lower west side of
Manhattan; it has been redesigned and planted as a green way. The
recycling of the railway into an urban park has spurred real estate
development in the neighborhoods that lie along the line. It has been said
that the project has helped usher in something of a renaissance in the
neighborhood- by 2009 more than 30 projects were planned or under
construction nearby.
“Empty parks are dangerous”, David told the newspaper. “
busy parks are much less so. You are virtually never alone on the high line.”
it costs substantially less to redevelop an abandoned urban rail line into a
linear park, rather than to demolish it. James Corner, one of it =s designers
said, “ the high line is not easily replicated in other cities,” observing that
building a, “cool park” requires a “framework” of neighborhoods around it
in order to succeed.
This was a huge investment for the city and in the end it paid
off. Over $50 million was invested into the initial part of the project and in
return it saved several neighborhoods as well as create a destination for
people from all over the city and world.

Fig-45
55
Fig-46

Fig-47

Fig-48

56
6.3 Toronto

The revitalization of Toronto’s waterfront is one of the

largest urban brownfield remediation projects anywhere in the world.
Rather and digging and dumping contaminated soils, the traditional
approach to brownfield remediation, Waterfront Toronto is planning
wherever possible to clean and process soil for reuse on the waterfront.
Toronto’s waterfront revitalization is a huge undertaking by the city. The
total area being redeveloped is 800 hectares. This project is expected to
take 25 years to complete, the new” blue edge” will create approximately
40000 new jobs through the construction process as well as post
construction.
This project is expected to have a great economic impact on
the city by providing new accessible space to recreate. Between 2001 and
march 2010, work on the waterfront had already generated approximately
9700 full time years of employment and contributed $1.9 billion to the
Canadian economy.

Fig-49
57
6.4 City Centre (Salt Lake City, Kolkata)
City Centre is a shopping mall in Kolkata, India. It is located in
the Salt Lake township of Kolkata. The site was a vacant land and the
location of the site is surrounded by very dense urban locality as the map
shows. Thus the site had maximum potential to solve the present urban
needs of the surrounding. So the vacant plot was developed as a twin mall
of the Forum mall situated at the other part of the city.

Fig-50
City Centre Salt Lake is the mall that worked itself into
people’s hearts. When a vacant wasteland got transformed into an Indian
lifestyle landmark, it was an icon of change for a City that became
happening all at once. Identified by its inclusiveness, its uniqueness and its
diversity, City Centre Salt Lake from the very beginning has been a place
that extends a warm welcome to everybody. It captures the true essence
of Kolkata and its passion for ‘adda’.
From the central ‘Kund’ to numerous other hangout options
that allow you to find our own space amidst the crowd – we know that this
is where we would always want to be. A comprehensive retail mix. The
integration of market and community.

58
 City Centre Salt Lake
is Kolkata’s first integrated and
unconventional hangout and
shopping center. With
approximately 42 thousand sq.
meter. of commercial and
entertainment spaces on five acres
of land, City Centre Salt Lake
attracts all crowds. Comprising the
Mall, the Plaza Blocks, the Cineplex,
the Tower, the Residency and the
now legendary 'Kund', City Centre
Salt Lake has acquired a loyal Fig- 51 - External View of the the
mall
community. City Centre mall in Salt
Lake changed the way people
shopped, ate out and spent time.
"The City Centre in Kolkata is a very
special place...a miniature of the
whole metropolitan area, catering
to multiple land-uses and diverse
income profiles...a mixture of Fig - 52 - Inner View of the the mall
contrast, color and energy. We have
in the City Centre a wide range of
different-sized residences,
entertainment centers, offices and
shops - varying from the smallest
'dukaans' to the most glamorous
air-conditioned boutiques and large
Fig - 53 - Double height Corridors
department stores.
in the mall

59
 These diverse activities, all arranged in a fine-grained mix, are
generated by a complex system of spaces...from broad colonnaded public
arcades to narrow bazar 'galis' to large terraced plazas...culminating in the
kund in the centre of the complex. Coffee shops and restaurants,
strategically placed at pivotal locations, provide opportunities to rest under
wide-spreading trees and observe the world around you...a marvelous
tradition, which has always been essential to life in the great city of
Kolkata" ... Charles Correa, celebrated Architect-visionary, Designer of City
Centre Salt Lake
The brief to Correa was to create a public space that would bring the
family together. "The mall component of the development was only a small
part of the overall experience and ambiance. It was a big challenge; the
retail market was evolving and Correa had not designed such a project. We
intended to create something meaningful for the people," said Neotia.
City Centre Salt Lake is a monolithic Charles Correa
signature structure. The texture of buildings were to be plural like a town
square where they are built next to each other. However, all buildings were
to be seamlessly interconnected. The design is more contemporary, cutting
edge in design and more expensive in look and feel. Each of the part of
center has been designed to reflect the vast cultural and artistic heritage of
Bengal. The shops here presents a collection of Kolkata memorabilia.
City Centre Salt Lake is Kolkata’s first unified shopping
centre that has successfully erased the mid-market and up-market divide. It
offers an appealing environment where people can do their own thing -
shop at leisure or just look through past the window display. With almost
4.5 lakh sq.ft. of commercial and entertainment spaces on five acres of
land, City Centre Salt Lake attracts crowds from all over Kolkata, not just
the catchment area.

60
 The City Centre Salt lake is such a social place for everyone
that all prefer going there other than any other unwinding destination.
Comprising the Mall, the Plaza Blocks, the Cineplex, the Tower, the
Residency and the now legendary 'Kund', City Centre Salt Lake is where a
place-loyal community evolves most spontaneously.

The Indian bazaar

format as experienced by us is
informal and has intensely
personalised seller-customer
interaction. It is also more
multicultural. The western mall Fig-54
format is characterised by
enormous retailers selling primarily
branded products to segmented
customers. City Centre mall, here,
fuses together these two concepts
of bazars for the people and
represents a pleasant existence of
both- the Indian bazar and the
Fig-55
Western mall.

The objective behind creating a fusion between organised

and unorganised retail was to unleash marketplace energy. At City Centre,
there is not just scale but diversity; It is not a mall where people get things
off the shelf, it is a place where store owners promise to search and get
things for consumers. In the 'Mall within Mall' you need not have a flat
shopping experience; you seek, bargain and extract the best value.

61
 City Centre Salt Lake has responded rightly to these typical
'Indian bazaar'; challenges. It has large pedestrian walkways covered by a
polycarbonate roof; the buildings alongside are so arranged that they
provide diffused sunlight and the roof at 25 ft above the ground enhances
the sense of honesty.

City Centre has an inclusive character that attracts maximum

hearts. It gives a promise to all kinds of visitors – the rich, the price-
conscious, the senior guest, the on-the run, the idling kind, the in-
crowd…etc. that they will get what they want here with a secured feeling.
It provides an peaceful atmosphere inside through its idea of hybrid
difference between a natural and conditioned environment. It provides a
street-feel without the street.

The Kund is the main attraction of City Centre. It is a vast

multi-stepped plaza designed with a central water body and a fountain that
is lighted up at sunset. The place is used by visitors to sit, to idle or just to
feel the atmosphere. In doing so the modern contemporary look has been
blended with a nostalgia truly Kolkatan. The Kund is one reason why
people spend a longer time at the City Centre, often they get up to buy
something whereby casual interest is translated into purchase on impulse.
A special place with its own space-loyal community. An ideal space for
holding events and promotions.

Fig-56 Fig-57

62
6.5 Freedom Park, Bangalore

Freedom Park is located in the Central part of the

cosmopolitan city of Bangalore, Karnataka, India. The map shows dense
city fabric around the site location where breathing spaces and open
pockets in the city becomes an important urban need. Freedom park near
Sheshadri Road is one more addition to the list of parks in garden city of
Bangalore.

Fig-58
Bangalore Central Jail which is now converted into
Freedom park was built in 1866 by the British. It occupied a site of
approximately 21 acres. The jail has housed many illustrious leaders who
fought for the freedom of our nation and for restoration of democracy
during the emergency regime post independence. The jail compound
included a watch tower in the center, barracks and other buildings like the
hospitals, workshops etc.

63
 The idea of designing Freedom park germinated with
inspiration from Hyde Park which covers more than 625 acres including the
Kensington park in London. Basically these parks are designed to hold
demonstration, rallies and protests with public speakers spread across the
park. Probably the Amphitheatre is designed as a stage for the purpose of
speakers making their ideas known in an open air atmosphere.
Freedom park is located in the erstwhile Central Jail on an area of 21 acres
of land, out of which another 3 acres is getting redeveloped by BBMP. This
area has underground parking facility which can house 5000 vehicles for
protestors, otherwise the purpose of this park will be defeated, and Palace
grounds will still be used as rallying point.

Entrance Wall, Freedom Park

Fig-59

It was opened to the public in November 2008. A part

of it has been allotted for protests. When a state of emergency was
proclaimed in India in 1975, several opposition leaders including Atal Bihari
Vajpayeeand L.K. Advani were arrested and jailed at this venue. It also
hosted the India Against Corruption (IAC) supportedAnna
Hazare indefinite fast for governmental action in the enactment of the Lok
Pal bill.

64
Cells, Freedom Park
This place was
orginally housing the prisoners,
who were conspiring against the
British rulers beginning from the
first war of Indian Independence in
1857. There are three huge
barracks for housing common
prisoners, an a VIP enclosure to Fig-60

house high profile prisoners. The

original capacity of the jail during
1863 ( 1866 ) when it was
constructed was to house 300
prisoners which was slowly
expanded to accommodate 800
prisoners.

Watch Tower, Freedom Park

The central watch tower was used
to keep a round the clock vigil over
the activities over the inmates. This
monument gives a 360 degree
circular axis to secure the place
from prisoners creating a
Fig-61
ruckus. Earlier the boundary wall
was scaling more than 16 feet.
During the
emergency L.K.Advani was one
among the VIP prisoners who was
housed in Central jail.

65
 Naturally he was the
ideal person to inaugurate this
premise as a symbol of FREEDOM
along with the Chief minister and
Home Minister of Karnataka.
The central tower and
the prison's entrance block are the
other structures that have found
their way into the park.
The park has been
categorized under six broad areas:
general, museum and exhibition,
contemporary art, retail,
performance spaces and water
features. According to the BBMP Fig – 62 - Cells, Freedom Park

engineers, some of the areas in the

park will have entry fees, which will
be used for its maintenance.
The park has more to
it than just the rally area; it has a
joggers track (3,000 sq m),
children's play area (5,200 sq m), jail
museum, information corridor
gallery, book museum, children's
interactive museum in the old cells Fig 63 - Sculpture Court,
yard, tree museum and an outdoor Freedom Park

exhibition park.

66
The Freedom Wall stretch of the old
jail will house a permanent
multimedia art sculpture court,
pathway junctions, designer
souvenir shops, book shop,
traditional craft stalls, 150-seater
amphitheatre, 50-seater enclosed
Fig – 64 - Open Air Amphitheatre
theatre space and an open plaza for
,Freedom Park
gathering. There will be a water
pool at main entrance and natural
localised water percolation zones
visible only in the rainy season.
This premise consists
of Asoka Pillar, Amphitheatre, Jail
Museum, Sculpture court, Barracks,
Watch Tower, Children playing area,
People Courtyard, Water Fountain,
Book Museum, Cafeteria, Art and
Craft Bazaar, Toilets, and Parking Fig-65
space. There are supposedly two
entries into freedom park, one is
from Shesadri Road, opp Maharani
college premise leading to Gandhi
Bazaar, which is main, and the other
one is supposed to be from
Ramachandra Rao road. Fig-66

Dummies of the prisoners housed is featured in the VIP barrack is

displayed. Maybe some of them were reading and writing too in this
premise.

67
 The best part of the Freedom park is that it is currently free,
but how long it is going to be free is the issue, because ticket counters are
already in place. Even the parking is currently free. I experienced that the
concept of Architect couple Soumitra Ghosh & Nisha Mathew Ghosh with a
budget 17.35 crores has really yielded an aura of Freedom amongst the
concrete jungle of Gandhinagar.

68
6.6 Indian Habitat Centre, New Delhi
The India Habitat Centre (IHC) is located along the Lodhi
Road on the fringes of Lutyen’s Delhi. Spread over nine acres of land IHC
has a built up area approximately one millin square feet. The L-shaped site
has frontage on three sides. It is bounded by the Max Muller Marg on west,
the Verdhaman Marg on south and the Lodhi Road on the north. The fourth
side is flanked by the Bal Bharti school. The complex is accessible from
three sides, the major pedestrian entrance being from the Lodhi Road on
the north.

The India Habitat Centre is planned as an assemblage of instit

utions dealing with a wide variety of issues related to habitat and also to
house a variety of functions to stimulate and facilitate many levels of
interaction. It has been conceived as an ideal physical environment with a
range of facilities that would maximize the effectiveness of the individuals
and institutions.

Fig-67
The India Habitat Centre (IHC) started in 1993, the public
agency for housing and urban development corporation (HUDCO) wanted
an office building for his workers. The chairman of HUDCO and architect
“Joseph Allen Stein” decided to radically change the image of the office
building as an architectural project and transformed it into urban design
project.

69
 Spread over an area of nine acres the IHC campus has been
designed and built by Joseph Stein, Doshi and Bhalla who have created an
island of architectural excellence in the busy metropolis of India’s capital,
Delhi. The campus weaves in a unique interplay of institutions, supporting
infrastructure and facilities such as conference venues, auditoria,
hospitality areas, the library and resource centre, and art galleries.
Elegantly designed, the campus is a hub of activity while simultaneously
being serene. The architectural and design elements that Stein has built in
enable this paradoxical blend. The landscaping, horticulture and fountains
add to the pleasing ambience of the campus. The Indian Habitat Centre
campus is consist with,
1. Auditorium
2. Library
3. Museum
4. Exhibition Area
5. Open Air Amphitheatre
6. Restaurant and Cafes
7. Multiple Courtyards
8. Common Meeting Rooms/Places

The first thing that one notices on entering the Indian

Habitat Centre (IHC) is the amazing courtyard inside the building. The tall
exposed brick building masses are oriented so as to create a large open
space in the centre. The spaces are so juxtaposed that one is led to explore
and discover the remaining areas. The courtyard is green, with lots of trees,
creating an image of a tropical forest, with a constant flow of natural air
through the spaces. Sunlight streams into the space, being broken by the
large space frame structure on the roof level with blue sun shading
elements. Light & shadow play on the textured surface of the building,
creating beautiful patterns which change along with the time of the day.

70
 Fig – 68 - The sun-shading device
over the courtyard

Fig – 69 - Play of Light and Shadow

One of the reasons why the courtyard is so comfortable is

because of its scale. It is monumental. The tall building masses enclosing
the large space in the centre are completed by the huge palms & other
trees, which tower to the roof. Yet, in spite of the monumental scale, one
does not feel lost in this space. There are plants along the base of the large
trees scaled to the human height, which help in breaking down the scale.
The edge of the planters doubles up as seating spaces for the people. The
mystery of the space is further accentuated with level differences & steps
leading to enclosed spaces and even a half concealed amphitheatre. There
are strategically placed sculptures which give an artistic touch to the
spaces.

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 Fig – 70 - Interesting Pathways

Fig – 71 - Plants helps in breaking

down the scale

The building was designed by architect Joseph Allen Stein

and is a hub for cultural, economic, business and social events. ‘The Habitat
Centre should be conceived as an ideal physical environment with a range
of facilities that maximize the effectiveness of the individuals & institutions,
in their holistic support of the habitat. The principal resolve of the centre –
“to restore at every level – environment and ecological – a balanced,
harmonious and improved way of life”, is to be reflected in its concept &
design’ (Source – Wikipedia). Theatre performances, folk arts, art
exhibitions, film shows and discussion forums create a vibrant active space.
There are various gallery spaces for artists like the Visual Arts Gallery, The
Open Palm Court & the Experimental Art Gallery, creating a platform for
highlighting the creativity of the artists.

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 There are different functional spaces in the various blocks,
like office spaces, exhibition spaces, conference facilities, cafeterias etc,
not only to house the various organizations but to encourage their
interaction as well. There are 5 main building blocks which are
interconnected by means of aerial walkways. There is also a basement floor
for parking of around 1000 cars. The external facade is in a language of
exposed red brick, exposed concrete and glass.

As given in the website of IHC - http://www.indiahabitat.org/,

'The India Habitat Centre was conceived to provide a physical environment
which would serve as a catalyst for synergetic relationship between
individuals and institutions working in diverse habitat related areas and
therefore, maximize their total effectiveness'.

Fig – 72 - Seating spaces in the Fig – 73 - Skywalks connecting the

courtyard building blocks

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6.6.1 Key Points of Case Study -
 Though of an imposing nature, the building complex manages to blend in
with its surroundings through its natural embellishments. In keeping
with its habitat theme, the whole complex has been generously
provided with natural greenery to provide an undiluted experience of
open nature.
 The roof shading devices not only look spectacular in sky blue, but also
serve to block the Sun’s rays.
 The external facade of the Convention centre has a mundane appearance
which masks the open inner space.
 The courtyards laden with various types of vegetation from tall trees to
small shrubs create different spaces.
 The presence of an amphitheatre also marks an interesting feature of the
complex.
 The area without the shading devices is laden with grass lawns to provide
a different setting altogether.
 Every part of the building speaks different language. One can enjoy
different moods at different places.
 The environment in the courtyard gives a feel of freshness, when one is
having his Pepsi under the blue light. Allen stein planned the building in
such a manner so as to have clean looks.

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Chapter 7

7.1 Urban Voids and Public Relation

The intention of the study is to understand the potential of

the urban environment to provide for urban life through social interaction,
in those characteristics which provide for gathering together of individuals
to participate in the public realm.
Currently the whole world is in a state of high technological
advance. There is sharp and continuous decline of social activity. Modern
means of transport and communication, wide spread means of
automobiles, telephones, computers, television etc. has resulted in
depriving the common public of true contact and social communication in
the activities of life.
It is important to offer spaces, public places, which acts as
mode of rejuvenating or reviving the spirit in one’s life. In today, a word of
complex functions and emotions every human being wants to find a way of
reviving the spirit in one’s life.
Public spaces have proved to be the places where individual
comes together to fulfill their needs to see and been seen. But segregation
of the individual in the public realm has been the attempt of western
influences and also the gift of the technological advancement.
Symptoms that indicate non-place nature of the public realm
can be observed in most urban centers today pedestrian have a distrustful
expression the rush about, exchange no greetings, considering vehicle, and
other people alike as enemies. Sidewalk, which are narrow anyway become
crowded as people have no other public place to go. Human traffic
vehicular arteries are formed, which climax when they converge with
vehicular streets at cross roads.

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 As individuals, every human being has a natural propensity
for social life and is fond of culture. Originally, down in the ladder of
evolution it was the urge for self preservation which include him to be
gregarious by nature, But once the basic need for self preservation was
fulfilled by the organization of the group, individuals living in the group
preferred to grow as exclusive entities. Separation of centrifugal
tendencies are offspring of this preference for each group to grow in its
own way.
The need today is for the provision of public urban spaces
those that invite participation. The conformation of the individual with the
rest of participants is of the upmost importance both for the individual and
the society. It is part of continues learning process to exist and behave and
think in community to team to become human.
The need is for an urban space providing acting as a setting
for meetings, where different kinds of people can come in contact, and a
variety of chances encounters exist, participation in spontaneous activity is
possible where the atmosphere of the unhurried pedestrian state can
prevail.
Thus these spaces can be created to maximize the human
contact and provide opportunities for face to face social interaction , while
utilizing and complimenting the modern communication system which,
characterized by their accelerated mobility and instantaneous information
will help the masses and thus the space created.
Our public spaces reflects human scale and social justice,
they reflect the conflict of interests and hostile forces. They are an element
in composition which produces effects harmonious and interesting.
One cannot study them without studying or touching on the
relationship between building spaces and monuments showing enclosure
grouping and effective composition.

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The study can be mainly of two aspects:
The physical character - of the public space as a constituent of urban
structure and form.

For the people – social, psychological, interaction and recreational factors

in urban space design.

The study is to understand the making of public places not

only in the sense of being observed as public, but public in the sense of
being open for the enjoyment of the majority of the community.
Thus it is important to study the many and widely varied
aspects of public realms which would help in creating an environment for
the masses comfort and which would act as a magnet for the wide cross-
section of people.
Urban hubs play an important role in overall development of
the city the reside in. The inferences of the study will be manifested in an
activity hub, which would enhance the social quality of area, developing it,
to its best potential, into a multi activity hub that would be a vibrant
challenging, interaction-provoking pulse of the city and serve to benefit
the community and the image of the city at large.

7.2 Conclusion
The attempt will be in the direction of renewing and
providing area which would add a significant value to urban fabric, bring
together various people in pursuit of a creative outlets of expression, and
pursue their interests, and thus would have a significant contribution in
enriching the lives of the people and shaping the identity of the city at large

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Chapter 8
8.1 Selection of The City
Based on the case studies, the site selection is based on the
following criteria.

8.1.1 Location
In developing cities, there is a scope for providing for the
increasing needs, for which provision has not been made. This helps the
designed area, to become an important step in the development of the
image of the city.
In the case of developed cities, the need is to decentralized
and create space for relief and provide a focal point for expression of the
people, which would do justice to the needs of the people.

8.1.2 Scale
Depending on the city size and population, the scale of the
space should be appropriate to do justice to the variety and types of
activities proposed.

8.1.3 Urban Context

Keeping in mind that the city is like a dynamic organism, the
proposal designed will depend mainly on the type of urban needs of the
city. And should be flexible to satisfy the resulting needs in the
contemporary state and near future.

8.1.4 Site
Site should preferably be located in the geographical and
accessible heart of the city, to became a successful core space.

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8.2 Design Approach
Nashik is one of the fastest growing city in the world. In the
last decade the development is remarkable. The city’s landscape is
changing and is taken over by the new upcoming projects of residences
and other leisure activities. The skyline is changed. Due to the increase in
population and its needs, there is a gradual rise in the city’s development
connecting with the suburbs surrounding it. This trend in rapid
urbanization is expected to continue over the next few decades. With this
growth in and outside the city, the population of Nasik is about 1.5 million
(15,00.000) Due to this growth, there is a major focus on planning and
design discussions as the city is facing challenges to the development of
healthy environment and the infrastructure, also preserving the
biodiversity and its cultural heritage is also important.
The open and green spaces are rarely available in nashik
growing development plan. There are some places reserved for greenery
but are still in contest. The city is growing leaving behind the thought
towards the future sustainable architecture.
When I talk about Nasik city, I refer to the social construction
and to the recovery of different spaces, public and private, that pretend to
be the spaces of communication, symbolic spaces and of social
relationships. But the city is also composed of a physical reality, given by
various organized spaces that are part of our urban life. The process of
transition from one stage to another as a urban revolution is important. In
this revolution urban spaces lose and gain importance which translates it in
“URBAN VOIDS” of city.
The public spaces around us are the indicators of social
quality of the city, intending to be the spaces that promote the character of
its use. Space and society are closely related and their relationship is based
on a mutual process.

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 “The society is modified by the people while they are
influenced by it.” In this process of change from urban void to urban solid,
it is interesting to study the concept of urban landscape. The interrelated
relationships of varied natures are responsible for shaping the city and the
urban environment or its experience.
When I talk about Nasik city, I refer to the social construction
and to the recovery of different spaces, public and private, that pretend to
be the spaces of This theory of urban voids in Nasik considers the
components of human needs, cultural, historical and natural contexts. The
city has a large number of spaces which are actually not in use in any form.
Either they are private lands or government owned or undergoing through
disputes from years ago. These spaces are also important in shaping the
city’s view and its development. Either these voids need a new
construction or a reconstruction for it to become a live space for the public.
But the use of these voids depends on the needs of the population residing
surrounding it. It can become an active space for the development of the
city and can take the society one step further in its development.
Activating these unused voids for the better of the
increasing population which will also become a sustainable space for the
future generation. It can also act as a city square, an old concept of
gathering space for people. The needs of the people living near these voids
will help in deciding the use of the void as per their needs and other
activities. Also the decision of using these voids for any purpose is
dependent on the owner or the government and so sometimes these voids
remain as voids for years and decades and are a threat in the city planning.
There are many unused spaces available in the
city in different locations and are reserved for some activities. But there are
still Various locations (Urban Voids) in the city which are waiting for the
development or redevelopment of it, including Phalke Smarak, the
Ramkund, Goda Ghat, Pelican Park, Kusumagraj Udyan etc.

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8.3 Pelican Park, Nashik – An Urban Void

Pelican Park located at Cidco area was developed as an

amusement park by NMC in 1997. It was the first amusement park in the
Nasik. Due to some disputes between NMC and the Contractor and the
losses faced by them, the project was shut down within two years. The
cause behind its shutting down was revenue issues and simultaneously
some couple of same type of projects were done in the city in that period.
Since then till now a date which is around 15-16 years, that 17 acre plot is
vacant and unused. This 17 acre huge land can be considered as an Urban
Void. Now this void is surrounded by dense locality from all the sides which
makes that land a real Urban Void. The site is in the centre of developing
city. Its potential is that, it is well connected with the other zones of the
city in the manner of accessibility. And the most important thing about this
void is that, even the Nasik Municipal Corporation is thinking about the
development of that void.
The site being very near to the Mumbai Agra highway NH3,
can attract many people in and outside the city. The advantage is its prime
location and it also has the potential to fulfill the basic urban needs of the
surrounding as well as of city. It can also help the city in generating
economy as can also act as a tourist place if developed suitably. The
available area is so huge that can comprise of a complete complex of
various things. The importance of this void completely depends on the way
how we design it and attract people towards it through the experience and
perception which matters the most.

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8.4 Site Analysis

Fig - 74 - Site location showing the density of the city around it

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 Fig - 75 - Figure showing surrounding area of the site at 2.5 K.M. of Radius
from the centre of the Site

8.4.1 Lack of Urban Provisions in Site Surroundings

In the above diagram, the circle demarcates the surrounding

area of about 5 Kilometer as the diameter with the site (marked red) as the
central point of this area. The site is surrounded by residential zone all over
with this open land (site) as an opportunity to develop into a social zone,
because this area lacks in having an urban space which would cater to
these residential areas and further surroundings. Each zone needs an area
where people’s gathering, interaction and further social activities are given

83
importance of. There are no such interactive spaces in this area which
could allow people to come together. This area is seen lacking in
having an Auditorium, an Amphitheatre, a Public Library or spaces
which will attract Youth etc like games, sports activities. A need to this
kind of space is been felt and thus the solution. As this site has the
potential to cater to this problem, creating an youth center for these
surrounding area would be beneficial for them and will take society a
step further in its development for the future.

8.4.2 Site Photographs

Fig - 76 - Image showing top view of proposed site

Fig - 76 - Image showing existing dense plantation in the site

The site area is around 17 acres, in which the 6 acres is

covered by the dense plantation. The site has no contours as such. The
site has two entries from south and south-west direction by adjacent
roads of the site which are 9m. And 18m. Wide. Site is situated in a core
city and very near to the national highway 3 and can easily access by
citizens as well as outsiders.

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 Fig - 77 - Images showing surrounding highly dense locality
The site area in a cidco is surrounded by highly dense
locality, which has population around 60,000 in a 5k.m. of diameter. In
which 3 colleges and 2 schools are there. The site is well connected
with the remaining city by the mean of transportation. It is also near to the
well known places of the city such as Pandev Lene and Falke Smarak.

Today the site is remain as an Urban

Void (vacant land) and get miss used
by the people. Which now become a
centre of crime in this area

Fig - 78 -

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8.4.3 Proposed site details

Fig - 79 – The Proposed Site

Total Site Area - 72,000 Sq.M. (17 Acre)

Existing Plantation - 24,000 Sq.M. (6 Acre)
Remaining Site - 48,000 Sq.M. (11 Acre)

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