PERCEPTION OF BROWNFILEDS REDEVELOPMENT IN

RAILWAYS
Architectural perception on derelict railways
(A case of Ernakulam old railway

Submitted by

NASLA
RLAREBC027

Guided by:

Ar. Archana

In partial fulfillment for the award of the Degree of

BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE

UNIVERSITY OF CALICUT

ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE,

 CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that this dissertation report is a Bonafide record of work done by Nasla
(Reg: RLAREBC027), student of Eranad Knowledge City College of Architecture,
Manjeri under the guidance of Ar. Archana. This report is submitted to the University of
Calicut in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the degree of
BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE.

Ar. Archana Arun Baby M Wilson Shegina V Gopal

Shamri N P Principal,
Course Coordinators Academic coodinator

Date:

This is to certify that this report has been examined on and found
satisfactory/unsatisfactory, for the award of the degree of BACHELOR OF
ARCHITECTURE

PANEL OF EXAMINERS
1.
2.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to express my sincere gratitude towards my guide, (Ar.Archana) for her
valuable inputs and comments which has been helpful in carrying out the Dissertation
and shaping the contents of this report.
I would also extend my gratitude towards the authorities, officials and local people who
provided with me their help in conducting the study and analysis without any hesitation.
I also thank my friends for their valuable advice and suggestions to improve my work.
I would also like to thank my family for their endless time and support

NASLA
Reg: RLAREBC027

ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

i
ABSTRACT

How to deal with abandoned railways that have been rendered useless or redundant by
the process of rapid urbanization and technological advancements in rail transportation
has been a pressing issue in the process of urban planning. It is thus a prevalent issue to
attempt to fully display their potential values and possibilities. Evaluate different
alternatives of brownfields, these integrated ecological, social, political, economic,
recreational, accessibility, and brownfield site-based indicators. The reuse of abandoned
railways gives us a way to rebuild urban public transport system based on traditional
tracks, as well as a way to transform the city center into an urban regeneration corridor.
The study revealed that the principles are the basic parts and simple recommendations
that may be employed in various circumstances when the goal is to establish a
sustainable and green system. However, because the local environment is so different,
we cannot just repeat an example. Instead, the local potential, such as the historical and
cultural background, should be completely used. The transformation should not be
isolated, but should always be linked to its surroundings.

ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

ii
CONTENTS
Acknowledgement .......................................................................................................................... i
Abstract .......................................................................................................................................... ii
List of Figures ................................................................................................................................ vi
chapter 1: INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................. 1
1.1 OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES FOR ABANDONED RAILWAYS ................................ 2
1.2 RESEARCH QUESTION ..................................................................................................... 4
1.3 aim .................................................................................................................................. 4
1.4 hypothesis ...................................................................................................................... 4
1.5 objectives ....................................................................................................................... 5
1.6 METHODOLOGY ............................................................................................................. 5
1.6.1 Type of study .......................................................................................................... 5
1.6.2 Case study .............................................................................................................. 5
1.6.3 Literature case study .............................................................................................. 5
1.6.4 Analysis ................................................................................................................... 6
1.6.5 Conclusion .............................................................................................................. 6
1.6.6 Data collection methods. ....................................................................................... 6
1.6.7 Conclusion .............................................................................................................. 6
1.6.8 Methodological chart ............................................................................................. 6
chapter 2: LITERATURE REVIEW .................................................................................................... 8
1.7 The Retrieve of an Unused Railway as an Urban Public Environment ........................... 9
1.8 Reusing Abandoned Railways for Tourism and Commercial Development ................. 10
1.9 Vacant Railways as Traffic Facilities: A Regeneration Approach .................................. 11
1.10 Conclusion .................................................................................................................... 13
chapter 3: CASE STUDY................................................................................................................. 13
1.11 Case study I Nanjing Western Railway Station in Xiaguan District............................... 13
1.11.1 Aim and Research Question ................................................................................. 14
1.11.2 Introduction to the case ....................................................................................... 14
1.11.3 Challenges ............................................................................................................ 17
1.11.4 Opportunities ....................................................................................................... 18
1.11.5 The Advantages of Greenways ............................................................................. 18
1.11.6 (1) Ecological benefits .......................................................................................... 18
1.11.7 (2) Recreational/Social benefits ........................................................................... 19
1.11.8 (3) Cultural benefits.............................................................................................. 19

ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

iii
 1.11.9 (4) Economic benefits........................................................................................... 19
1.11.10 Design Proposal ................................................................................................ 19
Overall Goals: ....................................................................................................................... 19
1.11.11 Green Areas ...................................................................................................... 20
1.11.12 Proposal for Design .......................................................................................... 21
1.11.13 Environmental Purpose .................................................................................... 23
1.11.14 Recreational Function ...................................................................................... 25
1.11.15 Historical and Cultural function........................................................................ 27
1.11.16 Sustainable Ecology .......................................................................................... 28
1.11.17 Sustainable culture and history........................................................................ 28
1.11.18 Sustainable Neighborhood and life .................................................................. 29
1.11.19 Non-motorization ............................................................................................. 29
1.12 Case study 2: THE High Line ......................................................................................... 30
1.12.1 Linearity ................................................................................................................ 32
1.12.2 Connectivity and accessibility .............................................................................. 34
1.12.3 Multi-function ...................................................................................................... 36
1.12.4 Non-motorized traffic........................................................................................... 38
1.12.5 Sustainability ........................................................................................................ 39
1.13 CONCLUSION ................................................................................................................ 46
1.13.1 Working principles of the greenway approach .................................................... 47
1.13.2 Dimensions of Sustainable Development ............................................................ 49
Chapter 4: Data collection ............................................................................................................ 51
1.14 Site study: HISTORIC OLD RAILWAY STATION IN KOCHI .............................................. 51
1.14.1 Criteria for building selection ............................................................................... 53
1.14.2 History .................................................................................................................. 54
1.14.3 challenges ............................................................................................................. 54
1.14.4 Significance of structure....................................................................................... 55
1.14.5 Decline of railway ................................................................................................. 55
1.14.6 The current situation ............................................................................................ 56
1.14.7 Limitation ............................................................................................................. 56
chapter 5 : CONCLUSION .............................................................................................................. 59
1.14.8 Application of repairing technique:...................................................................... 60
1.14.9 The following interventions are feasible to achieve this ..................................... 60
CHAPTER: 6 REFERENCES ............................................................................................................. 63

ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

iv
1.15 REPORTS AND JOURNALS ............................................................................................. 63
1.16 Websites ....................................................................................................................... 69

ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

v
LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1.1: From: Reuse of Abandoned Railways Leads to Urban Regeneration: A

Tale from a Rust Track to a Green Corridor in Zhangjiakou
Figure 1.2: The research framework of rail transportation leading to urban regeneration

Fig.1-3: The location of Xiaguan District in Nanjing and the main city area (source:
Nanjing Planning Department, 2010)

Fig.1-4 the main road network and railway system around Xiaguan District (source:
made by author)

Fig.1-5 Timeline of the historical events that happened in Xiaguan District mainly on
the figure

1.6: Weeds and rubbish on the abandoned railway

Figure 1.7: The abandoned railway across the urban road banjing West Railway Station

Figure 1.8: The demolished buildings Source

Figure 1.9 the Shantytown along the abandoned railway

Fig.1-10 the new planning green space of the study area

Fig.1-11 Four parts of areas form this rail-trail area

Fig.1-12 Detail plan of the ecological park area

Fig.1-13 Detail section of the ecological rail trail with railway bicycles running on it

Fig.1-14 Detail plan of the pedestrian corridor and part of the ring rail trail Greenways'

Fig.1-15 Section of the ring rail trail

Fig.1-17 Section of the LRT track

Fig.1-16 Fig. 1-18 the plan of the High Line and explanation on the features and access
of each section of the Boulevard
ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE
vi
Fig.1-19 the perspective of High Line Section1 showing its linearity

Fig.1-20 the concrete planking deck interlaced with greenery

Fig.1-21 wood benches peeling up from the ground

Fig.1-22 the preserved iron tracks with some wild grass and flowers planted inside
Fig.1-23 Access points of section 1 and 2

Fig.1-25 the Wildflower Field with both native species and new species that ensure
bloom throughout the growing seasons

Fig.1-26 the 10th Avenue Square with steps and ramps allow visitors to inhabit this
structure and enjoy the midtown views

Fig.1-27, 1-28 the varying space with hard pavement, soft plantings and benches

Fig.1-29 The 22nd Street Seating Steps/23rd Street Lawn with a narrow pedestrian lane
aside

Fig.1-30 Typical landscape with planking

Fig.1-31 Wild flowers on both sides

Fig.1-32 the transformation process of the rail tracks

Fig.1-33 Map of the Xiamen Railway Culture Park

Fig.1-34, 1-35, 1-36 the linear trail both outside and inside the tunnel

Fig.1-37 the surrounding traffic of the Xiamen Railway Park

Fig.1-38 the trail passing through some old residential areas

Fig.1-39, 1-40 the different entrances towards the railway park

Fig.1-41 Map showing the function zoning of Xiamen Railway Park

Fig.1-42, 1-43 the trail built on the preserved railway tracks for walking under the
shadow, has fun between the tracks or sitting aside
ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE
vii
Fig.1-44 Café shops along the trail

Fig.1-45 the embossment of the history of the railway construction in the tunnel as an
exhibition hall

Fig.1-46 the entrance with some railing to keep away from the motor vehicles

Fig.1-47, 1-48 Rail trails for both pedestrian and cyclists

FIG: 1-49 Mangalavanam bird sanctuary

FIG: 1-50 The Old railway station Kochi (47 acres)

Figure 1-51 backside of station where tracks are dumped backside of station were
railway tracks are dumped.

Figure 52 main entrance

Figure 53 the heavily weeded and richly vegetated area.

Figure 54 laterite facades depicting the British era.

Figure 55 dilapidated state of the building.

Figure 56 interiors: suitable for large gallery space

Figure 57 old engine parts

ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

viii
 AR 17-93 – DISSERTATION
Title of your Dissertation

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Brownfields and brownfield sites are generally characterized as property or objects

that have lost their original function and are now abandoned, unused or Brownfields
and brownfield sites are generally characterized as property or objects that have lost
their original function and are now abandoned, unused or underused. Brownfield
development forms an important tool to accommodate the growing population and
urbanization pressures in urban cities. In other cases, it also has more limitations and
will not be able to cope with the rapidly changing urban phenomenon. These
limitations can be overcome by utilizing the urban core for brownfield development.
When we consider from the viewpoint of sustainable development, brownfield
development is highly desirable, which encourages the reduction of land
consumption. Utilizing the abandoned rails as a new transportation route, a vacation
spot for tourism and0 commerce, and a green spaces corridor the abandoned railways
are often located in urban areas and may have a negative impact on the urban
environment. They have an impact on land development, traffic flow, the
environment, and quality of life. In some extreme cases, abandoned railways have
also been suggested as a promising source of urban decay, particularly in areas with
old and derelict shelters. However, in terms of the potential value of abandoned
railways, their reuse would benefit the surrounding region.

Converting the railway into new rail transit systems, renovating the urban land
surrounding them for economic and leisure purposes, and building new public space
systems for the city are three common options for utilizing railways. It has been
demonstrated that different reuse tactics will have diverse positive benefits on urban
space, such as improved traffic patterns,

land development opportunities, increased tourism revenue, and so on. Different

modification tactics, on the other hand, are appropriate for various real-world

ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

1
 AR 17-93 – DISSERTATION
Title of your Dissertation

Scenarios. Brownfield's regeneration addresses the needs of the public by ensuring

ecological, economic, and social sustainability. Brownfield regeneration is critical to
environmental sustainability.

■ The study evaluates a consensus-based brownfield definition in the abandoned

railway in the Ernakulum context, and evaluates different alternatives regarding the
regeneration of brownfields.

■to understand how brownfield regeneration connect with a community

■ to analyze how they relate to the physical environment and socially, how it
connects to the inner city and historical value, and that can be reformulated to adopt a
strong pattern of sustainable social development.

The study investigates the origin of railway station buildings and their
characteristics and also identifies them as a unique typology and environmental and
ecological aspect of these railways.

1.1 OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES FOR ABANDONED

RAILWAYS

With the acceleration of urbanization and the extent of cities, abandoned

infrastructure has increasingly become a key issue influencing city development.
Using railways as an example - the subject of this thesis - there are currently almost
one hundred abandoned rails throughout China's major cities. These abandoned
railways once contributed to the city's economic function and were part of the city's
transport system, making them an important aspect of the city's history. However, due
to a lack of maintenance and meticulous planning, they eventually became a place
concealing dirt and dust, as well as a roadblock and a blind angle of waste,
developing as a negative space of the city. Because they have been abandoned and

ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

2
 AR 17-93 – DISSERTATION
Title of your Dissertation

ignored for a long time, abandoned railways may provide a slew of new problems for
urban growth and citizens' lives.

(1) They hinder urban traffic: Some defunct railways run through the city center,
directly connected to the present traffic route; additionally, the higher tracks make it
difficult for vehicles to pass and make rear-end collisions more likely.

(2) They degrade the city's landscape image: Some abandoned railways are located in
suburban areas that are not attached to the city's main traffic artery, there are grasses
on both sides and rubbish everywhere, and some criminals steal the railway tracks
and equipment to earn money, leaving the railway and local urban picture dirty and
derelict.

(3) They have an impact on people's lives: The raised tracks not only impede city
public access but also pose a significant hazard to their safety, particularly for
bicycles and children who play on them. Furthermore, the weeds and debris harm the
ecological environment of the nearby communities.

(4) They harm community safety: The abandoned railways, which are frequently
frequented by rangers, scavengers, and drug users, and are full of illegal constructions
or shantytowns created along them, have a negative impact on the urban image and
have become high-crime areas.

Several living spaces regeneration design methodologies of urban traffic, land

regeneration, and urban public area were presented for the objective of repurposing
the rail network and urban core. First, drawing on international "rail to tram"
expertise, we propose converting the derelict railway line into an urban tram line to
fulfill the city's future growth and transportation demands. Then, based on
contemporary urban planning, a regeneration strategy for the land along the derelict
railway will be developed. The regeneration of transportation infrastructure can meet

ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

3
 AR 17-93 – DISSERTATION
Title of your Dissertation

the urban mobility and accessibility requirements. This study adds to the topic of
urban regeneration by focusing on the regeneration of transportation infrastructure.
The process of reusing urban abandoned transportation infrastructure is still in its
early stages, with no established theoretical framework. Public urban hubs linked by
railway are not always carriers of urban activity, but also locations for urban public
activities. To motivate more outdoor activities, ‘urban activities such as railway
cultural exhibitions,

Before examining Brownfield, alterations and realizing the potential

redevelopment options. Quires redevelopment for effective usage and connectivity to
the natural environment. However, changing brownfield lands as part of a sustainable
environmental policy is gaining popularity around the world, fueling the trend of
redeveloping brownfield sites.

1.2 RESEARCH QUESTION

How does reviving the brownfield railway contribute to sustainable development? And how the
greenway idea and its operating principles might be used to the redevelopment of an abandoned
railway.

1.3 AIM

The goal of the study is to figure out how retrieval reconstructs the public space by developing a
strong pattern of greenway and sustainable development

1.4 HYPOTHESIS

Brownfield redevelopment has a good impact on the environment and the community

ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

4
 AR 17-93 – DISSERTATION
Title of your Dissertation

1.5 OBJECTIVES

1. Identifying and comprehending possible development concepts that can assist in the
long-term regeneration of brownfields
2. To investigate how retrieval helps to reconstruct the public realm by establishing a
strong pattern of sustainable development and a greenway approach.
3. To investigate a variety of variables, primarily environmental and social aspects of this
railway.
4 .To makes recommendations for brownfield railway development initiatives.

1.6 METHODOLOGY

1.6.1 Type of study

● Qualitative and Quantitative Research Design

1.6.2 Case study

1.6.3 Literature case study

1. Planning Greenway along the Abandoned Railway in Gwangju City, Korea

2. Nanjing Western Railway Station in Xiaguan District, China

3. New york city high line park.

ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

5
 AR 17-93 – DISSERTATION
Title of your Dissertation

1.6.4 Analysis

1.6.5 Conclusion

1.6.6 Data collection methods.

 Observation method

Ernakulam old railway station

 enquiry and mapping

1.6.7 Conclusion.

1.6.8 Methodological chart

ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

6
 AR 17-93 – DISSERTATION
Title of your Dissertation

ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

7
 AR 17-93 – DISSERTATION
Title of your Dissertation

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW

A huge amount of literature on urban regeneration analyzed the regeneration of

residential neighborhoods in China from the 1990s to the beginning of the 20th
century. The majority of previous work consists of low neighborhood residential
movement in the urban core, mirroring Western regeneration theory and criticizing
the urban redevelopment inclination to "swipe the poor out." Whereas the advantages
of inner cities' location have been recognized, research on how transportation system
contributes to regeneration has not been adequately investigated. Furthermore, the
majority of urban transition and urban regeneration philosophy focuses on the
physical rehabilitation of residential areas. As a result, the first half of this study will
examine various methods for repurposing derelict railways based on a literature
review. Enhancing public transport may play a larger part in worldwide urban
redevelopment in the twenty-first century. This journal's structure is as follows: The
first section includes the advantages of various reuse methods in the urban
neighborhood [Ma Y, Jiang H, Bian Y (2015) Landscape path of abandoned railway
in Kwangzhou Greenway Park, Korea. and Build 10:65–68], as well as the types of
urban environments to which different regeneration strategies adapt. The study
focused on the Beijing-Zhangjiakou Railway, in Zhangjiakou City will be discussed
in the following section as an example of how to merge three parameters along the
same railway.
According to reviewed research, there are three types of reuse modes for disused
railways: traffic facilities, tourist and commercial attractions, and public areas for
people. The railway transportation research aspects that lead to urban regeneration.
(Syms P (2000) urban regeneration: a handbook. Reg Stud 34:896–897).

Figure 1.1: E From: Reuse of Abandoned Railways Leads to Urban Regeneration: A

Tale from a Rust Track to a Green Corridor in Zhangjiakou

ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

8
 AR 17-93 – DISSERTATION
Title of your Dissertation

Figure 0.2: The research framework of rail transportation leading to urban

regeneration
Source: Reuse of Abandoned Railways Leads to Urban Regeneration: A Tale from a Rust Track to a
Green Corridor in Zhangjiakou

1.7 THE RETRIEVE OF AN UNUSED RAILWAY AS AN URBAN

PUBLIC ENVIRONMENT

Some authors discussed the restoration of the abandoned railway as a green public
space from the standpoints of ecological value and landscape design, while some
acknowledged how the reuse result encourages the quality of community life for
people. The most prevalent environmental reuse strategy in the world has been to
convert abandoned railways into multifunctional paths for walking, cycling, horse
riding, ice skating, and other similar activities. Rails-to-Trails, a highly successful
scheme in the United States, has transferred many vacant railways into parkways.

The Rails-to-Trails Conservation group is a non-profit association that promotes

converting abandoned railways into parkways that are broadly used across the United
States. The most well-known project in the United States has been New York's High
Line Park, which transferred abandoned elevated freight railways into an elevated
parkway for public transport use, allowing a spike in new urban development and
nearby land values along the route. The High Line Park has become a milestone in
New York City. As a result, the Rails-to-Trails program has spread across Europe,

ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

9
 AR 17-93 – DISSERTATION
Title of your Dissertation

Asia, and Australia, among other places. Numerous greenways have been generated
from abandoned railways in Australia, Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain,
Belgium, and other countries, creating greenway channels for cyclists and pedestrians
across the world (Rail to Trails, 2019).

In Portugal and Italy, two examples of revitalizing abandoned railways [ Oppido S,

Ragozzino S (2014) Abandoned railways, renewed pathways: opportunities for
accessing landscapes. Adv Eng Forum 11:424–432] into greenways can be found.
Both agreed that the greenway intends to create a positive converter of urban
important function nodes that promotes economic growth and improves urban public
life, rather than simply replacing abandoned railways. Ferretti and Digiouanni
proposed several viable reuse options for a vacant railway in the Piedmont Region.
They emphasized that reusing abandoned railways includes a lot of economic,
environmental, and social factors. It also involves a variety of stakeholders. Using the
multi-attribute value theory (SAVT), they assessed the physiological goals of all
stakeholders and proposed observable quantitative assessment strategies to identify
the best way to convert the abandoned railway. To identify the optimal reuse remedy
of abandoned railways, a post-event evaluation (PFA) model.

1.8 REUSING ABANDONED RAILWAYS FOR TOURISM AND

COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT

There have also been some successful cases of vacant railways being repurposed for
tourism and commercial purposes. Abandoned railways have become a tourist
attraction as a remnant of industrial culture. In Paris, for example, the Osei Museum
was created from a long-abandoned railway station. The Little Billy Railway in
Australia and the Jiji Town Railway Trip Line in Taiwan are both well-known
examples of repurposed tourist routes. It was recommended that in the situation of the
Hijaz Rail system in the Middle East, reduce and recycle plans must take advantage
of both the historical importance and the linear benefits that are available inherent in
railway lines. (Olendzki A (2008) A railway ‘route’ as a linear heritage attraction: the
Hijaz railway in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. J Heritage Tour 3:159–175).

The Hijaz Railway Line has been revived as a tourist route, preserving a significant
feature of Islamic culture. Historical attractions and main tourist attractions were built
ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE
10
 AR 17-93 – DISSERTATION
Title of your Dissertation

along the converted line. Italy. Investigated the scientific and cultural impact of
historical buildings somewhere along the Middle East Railway Trunk Line in China,
and also the connection among buildings and the qualities of society and culture in
the region, to guide the preservation of cultural and historic building structures along
the Middle East Railway Mainline. So, several areas across the abandoned railway
lines in China have been converted into prominent cultural and commercial centres,
such as Qianmin Street in Beijing's old city. In some of these cases, vacant land
across a decommissioned railway line that has been transformed as a cultural, tourist,
and commercial project has become an essential part of the urban features and helps
bring economic advantages to the community.
The study was based on the regeneration of the Virginia Creeper Trail (VCT) from
vacant railways in the United States in the research on the Virginia Creeper Rail
Trail. Bowker et al. monitored and approximated the local economy's direct, indirect,
and qualitative effects. According to research on the reuse of unused railway routes in
the historical area of Italy, sustainable regeneration should consider the unique
characteristics of specific locations and make full benefit of them to re-establish trains
that match people's demands. Australian academics assessed the growth of derelict
railway lines for bicycles in Australia. Long-distance train tracks, they claimed,
necessitate meticulous planning and design in terms and conditions of facilities and
infrastructure.

1.9 VACANT RAILWAYS AS TRAFFIC FACILITIES: A

REGENERATION APPROACH

Many scholars are interested in the idea of repurposing derelict railways as new
transport systems in cities. It is sometimes proposed that derelict railways be
converted into urban railway networks, such as light rail, urban tram lines, suburban
trains, or urban motorways with a mix of present transportation systems. Many urban
trains were built in tandem with cities, ensuring that they are always in the heart of
the city, where there is a reasonably huge population. The derelict rails in Tianjin
City's Binhai Area are a well-known case in China. This has been planned that
present railway tracks be converted into transit lines to construct new railway systems
for improving traffic patterns in Tianjin City's newly built districts. In Tianjin, it
would create a "one ring and three lines" suburban railway system.
Another case study in China demonstrated how to repurpose derelict tracks from the
defunct Zhejiang-Jiangxi Railway station in Shangraw City. Several derelict lines
might be set up for future urban railway construction, although others could be

ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

11
 AR 17-93 – DISSERTATION
Title of your Dissertation

Designated for urban expansion, according to one proposal. The Yiwu portion of the
derelict Zhejiang-Jiangxi Line was the subject of similar research. Due to the current
state of the surrounding urban transportation infrastructure, estimates of upcoming
urban growth, and future transportation requirements, the transformation of the
derelict railway into a rail corridor has also been recommended. Eizaguirre-Iribar et
al. highlighted the traffic potential of derelict railways as cycling lanes, and their
researchers examined non-motor vehicle availability of linear railway infrastructure at
various scales.
Aside from derelict railway lines, studies have concentrated on how to rebuild the
region around former railway lines. Shen [Shen J (2012) Research on the function of
urban rail transit in idle railway hubs] emphasizes the importance of adapting derelict
railways in regions to regenerate areas in his study on establishing an urban rail
transportation system from abandoned railways. Financing options, reuse methods,
and transportation options must all be carefully considered. Accordingly, suggestions
have been made that the abandoned railway be utilized as a new urban transit
network, taking into account various characteristics of railway systems, technologies,
and implementation methodologies.
Abandoned railways are repeatedly detected in urban areas and may have
detrimental consequences for the urban area. They have an impact on regional
development, vehicle traffic, the ecology, and people's quality of life. Abandoned
railways are frequently cited by transportation authorities as a source of road
congestion because they obstruct vehicles and partition urban areas other researchers
have found that abandoned railways result in reduced property prices and fewer future
developments and that they are frequently urban poverty that leads to a low-quality
urban environment surrounding [Wang J, Xiang Y, Luo Y (2010) Urban abandoned
railway planning strategy based on the concept of green corridor. Northern Horti
cult]. These derelict railways are frequently disregarded and left in many Chinese
cities.
Therefore, in the perspective of prospective value, repurposing derelict railways
would benefit the community. Railways, even when abandoned, frequently take up
prime metropolitan real estate. Furthermore, if utilized properly, the linear physical
space in the city Centre can serve as a vital connection, increasing the possibility of
connecting functional hubs along the railway line. As a picture of industrial history,
as well as the rise and decline of cities, the abandoned rails could be considered
valuable cultural heritage [Shen J (2012) Research on the function of urban rail transit
in idle railway hubs.]

ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

12
 AR 17-93 – DISSERTATION
Title of your Dissertation

1.10 CONCLUSION

The above literature review provides three transformation modes: as a public area, as
a transportation hub, as a location for commercial and tourism revitalization, and also
as a transportation hub The two additional tasks will be completed by this paper: On
only one hand, it will assess the implementation breadth of the three regeneration
modes to choose the most appropriate transformation method for specific scenarios.
On the other hand, it will analyze the three modes' key improvements on the
neighboring urban area to identify how to integrate the good effects of these three
methods in the case of this research. In a summary, the challenges of urban derelict
railway redevelopment contribute to existing urban renewal ideas in terms of urban
movement. The method of transportation is best suited to places where there is a need
for public transit along with train networks. A better, more functional transportation
system will help to improve public transit while also increasing the value of the land.
The business and travel regeneration approach is most suited to adjacent railways or
culturally significant locations, as well as cities with major tourism sectors or
commercial environments. By preserving the ancient tracks and stations, it will aid in
reconstruction and improve both tourism revenue and land value. The urban open
spaces mode is best suited to locations with a scarcity of public green space. Urban
green space and greenways developed from derelict railways become public urban
infrastructure in the city, giving residents green space while also linking municipal
public service centers. According to studies, converting derelict railways into parks
and green zones has not only enhanced the urban environment but has also enhanced
neighboring land prices for homes .

CHAPTER 3: CASE STUDY

1.11 CASE STUDY I NANJING WESTERN RAILWAY STATION

IN XIAGUAN DISTRICT

This review concentrates on the transition of an abandoned railway area using

the greenway concept, intending to provide a fresh design proposal for the area near
the abandoned Nanjing West Railway Station, utilizing local culture and history to
establish a comprehensive greenway and a lively district that connects back to the rest
ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE
13
 AR 17-93 – DISSERTATION
Title of your Dissertation

of the city. To attain this purpose, the greenway concept was employed as a
theoretical foundation and to guide the design plan. The literature on the greenway
concept was first researched, and six principles were drawn from a thorough
comprehension of the concept to serve as guidelines for applying the greenway
approach to the transformation of an abandoned railway. The analysis of the literature
identified six guiding principles: linearity, connectivity, accessibility, multi-function,
non-motorization, and sustainability.
Xiaguan is a historical district in Nanjing that was previously a transit hub for both
waterways and railways. The West Line Station was closed to passengers in 2012,
and most portions of the railways have been derelict, causing social, aesthetic, and
environmental issues on the railway and in the adjacent communities. Taking into
mind the local context, a design plan was developed to ameliorate the current
situation. The design suggestion was motivated by the Greenway approach principles
as well as examples from other cases examined. The case study revealed that the
principles are the basic aspects and simple recommendations that may be employed in
various circumstances when the goal is to establish a greenway. However, because
the local environment is so different, we cannot just repeat an example. Instead, the
local potential, such as the historical and cultural background, should be completely
used. The transition should not be isolated but to always connect with the surrounding
areas. This was the goal of the design plan for the renovated abandoned railway,
which would eventually become a minor section of the greenway system in Xiaguan
District and even Nanjing.
1.11.1 Aim and Research Question

This study aims at making a design proposal for the revival and transformation of the
area around the abandoned Nanjing West Railway Station, following the principles of
the Greenway approach, and that makes use of local culture and history to create a
lively district that connects back to the rest of the city and establish a local greenway
system.
How the greenway concept and its working principles can be used in the
transformation of an abandoned railway area in Xiaguan District, Nanjing?
1.11.2 Introduction to the case

Nanjing Xiaguan District Xiaguan District, one of Nanjing's six administrative

regions, is located in the northern portion of the city (Figure 1-1, 1-2). It has a total
size of around 30.91km2, which includes 24.29km2 of land territory and 6.62km2 of

ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

14
 AR 17-93 – DISSERTATION
Title of your Dissertation

river territory. Roughly 300,000 people are living there, and 6 neighbourhoods with
57 communities are administered.

Fig.1-3 The location of Xiaguan District in Nanjing and the main city area (source:
Nanjing Planning Department, 2010)

ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

15
 AR 17-93 – DISSERTATION
Title of your Dissertation

Fig.1-4 The main road network and railway system around Xiaguan District (source:
made by author)

Fig.1-5 Timeline of the historical events that happened in Xiaguan District mainly on
the Nanjing West Railway Station (source: made by author)
With the development of highways and railways, the water transport of the Yangtze
River was heavily impacted and began to decline, leaving the valuable waterfront
along the river occupied with factories and piers that were nearly abandoned and
dusty yards. Some railways in Xiaguan were also abandoned in conjunction with the
extension of the railway lines. As a result of the loss of traffic supremacy, regional
ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE
16
 AR 17-93 – DISSERTATION
Title of your Dissertation

urban functions were weakened, and Xiaguan's economic and social development
entered a bottleneck era and was gradually marginalized. As a result, it requires
extensive renewal.
1.11.3 Challenges

Most of the railway in Xiaguan District has been abandoned; however, the track
remains, but weeds and debris have taken over (Figure 1-4). The surrounding road
network is disorganized (Figure 1-5), the housing quality and environment are
deplorable, and many historic structures are in disrepair (Figure 1-6). The streetscape
is disorganized and monotonous, and several fish markets along the roadway harm
traffic and the environment; some illegal shantytowns have sprouted up near the train
tracks (Figure 1-7). The most basic public infrastructure and environmental qualities
are deplorable, contributing to a lack of regard for the site's history and culture.

figure 1.6: Weeds and rubbish on the abandoned railway

Figure 1.7: The abandoned railway across the urban road

Figure 1.8: The demolished buildings Source

Figure 1.9 the Shantytown along the abandoned railway

ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

17
 AR 17-93 – DISSERTATION
Title of your Dissertation

1.11.4 Opportunities

Xiaguan, on the other hand, has an excellent position because it is near to the Yangtze
River, and the Huimin River, which is connected to the Yangtze River, flows through
this district. It will create an opportunity for riverfront green space. Close to this
location, there are also several public green places, such as natural scenery, urban
parks, and the city wall with vegetation on both sides, which can be linked via the
greenway. From a cultural standpoint, Xiaguan has a rich history, and several
historical buildings and monuments have been preserved, which may serve to the
greenway design in expressing Xiaguan 's history and culture.
Nanjing is attempting to establish an eco-city, and the government or some associated
ministries have attempted to build greenways in Nanjing in recent years. Three
primary greenways, including the city-wall circular greenway, the Inner-Qinhuai
River greenway, and the canopy-road greenway, are intended to serve as a guiding
framework for new green space selection, configuration, and continuity, as well as to
connect existing parks. Furthermore, the public and the government prefer a complete
trail system, primarily for pedestrians and bicycles (Jim, Chen, 2003). In that
instance, political support can be obtained to convert the rails to trails and incorporate
them into the city's greenway.
1.11.5 The Advantages of Greenways

Greenways provide at least three important benefits (Fabos, 1995), and some indirect
benefits are also reflected in the long run.
1.11.6 (1) Ecological benefits

Greenways protect the ecologically significant natural systems: mostly along rivers,
coastal areas, and ridgelines; maintain biodiversity and provide for wildlife migration.
When applied to the derelict railway transition, greenway linearity can improve the
linkage of natural features in the landscape, boost habitat connectivity, and improve
the flow and transfer of nutrients, species, and energy, thus minimizing landscape
fragmentation (Xiang, 1996). Furthermore, the greenway construction may connect
the landscape along the railway, widening the area covered by the greenway to
establish a stable, continuous urban green network system, enhance the ecological
environment of the city, and contribute to the city's sustainable development.

ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

18
 AR 17-93 – DISSERTATION
Title of your Dissertation

1.11.7 (2) Recreational/Social benefits

Greenway systems not only provide a far better and more delightful natural
environment, but also significant recreational options in metropolitan and rural areas
for walking, hiking, bicycling, swimming, and boating, among many other outdoor
recreational activities. As an alternative transportation corridor, greenways can
connect origins and destinations while providing magnificent scenery along the way,
allowing pedestrians and bicycles to get to and from areas they want to go (Conine,
Xiang, Young and Whitley, 2004).
Thus, the derelict railway segment cantered on recreational and culture will make
fully rational use of urban land and construct more green buildings to serve local
inhabitants with a green exchange open space. Parts of the railway can be used to
prevent ecological erosion, preserve the original remains, and so become a popular
trail for backpackers, photographers, and hikers.
1.11.8 (3) Cultural benefits

The abandoned railway experienced the economic growth and historical evolution of
a city and a region, and it carries a generation's history and culture. As a result,
throughout the transition process, we can use the greenway concept to either maintain
it, which will invoke the citizens' memories of urban history, or to give it a new
meaning, which may draw more young people and tourists from other locations,
promoting local cultural exchanges.
1.11.9 (4) Economic benefits.

After the transformation and renewal based on greenway theory, the new railway
improves the overall image of the city and expresses the urban culture. Through a
combination of the surrounding land-use planning, enriching the tourism resources of
the city to attract the residents and visitors from other places, stimulating the
consumption of local transport, catering and accommodation it contributes to the
economic development of the urban district.
1.11.10 Design Proposal

Overall Goals:

1. Reuse and remodel the abandoned linear train route, making full use of the local
history and culture.
ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE
19
 AR 17-93 – DISSERTATION
Title of your Dissertation

2. Improve linkages in this district and build a greenway system, making it more
accessible to pedestrians, bicycles, and public transportation.
3. Integrate different purposes in the changed railway area, as well as increase the
mixed-use purposes of the surrounding region;
4. Enhance the quality of life in the surrounding area and build a liveable and
sustainable community.
5. Making this place one of the tourist attractions in Xiaguan, Nanjing.
Thus according Xiaguan District's official planning and the necessity for a greenway
design on the disused railway, an overall plan of this study area is first developed,
followed by a specific plan of the abandoned railway transformations.
1.11.11 Green Areas

To convert the abandoned railway into a natural green areas as part of the green
infrastructure system in this region, the natural landscape along the rail system should
first be revived with some natural vegetation or wild species, and then more plantings
for every season and much more fruit trees that can impress birds and other animals
can be implemented to improve bio-diversity and make it a natural landscape space. It
may be the most logical and suitable solution to develop the green belt along the
Yangtze River and also the cannels to prolong the greenway till the riverfront and
reap the benefits of the landscape resources along the river. Some lawn areas in this
region can serve as gathering places for people to enjoy the view of the river and the
sunshine. Furthermore, various recreational trails and bridges should make walking or
biking through the green space more enjoyable. A circle green link or greenway
system of this area is virtually complete, along with a boulevard connecting Xiuqiu
Park to the riverside green space.

ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

20
 AR 17-93 – DISSERTATION
Title of your Dissertation

Fig.1-10 The new planning green space of the study area

1.11.12 Proposal for Design

This is a nearly triangle-shaped site bordered by V-shaped express lanes and an

abandoned railway track. This ancient train station location has been completely
changed into a rail-trail for various purposes, with a new mixed-use community along
the trail and more green space added to the site, including an ecological protection
park, a sports park, and a riverbank green belt. A red pedestrian walkway has also
been built to improve connectivity between these spaces. However, the ancient
railway station and its storage facilities are being preserved for future use. It is also a
unique and innovative makeover because one piece of the railway track is repurposed
for a new mode of public transportation that may convey passengers from the town
Centre to the older railway station.

ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

21
 AR 17-93 – DISSERTATION
Title of your Dissertation

Fig.1-11 Four parts of areas form this rail-trail area

ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

22
 AR 17-93 – DISSERTATION
Title of your Dissertation

1.11.13 Environmental Purpose

The ecological experiment is situated on the outskirts of the ecological protection

park. The vegetation is mostly natural and native, since the ancient species are nearly
entirely preserved, and some new species are planted to enrich the surroundings. In
addition, with the railway bicycles operating on the track, it may serve as a
recreational route for people to enjoy and appreciate nature. Furthermore, it is vital to
improve water quality and clean up the riverside ecosystem. This green infrastructure
type was illustrated in details of the systems in section A-A', and the trails width with
the expected image is illustrated in. The road for cyclists and pedestrians in this trail
is divided by a railway track with railway bicycles riding on it, giving a recreational
path for people to experience the biological scenery and have pleasure on the new
type of bikes. This park is also split into smaller sections, with several crossing long
and short trails within. The majority of this linear park is reserved for landscaping,
but the upper one at the corners is more like a public park with people strolling,
running, and cycling in it.

ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

23
 AR 17-93 – DISSERTATION
Title of your Dissertation

Fig.1-12 Detail plan of the ecological park area

ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

24
 AR 17-93 – DISSERTATION
Title of your Dissertation

Fig.1-13 Detail section of the ecological rail trail with railway bicycles running on it
1.11.14 Recreational Function

In this region, the leisure function runs along the red route from the riverbank to the
city wall, passing via the central park. The red corridor is a dynamic pedestrian-only
recreational route that goes up and down, occasionally functioning as a bridge over
the river, sometimes becoming the sidewalk, and sometimes becoming an elevated
bridge over a major road. This part is a ring rail trail with routes shared by both
pedestrians and bikes for daily transition, although pedestrians may also stroll on the
railway tracks since some green pavement is there. Some commercial businesses,
cafés, and restaurants are available on one side of this rail path.

ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

25
 AR 17-93 – DISSERTATION
Title of your Dissertation

Fig.1-14 Detail plan of the pedestrian corridor and part of the ring rail trail
Greenways'

Fig.1-15 Section of the ring rail trail

It primarily provides leisure amenities on the pond as a wooden bridge and wooden
deck link with the Chinese traditional pavilion on the green island in the center of
water for the central park area. This park also has a range of outdoor recreational
facilities to serve the neighboring inhabitants and offer energy to the neighborhood.
This part of rail path is a tree-lined boulevard with large trees placed as a divider for

ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

26
 AR 17-93 – DISSERTATION
Title of your Dissertation

pedestrians and bicycles in between the railway track, and it should be a beautiful
spot in the summer for the shadows.

Fig.1-16 Section of the Boulevard

1.11.15 Historical and Cultural function

The historical role may be pretty evident and underlined by the railway history, since
the former train station is reused for a railway museum and the old storage
warehouses are reused for a creative art space. Figure 5–26 In this stretch of the
railway, the railway track is repurposed for green public transportation – LRT, which
is more embraced and promoted by the people. This reflects the historical role as
well.

ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

27
 AR 17-93 – DISSERTATION
Title of your Dissertation

Fig.1-17 Section of the LRT track

1.11.16 Sustainable Ecology

This property incorporates a number of environmental features, including a water

system and a green area system. The Yangtze River, canal, pond, and moat are part of
the water system, and public green space consists mostly of the ecological protection
landscape, riverfront greenbelt, public parks, and mountain forest. With their
combination, both indigenous and exotic animal habitat will be offered, which may
contribute to bio-diversity preservation and the creation of a prosperous ecosystem
that will radically transform the terrible environmental status.

1.11.17 Sustainable culture and history

As a result of sustaining historical buildings of the old railway station as a railway

museum and a new need for the light rail station, people will be able to record and

ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

28
 AR 17-93 – DISSERTATION
Title of your Dissertation

Memorize the railway history in the West Station, and the new need for a light rail
station will form a connection between the old transport modes and the new green
public transit, which can be regarded as the upgrading and sustainability of the
transport history. As buildings are repurposed for creative purposes, the architectural
style can be somewhat altered and changed into workshops, studios, or galleries, as
well as workplaces for a new industry. It will aid in bringing together arts aficionados
to exchange ideas and create a strong cultural climate in this area.

1.11.18 Sustainable Neighborhood and life

The proximity of a community to the rail experiment, the mixed-use function, and the
new building kinds and layout will primarily improve the area's sustainability and
people' lifestyles. Because this community is virtually surrounded by the ring rail
trail, which has an axis in the center, homeowners here have roughly similar access to
the trail and may benefit greatly from this multi-function rail trail. The mixed-use
function with commerce along the rail path can help stimulate economic growth while
also providing certain essential services that local residents can readily access.
Mixed-use buildings combine residential and commercial or office space on separate
levels of a same structure, saving urban space. These new structures with community
courtyards on the interior will give more green space and a better perspective of the
environment, which will enhance living quality while also improving communication
between people, perhaps creating sustainable and peaceful neighborhoods.

1.11.19 Non-motorization

Non-motorization does not imply that this is a car-free zone, but rather that it is more
welcoming to pedestrians, bicycles, and green public transportation. Cars are only
permitted in areas where they are absolutely necessary, namely in mixed-use and
residential areas. On the other, because most pathways inside are simply "people
friendly" rather than "vehicle friendly," notably along the rail trail and in public open
ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE
29
 AR 17-93 – DISSERTATION
Title of your Dissertation

space, this location is completely walk able and practically bike able. The red
corridor, which is solely for pedestrians, promotes non-motorization.

1.12 CASE STUDY 2: THE HIGH LINE

The High Line is a public park created on an old freight rail line - a part of the New
York Central Railroad raised above Manhattan's West Side streets. New York City
owns it, and Friends of the High Line maintains and operates it (High Line: the
official web site of the High Line and Friends of the High Line,2000). Following its
closure in the 1980s, this railway was renovated and turned into an aerial greenway
known as the High Line Park, taking inspiration from a similar project in Paris (the
Promenade Plantae). It connects Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District to
West 34th Street, between 10th and 11th Avenues. The first segment of the High Line
launched on June 9, 2009, spanning from Gansevoort Street to West 20th Street, and
the second section, that runs across West 20th and West 30th Streets, started on June
8, 2011. The third and final portion, between West 30th and West 34th streets, is still
under development. The High Line design is a partnership between James Corner
Field Operations (Project Lead), Diller Scofidio + Renfro, and planting designer Piet
Oudolf. In recent years, it has become one of the most well-known and significant
initiatives of urban landscapes or greenway design. We may have a better knowledge
of the reuse and transformation of the elevated railway by using the greenway idea
and strategy.

ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

30
 AR 17-93 – DISSERTATION
Title of your Dissertation

ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

31
 AR 17-93 – DISSERTATION
Title of your Dissertation

Fig. 1-18 the plan of the High Line and explanation on the features and access of each
section (right) (source: http://www.thehighline.org/about/maps)

1.12.1 Linearity —

The first part of the High Line is just 0.8km long and 9-18 meters wide, making it
appear rather narrow in comparison to typical parks or green space. As it is in the
city, offering a unique experience and many prospective users, there should be
diversification and differentiation of activities in such a tiny linear space to excite
people's attention and answer their diverse expectations, similar to how the city's
infrastructure operates. The linearity cannot be the limit of space, but rather an
opportunity for a flexible and diversified space. The linearity of space cannot be the
restriction, but rather an opportunity for a flexible and diversified space. In terms of
the High Line's surface treatment, James Corner and his design team employed a
mutual penetration of hard pavement and soft plant presenting varied proportions and
varieties in different segments, making the linear space considerably more appealing
with the constantly changing surface shapes. The concrete planking deck intertwined
with vegetation, wood seats peeling up from the ground, and maintained iron tracks
all respect linearity as the most often utilized features and amenities throughout the
project.

ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

32
 AR 17-93 – DISSERTATION
Title of your Dissertation

Fig.1-19 the perspective of High Line Section1 showing its linearity

Fig.1-20 the concrete planking deck interlaced with greenery

Fig.1-21 wood benches peeling up from the ground

ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

33
 AR 17-93 – DISSERTATION
Title of your Dissertation

Fig.1-22 The preserved iron tracks with some wild grass and flowers planted inside
(source: http://www.thehighline.org/galleries/images)
1.12.2 Connectivity and accessibility —

The High Line travels roughly 30 feet above ground through three of Manhattan's
most vibrant neighborhood, often adjacent to or even across privately held property
that connects them as an elevated corridor. When the High Line was erected in the
1930s, these areas were dominated by industrial and transportation purposes.
However, many of the warehouses and factories have now been transformed into new
uses, such as galleries, design studios, and homes (official Web site of the High Line
and Friends of the High Line). As the High Line dangles in the air, its exterior
transportation connecting communities and the linear park has been critical to
achieving connectivity. As a result, five entrances are planned in the first segment of
the High Line, including two elevator accesses, to guarantee a reasonable flow of
people gathering and dispersing. The High Line is also entirely wheelchair accessible.
Furthermore, the High Line is easily accessible by public transit, such as the metro
and bus.

ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

34
 AR 17-93 – DISSERTATION
Title of your Dissertation

Fig.1-23 Access points of section 1 and 2(source:

http://www.thehighline.org/galleries/images/design-slideshow-2008 and illustrated by
author)

ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

35
 AR 17-93 – DISSERTATION
Title of your Dissertation

1.12.3 Multi-function –

The High Line's various functions may be characterized as three sorts of urban social
activity: seeing, moving, and gathering. The High Line offers several possibilities to
gaze at the city, at each other, at oneself, to move aimlessly or intentionally, and to
join with friends, strangers, and one's thoughts (Shapiro, 2011). Moving across the
High Line with an ever changing space and plantings all along the way may be quite
interesting; and the 10th Avenue Square can be a perfect place for gathering to
explore the park and the neighboring cityscape in a special manner
In my opinion, the execution of these functionalities should rely mostly on surface
treatment and spatial variation due to careful design. All across the project, the soft
and hard components are artfully divided together: some areas are completely
covered with difficult pavement but with wild plantings growing between the gaps;
others are 40 percent wild plantings and 60 percent hard pavement; and still others are
entirely planting surface with an overpass to pass through. The varying width of the
linear area, as well as its setting amenities such as benches, steps, and platforms,
change the tempos and densities of activity: from quiet sitting, reading, watching, and
sunbathing to picture-taking, chatting, walking, and playing. In that scenario, the
High Line, as an outstanding public place, provides visitors of all types with a variety
of options for enjoying what they prefer.

Fig.1-24 The 26th Street Viewing Spur with a framework to view the cityscape

ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

36
 AR 17-93 – DISSERTATION
Title of your Dissertation

Fig.1-25 The Wildflower Field with both native species and new species that ensure
bloom throughout the growing seasons

Fig.1-26 the 10th Avenue Square with steps and ramps allow visitors to inhabit this
structure and enjoy the midtown views

ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

37
 AR 17-93 – DISSERTATION
Title of your Dissertation

Fig.1-27, 1-28 The varying space with hard pavement, soft plantings and benches
(source: http://www.thehighline.org/galleries/images/high-line-park-photos)
1.12.4 Non-motorized traffic —

The High Line is mainly accessible by foot; however there are bike racks
immediately outside the entry stairs. Without motor vehicles or even bicycles, the
pace of life here is sluggish, in sharp contrast to the rapid and loud traffic below in the
city. Furthermore, the design of the linear park may be more free and flexible
independent of motor traffic, because pedestrians can walk at random and just require
a narrower and smaller area for movement as compared to automobiles. As a result,
more room is available for plants, seats, and other amenities, which appear to be
crucial in a linear public area.
For example, the area between 22nd and 23rd Streets, where the only lawn of the
High Line located, lifting seated visitors above the walkway and offering views of the
city skyline. A stepped seating feature adds another layer of use to this central
gathering area. So benefit from the non-motorization, space can be more changeable
both on its materials and layers, which enable a slow life but create a more rich and
vigorous urban public space that will appeal to more and more pedestrian to spend
their leisure time here.

43

ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

38
 AR 17-93 – DISSERTATION
Title of your Dissertation

Fig.1-29 The 22nd Street Seating Steps/23rd Street Lawn with a narrow pedestrian
lane aside (source: http://www.thehighline.org/galleries/images/design-slideshow-
2008)
1.12.5 Sustainability –

The High Line's sustainability is primarily reflected via the selection of plants and its
architectural concept highlighting the importance of "time" for the city and its natural
process (James Corner). Piet Oudolf's planting concept for the High Line was inspired
by the self-sown environment that grew spontaneously on the abandoned rail rails for
around 25 years after the trains ceased operating. His design respects the natural
mechanism, and the species of perennials, grasses, shrubs, and trees were selected for
their toughness, sustainability, and textural and appearance variation instead of some
common species, and the species of perennials, grasses, shrubs, and trees were chosen
for their hardiness, sustainability, and textural and color variation (High Line official
website).
Many of the life forms that grew on the High Line's rail bed are now implemented
into the park's landscape, associated with new species that ensure bloom throughout
the growing seasons, creating an ecological and sustainable planting landscape of
local characteristics, basic maintenance needs, and the realization of self-seeded
plants

Fig.1-30 Typical landscape with planking

ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

39
 AR 17-93 – DISSERTATION
Title of your Dissertation

Fig.1-31 Wild flowers on both sides (source:

http://www.thehighline.org/galleries/images/design-slideshow-2008)
The High Line's design is based on the urban form and the original pattern of the rail
tracks, combining multiple approaches and some ecological advanced science and
technology to convert the abandoned elevated rail structure (Figure 1-32), water
supply and drainage, and electricity, gradually increasing the site's ecological
diversity and community stability over time.

Fig.1-32 The transformation process of the rail tracks(source:

http://www.thehighline.org/galleries/images/high-line-1999-2006)
Case study3: Xiamen Railway Culture Park
The ancient railway of Xiamen Island in China was part of the railway connecting
Yingtan, Jiangxi and Xiamen, Fujian, which was completed in 1955 and has been
abandoned since the 1980s. It is roughly 4.5 kilometers’ long and runs from Xiamen
Railway Station to the Peace Pier (Figure 1-33). Today, Xiamen's ancient railway is a
key carrier of the city's traditional cultural heritage, as well as one of the fundamental
parts comprising the urban environment and its historical and cultural features.
In October of 2010, the city of Xiamen chose to rebuild the abandoned railway as a
recreational corridor, and the designers, using the planning idea of "urban history and
ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE
40
 AR 17-93 – DISSERTATION
Title of your Dissertation

Contemporary greenways," want to demonstrate Xiamen's railway history. In

Octoberof 2010, the city of Xiamen chose to rebuild the abandoned railway as a
recreational corridor, and the designers, using the planning idea of "urban history
and contemporary greenways," want to demonstrate Xiamen's railway history.

Fig.1-33 Map of the Xiamen Railway Culture Park(source: baidu map and illustrated
by author)
In October of 2010, the city of Xiamen chose to rebuild the abandoned railway as a
recreational corridor, and the designers, using the planning idea of "urban history and
contemporary greenways," want to demonstrate Xiamen's railway history.

Fig.1-34, 1-35, 1-36 the linear trail both outside and inside the tunnel
(Source: baidu image)
Connectivity and Accessibility – In terms of traffic, the Xiamen Railway Park
improves transportation in this area while also optimizing the landscape: the
construction of this trail improves the connectivity of the surrounding road network
(Figure 1-34), making it more accessible, convenient, and comfortable for residents

ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

41
 AR 17-93 – DISSERTATION
Title of your Dissertation

Along the railway (Figure 1-34). Different entrances were established so people
couldreadily access them from various directions (Figure 1-35, 1-36).
From the cultural context, the Xiamen Railway Culture Greenway created a strong
historical and cultural environment of urban greenways: it connects a series of
humanities and natural areas, such as the Botanical Garden, Martyrs Cemetery, White
Deer Cave, Hong Shan Park, and so on, with the particular historical background of
the railway. The route will not only benefit the neighboring communities, but it will
also draw people for recreation and fitness.

Fig.1-37 the surrounding traffic of the Xiamen Railway Park

Fig.1-38 The trail passing through some old residential areas

ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

42
 AR 17-93 – DISSERTATION
Title of your Dissertation

Fig.1-39, 1-40 the different entrances towards the railway park (source: baidu image)
combination of the linear abandoned railway and green open space, which began with
the protection of historical heritage and made use of the site characteristics based on
local conditions, while also integrating with landscape, ecological, historical heritage
conservation, and community building, thereby realizing different functions of
ecological improvement, heritage protection, landscape upgrading, recreation, and
education. In contrast, a few retail stores and cafés have built along the railway,
allowing for a commercial role to be incorporated (Figure 1-40). So that people are
allowed to learn the railway history both from the old railway itself, and from the new
space of science knowledge, integrated with the patriotic education.

Fig.1-41 Map showing the function zoning of Xiamen Railway Park (source: baidu
map and illustrated by author)

ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

43
 AR 17-93 – DISSERTATION
Title of your Dissertation

Fig.1-42, 1-43 the trail built on the preserved railway tracks for walking under the
shadow, has fun between the tracks or sitting aside (source: baidu image)

Fig.1-44 Café shops along the trail

ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

44
 AR 17-93 – DISSERTATION
Title of your Dissertation

Fig.1-45 the embossment of the history of the railway construction in the tunnel as an
exhibition hall (source: baidu image)

Non-motorization
Take the place of motor traffic in this greenway, the pedestrian lanes and bicycle
paths meet the demands of slow-moving traffic and slow-moving environment of the
residents and also today's China, as motorization in China has reached a peak, causing
many social and environmental problems, such as serious traffic jams and traffic
accidents, air quality and noise pollution, which potentially harm the residents' lives
and safety while also hindering the economy. As a result, some barriers were installed
at the entry to keep motor vehicles at bay (Figure 1-46 ), allowing pedestrians and
bicycles to go freely within. However, there was no divide for dedicated bike lanes,
which can be considered later in the upgrading process.

Fig.1-46 the entrance with some railing to keep away from the motor vehicles

Fig.1-47, 1-48 Rail trails for both pedestrian and cyclists (source: baidu image)
Sustainability – The case of Xiamen demonstrates that urban historical and cultural
greenways will become one of the most effective methods for making the functions of
modern urban green space more comprehensive, improving people's life quality,
ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE
45
 AR 17-93 – DISSERTATION
Title of your Dissertation

promoting the development of social civilization and energy conservation in the city,
and finally contributing to the sustainable development that is highly emphasized in
China today. As a result, the development of urban greenways will become more
important in Chinese cities where motor vehicles are prevalent.

1.13 CONCLUSION

Historical importance in various areas can be convinced by their multiple benefits,

and I also feel that greenways can assist make towns more active and welcoming
places to live. As it can assist residents living in communities in ensuring that their
areas are safe to live in, allowing them to escape the city's heavy traffic and save time
to spend with their family and friends, and youngsters can safely walk or bike to a
park, school, or a neighbor's home.
Above all, the rail trails in Paris and New York are both elevated and suspended in
the air, with strong linkages to the outside world constructed and accessibility easily
accessible to both local people and visitors. However, a distinct landscape, apart from
the urban at the bottom, stands green and calm there. The rail path in Xiamen shares a
shared characteristic with the one in Paris in that they both place a strong emphasis on
a specific local culture, which is reflected in specialized and designated area. Local
craft culture in Paris and railway culture in Xiamen both demonstrate respect for local
culture and history, giving opportunity for future generations to learn from and
maintain them. The High Line also includes a number of cultural aspects, such as
retaining and maintaining portions of the historic train tracks, akin to Xiamen
Railway Park. However, the most notable breakthrough and achievement of the High
Line should be its clever design processes and planting choices, which has served as a
model for more than just linear public space.
Finally, despite adhering to the most fundamental working principles of the greenway
approach, greater emphasis should be placed on local characteristics, whether on
ecological species or cultural elements, so that a greenway can truly play its role and
achieve its goals with the additional help of a smart design method. More specifically,
the structure of transforming the abandoned railway into a greenway, focusing on the
overall ecological benefits of the city, usually takes into account a mixture of urban
landscape construction and the cultural and historic corridor, and aims to improve and
increase the quality of urban public open space. Nonetheless, in the process of the
change, such aspects as the railway's location and direction, the natural landscape
features along the route, as well as historical and cultural treasures, must be

ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

46
 AR 17-93 – DISSERTATION
Title of your Dissertation

considered. Furthermore, the city's natural landscape pattern, historical and cultural
backdrop, and public open space must all be thoroughly examined.
Case studies investigating abandoned railways and its surrounding communities will
give a good venue for putting the concepts into reality and may enhance the principles
from a practical standpoint during the research process. Although it is an abandoned
and un-transformed site with a critical current status, its prospects and potential
cannot be neglected, and a bright path will be followed for the regeneration of this
instance under the supervision of the greenway method.
From the multiple benefits of greenways, their previous value in different aspects can
be convinced and I also feel that greenways can assist make towns more active and
welcoming places to live. As it may help citizens living in communities in ensuring
that their areas are safe to live in, allowing them to escape the city's heavy traffic and
save time to spend with their family and friends, and youngsters can safely walk or
bike to a park, school, or a neighbor's house. Consider that if the greenway idea is
effectively used in the abandoned railway region, the terrible condition, such as
pollution and traffic congestion, may be much improved and replaced by completely
new livable neighborhoods.
Transformation and reuse of the abandoned railway originated from the Greenway
movement in the United States. Unused railways have the linearity, connection, and
accessibility properties of greenways. Although they do not have multiple purposes,
they have the potential to be created with ecological, recreational, and cultural uses,
similar to Fabos' three categories of greenways (1996).
(1) Ecologically significant corridors and natural systems;
(2) Recreational greenways, generally near water, trails, and beauty; and
(3) Historic and cultural greenways.
1.13.1 Working principles of the greenway approach

1. Linearity – the most obvious feature of greenways, aimed not only at

identifying its shape, but also at building the groundwork and offering strong
prospects for connectivity and accessibility. As a long and continuous corridor,
it can wind through a variety of neighborhoods, connecting and making them
more accessible than nonlinear green space, and it can contribute to social
equity when the greenway connects both communities of high and low income
groups, but they can have equal access to the greenway to exchange or enjoy
the nice environment together (Helmond and Smith, 2006).
ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE
47
 AR 17-93 – DISSERTATION
Title of your Dissertation

2. Connectivity- Is defined as a spatial feature of systems (i.e. landscapes) that

enables and supports the occurrence of certain processes and functions via
adjacency, closeness, or functional linkage and connection (Ahern, 2003).
Much of the work on landscape ecology focuses on the importance of
connection in preserving biodiversity in the natural world.
3. Accessibility - close to where people live and work, quick and convenient to
reach, increasing the accessibility of open space and landscapes to population
centers
4. Multi-functional - planned and managed for a variety of reasons such as
ecological, recreational, cultural, and educational.
5. Non-motorization – as a mode of transportation, trail leisure, and a human need
or desire for close nature and recreation (Kaplan, 1998). Moving between an
origin and a destination is referred to as transportation. Greenways are
frequently developed and constructed with pedestrians and bicycles in mind,
therefore they may help with a variety of societal concerns in urban areas, such
as traffic reduction, reduced air pollution, and a healthier population. When
unusual integrated bicycle routes are supplied in various locations of the
United States, it has proven to be quite popular (Flank and Searns 1993).
6. Sustainability - the overall goal of preserving the landscape's integrity,
including both natural and social components, in order to reach the ultimate
goal of urban sustainable development.
Sustainability: This principle was not as evident as the others, but it can be conveyed
through sustainable ecosystem, sustainable culture and history, and sustainable
community and living. Because designing a green and sustainable on an abandoned
railway is a time-consuming process, this idea should be studied in the long term
through all of the variables of the local context. What we can do now is strive to make
the new planning properly fitted to local conditions, examine the flexible aspects as
much as possible in the designing process and prepare for them, and, most
importantly, maintenance may significantly contribute to sustainable growth. The
transformation of the abandoned railway included multidisciplinary viewpoints such
as urban planning, urban rail transit, rail technology, landscape ecology, and
ecological restoration, as well as being heavily influenced by the complicated local
context such as topography, vegetation coverage, and public participation.
This study examines projects involving the construction of green space on brownfield
property and proposes objectives that such projects should satisfy to be considered
sustainable. A thorough review of the policy background reveals that brownfield
regeneration to green space projects are frequently marketed as inherently
sustainable, a notion that is contested.
ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE
48
 AR 17-93 – DISSERTATION
Title of your Dissertation

1.13.2 Dimensions of Sustainable Development

The four primary components of sustainable development are social, economic,

ecological, and institutional. To be sustainable, development should examine the
balance between the four aspects depicted in Fig. 2. 1

1.13.2.1 Social dimension

When development achieves social justice through equitable resource allocation,

eliminates poverty, and provides social services to all members of society, it is
deemed socially sustainable. The major goal of the social component of sustainable
development is to realize this idea for both current and future generations.
1.13.2.2 Economic dimension

Economically, sustainability means providing economic benefit now and in the future
while focusing more on "natural capital," which refers to natural resources of
economic value that are considered the foundations of the economic system, such as
plants, soil, animals, fish, and bio-environmental systems such as air and water
purification.
1.13.2.3 Ecological dimension

A system that is ecologically sustainable preserves a strong basis of natural resources

while avoiding excessive use of such resources. This includes biodiversity protection,
achieving atmospheric equilibrium, soil productivity, and other natural environment
systems. From an environmental standpoint, sustainability entails setting limitations
for consumption, population growth, and pollution, as well as manufacturing flaws
such as squandering water, chopping down forests, and soil erosion.

ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

49
 AR 17-93 – DISSERTATION
Title of your Dissertation

The aims behind sustainability of environment are the minimum consumption of

energy sources; use of recycled materials; entirely recycled material wasted;
protection and supply of energy and recycling it without creating pollutions. Given
the points mentioned above, a sustainable sites that has the least adverse effect on the
natural structure and environment over its life cycle and as long as it is locally and
internationally located and well- established.
1- Recognize the location: Sustainable planning is dependent on identifying a location
since we can inhabit it without damaging it if we are sensitive to local specific
challenges. This identification or acknowledgment adds greatly and significantly to
the evolution of architecture all the way to sustainability, both in terms of
performance and climatic and weather considerations.
2. The relationship between architecture and nature: this relationship can be followed
by reclaimed environmental life and encouragement to return to this way of life.
3. Gaining good knowledge of environmental effects:: their negative effects can be
mitigated via the use of technology and architectural methods.

ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

50
 AR 17-93 – DISSERTATION
Title of your Dissertation

CHAPTER 4: DATA COLLECTION

1.14 SITE STUDY: HISTORIC OLD RAILWAY STATION IN

KOCHI

Ernakulum Terminus (Station Code: ERG) is an abandoned railway station in Kochi,

India. It was erected by Maharaja Rama Varma XV of Kochi as the city's first railway
station. The history of contemporary Kochi begins with this little yet lovely station
built utilizing red stone under British administration.
The Ernakulum Terminus was one of Cochin's original railway stations. This former
pride, built by the then Maharaja of Cochin, was originally the sole railway station for
the Cochin metropolitan zone. This railway station was visited by Gandhiji, Swami
Vivekananda, and Rabindranath Tagore.
This site lies at the heart of the Cochin city and has got high potential. It is called the
lung of Kochi. But now its present situation is worse. Also the old railway station

ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

51
 AR 17-93 – DISSERTATION
Title of your Dissertation

terminal that lies very close to the bird sanctuary was a part of history but is now
abandoned.

FIG: 1-49 Mangalavanam bird sanctuary

Mangalavanam, being part of the Railways' territory, was not developed since it was a
marshy region. Because the area remained untouched, birds began breeding in the
dense mangrove forest, and every year a large flock of migrating birds came to nest
here. Tidal rushes from the Kochi backwaters aided the marshy ecology. Even after
the station was closed, Mangalavanam served as a safe sanctuary for migrating birds.
It was dubbed the "Green Lung of Kochi." It is bounded by the Arabian Sea.

ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

52
 AR 17-93 – DISSERTATION
Title of your Dissertation

FIG: 1-50 The Old railway station Kochi (47 acres)

The railway station in Ernakulam is 110 years old and is located near the High Court.
It has been in a damaged state for about six decades. The following research will
serve as the foundation for converting this ruin into an art and heritage interpretive
Centre.
1.14.1 Criteria for building selection:

The railway station is 110 years old and is located near the high court in ernakulam.it
has been in the dilapidated state since almost 6 decades. The following study is to
provide a basis for conversion of this ruin into an art and heritage interpretation
Centre .
Building selection criteria:
ing British era.
has rich cultural significance and historic evidences linked to the building which
Makes it a potential property for conservation and reuse.

ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

53
 AR 17-93 – DISSERTATION
Title of your Dissertation

ous maintenance necessary hence it should be converted into something

which has regular activity taking place in it.

1.14.2 History

History says that Rama Varma, the then Maharaja of Kochi (1895-1914), took the
initiative in establishing the rail line. He took up the matter with the British, who
ultimately asked the State to bear the expense of laying the rail lines. In July 16,
1902, the first passenger train chugged its way to this station. The steam engine with
six bogies arrived from Shornur, through a meters-gauge track. The 62-mile track was
converted into broad gauge in 1935.
Financial constraints came in the way of the project and the king sold elephant
accoutrements, mainly caparisons which belonged to the Poornathrayeesa Temple, to
fund the project. Construction work by the Madras Railway authorities took place in
1899.
Because of its closeness to the Ernakulum market, the Ernakulum railway station was
originally built there. Inland water channels connected the market to other portions of
the city. As a result, it aided in the movement of commodities, and trade boomed.
There were also boat jetties and ferries at the station to transport people and cargo to
nearby locations. It served as an important transportation hub during the time. It also
houses the original colonial structures from the time it was built. However, the
historic train station is now fully abandoned and unfit for public use. In addition, the
canals have been converted into conveyor belts that transport garbage from the city to
the backwaters. The property next to the railway station was left undisturbed since it
was hard to carry out construction in marshy areas in those days. The mangrove
vegetation in the marsh provided shelter to animals, birds and reptiles. There were
many migratory birds visiting the mangrove area for nesting every year. The bird
sanctuary requires only little maintenance inside. But on the outside, there should be
strict rules the authorities should take care of while giving permission for building
construction around such sensitive ecological areas.
1.14.3 Challenges

The Ernakulum terminal railway station is a local historical landmark. The majority
of the original colonial structures on the site are still standing. Some of them have
been severely damaged over time, while others have remained untouched. The
railway does not manage the land at all, and plants have taken over everything. It is
ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE
54
 AR 17-93 – DISSERTATION
Title of your Dissertation

not possible to visit or stroll through the property. The forest has entirely obscured the
station's former splendor. Waste poured onto the site by locals significantly pollutes
the environment. The property has the potential to be left as an organically growing
urban green area. However, given the current circumstances, such a project will have
a negative impact on the area's environment and biodiversity. The trees will have to
be chopped down, colonial constructions may have to be dismantled, and the
disruptions may have an impact on the ecosystem in mangrove regions.

Figure 1-51 backside of station where tracks are dumped backside of station were
railway tracks are dumped.
1.14.4 Significance of structure

Among those who arrived at the station were Mahatma Gandhi, Lal Bahadur Sastri,
Lord Irwin and the Archbishop Joseph Attipetty. The development of Kochi port
threw up the need to extend the rail line up to Willington Island for transporting bulk
goods. It was built in bricks and since there was no electricity then, the platform was
lit using `petromax' lamps.
1.14.5 Decline of railway

The Ernakulum South station was set up in 1929 and the Harbor Terminus in 1943.
Thus, the Ernakulum Terminus station began to lose its prominence. It catered to
passenger traffic till the early sixties, when it became the Ernakulam Railway Goods
station.

ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

55
 AR 17-93 – DISSERTATION
Title of your Dissertation

1.14.6 The current situation

The train station is currently in ruins, and fast action is needed to avert additional
damage. The railway property has been unlawfully encroached upon by 21
households. The train station is in disrepair, and the tracks are overgrown with weeds.
The corrugated grills and mud bricks have long gone unpainted. Many historical
figures have paid visits to the structure.

1.14.7 Limitation

railway station.

Figure 52 main entrance

ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

56
 AR 17-93 – DISSERTATION
Title of your Dissertation

Figure 53 the heavily weeded and

richly vegetated area.

Figure 54 laterite facade depicting

the British era.

Figure 55 dilapidated state of the

Building.

ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

57
 AR 17-93 – DISSERTATION
Title of your Dissertation

ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

58
 AR 17-93 – DISSERTATION
Title of your Dissertation

CHAPTER 5 : CONCLUSION

1.14.7.1 Feasibility of the intervention

In the Ernakulum terminal railway station, renovating the building with art-driven
adaptive reuse is the best solution because:
The old train station and its surroundings can be converted into a green park for the
public without demolishing the old buildings. The old trees and lush green vegetation
will entice any visitor. The existing old structures can be reused as pavilions and
seating areas. Also, the bird sanctuary will not be disturbed. The old buildings and
railway tracks can be preserved as monuments. Strict regulations should be brought to
prevent the construction of high rise buildings at least 1000 meters around the bird
sanctuary. Regular cleaning of the plastic and other synthetic waste from the bird
sanctuary. Giving awareness to the visitors about the breeding period of birds,
importance of mangrove vegetation and the species diversity in Mangalvanam.
Cleaning of canals and introducing water purifying wetland plants in the canals.
 Making it a reused railway to greenway or sustainable development may
affect the health of the adjoining Mangalavanam bird sanctuary may
positively.
 Changing the present building will ruin the historic features and evidences of
the past.
 Art-driven adaptive reuse removes these variables and efficiently retrofits the
building for future use, benefiting the widest possible range of user groups.

ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

59
 AR 17-93 – DISSERTATION
Title of your Dissertation

 Tourism flourishing is another aspect that creates cash for upkeep,

 Benefiting nearby markets and small scale sellers.
 It develop both social, environmental, economic aspects of site and nearby
areas.

1.14.8 Application of repairing technique:

1.14.9 The following interventions are feasible to achieve this:

1. Reuse and redesign the abandoned linear rail track, and take full advantage of the
local history and culture;
2. Create better connections for this district and establish a greenway system, making
it more accessible for pedestrian and cyclists and also public transport;
3. Integrate multiple functions in the transformed railway area and improve the mixed
use functions of the surrounding area;
4. Improve the neighboring quality of life and create a livable and sustainable
community;
5. Making this site to be one of the attractions
1.14.9.1 Tracks

 The rails will be combined with planks, like in the case of the Highline Park,
to create a walkway for nighttime walks and so on.
 Old rusty tracks should be removed, and soft landscaping may be
accomplished without harming the present plants.

1.14.9.2 Structures

Structures that have sustained considerable damage can be rebuilt using the same
materials as before. For this, exposed timber or steel beams and columns might be
employed. Building materials and buildings that have already been built can be
reused.

ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

60
 AR 17-93 – DISSERTATION
Title of your Dissertation

Seating
1.14.9.3 Interiors

Can be turned into art spaces and art cafés, where diverse historic information and
artist works can be shown to convey the cultural significance of the building and its
surroundings.

Figure 56 interiors: suitable for large gallery space

1.14.9.4 Exterior

 Putting up installations depicting the cultural significance

 Benches using peel up technology
 Shaded spaces
 Provision of library and art café
 Building itself turns into a masterpiece and historic artefact,

ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

61
 AR 17-93 – DISSERTATION
Title of your Dissertation

Figure 57 old engine parts

1.14.9.5 Benefits

 Betterment of environment
 Reduction of pollution
 Employment opportunities in rural area
 Recreation
 Cultural benefits
 Ecological benefits
By reusing as greenways or development of abandoned to sustainable approach
can benefits the region and surroundings. From the multiple benefits of
greenways, their previous value in different aspects can be convinced and I can
also believe that greenway can help make communities more active and friendly
places to live. As it can help residents living in the communities ensure that their
neighborhoods are good to live, so that they can avoid of the heavy traffic in the
city and save lots of time to better spend with their families and friends, and
children can safely walk or bike to a park, school, or to a neighbor’s home.
I think if the greenway concept is correctly used in the abandoned railway area,
the bad situation such as the environment pollution and traffic trouble can be
substantially improved and replaced by a totally new livable neighborhood.
Although it has been abandoned with a poor condition and caused many social
problems, in the new era of urbanization and landscape urbanism, through careful
planning and design, considerate of local potentials and context, it will be no
Longer an obstacle to the city’s development but a valuable asset for the city
afterthe transformation.
Three common strategies for reusing railways include converting them into new
rail transit systems, or redeveloping the urban land around them for business and
tourism purposes, or shaping new public space systems for the city. It has been
proved that different reuse strategies will have different positive effects on urban
space, including the improvement of traffic conditions, the opportunities for land
development, the growth of tourism income, and so on.

 To adopt an approach that integrates social, economic and environmental

aspects
 To protect human health and safety during field work

ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

62
 AR 17-93 – DISSERTATION
Title of your Dissertation

CHAPTER: 6 REFERENCES

1.15 REPORTS AND JOURNALS

1. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (n.d.) What is a rail-trail? https://

www.railstotrails.org/build-trails/trail-building-toolbox/basics/
trail-building-basics/. Accessed 22 Oct 2018
2. Rovelli R, Senes G, Fumagalli N (2004) Ferrovie dismesse e

greenways: Il recupero delle linee ferroviarie dismesse per la

realizzazione di percorsi verdi. Associazione Italiana Greenways,
Milan, p 132
3. Quattrone M, Tomaselli G, Demilio A, Russo P (2018) Analysis

and evaluation of abandoned railways aimed at greenway conversion:

a methodological application in the Sicilian landscape
using multi-criteria analysis and GIS. J Agric Eng. https://doi.org/
10.4081/jae.2018.744
4. China, Beijing Tourism Development Commission, Industrial

Development Promotion Office (2015) Study of general planning

& pilot schemes for recreational trail systems in Beijing. http://
lyw.beijing.gov.cn/xxgk/ghjh/373221.htm. Accessed 22 Oct 2018
5. Yu Q, Lin S, Mo W (2013) The development and management of

national scenic trails for America: take appalachian national

scenic trail for example. Urban Plan Int 28(4):108–114

ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

63
 AR 17-93 – DISSERTATION
Title of your Dissertation

6. Erickson, D. and Louisse, A. (1997) Greenway Implementation in Metropolitan

Regions: A Comparative Case Study of North American Examples. National Park
Service Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program, Washington, DC.
6. Flink, C. and Searns, R. (1993) Greenways: A Guide to Planning, Design and
Development. Washington: Island Press.
7. Fábos, J., Milde, G. and Weinmayr, M. (1968) Frederick Law Olmsted, Sr.;
Founder of Landscape Architecture in America, MIT Press, Cambridge.
8. Fábos, J. (2004) Greenway planning in the United States: its origins and
recent case studies. Landscape and Urban Planning, 68(2-3): 321–342.
9. [Ma Y, Jiang H, Bian Y (2015) Landscape path of abandoned railway in
Kwangzhou Greenway Park, Korea. Ind Build 10:65–68]
10. (Syms P (2000) Urban regeneration: a handbook. Reg Stud 34:896–897)
11. [ Oppido S, Ragozino S (2014) Abandoned railways, renewed pathways:
opportunities for accessing landscapes. Adv Eng Forum 11:424–432]
12. (Olendzki A (2008) A railway ‘route’ as a linear heritage attraction: the
Hijaz railway in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. J Heritage Tour 3:159–175)
13. [Wang J, Xiang Y, Luo Y (2010) Urban abandoned railway planning
strategy based on the concept of green corridor. Northern Horticult]
14. Lindsey, G. (2003) Sustainability and Urban Greenways. Journal of
American Planning Association, 69(2): 165-180.
15. Little, C. (1990) Greenways for America, London: The Johns Hopkins
Press Ltd, 1-25.
16. Mugavin, D. (2004) Adelaide’s Greenway: River Torrens linear park.
Landscape Urban Planning, 68(2-3): 223-240.
17. Miao, P. (2011) Brave New City: Three Problems in Chinese Urban Public
Space since the 1980s. Journal of Urban Design, 16(2): 179–207.
18. ü Jeong, Bonghyun, Development of Integrated Transport Planning
Policies for Sustainable Urban Structure in Gwangju, Journal of the Korean

ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

64
 AR 17-93 – DISSERTATION
Title of your Dissertation

Regional Development Association, Vol. 13, No. 1, The Korean Regional

Development Association, March 2001
19. Millington N (2015) From urban scar to ‘park in the sky’: terrain vague,
urban design, and the remaking of New York City’s High Line Park.
Environ Plan
20. Zhang N, Xu Y (2005) Research on the impact of high-speed railway on
regional development along the line. Reg Res Dev 24(3):32–36

21. Xia H, Liu X, Zhang C (2018) Theoretical research and development trend
of contemporary urban rail transit integrated hub. World Archit 4:10–15

22. Li C, Meng L, Zhang T (2018) Comparative study on the impact of railway

multi-stations on urban spatial structure. Int Urban Plann 6:36–42

23. Zhang F, Yang W (2017) Selection of utilization modes of urban waste

railways based on value engineering. J Heilongjiang Inst Eng 31(4):12–18

24. Jin F, Wang E (2004) China railway network expansion and spatial
accessibility in the 20th century. J Geogr 59(2):293–302

25. Lin W (2018) Research on activation and utilization of urban abandoned

railways. In: Sharing and quality—2018 China urban planning annual
conference paper collection (02 Urban Renewals), pp 509–522

26. Zuo Z, Li C (2017) Study on the construction and planning of high-density

urban ecological pattern based on the reuse of abandoned urban railways.
Urban Archit 21:37–40

27. Wu X, Jiang L (2005) Turning the abandoned railway line into an urban
expressway–take the Yiwu Line transfer in the electrification reform of
Zhejiang-Jiangxi Railway as an example. Planner 21(s1):43–46

ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

65
 AR 17-93 – DISSERTATION
Title of your Dissertation

28. Wang J, Xiang Y, Luo Y (2010) Urban abandoned railway planning

strategy based on the concept of green corridor. Northern Horticult 5:129–
132

29. Ma Y, Jiang H, Bian Y (2015) Landscape path of abandoned railway in

Kwangzhou Greenway Park, Korea. Ind Build 10:65–68

30. Geng H (1999) Dynamics of urban renewal in China. Urban Plann Bull
3:27–31

31. Acharya SK (2005) Urban development in post-reform China: insights

from Beijing. Nor Geogr Tidsskr 59(3):228–236

32. Syms P (2000) Urban regeneration: a handbook. Reg Stud 34:896–897

33. Wang X (2014) Discussion on transformation of idle railway of Tianjin hub

into urban railway planning. J Railw Eng 3:19–24

34. Huang X (2014) Utilization analysis of abandoned corridors along the

former Zhejiang-Jiangxi Railway in Shangrao City. Transp Transp Acad
Ed A01:143–146

35. Eizaguirre-Iribar A, Etxepare L, Rufino JHM (2016) A multilevel approach

of non-motorised accessibility in disused railway systems: the case-study of
the vasco-navarro railway. J Transp Geogr 57:35–43

36. Ma Q (2007) Feasibility analysis of railway conversion to urban rail

transit—taking spanish experience as an example. Int Urban Plann
22(3):79–84

ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

66
 AR 17-93 – DISSERTATION
Title of your Dissertation

37. Wang Z, Wang W (2012) Discussion on the renovation of modern trams

for special branch lines of existing urban railways. Modern Urban Rail
Transit 5:11–15

38. Olendzki A (2008) A railway ‘route’ as a linear heritage attraction: the

Hijaz railway in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. J Heritage Tour 3:159–175

39. Li G, Xu H, Liu D (2014) Interpretation of middle east railway

architectural culture communication from the perspective of cultural line. J
Archit S:45–51

40. Bowker JM, Bergstrom JC, Gill J (2007) Estimating the economic value
and impacts of recreational trails: a case study of the Virginia Creeper Rail
Trail tourism economics. Tour Econ Bus Financ Tour Recreat 13(2):241–
260

41. Betz C, Bergstrom J, Bowker JM (2003) A contingent trip model for

estimating rail-trail demand. J Environ Plann Manag 46(1):79–96

42. Sun J, Yao P (2015) Industrial spatial transfer, regional specialization and
coordinated development in Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei: an analytical
framework based on new economic geography. Nankai J 1:81–89

43. Willard P, Beeton S (2012) Low impact experiences: developing successful

rail trail tourism. Tour Plann Dev 9(1):5–13

44. Jo S (2002) The geography of “disused” railways: what is happening in

Portugal? Finisterra Revista Portuguesa De Geografia 74:55–71

ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

67
 AR 17-93 – DISSERTATION
Title of your Dissertation

45. Oppido S, Ragozino S (2014) Abandoned railways, renewed pathways:

opportunities for accessing landscapes. Adv Eng Forum 11:424–432

46. Ferretti V, Degioanni A (2017) How to support the design and evaluation
of redevelopment projects for disused railways? A methodological proposal
and key lessons learned. Transp Res Part D Transp Environ 52:29–48

47. Ciomek K, Ferretti V, Miłosz K (2018) Predictive analytics and disused

railways requalification: insights from a post factum analysis perspective.
Decis Support Syst 105:35–41

48. Chang YH, Wey WM, Tseng HY (2009) Using ANP priorities with goal
programming for revitalization strategies in historic transport: a case study
of the Alishan forest railway. Exp Syst Appl 36(4):8682–8690

49. Di Ruocco G, Sicignano E, Fiore P, D’Andria E (2017) Sustainable reuse

of disused railway. Procedia Eng 180:1643–1652

50. Fan J (2015) Research on modern urban planning and construction of

Zhangjiakou. Doctoral dissertation, Northern University of Technology

51. Zhang Y (2008) The rise and fall of Zhangjiakou commerce and the
evolution of modern urban space. J Hebei North Univ 24(2):59–63

52. Dowall DE (1994) Urban residential redevelopment in the People’s

Republic of China. Urban Stud 31(9):1497–1516

53. He S, Wu F (2005) Property-led redevelopment in post-reform China: a

case study of Xintiandi redevelopment project in Shanghai. J Urban Aff
27(1):1–23

ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

68
 AR 17-93 – DISSERTATION
Title of your Dissertation

54. Zhang Y, Fang K (2004) Is history repeating itself? From urban renewal in
the United States to inner-city redevelopment in China. J Plann Educ Res
23(3):286–298

55. Jiyoon S (2013) The economic impact of the preservation and adaptive
reuse of rail tracks, the high line in New York City: regional impact
analysis and property value change analysis. Doctoral dissertation, Cornell
University

56. Zhai B, Wu M (2009) Urban renewal concept and urban reality in China. J
Urban Plann 2:75–82

57. Wise D (1985) Urban regeneration. Construction 52:48–52

1.16 WEBSITES

[1] https://ekc.edu.in/photos
[2] https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/10/12/4347/htm-Development of a Standard
Brownfield Definition,
Guidelines, and Evaluation Index System for Brownfield Redevelopment in
Developing Countries: file:///C:/Users/User/Downloads/brownfieldsguide.pdf
[3] file:///ClUsersiUser/Documents/cleaning_up_brownfield_sites.pdf
https://casestudies.uli.org/tag/brownfield/
[4] https://www.talgov.com/sustainability/brownfields.aspx
https://www.tcrpc-pa.org/brownfield-redevelopment
[5] https://dehs.umn.edu/sites/dehs.umn.edu/files/benefits_of
brownfield_redevelopmentjuly2016.pdf
[6] https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Spatial-Pattern-of-Brownfield-Greenfield-
across-A-Majumdar/3b0

ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

69
 AR 17-93 – DISSERTATION
Title of your Dissertation

[7] Surya Remesh 2012: Mangalavanam and old railway station ernakulam, slideshare:
https://www.slideshare.net/ar_suryas/mangalavanam-and-old-railway-station-
ernakulam
[8] TNN 2015: After Metro, it’s a Memu service, Link:
https://tripunithuratrain.wordpress.com/
[9] Haritha John 2016: Abandoned Kochi railway station fades into oblivion with
government apathy, The News Minute, Link:
https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/abandoned-kochi-railway-station-fades-
oblivion-government-apathy-44697
[10] Special Correspondent 2016: Redemption for old Kochi railway station
likely, The Hindu, Link: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/redemption-
for-old-kochi-railway-station-likely/article5372844.ece
[11] https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/redemption-for-old-
kochi-railway-station-likely/article5372844.ece

[12] 23e71f7c489805d7a699caf99c6b72bd76529#paper-header
[13] Spatial Pattern of Brownfield-Greenfield development across Urban-Rural
Transition: A case study of Kolkata Metropolitan Area-
[14] https://ijera.com/papers/vollOno5/Series-3/F1005033338.pdf
ACE-Proceedings-2018_Paper_42.pdf
[15] http://www.mcrg.ac.in/6thCSC/6thCSC_Full_Papers/Souvanic.pdf
[16] Cities, Spaces and Great Places: The Blog, 2011. Paris’ Viaduc des
Arts and the Promenade Plantee. [online] Available at: [Accessed 8 April
2013]
[17] Friends of the High Line, 2000. Park Information. [online] Available
at: [Accessed 6 April 2013]
[18] Le Viaduc des Arts, 2012. History. [online] Available at: <
http://www.leviaducdesarts.com/decouvrir> [Accessed 8 April 2013]
[19] Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, 2001. The Benefits of Rail-Trails.
[online] Available at: [Accessed 28 March 2013]

ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

70
 AR 17-93 – DISSERTATION
Title of your Dissertation

[20] Shapiro, G., 2011. Looking, Moving, Gathering: Functions of the High
Line. [online] Available at: [Accessed 5 April 2013]

[21] Cities, Spaces and Great Places: The Blog, 2011. Paris’ Viaduc des
Arts and the Promenade

[22] Plantee. [online] Available at:

<http://iaintheurbanist.wordpress.com/2011/06/12/paris-viaducdes-arts-and-
the-promenade-plantee/> [Accessed 8 April 2013]

[23] Friends of the High Line, 2000. Park Information. [online] Available
at:

[24] <http://www.thehighline.org/about/park-information> [Accessed 6

April 2013]

[25] Le Viaduc des Arts, 2012. History. [online] Available at: <

[26] http://www.leviaducdesarts.com/decouvrir> [Accessed 8 April 2013]

[27] Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, 2001. The Benefits of Rail-Trails.

[online] Available at:

[28] <http://www.railstotrails.org/ourWork/index.html> [Accessed 28

March 2013]

[29] Shapiro, G., 2011. Looking, Moving, Gathering: Functions of the High
Line. [online] Available at:

[30] <http://www.domusweb.it/en/architecture/2011/06/10/looking-
moving-gathering-functions-of-thehigh-line.html> [Accessed 5 April 2013]

ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

71
 AR 17-93 – DISSERTATION
Title of your Dissertation

[31] The Urban Renewal on an Abandoned Railway area based on the

concept of “Greenway” Zhou Quan

[32] Trails and Greenways Clearinghouse, 2001. Benefits of Trails and

Greenways [pdf] Avail

ERANAD KNOWLEDGE CITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

72