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Dissertation submitted by
VAISHALI SHARMA
123701008
B.Arch. VII Semester C
Faculty of Architecture
Manipal University
Manipal
November 2015
Faculty of Architecture
Manipal University
Manipal
CERTIFICATE
We certify that the Dissertation entitled -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------, that is being submitted by Name & Roll no of the student, in the VII
semester
of
B.Architecture
undergraduate
programme,
Faculty
of
-------------------------------Faculty in charge
--------------------------Director
ACKNOWLEGEMENT
I take this opportunity to sincerely thank the people without whose guidance
and valuable contribution, directly or indirectly the dissertation would not have
been possible.
First and foremost, I show my utmost gratitude to my professor and guide,
Prof. Deepika Shetty, whose constant advice, sincerity and encouragement
helped the project to take its present shape. Also, my gratitude goes out to my
panel professors, Asst. Prof. John Bennette John and Asst. Prof. Arun
Hariharan Natarajan; and also Prof. Sahana for the initial guidance and
motivated push towards the project. I would also like to forward my sincere
thanks to the Head of the Department, Prof. Nishant Manapure, for the
direction provided in the initial stages.
I am also extremely grateful to my friends and colleagues for their
cooperation, valuable inputs and support throughout the term unconditionally.
Last but not the least; I would like to thank my family and brother, Mr. Rajdeep
Sharma for their expert advice in all matters and the strength they give to
believe in the success of the project.
THANK YOU!
IA
ABSTRACT
Historically the public square has been an important element in the physical
designs of cities drawings its functions from the political, religious, commercial
and leisure life. The pedestrian use of these spaces were largely dependent
on the form, internal function, the adjoining land and building uses as well as
its connection to the city fabric of India. The analysis of such factors is done in
an historic and descriptive survey, field or questionnaire survey and study of a
few existing public places in India. The people who use the square come from
a wide spectrum of age groups, occupations, religion and classes. These
square seem to have an appeal to the community as a whole
If an open square is to be developed as a vital element within the urban
structure it should be planned to optimise the influence of those factors, which
will increase its amenity, desirability and hence the degree of its use, seen in
the light of an Indian context.
CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................... 1
1.1 BACKGROUND...................................................................................... 1
1.2 RELEVANCE OF STUDY ...................................................................... 1
1.3 AIM ......................................................................................................... 2
1.4 RESEARCH QUESTION ........................................................................ 2
1.5 OBJECTIVES ......................................................................................... 2
1.6 DEFINITIONS......................................................................................... 2
1.7 SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS ................................................................... 3
1.8 METHODOLOGY ................................................................................... 4
1.9 OUTCOME ............................................................................................. 5
CHAPTER 2- LITERATURE STUDY ............................................................... 6
2.1 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................... 6
2.2 EVOLUTION OF PUBLIC SPACES ....................................................... 6
2.3 HISTORY OF PUBLIC PLACES IN INDIA ............................................. 8
2.4 URBAN DEVELOPMENT IN INDIA AND ITS ........................................ 9
PUBLIC OPEN SPACES.............................................................................. 9
2.5 CRITERIAS FOR PUBLIC PLACES IN INDIA ..................................... 11
TYPOLOGY ............................................................................................ 11
ACCESSIBILITY ..................................................................................... 13
ACTIVITY ................................................................................................ 15
SPATIAL ORGANISATION .................................................................. 18
SECURITY .............................................................................................. 28
ICON GENERATION .............................................................................. 29
CHAPTER 3- CASE STUDIES ...................................................................... 32
3.1
INTRODUCTION .............................................................................. 32
3.2
METHODOLOGY ............................................................................. 32
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6
3.7
3.8
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND
In India, as in most poor countries, the public place has always been the
street. The mixture of activities at street level hides a rigid stratification within
society. The cities are will, invariably, be divided into various quarters, each
housing or catering to a group defined by ethnicity, religion, or wealth. The
territories of each group may be rigidly marked- such as the high walls of the
rich- or more subtly demarcated, as in the narrow lanes leading off main
streets that create the boundaries of a Muslim or Hindu neighbourhood. While
each separate group has its own institutions and meeting places- religious
temples and mosques, clubs, society as whole has very few common meeting
gathering grounds. To feel themselves as part of a larger imagined
community' that transcends individual difference; people need to experience
the expression of this community in real, physical terms.
1.3 AIM
This dissertation attempts to discuss, elaborate and quantify on how a public
square, changes or induces certain behavioural patterns among the people in
India and the factors of a public space which allows it to be used most
effectively.
The dissertation is intended with the need of understanding open
environments in urban cores of Indian cities, in terms of their spatial
configurations as a result of user preferences. This may help to evolve a
humane approach to deal the emerging open spaces in developing cities of
India.
1.5 OBJECTIVES
To be able to relate the above factors to Indian context and come out
with a list of guidelines for public space design in India.
1.6 DEFINITIONS
Public space or square is defined as the ensemble of state owned, free
access open space. They are like physical voids that offer breathing space
amid the built environment. They have a dynamic relationship between form,
space and function. The openness and robustness of it makes them the
centre of city events and act as social nodes. Every community needs a
symbol of its existence, a centre on which to focus life. Public spaces can be
such a symbol and are the pulse of a city. They form nodes or focal points,
symbolizing shared identity and culture. Urban public spaces can be defined
as elements within an urban fabric, which bind the different components of a
city together, reinforcing the urban fabric.
Perception is defined as the ability to see, hear, or become aware of
something through the senses. In psychology it is the neurophysiological
processes, including memory, by which an organism becomes aware of and
interprets external stimuli. It is the way in which something is regarded,
understood, or interpreted.
Urban is a word that pertains to or relates to a city. Urban fabric is the
physical aspect of urbanism, emphasizing building types, thoroughfares, open
space, frontages, and streetscapes but excluding environmental, functional,
economic and sociocultural aspects.
1.8 METHODOLOGY
This research will be based on such variables that cannot be measured
directly as values, neither can they be defined. Behaviour of people is a
subjective term that differs from individual to individual and also from
environment to environment, dependent largely on the perception of people.
There will be no definite answer as to how a city square be designed to
induce the correct kind of behaviour. There will be a variety of different
spaces, experiences, structures, forms etc. that will affect different people in
various ways.
Hence, an effective way to determine the factors that stimulate people
behaviour, in a similar way is by studying the impact of various existing
examples of the sort as case studies, both secondary and primary. Primary
case studies will include activity mapping and visual analyses of the people
and interviewing some of the users for a better idea of the space.
Also, surveys, mainly visual surveys, can be done on varied age group of
people to get an idea of different perspectives of people of different forms of
spaces. Since, it is not possible to physically study the behaviour or
perception of so many people at varied locations, visual questionnaires that
might give the people an idea of the space, can be circulated and surveyed
upon.
Literature study of the space in question and the different behavioural
patterns is an obvious part of the research process, to understand the norms
of designing these spaces and how different geometries of a public square
within the fabric of a city, affect not only the people using it but also the
surrounding city. Also, it will give an idea about how effectively the squares
are used and what can be done for greater effectiveness.
A study of the history of public squares is necessary to understand how
these spaces acted in the past and why, how they evolved through the ages
and their impact on the social fabric and mind-set of ancient towns. This is
extremely important, as it gives us the roots of designing public squares;
understanding the reason behind their failure or success, will help in creating
more effective town squares.
1.9 OUTCOME
At the end of this dissertation, I should be able to:
The different forms, shapes and spaces and how they impact the user.
and
the
council
houses)
with
more
formal
order.
Later, Most of the open public spaces were shaped around religious buildings.
During this period commercial activities took place also in public spaces.
Therefore in middle ages, open public spaces were used mainly for religious
ceremonies, and as marketplaces.
F IGURE 1.
special sites and building in the city but are embodied in the ordinary domestic
spaces, street corners, open spaces, etc. in the city. The Indian cities are
chaotic urban spaces that seem to be a collage of disparate objects, people
and their activities.
India has gone through massive changes in the last two decades. India preliberalization is quite a shift from the post-liberalization India. The opening up
of the Indian economy not only resulted in the structural changes in the
industrial sector but more importantly it became a part of the larger global
network. There was a formation of the new young urban class in India. This
class is very different from the generic Indian middle class because it is a
product of liberalization. They are both demographically young and urban in
location, as well as self-consciously cosmopolitan in orientation. The
networking of societies has led to this new urban class wanting the best of
both worlds- the globalised society of the west and vestiges of our past
refashioned to suit the penchant for the pastiche and a larger cultural fusion
Our urban spaces, have witnessed a transformation. Malls, fly over's, metro,
wider roads, transit hotels, convention centres, cafs and such became the
focus of development. Malls were projected as the new public places to be in.
Malls are usually singularly controlled interiorized set-ups, which are at the
same time comparable to the scale of any bazaar, retailing out a diverse
range of commodities and mostly trying to create a private space within the
public realm. (Rathore, A Critique on Contemporary Urban Spaces 2013)
F IGURE 2.
10
11
12
In Islamic cities, these chowks or pavilions acted as units of space which were
multiplied along different axes at right angles to evolve into a city or fortress.
Buildings would be placed in the empty plots left.
Squares are often designed as formal and informal spaces. The informal ones
being more prevalent and used in India. Formal spaces have a strong sense
of enclosure with ordered flooring, lighting and street furniture. The
surrounding buildings also enhance the formality by their symmetrical layout.
Informal squares are more asymmetrical and relaxed in character with a
variety of architecture. But in both types, the designers pay respect to its
boundaries.
While both the elements- the dynamic street and the static squares seem to
be different, but are actually connected to each other in the cityscape. A
Street gives a much bigger importance to square than just forming the edge
and an important square can enhance the use of a street. Thus the way they
interact can bring another dimension the place.
ACCESSIBILITY
Access refers to how well a space is linked to its surroundings, physically and
visually. These spaces must not only be connected; easy to get to and
around; but also be seen from a distance (perception). The feel of
approaching a public place draws people to the open environment. This can
be brought about by gradual change of the streetscape, lighting, street
furniture or in the Indian context. An array or continuous row of shops will
serve the same purpose.
The most basic quality of a public space is the freedom for anyone to enter it.
There are three major types of access
13
14
ACTIVITY
The activities that occur in a public place- friendly interactions, public
concerts, community art shows etc. - are its basic building blocks; he reason
why people come in the first place and return. Activities also make a place
special and unique, which in turn also helps generate community pride.
15
IN-FORMAL
Political
- Traffic
Defence
Religion
- Aesthetics
Leisure
The formal public areas are directly related and dependent upon the land, the
adjoining building use and function of the square. The function of these
spaces would change if the factor on which they are dependent changes, but
not necessary the form. They are formed in front or around religious buildings,
open yards in front of government buildings. Military parades and functions
may be held in large open grounds, with symbolic iconic structures, creating a
monumental public space. While the temples gathered for sacred activities,
the formal gardens of government offices expressed political power and
enhanced the arts- dance, music literature-serving as podiums to honour the
Indian spirit as well as commemorative events. Such spaces are mostly
restricted to India. These are known as associative function squares.
Informal public squares are like internal function squares, where
activities for which it has evolved and has been established take place
entirely upon the open space of the square, without this activity having
any dependency upon the land or building use. Its function is
independent and self-centred. Such activities include mostly a market
place for exchange and selling of goods in India. T his commercial hub
attracts majority of the Indian population from different classes and
backgrounds. Original bazaars of India had developed at the nodes or
junction of two man connecting streets. These squares, known as
chowks became the social hub, and they were often developed to give
it an architectural character to which the population could relate, e.g. The chowks of Jaipur. These form arterial node function squares. But
today they have reduced to mere traffic nodes where character and
space also does not help in its effective use as a public place, due to
increasing automobiles and busy lives. Areas with an ornamental
structure within a park serve for the sole purpose of beautification and
16
leisure, but again are mouldable to hold functions and concerts from
time to time.
Informal public places are flexible in design, that is, they serve for
various purposes during different times of the day and different
seasons. Within a day, the activities might change according to the
typology of the trading that takes place. Seasonal changes occur when
spaces are transformed using canopies and lighting alongside to
accommodate the religious activities, protests, ceremonies etc. Of all
the activities, the market forms an integral part of Indian public places.
Often the activities of a public space are a result of the affordance. It is
a matter of things to do and see which can be:
NECESSARY
OPTIONAL
SOCIAL
- Shopping
one undertakes
- Going to work
willingly or if time
of others.
17
intensely and often prefer the street as public space. Public space is
extremely important for the lower income groups in, especially those living in
traditional neighbourhoods who need open space as a respite from crowded
living conditions, and for fresh air and recreation. Also the age of a person or
life-cycle stage determines their priorities and the level of mobility they have 6.
For example senior citizens are less mobile than teenagers and hence need
spaces that are easily accessible. The size and heterogeneity, also affects
the balance between the public and private Heterogeneity can lead to
withdrawal to the private realm.
SPATIAL ORGANISATION
The way open areas are arranged and patterned in a system of spaces is the
spatial configuration of the area. Irregularity is the primary feature of the
organic pattern, as it cannot be measured in geometric properties like rhythm,
symmetry, repetition, parallel elements, alignment etc. these parameters help
to find out order; lack of these properties is labelled as disorder. A public
place is about the part and the whole, that is, the spatial character.
Form- helps to define the boundaries of a public space. These boundaries
maybe obvious and tactile like the ground pavement, faade, row of trees etc.
the upper limit is formed by the roof lines or sky. Gestalt says, The spatial
form tends to continue in spite of change of use within and about the
squareit is as permanent as the elements that create it. volume is defines
by its bottom (the ground, the sides (buildings tress, hillside, river bank etc.)
and the open ceiling (the sky.) To deduce the form of a square, three
concepts must be studied:
To capture the features of the system of spaces, these axes are the lines of
sight and visibility, movement and permeability.
18
F IGURE 3.
Plaza mayor in Madrid is an open central square, with access from any of the
eight two storey portals that lead to the surrounding streets.
hence
resulting
aesthetic
cohesion.
The
visual
19
F IGURE 4.
F IGURE 5.
Here the nelson monument produces a sense of order and integration amidst
unequal sized buildings, uneven street widths, an irregular ground plan of
open space and buildings and a visually confusing meeting of streets on the
south side. Without the column, Trafalgar Square breaks down as an
organised spatial volume.
20
F IGURE 6.
21
are but crossroads such as New Yorks Times Square, Bostons Scollay
Square etc.
F IGURE 7.
TYPES OF SQUARES
22
or structure is seen with vast planned open grounds, like the Taj Mahal, Qutb
Minar. By virtue of their surrounding enclosure, they become more of a formal
space. They dominate over the entire complex creating awe among the
viewers.
All these spaces have character and meaning attached to them, so their value
is much greater. When statues or monuments or elements built to simply
represent a common meeting ground, their importance is lost in the hustle
bustle of the uncontrolled crowd and the encroaching cluster of shops and
vendors that start flourishing in or near the space, which also tend to serve as
an undefined boundary for the space. In case of a single line of axis for such
squares, the line gets lost in the convexity of the space.
Closed squares are virtually non-existent in India. Mosque and temple
courtyards can however be seen as closed squares, surrounded by arcaded
passages or cells respectively. All religious and congregational ceremonies
would be performed within the walls. Some market places of the colonial
times maybe designated as such as a number of buildings would be grouped
around a central court. But today the central court is lost due to the formation
of passages and aisled to provide for ordered movement. The aesthetics of
such spaces died because such alterations. Axial lines got lost with
development. Presently they seem like haphazard placement of buildings and
shops and do not cater to understanding of the space. Only the boundary may
be realised owing to the surrounding streets that forms the edge.
Amorphous squares are however much more famous in India. Many of the
cross roads when wide enough act as public places. Some develop as a
result of un-thought organic planning, while some are pre-thought and
designed, like the chowks of Jaipur, pols of Gujrat etc.
Shape is basically the two-dimensional study of the form. These do not lend
to understanding of the space as a volume but helps to understand the city
development and more importantly its proportion to the surrounding buildings.
23
The triangular spaces are the most characteristic setting for an open
air market. The shape is flexible and the sides tend to give bulging or
receding curves. Such spaces are seldom planned but develop as a
result of the loose connection of converging streets.
Rectangular squares are the most common because of the ease of its
arrangement. It allows directional axis towards a specific structure (if
present) or provide architectural emphasis towards the public space.
F IGURE 8. D IFFERENT
SHAPES OF S QUARES
24
IMAGE
Comfort and image are the keys to whether a place will be used. Public
places are the centres of communitys and they shape the identity of the entire
city. The image of public places or squares is closely ties to the buildings
nearby and structures or elements that create space around it. The visual
complexity of the space- density and variety of elements- offers for passive
engagement. Passive engagement requires addressing two main issues:
Seating areas
Whenever there are activity foci/focal points in a space, people tend to seek
appropriate focal points from where to watch the scene. These are usually
space edges, elevated areas or even surrounding buildings. The use of public
place will be prolonged if provided with places to sit. Moreover, most public
places are pedestrian; so these seatings should provide for a break to sit and
enjoy the space as a whole, on-going activities or everything at once. In India,
this aspect is majorly missing.
For one to get entirely engulfed in the fabric of a public space, there are five
main ways:
Commerce
Public art
Size
Sightlines
The first to points are related to the activity of the space which have been
prevalent since ancient times; it is what gave rise to the whole concept of a
public square.
Public art on the other hand has transformed over the ages. In history it was
of the monumental sort, which was later replaced by subtler elements like
fountains and statues. These are now combined with a more modern
25
approach to art as murals and wall painting. These need to be strong and
flexible and also express a citys cultural heritage. If the user of the space is
able to connect to such public art, the space immediately leaves a long lasting
image of the space in ones mind. This art often form focal points, which need
not necessarily be at the centre. Sitte says, Centre should be free, art should
be alongside the pedestrian.
Public art in India is a new concept. Monumental structures are not seen as
art but as of historic importance. However in recent years, more and more of
such street arts can be seen near youth campuses, where the young adult is
striving to enhance the space they use as interactive and dynamic areas. This
may or may not lead to vandalism questions and protests. Hence it is our duty
to provide for public use spaces at points in the city based on the optimum
age group using that space, along with some minimum elements to improve
the image of the space. Hence, under-designing is preferred in some cases to
enable the public to mould the space as theirs. This helps attach greater
meaning and greater effectiveness. Hence, each individual becomes a
designer of the space.
In order to create a distinctive image of a public place, monuments or
structures
can
be
liberated
from
the
parasitic
construction
F IGURE 9. A RC
DE
T RIOMPHE , P ARIS
26
Apart from the separate elements that create the image of a space, the Size
and sightlines play an important role as they are the first aspects one
perceives as a whole; it is what make a place welcoming or not. Here, human
scale is a taken as a measure of true dimension. If the space is very huge and
vast compared to human scale, it encourages fear and not comfort.
1. It is suggested, keeping the human scale in mind, measurements from 1224 metres for small squares and up to 100metres for big spaces. Height
dimensions are also fixed to 70-100metres. The perceived ratios of public
spaces imply towards perception of atmosphere, spaciousness or
openness. This in turn, determines the image of a city. According to Spiro
Kostof, if a square is central to the design of a city, it must be scaled to the
relation of the town as a whole, i.e., the size of the plaza must be proportional
to the number of inhabitants. Hence, the growth of the town must be
considered. This may end up in two contrasting results;
A single purpose square may seem inhabited and large without its
intended crowd, even though small in size.
27
In Indian cities, public cities develop as a result of the open spaces left in
between the built structures. Hence the image of the space becomes a result
of how it has evolved. Large spaces between buildings, when not managed by
any authority, become points of vandalism, as the people are psychologically
detached form the space. Again, when the space is too small they become
cluttering grounds of garbage. Recently, successful spaces are developing as
a result of the evolving and designed infrastructure and cities. They function
as parks, market places, meeting grounds etc.
India is a country which carves its own spaces, for its needs; though not
designed they become popular regardless of the image, size or elements.
When we design for such a user group, all that remains behind is a physical
space, designed to accommodate public that has been stripped of its
fundamental property-inclusiveness. No matter how much goes into design
considering size, elements, building heights, shape etc., nothing can replace
the contributions made by each and every user who carves it over time.
SECURITY
People face a variety of fears in the urban environment- crime, terrorism, fast
moving vehicles etc. The lack of security, perception of danger and fear of
victimization, threatens both the use of public spaces as well as the creation
of successful public places. Hence it becomes a prerequisite of public places.
But again security should not be increased so much that it attains privatisation
and retreat from public areas. They dislike spaces which do not provide for
alternative paths and escape routes like subways, roadways, bridges etc.
More than crime actually existing in an area, it is the perception of it that
results in the retreat of people. This is addressed in three ways:
Visibility- the area where one is going to enter should help people to
judge the safety and their comfort level from a distance.
Symbolic cues- that is the type of people inhabiting the space and the
type of on-going activities.
28
SOFT CONTROL
- Security officers
- Cameras
- Regulation on activities
- Scheduling
ICON GENERATION
Sense of place is the primary responsibility of a public square. Iconic
architecture is such places make a space more distinct and identifiable; it
engulfs people in its extraordinariness and creates place-making. Iconic
architecture is defined as a building that is famous within the profession and it
would also extend to be famous for the public as it has special aesthetic,
symbolic, historic values attached to them. Apart from the above three
aspects it may also have high functional value, e.g. the High Dam in Egypt.
The place or structure receives identity when, .the extent to which a person
can recognise or recall a place as distinct from other places.
29
The Rastrapati Bhavan along with the Rajpath and India Gate is
representative of democracy in the country. The linearity of the site, the
perspective brought about by the boulevard edges and the dominance
of the Bhavan, seen through the arched opening of India Gate, evokes
great pride among the citizens. Its speciality lies in the sightlines
created.
Structures like the Gateway of India in Mumbai, Red Fort in Delhi, Taj
Mahal in Agra, express the history of the country. These are some of
the most successful public places as it is what gives them identity and
30
STRUCTUR ES
31
Size (population)
Climate
Developing Cities
All these cities have a population ranging within 3-5 million, as per 2001
census. The climatic conditions are also similar as tropical or subtropical
climate with wet and dry or humid conditions. The elevation of these cities
from mean sea level is varying between 300500m above mean sea level.
The cores are mostly the dense parts of the cities and are at the geographical
centre of the present cities. These cores have residential, commercial and
sometimes industrial activities, thus resulting into a mixed land use pattern.
3.2 METHODOLOGY
The configurations of the public places in the select cities are investigated by
representing them in terms of system of spaces through axial maps.
Configuration parameters such as connectivity, local integration, shape, form
and spread of the space are considered. Connectivity of an axial line
measures the number of lines that directly intersect that given axial line. Thus
connectivity of a space represented as an axial space, denotes the number of
immediate neighbourhoods of a space. These public open spaces is then
32
reviewed with respect to the how the space is used and the activities that
occur there and whether the form, shape and extent of it has any implication
or not.
Secondly, the important religious, administrative or commercial urban activity
nodes evolve along movement patterns, depending upon the culture of public
spaces. Hence, to understand the human preferences in terms of norms
about culture, the placement of important religious, administrative or
commercial urban activity nodes, in the overall spatial configuration, are
observed.
A few international public spaces have also been studied so that the factors
that are missing in Indian cities can be applied to provide for better placemaking.
33
roads from all sides and also in the vicinity the structures of state importance.
These considerations result in an high influx of people.
Scale- These intersections form the chaupars or chowks; market places; sub
centres that subdivide the city. The width of the square chaupars was three
times the width of the main road. The main roads were 33metres wide and the
squares were approximately 100m x100m in size. This provides a perfect
viewing angle of 12degrees from the edge to the other edge, in which we are
able to appreciate the square as a part of the city surroundings. They were
wide enough to sustain not only for heavy pedestrian movement on the
footpaths but also four-way traffic.
Activity- Historically the chaupars were outlets for intense social use with
water structures connected by underground aqueducts, supplying numerous
sources of drinking water at street level. Today, these spaces are famous as
market places or bazaars like the Kishanpole bazaar, Gangauri bazaar, Johari
bazaar etc, whci stretch between two chaupars. Significant havelis and
temples also lie in sync with the market place. Presently, the centre of each
chaupars square enclosures with ornamental fountains.
Character- these bazaar streets have some typical features. There is heavy
use of chajjas resulting in strong horizontal lines; projecting blocks of the first
floors are supported on decorative brackets. Also a modular system of arches
filled with jalli or lattice screens form the faade that is not only aesthetic but
also cuts of the glare of the sun.
F IGURE 12.
34
F IGURE 13.
35
activities that change with the time of day. While, Manek Chowk has
traditionally been a commercial centre, it also serves as a recreational centre
because of shopping and eating options. However other activities such as
visiting temples, monuments, involving in rituals and cultural function also
coexist in smaller scale.
Users- On an average, one person per second enters or exits the chowk
during peak business hours. One third of the visitors are women, and the
percentage of children and old people are very low, 6% and 13% respectively.
Cyclists, hand carts, vendors and pedestrians negotiate the square dodging
the vehicles. It is most busy during the peak hours in the evening time; 6-7pm.
3600 pedestrians are recorded to enter Manek Chowk during this peak hour.
10% of the visitors come on bicycles.
Image- As the Chowk is an important commercial centre, public space is
appropriated for maximum commercial and vehicular usage; currently, human
comfort is given secondary importance. There are very few formal seating
opportunities for the public in the present context. People tend to use limited
secondary seating options to rest. Due to the intensity of commercial
activities, the opportunity for pedestrians to rest along shop fronts and under
shaded parasols is limited. Traditionally, buildings in the Walled City have
doorway seating spaces called 'otlas', which are either one or more raised
steps at shop or building entrances. These are used as informal seating
spaces, often shared between neighbouring homes/ shops. However, in
Manek Chowk the availability of these spaces is limited and claimed by
commercial activities.
F IGURE 14.
36
People prefer to have interesting sight lines and vistas while in the public
spaces. While Manek Chowk is a historic precinct with monuments of rich
architectural heritage, the presence of the monuments is not felt due to lack of
clear views. It is observed that in the present context the views of the Chowk
are highly cluttered and does not reflect the heritage values of the place.
Scale- Manek Chowk is fairly a small public square of about 2500 sq. m. In
general, the public spaces of the Walled City are intimate in scale with a built
form of two-storeyed buildings opening on to public spaces which are narrow
and mutually shaded to reduce heat gain in buildings. The public spaces are
of human scale and have been supporting public life through centuries;
however, in the present context they are dominated by vehicles.
Security- Even though traffic movement is one-way, due to lack of
segregation between traffic, extension of shops on to walkways, parking and
presence of hawkers, the walkability of the place is reduced. Pedestrians are
forced to negotiate with moving traffic and are vulnerable to accidents.
Manek Chowk is a lively urban space, with several activities and a constant
thoroughfare of people providing a feeling of natural surveillance and safety.
The presence of people in the Chowk during most times of the day and night
provide natural security for businesses, residents and visitors. This is primarily
achieved by the relationship of the current built form to the street.
3.5
The history of Kolkata is the history of the growth patterns of its markets. The
creation of the New Market was in response to the needs of the British
community in Kolkata. The colonial elite needed a market that brought
together in one place all the commodities they needed. The New Market may
be interpreted as a successful, if inadvertent attempt at 'place-making', one
that has survived the strictures of colonial life and retains its role as meeting place to this day. The physical structure of the market embodied a new type of
social organization- a cosmopolitan commercial arena that brought together
traders from many communities; a trip to the Market prompted the visitor to rethink his or her relation to society as a whole.
37
Users- the New Market were brought together communities that had never
before earned their livelihood in close proximity to each other. From the
Muslim quarter came Muslim butchers, from the Hindu bazaars, shopkeepers,
from Chinatown Chinese shoe-makers, and from the 'mixed' areas, Armenian
businessmen, Jewish and Portuguese pastry cooks. In some cases, the
practices of one community were considered abhorrent by another, on
religious grounds. The Market- somewhat like the zoo, with its collection of
humdrum and exotic groups taken from exclusive habitats all over the reaches
of the City- became a place where British colonials, assorted Europeans and
Indians could rub shoulders. In a severely segregated society that allowed for
only formal encounters between the disparate groups, the Market created a
cosmopolitan setting.
Access- The reason for the Market's continuing role as a 'public place', The
accessibility of the market to the city as a whole is the most important aspect.
The location of the market in a 'grey' zone between the colonial world and the
native one made it accessible to both communities. The Market was one
institution in a string of public institutions and spaces (monuments, gardens,
government offices, and the museum) that made up the zone of interaction for
the Indian and British communities. The structuring of the access system of its
built fabric created conditions for the coexistence of the diverse communities
that worked there.
F IGURE 15.
Spatial organisation- The aisles and corridors and courtyards of the market
tied the diverse, sprawling environment into a coherent whole, creating an
38
environment navigable at the largest size. This clear structuring of the access
system allowed the demarcations of the New Market into separate quarters'
for each group; groupings were not demarcated by walls, but by clearly
marked paths of access. While the position of each trading community was
set in space, these pathways allowed neutral meeting ground people to
wander from one group to the other.
At the same time, a secondary system of access and a series of courtyards
set off the main pathways allowed each community to have its own private
nucleus, containing mosques, temples, and bathing places.
At the local level, variations in the dimensions of the Market's corridors and
aisles created individual and group sized places. The existence of such small
variations may seem insignificant, but provide the microenvironments for
people to meet, talk, catch their breath, people-watch and window shop- all
activities that enrich and overlay the more commercial mundane functions. It
is these opportunities for interaction that turn a trip to the Market into
something of a social event.
F IGURE 16.
Image- The market takes the form of a Gothic facade and iconographic
Victorian clock-tower- as well as its varied structure (vaulted roofs, skylights)
seems secondary in importance to the way the built environment is organized
by paths of different degrees of accessibility -both at the city and site size.
The new role that the Market played within the city seems to be linked to a
new form of spatial organization that is structured not by the overt
demarcations of walls, but by routes of movement. Rather than the design of
urban public place as stereotypical plaza' or 'square' containing programmatic
39
elements that are public in nature, the aisles and corridors of the Market are
its public space.
F IGURE 17.
The proposition that emerges from an analysis of the New Market is that
successful public space maintains accessible at a collective size, yet
accommodates a range of differential degrees of accessibility that serve the
needs of varying groups and individuals.
3.6
ROUTES TO
C.P.
Access- Connaught Place divided it into six sectors, each making an angle of
60 degrees at the centre The sector here central processional route (now
40
nature.
Middle circle: a service road for merchandise. Residences for the staff and
servants are provided on the first floor. Ground floor for go-downs,Offices and
retail shops.
ORGANISATION OF
C.P.
Inner circle: convenient vehicular access. Central park and the green wedge
(presently
occupied
by
Palika)
fancy
retail
shops
Ecologically, the central green was meant to serve as a lung space for the
area and large fountains in central park and smaller ones in the inner circle
were provided to cool the place.
Here the hexagon is circumscribed about a circle; this circle being the outer
circus of Connaught place. It houses important institutional and public
buildings which include hospitals, libraries, art galleries, heritage sites, temple,
hotels, schools and college. Besides this it acts as the centre of the city
offering connectivity by means of private and public transportation
41
F IGURE 20. O LD
AND NEW
C.P.
Now the focus is on urban life -Shopping centre for masses (sunday market
etc.) Each block, central greens stand as islands in the pool of vehicular
traffic. C.P. was the original commercial centre of Delhi. It attracted visitors
from all corners of Delhi mainly because it is highly accessible from all the
major roads.
Image- circular form makes it stand out from the layout of the area
around. Wide roads were planned in and around Connaught Place even
though they were not required since the traffic consisted of horses, horse
carts and few cars. This has proved to be a boon for coping with todays large
traffic volume. The lavish design of CP provided for large open spaces and
has proved to be valuable public spaces in today's context.
The Grand Scale and architectural character of Connaught Place makes it
stand out amongst the buildings which surround it.
42
OF
C.P.
All facades had a standard design- door in the middle and show windows on
either side. Colonnaded and covered pathways in the inner circle created a
unifying character to the entire space and also formed an enclosure. The
upper floors were residential.
3.7
The City Square in Melbourne has been redesigned after the lack of
success of its first design scheme, which had affected the squares sociability.
City Square is a plaza that is formerly the main civic centre and public space
for the city of Melbourne.
Surroundings- The surroundings of the square include the citys central
street networks, which are Swanston Street and Collins Street. Its immediate
context is the Westin Hotel, the iconic and historic St. Pauls Cathedral, the
Regent Theatre and the Melbourne Town Hall. Fronting the square is a tram
stop that is actively used by people to walk to the adjoining streets, lane ways
and buildings.
43
Scheme of the square was intended, not as a large open space, but
rather as fragmented spaces. The spaces and components of the
square consisted of a video screen, restaurants, a basement arcade
shops and outdoor cafes.
The giant video matrix that is placed on the building and the cascading
water feature aimed to attract people towards the square. The water
feature wall blocked the shops behind it.
The Square failed to create a flexible space for public use because it
was broken down into smaller spaces. This had disabled the
opportunities for people to use the square as an open civic space.
The adjacent shops, arcades and some of the public amenities were
hidden because of the design components (water feature and
sculpture) that blocked the peoples visibility from the street.
The Square was extensively paved with blue stone pavement, with only
little patches of green areas. Lack of greens made it an uncomfortable
place for people especially during summer.
Since the square was equipped with the giant video screen and the
cascading water feature in the same area, the public had complained
about the level of noise that came from these components.
44
Since Melbourne has a dry and hot climate during the summer, the
glazed steel canopy and the hard surfaces increased glare and heat
during hot summer days.
The early design of the City Square revealed the disconnectedness between
the intended spaces and the needs of people. Although the design attempted
to highlight the architectural and artistic values of the City Square as a
landmark, these components did not manage to pull crowds to the square as
cannot clearly make out what are the premises surrounding the square.
The new City Square
By reducing the size of the original square and maintaining the ground
level for pedestrians, the square is more visible and accessible from
Swanston Street, Collins Street and Flinders.
45
The cafes on the ground level became a popular meeting spot for the
locals and tourists. The open and semi-open eating areas provide more
relaxed and informal atmosphere to the square. This visible activeness
Is an important factor that draws other people to the square.
The rows of trees along the sidewalk on the edge of the square soften
the space and provide informal seating areas for people to relax or
have a lunch break. The trees also provide good shade for people to sit
or walk in the summer. The grass and trees encouraged people to sit
and relax.
Since the square is now more open, visible and permeable, it is often
used for formal events such as the Christmas festival, fashion festival
and special events. On some occasions, Swanson Street acts as the
main route for parades.
46
3.8
CRITERIA
KAMATH CIRCLE
Access and An open space and mostly
pedestrian, it is a junction of 5
Connectivity
streets, only two of which
have through way traffic.
These streets bring in the
crowd from all directions, the
hostels being located along
the streets. It also has a
central
location
to
MIT
campus, with the food court,
the basketball court and
recreational block in the
vicinity. As a result of peoples
compulsion to come to the
food court and for activities,
the space becomes an
incidental space to sit and
enjoy.
K.M.C. GREENS
The space is not out of coincidence but has been
designed as an open public
space. It is centrally located
in Manipal, flanked by the
main road on one side and
the road leading to K.M.C.
food court on the other side.
Again, as people come to
visit the food court, this space
is used effectively, especially
in the evenings. Also, it is
visble to, and is near to the
hostel blocks and the medical
school; so in general is
surrounded by a lot of
activity.
Activity
ROUTES TO
ROUTES
TO
K.C.
47
Spatial
organisation
48
4.2 ANALYSIS
Connectivity: to a place depends upon the number of axial lines or streets
terminating in the space or encloses that space. Depending on the number of
streets or roads, we get an idea about how divided the space is internally, and
connected externally.
As per the Literature study, the first and foremost reason for the success of a
place is:
The location of the public space, with respect to the city and the roads
around is an important factor.
49
PLACE
Jaipur- Badi
ACCESS ROUTES
NO.
2
Low fragmentation.
Located
at
the
intersection of two
major roads- central
location.
Iconic builings- Hawa
Mahal
High fragmentation.
Space is divided into
numerous sections by
smaller lanes. Access
from mainly the two
major streets- Gandhi
road and Danapith
road. Not connected
to the city by any
major road.
Iconic builings- Jama
Masjid, Mughli Bibis
Tomb.
The area is enclosed
by 4 major streets
(Jawaharlal
Nehru
Rd, S.N. Bannerjee
Rd,Mirza Ghalib Strt,
Lenin Sarani), further
fragmented
by
secondary
streets
and lanes within. It is
also close to the
Esplanade Metro.high
fragmentation.
Iconic builings- Indian
Museum, Bell Tower.
Victoria Memorial.
Chowk
Ahmedabad
-Manek
Chowk
Kolkata-
New Market
Delhi-
INFERENCE
6+2
50
Connaught
other
streets
converge here- influx
of traffic and people
from all directions.
Central
location.
Internal fragmentation
by ring roads.
Iconic builings- Jantar
Mantar,
Shivaji
Stadium
Place
Melbourne-
City Square
Low fragmentation.
Not connected to the
entire city, but well
connected to the
neighbourhood
it
belongs to.
Iconic builings- st.
Pauls
Cathedral,
Westin Melbourne
ACCESS
CENTRALITY
IMPORTANT STRUCTURES
0
JAIPUR
AHMEDABAD
KOLKATA
DELHI
MELBOURNE
51
Image: of a public space will depend upon how the space is used, what
factors enhance the use of the space and how the people relate, view or
respond to the space.
As per the Literature study, in order to have a memorable image of a space, it
should:
Activities
PLACE
ELEMENTS
PROVISIONS
Jaipur-Badi
Appx, 100x100m,
shaped as square.
Today it functions
mostly as a traffic
node, with shops
and bazaars along
the edges. The
size allows for
clear vision from
one end of the
street to the other,
to at least 20m
height,
with
a
viewing angle of
12degrees.
(tan12= 0.2)
It is square in
shape and open
from all sides.
Soft-scaping is
absent
apart
from the few
scattered trees
along the edges.
Not
seating
areas.
Fences
and steps in
front of houses
and shops are
used for the
same.
Chowk
52
Ahmedabad Appx.
40x100m.
both
vehicular
-Manek
(mostly cycles and
Chowk
autos) as well as
pedestrian.
Pedestrian
foot
paths
are
ill
maintained.
The
space resembles a
long street, flanked
by
shops
and
hotels on both
sides, enclosed by
the
famous
Masjids.
It is a fragmented
space, restricted
on all sides due to
organic
development
of
buildings around.
KolkataAppx, 125x140m,
rectangular
New Market a
space, with an
open
paved
courtyard at the
centre, which has
now been divided
into
aisles
for
ordered
movement.
Vehicular as well
as
pedestrian.
Pedestrian
subways are provided
for
pedestrian
safety.
It is an enclosed
square, with a
characteristic
building faade on
all 4 sides.
No soft-scaping
in the area. The
entire space has
been
paved.
Ample no. of
street
lights,
space is heavily
crowded in the
evenings.
No
seating
arrangements,
but
shop
balustrades,
fences and steps
are used for the
purpose.
The
central courtyard
is an open area
for performances
from time to
time.
53
DelhiConnaught
Place
MelbourneCity Square
A
rectangular
piece
of
land,
aesthetically
designed for the
community.
Approx, 42x100m.
It is surrounded by
buildings on all
54
socialising. Canopies
and a video screen are
other
recreational
provisions
in
the
space.
areas
are
covered
with
canopies
extending from
the shops.
Wide footpaths
provided for safe
pedestrian
movement.
9.7
SAFETY
11.6
9.18
5.3
9.7
5.4
6.67
PRESENCE OFMARKETS
4.82
ACCESSIBILITY
9.3
6.7
8.73
9.5
8.11
6.42
6.73
10
12
14
AVG. SCORES OF 15
55
4.3 CONCLUSION
The accessibility and image of urban public spaces has been compared
between the various spaces under a few sub- headings. Each of them, though
similar in many aspects, also differs slightly in terms of size, shape, features
etc. this helps us to understand the factors that pulls the crowd towards public
places in the urban network.
The study of the above public spaces has shown one common factor for their
popularity, i.e., the access system to the area. Each of these areas are
connected to the entire city by major roads,
Apart from road connections, the metropolitan cities, i.e., Delhi and Kolkata,
also have metro station nearby, that help bring in crowds from even the
farthest ends of the city within minutes.
Smaller lanes within a public place, like in Manek Chowk and also recently in
New Market, tends to increase the density of the streets. They do not help
provide for an integrated space, but a fragmented space. This reduces the
visibility of the whole area at once, and hence leads to security issues, wayfinding problems and is confusing to the users.
The above comparison of a few public places in India and one abroad shows
us one common lack in design that is comfort. The bazaar areas are devoid
of any proper seating areas. This is probably because of the incidental growth
of the spaces. Designed spaces like the Connaught Place and the Melbourne
City Square, have provided proper provisions to make the users comfortable
and enable them to enjoy the space.
56
needs the presence of some sort of shops and eating joints that keep the
people engaged and engrossed in the vitality of the area.
As per the size of public areas is concerned, most of these popular spaces
are within 150m size, that is, the entire space is walkable. Most of the spaces
have a rectangular shape, the most common from historical times. They
provide a perspective towards a nuclear or dominant element. The square
public areas do not provide any impactful image; but provides opportunity for
a central feature like in the Badi Chowk of Jaipur. Even though the rectangle
is most common, the circular arrangement of Connaught Place seems to be
the most popular and well known of the other public places. This is probably
due to the interest that is created among people while walking along the
circumference, the curiosity of discoveries.
From the survey, priorities of the people at public spaces are understood. The
most important factors for people in a public space are:
57
RIGHTS
MEANINGS
SECURITY NEEDS
ACCESS
INDIVIDUAL
COMFORT NEEDS
Visual comfort
Sonic comfort
Olfactory comfort
Metabolic comfort
Psychological
comfort
RELAXATION NEEDS
ENAGEMENT NEEDS
Physical
Visual
Symbolic
FREEDOM OF ACTION
CLAIM AND
TERRITORIALITY
CONNECTIONS
GROUP CONNECTIONS
PSYCHOLOGICAL
CONNECTIONS
CONNECTION TO
LARGER SOCIETY
CHANGE
Inclusive
interaction
OWNERSHIP
Face to face
interaction
Exclusive
interaction
Parallel interaction
COGNITIVE NEEDS
AESTHETIC NEEDS
Sensory
Formal
Symbolic
Intellectual
Expressive
58
Have a good connection to the entire city. This can be best brought
about if it has a central location to the city, so that it is located at an
optimum distance from most of the varied communities existing within
the city. Also, centrality naturally brings about hierarchy and dominance
of the space.
The space must act as a destination, with few of the major roads of the
city, terminating at it. In such a case, it is preferable to make the public
square pedestrian and provide for enough parking lots at the periphery.
This will reduce vehicular road at the centre and also improve the
safety for the users. Smaller lanes within may be allowed for vehicles.
59
Centrality is not the only driving factor behind position. The space must
also be near to public transport networks like subways, metro-stations,
bus stops etc. This helps people from afar to also visit the space;
otherwise, with increasing distance of a place from ones home,
decreases chances of visiting it merely due to lack of efficient
connectivity.
requires
having
shorter
views,
intricate,
complex
and
60
However, the arrangement need not be too rigid, the space should
provide for flexibility and be flowy in nature in order to sustain more and
a variety of activities during festive seasons or other occasions.
61
LAW OF ENCLOSURE
F IGURE 34. O NE
If the breaks provided between the buildings are large, they must be
unified by means of similar faade treatment and feature. The internal
faade must belong more to the square that the building.
Activities: of a space is what provides life and vitality to it. The activities in a
space determine the type and density of users of the area. In order to make a
public square with effective use, it should comply with some minimum and
compulsory movements in the area.
62
The market areas, commercial zones should not interfere with these
passive activities that bring about refreshments. This active zone
needs to be well demarcated towards the periphery.
For the purpose of wind protection more generally, short buildings and
sinuous street networks have a positive effect.
63
Public toilets are relevant for increased comfort and longer stay in public
spaces.
Security: concerns regarding criminality are one of the strongest factors that
affect the use of public places. It is rather the first thing people look at before
the use of such spaces.
64
Proper lighting, even at the nooks and corners and narrow alleys must
be installed. These areas are mostly overlooked which become
breeding grounds for illegal transactions. If lit up, it will make the
people engaged in such behaviour retreat from that space.
5.3 CONCLUSION
Today as public spaces decline, concerns for the vitality and liveability of the
cities increase. People are the main ingredients of the city and without public
spaces it is impossible to establish a physical and mental connection between
public and urban environment. As one of the significant open public spaces,
urban squares are fundamental city elements in democratic and liveable
cities. Besides the physical dimension of design process, psychological
aspects should also be taken into account by urban designers and planners.
Urban public places should:
Create identity, sense of place and contribute to the overall city image,
65
Urban public squares are more than just physical spaces; they have symbolic
meaning for people. They are vibrant, active and interesting places. Most of
the contemporary urban squares involve a historical value or importance for
the community, as well as for the tourists and visitors. What should be called
a square often functions as crossroads and is occupied by vehicle traffic.
Although traditional public squares in Indian cities differ from European
examples, they still have a cultural and social importance in public life. Hence,
it is urgently needed to develop design and management strategies for urban
public squares in order to prevent losing a vital part of the city and the
community. (Memluk, Designing Urban Squares 2013)
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Smith. Urban Open Spaces in Hisstorical Perspective:a
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0oMrhxwIVB7qOCh0EGABZ#v=one.
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Francisco M. Serdoura, Jorge M. Ribeiro. Public Space, Place of Urban Life.
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Francisco M. Serdoura, Jorge M. Ribeiro,. PUBLIC SPACE, PLACE OF
URBAN LIFE. n.d.
Gomes, Pedro S. Factors of a Good Pubklic Space Use. 2011.
Hailey, Chris. Chris Hailey. 12 February 2014.
http://www.chrishaile.com/2014/02/imageable-urban-districts-iconicarchitecture-and-jane-jacobs/.
Harold T. Nefs, Arthur van Bilsen, Sylvia C. Pont, Huib de Ridder, Maarten W.
A. Wijntjes, Andrea J. van Doorn. Perception of length to width
relations of city squares. Pion publication, 2103. 11.
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67
68
APPENDIX
Figure 1. evolution of public squares .............................................................. 7
Figure 2. transformation of public places in india........................................... 10
Figure 3. the closed square, plaza mayor in madrid ...................................... 19
Figure 4. the dominated square, notre dame ................................................. 20
Figure 5. the nuclear square, trafalgar square, london .................................. 20
Figure 6. the roam grouped squares ............................................................. 21
Figure 7. types of squares ............................................................................. 22
Figure 8. Different shapes of squares ............................................................ 24
Figure 9. Arc de Triomphe, Paris ................................................................... 26
Figure 10. Viewing Angles ............................................................................. 27
Figure 11. Iconic structures ........................................................................... 31
Figure 12. badi chowk, jaipur ......................................................................... 34
Figure 13. manek chowk, ahmedabad ........................................................... 35
Figure 14. seating at manek chowk ............................................................... 36
Figure 15. new market, kolkata...................................................................... 38
Figure 16. pathways and street-scapes of new market ................................. 39
Figure 17. size of new market and surroundings ........................................... 40
Figure 18. Access routes to C.P. ................................................................... 40
Figure 19. Spatial organisation of C.P. .......................................................... 41
Figure 20. Old and new C.P. ......................................................................... 42
Figure 21. C.P. Park ...................................................................................... 42
Figure 22. Facsdes of C.P. ............................................................................ 43
Figure 23. Blocked view of the square........................................................... 45
Figure 24. Video screen and fountai .............................................................. 45
Figure 25. New City Square .......................................................................... 46
Figure 26. Access routes to K.C. ................................................................... 47
Figure 27.Access routes to K.M.C.Greens .................................................... 47
Figure 28. Comparison of the public places studied ...................................... 51
Figure 29. People Preferences ...................................................................... 55
Figure 30. Access Options ............................................................................ 59
Figure 31. Spatial Arrangement ..................................................................... 61
Figure 32. Square and building relation ......................................................... 61
Figure 33. Gestalts law of enclosure ............................................................. 62
Figure 34. One side open form ...................................................................... 62
69
SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRE
1. What is your age?
2. Which qualities of a public space are most important for you? Rank on a
scale of 1-15
Safety
Accessibility
Markets
Yes
No
Don't know
70