Photo credit: EMBARQ India 2013

RE-IMAGINING
MANEK CHOWK
 isioning Report: Public Spaces in the Historic Walled City of
V
Ahmedabad
November 2014
REPORT DEVELOPED BY:

IN ASSOCIATION WITH:

Center for Conservation Studies,

Center for Environmental Planning
and Technology (CEPT)

Ahmedabad Ahmedabad Urban

Municipal Development
Corporation (AMC) Authority (AUDA)

REPORT PREPARED BY
Sree Kumar. K, Project Anchor
skumar@embarqindia.org

Neha Mungekar, Associate

nmungekar@embarqindia.org

Rejeet Mathews, Project Manager

rmathews@embarqindia.org

A Product of
The WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities

Editing, Design and Layout By:

Lubaina Rangwala, Senior Associate
lrangwala@embarqindia.org

Photo credit: EMBARQ India 2013

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We sincerely thank the participants of the workshop

on Reimagining Public Places in Historic Walled City of
Ahmedabad for providing their valuable suggestions
and guidance in making the workshop a success. We
thank-

Dr. Guruprasad Mohapatra Commissioner AMC;

Ms. D. Thara Chief Executive Authority AUDA;

Mr. Ghosh Chairman Heritage Committee;

Prof. E F N Ribeiro, former Chief Town Planner, Dept of

Town and Country Planning;

Prof. Vasavada, Head, Centre for Conservation Studies

CEPT;

Mr Y S Rawat, Director Archaeology Gujarat State;

Dr. Shivanand, Supt. Archaeologist ASI, Vadodara;

Ms. Neela Munshi, Senior Town Planner, AUDA;

Mr Dinesh Patel, Town Development Officer AMC;

Mr P K Vasudevan Nair Dy GM Heritage Dept AMC;

Other officials from AMC and AUDA;

Prof. Vikas Dilawari Conservation Architect;

Ms. Radhika Dhumal, Conservation Architect;

Ms. Khushi Shah Conservation Architect;

Ms. Kamalika Bose, Conservation Architect;

Ms. Henriette Vamberg and Mr. Ulrik Neilsen, GEHL

Architects, Copenhagen; and

Team members, EMBARQ India.

CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 3

INTRODUCTION 7

ACTIVITY PATTERNS IN MANEK CHOWK 9

MOBILITY IN MANEK CHOWK 13

PUBLIC SPACES IN MANEK CHOWK 17

CONSERVING THE HERITAGE OF MANEK CHOWK 27

FINDINGS FROM THE WORKSHOP ON 'RE- 29

IMAGINING PUBLIC PLACES IN HISTORIC WALLED
CITY OF AHMEDABAD'

WAY FORWARD BASED ON FINDINGS FROM THE 37

WORKSHOP
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

REIMAGINING PUBLIC
SPACES IN THE
HISTORIC WALLED CITY
OF AHMEDABAD
Manek Chowk is an urban public space located in the historic
Walled City of Ahmedabad. Developed on traditional city
planning principles centuries ago and even now it thrives as a
vibrant community space. However, due to increasing vehicle
domination in the area, an urgent reimagination is required to
arrest the deterioration of public life in the area.
The vision report document compiles key sites in the Walled City. The public space
findings of a two day visioning workshop titled, served as a vibrant market place and the
"Reimagining Public Spaces in the Historic main commercial center for the city attracting
Walled City of Ahmedabad." The workshop people and entrepreneurs from the local
was conducted by the Ahmedabad Municipal community and the city for several centuries.
Corporation (AMC) and the Ahmedabad Urban Today, it is home to a diverse community of
Development Authority (AUDA), along with residents, business owners and vendors from
EMBARQ India and the technical support from various economic and ethnic groups.
GEHL Architects, Copenhagen, on the 26th
and 27th of September 2013 in Ahmedabad. However in the present day, the public space
Manek Chowk, a public square located at the is dominated by vehicles; this ceates conflicts
center of the Walled City, was selected as a with pedestrians' movement, increases noise
demonstration site. and air pollution, and increases the lack of
safety for pedestrians and non-motorized
Manek Chowk is one of the more challenging transit users. Additionally, parking, shop
4

extensions and unorganized vending add to the
existing chaos. Like so many other public spaces in
historic core areas of Indian Cities, Manek Chowk too is
experiencing a loss of human character in the area, and
an overall deterioration of public life.
A draft version of the revised Development Plan 2021
for Ahmedabad was recently published by AUDA,
including a detailed framework for the preparation
of Local Area Plans. This allows for special land use
and development control regulations applicable for
buildings within the Walled City. Moreover, the World
Heritage Inscription Dossier is currently underway,
which is a great opportunity to broaden the discourse
around public space design and revitalization within
historic cities in India.
In this regard, EMBARQ India and partner organizations
decided to conduct a 'visioning workshop', to enable
a reimagination of Manek Chowk; to retain its existing
vibrance, while enhancing the quality of life for
pedestrians and inhabitants. Preceding the workshop,
preliminary site assessments of Manek Chowk and its
immediate context were conducted. These included
activity mapping, mobility surveys and perception
surveys.
Findings and analysis from the initial site surveys
helped identify key problem areas and opportunities for
future intervention. Thereafter, the visioning workshop
outlines an overall vision for Manek Chowk, with key
objectives and strategies that may be considered for
its conservation, revitalization and reimagination.
The report concludes on preliminary directions for
the project established through discussions at the
workshop; further these will evolve through the course
of work with AMC and other state and central agencies.
reforms for better management.
A collaborative vision was developed through
discussions with officials, experts and participating
professionals. Retaining the economic and functional
vibrancy of Manek Chowk, while augmenting the overall
quality of life in the precinct, emerged as a common
vision across all participants. The project could include
street elements reflecting the heritage culture of the
place, and urban design guidelines that compliment the
precinct. Lastly, a consultative participatory approach
is recommended, developing a clear institutional
setup for effective coordination across all agencies and
stakeholders.
VISIONING REPORT
The visioning report is based on a preliminary
mapping and survey of the Manek Chowk area.
Manek Chowk serves as a demonstration site to
spearhead a broader discourse on the conservation
and revitalization of public spaces within the historic
Walled City of Ahmedabad. Based on these preliminary
site assessments key challenges were highlighted;
this helped set the tone for the Visioning Workshop.
The report synthesizes key activities, learnings and
recommendations from the workshop setting a way
forward for the future.
Site study methodologies and the workshop structure
was co-developed with GEHL Architects, ensuring their
key participation at all points.

The workshop was attended by officials from AMC,

AUDA, Archeological Survey of India (ASI), the National
Monuments Authority (NMA), and experts from the
Center for Conservation Studies at the CEPT University.
The dominant discussion theme through the two day
workshop was a need to re-imagine public spaces in
the historic city. In overall, the workshop arrived at
distinct positions in understanding the complexity
of public spaces in historic core areas of Indian cities.
A people centric approach to public spaces was
discussed - by managing mobility, reconfiguring spatial
organization of acitvities based on functions, improving
environmental quality and ensuring institutional
 Re-imagining Manek Chowk 5

KEY CHARACTERISTICS OF MANEK CHOWK

A large percentage of Manek Chowk is the heart of the

visitors at Manek Chowk Historic walled City of
are pedestrians or Ahmedabad
non-motorized transit
users It forms the core of the walled city, housing
formal and informal commercial activities,
religious and cultural sentiments, and a vibrant
On an average, 1 person per second public life.
enters or exits Manek Chowk during It is located between two nationally protected
peak business hours; monuments, the Tombs of the King and Queen of
Only a third of the visitors are women Ahmedabad.
and the percentage of old people
and children in the area is also very
low.
Cyclists, hand-carts, vendors and
pedestrians negotiate the square
dodging vehicles.

Vehicles dominate Manek

Chowk

Manek Chowk is a mixed traffic zone,

with high two-wheeler and
Manek Chowk remains active for 20hrs auto-rickshaw counts; private four
a day! wheelers are few in number, but add to
the congestion within the area.
From cattle grazing activities in the early morning hours, Preliminary surveys show high
heavy commercial and business activities through the particulate matter in the air, as well as
day, to a vibrant street food market that is active late into high decibel levels attribute to vehicle
the night; noise pollution.
Unorganized vending activities cause congestion and This leads to high fear and risk of road
bottlenecks for movement; accidents, making road safety a priority
Shop extensions on to footpaths and streets reduce issue; About 50% of the central space of
space for pedestrian movement. Manek Chowk is occupied by parking
during business hours;

Source: Data and representation by EMBARQ India, 2014

Photo credit: EMBARQ India 2013
INTRODUCTION

MANEK CHOWK
VISIONING REPORT:
MAP/ REVITALIZE/
CONSERVE
Manek Chowk is the most popular commercial center of the
Walled City of Ahmedabad, however, it is losing its importance
in the present context.

AHMEDABAD WALLED CITY the World Heritage Convention - UNESCO for

Ahmedabad’s walled city has a history
spanning the last six centuries. It is a unique
settlement which has acquired significant
importance for its settlement patterns and
homogeneity of community living which is
characteristic of its economic reliance on trade
and commerce.
The historic city today consists of significant
zones with historic character and is dotted
with 27 monuments recognized by the
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). In
recognition of the walled city’s outstanding
universal values, the State Government and
the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC)
have prioritized the historic city’s preservation.
In April 2010, the State Government and the
Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation applied to
World Heritage city status. The World Heritage
Inscription Dossier is now in an advanced stage
of completion and the work on the Heritage
Management Plan has also commenced.
Public places within the historic city have been
the focus of community activity along with the
domain of traditional ‘pols’ (neighbourhoods).
Such places have also acquired a distinct
cultural identity with multiple and varied layers
of activity depending on the time of the day.
Manek Chowk is a traditional business centre
and also one of the most important public
spaces of the Walled City.
MANEK CHOWK
Manek Chowk is located close to the main
8

spine of the Historic Walled City and is historically

considered an important commercial centre in the
city. Manek Chowk is demonstrative of an excellent
urban public space developed on traditional city
planning principles and thrives as a vibrant anchor
community space in the contemporary context.
Presently, pedestrian and public life in Manek Chowk
is highly obstructed and encroached upon by vehicles;
and there is a need to rediscover these public spaces in
conjunction with sustainable mobility parameters such
as pedestrian priority, traffic safety and public health.

Ahmedabad Historic
Walled City

Figure 1 Location of the historic Walled City within Ahmedabad City, Gujarat
CHAPTER 1

ACTIVITY PATTERNS
IN MANEK CHOWK
Manek Chowk allows for a multiplicity of functions and effective
usage of space, with changing activities from the early morning
hours to late into the night.

IDENTIFYING THE NEED FOR
IMPROVEMENT IN MANEK CHOWK
Manek Chowk is an example of a traditional
public space that is dynamic, and constantly
adapts to changes for its effective use as an
urban public place. The activities in the public
place change several times in a day to serve
specific needs and gives way for effective usage
of place. However, in the present context it
is apparent that the attractiveness of Manek
Chowk as a public space has eroded.
Vehicles dominate the public space,
pedestrians are given the least importance,
noise and air pollution levels are at their
highest, parking occupies the space meant for
people, unorganized gatherings add to levels of
chaos in the area. Moreover, heritage resources
are in a state of neglect, infrastructural deficits
are leading to unhygienic conditions of living,
cultural aspects are given less importance
and the space is less accessible for vulnerable
populations.
Considering these conditions the main aspects
of Manek Chowk that need to be improved
in order to reimagine Manek Chowk are as
follows:
• Mobility aspects;
• Public place and quality of life; and
• Conservation of heritage.
Analysis of the existing situation and the
discussion of future strategies to be adopted to
address each of these aspects, were deliberated
upon during the workshop. The following
chapters explain these aspects in detail.
Despite all the challenges discussed here,
Manek Chowk has not lost its importance as a
center of the city and is large numbers of locals
and tourists continue to visit it.
10

ACTIVITIES IN MANEK CHOWK – EARLY MORNINGS

Figure 2 Early morning activities at Manek Chowk; Source: Based on map prepared by Dipti Pande, CEPT
Center for Conservation Studies.

Cattle grazing activity during early morning hours; Photo credit: EMBARQ India 2013
 Re-imagining Manek Chowk 11

ACTIVITIES IN MANEK CHOWK - AFTERNOON

Figure 3 Afternoon time activities at Manek Chowk; Source: Based on map prepared by Dipti Pande, CEPT
Center for Conservation Studies.

High shopping, pedestrian movement and vehicular traffic in the afternoon hours; Photo credit: EMBARQ India 2013
12

ACTIVITIES IN MANEK CHOWK – EVENING

Figure 4 Late evening activities at Manek Chowk; Source: Based on map prepared by Dipti Pande, CEPT
Center for Conservation Studies.

After the businesses close down at sun down, eateries occupy the public space; Photo credit: EMBARQ India 2013
CHAPTER 2

MOBILITY IN MANEK
CHOWK
Manek Chowk records high pedestrian and non-motorized
transit users during peak business hours in the evening, highest
between 6pm to 7pm.

3600 pedestrians per hour are recorded entering

or leaving Manek Chowk, during the peak hour

10% visitors come to Manek Chowk using bicycles

and other NMT modes

50% of the central space of Manek Chowk

is occupied by parked vehicles during the peak hours

KEY CHALLENGES • Remaining right-of-way space is

1. Thoroughfare movement of all types of
traffic through Historic Walled City;
2. Parking occupies most of the public spaces
in the Walled City;
• Surveys conducted by EMBARQ India
reveal high parking volumes in Manek
Chowk during peak business hours;
• 840 two wheelers, 24 cars and 110
bicycles;
shared by vehicular thoroughfare, shop-
extensions, hawkers, services, cattle and
pedestrians.
3. High air and noise pollution due to
uncontrolled traffic;
4. Residential life in Walled City gets affected
by uncontrolled traffic;
5. Traffic accidents with high fatality rate of
pedestrians and cyclists.
14
MOBILITY CHALLENGES
1. Importance of Historic Walled City in the existing
road networks of Ahmedabad:
Like other cities, Ahmedabad’s transportation system
is primarily based on road networks. The urban form is
compact and concentric with the historic Walled City as
the centre. The movement network, based on the urban
form follows a concentric pattern.
Currently, the mode share of public transportation in
Ahmedabad is about 10%. One-third of the trips are
by non-motorised forms of transport such as walking
and cycling. The BRT system has also renewed the
role of public transport and one of the BRT corridors
passes through the Walled City. Current modes of
transportation in the Walled City are walking, cycling,
two-wheelers, Intermediate Public Transport (IPT), cars
and buses.
2. Thoroughfare movement hampers public life in
the Walled City:
Most road networks that cross the Sabarmati River
are either within or near the Walled City, attracting a
considerable number of thoroughfare traffic through
the Walled City. This thoroughfare movement has a
considerable impact on public spaces and public life in
the Walled City.
3. Importance of pedestrian movement:
Walking is the most important mode in the Walled
City. As per the survey conducted by EMBARQ India,
around 35,000 pedestrians visit Manek Chowk every day
between 10:00 am to 10:00 pm. During peak evening
business hours, i.e. 6.00 to 7.00 PM one person per
second enters or exits Manek Chowk from either the
North or South access points.
One way street
Two way street
Figure 5 Existing network constraints;
Source: AMC, adapated by EMBARQ
India 2013
 Re-imagining Manek Chowk 15

4. Unorganized Parking loading/unloading activities happen during the daytime

The built form in the Walled City is traditional, with small
plot sizes and high ground coverage of buildings. Hence
parking is managed predominantly through on-street
parking except for very few parking lots. Nearly 50% of
Manek Chowk is occupied by parked vehicles, especially
during daytime business hours. The remaining public
space is occupied by moving vehicles, hawkers, and
spill over activities from shops, utility structures and
pedestrians. Of all the activities, pedestrian movement
gets the least space and importance.
As per the EMBARQ survey, most of the parking areas
in Manek Chowk during peak hours are occupied by
two wheelers of shop owners in and around the Chowk
and therefore they function as long-term parking. As a
result, very few areas are available for visitors to park in
the Chowk, which impacts local businesses as well as
visitor contribution towards parking charges. Very few
and vehicles transporting goods are parked in the area
at various times of the day.
Based on these factors, it could be inferred that current
parking activities in the Chowk not only occupies
precious public spaces in the Historic Walled City, but
also effectively discourages further improvement of
business activities in the area. Moreover, parking and
vehicular domination of the Chowk causes deterioration
of the public space and eventual loss of its importance
in supporting public life in the Walled City.
5. Network constraints of streets
The current street network is centuries old and was not
intended originally, for motorised vehicular movement.
This has led to a high level of conflict between vehicles
and vulnerable users, i.e. pedestrians and cyclists.

1600

1400

1200

1000

800

600

400

200

0
8.00 to 12.00 12.00 to 16.00 16.00 to 20.00 20.00 to 0.00

Two-wheelers Four-wheelers Cycles Others

Figure 6 Parking increases through the day till the evening peak business hours and drastically reduces
soon after, giving way for the street food market to set in, in the open space; Source: EMBARQ India 2013
16
6. Road Accidents
Pedestrians and cyclists accounted for more than 70
percent of fatal accidents in Ahmedabad. Increasing
numbers of fatalities is a major cause for concern as the
immediate area within and surrounding the Walled City,
is highly prone to accidents. Though the smaller streets
of the Walled City have comparatively lesser traffic
speeds, the impact of the vehicles on street life due to
fear of accidents is high.
7. Public spaces and vehicular domination
The street spaces in Manek Chowk are used as the only
public spaces available for people in the Walled city;
these streets are dominated by vehicles at most times,
and hence pose a threat to prevalent pedestrian and
street activities.
People are often left with no alternate route than miandering through heavy traffic; Source: EMBARQ India
2013
RECOMMENDATIONS
• Reduce the impact of vehicular traffic in the Chowk
and promote road safety in Manek Chowk and
surroundings by supporting pedestrian movement
and public life.
• Parking is a private activity that occupies precious
public space. Parking supply should support local
businesses hence long term parking should be
reduced and/or shifted to an alternate location.
• Integrate Manek Chowk improvement along with
Bhadra Chowk pedestrianization project in order to
synchronize movement and sharing of parking and
other facilities.
CHAPTER 3

MANEK CHOWK AS A
PUBLIC SPACE
Good cities are about people. A key objective is to ensure
protection, comfort and enjoyment while enhancing the public
realm within the historic Walled City of Ahmedabad.

On an average, only1/3rd of the visitors in the

Chowk are women

Only 13% of the visitors, are 65 years and

above, and 6% are children

The public space offers very few opportunities to sit

and rest; at anytime 50% of the people found
there are standing, other than those walking
Who visits Manek Chowk? children.
• On an average, presence of women in the • Seating/ resting/ gathering spaces in the
Chowk is less than 1/3 of number of men. Chowk:
• Only 13% of the total population visiting • With lack of seating possibilities at most
Manek Chowk is above 65 years old. times during the day more than 50% of the
Presence of old people is comparatively people found in the Chowk are standing,
higher during early morning and afternoon exempting people seated in cafe chairs in
hours. the evening.
• On an average, only 6% of the total
population visiting Manek Chowk is
18
CHALLENGES IN THE PUBLIC REALM
• To ensure safety against traffic and accidents, crime
and violence, unpleasant sensory experiences in
Manek Chowk;
• To ensure comfort through opportunities to walk,
sit, stay, see, talk and listen, play and perform other
activities in Manek Chowk;
• To enable an enjoyable experience while accessing
the many opportunities possible due to the
temporal nature of activities at Manek Chowk.
QUALITY OF LIFE INDICATORS
Quality Criteria: is based on human senses of ability
to see, hear, smell, feel, move and related psychological
conditions (refer Figure 9). The framework (based on
Figure 10) could be considered as a comprehensive
method to analyze present condition of public
spaces and to determine the aspects that needs to be
improved. Based on the frame work, quality of public
life in Manek Chowk was surveyed and presented in the
workshop.
• Reduce the impact of vehicular traffic in the Chowk
and promote road safety in Manek Chowk and
surroundings by supporting pedestrian movement
Figure 7 Human senses and perception of the city; Source: GEHL Architects 2013
and public life.
• Parking is a private activity that occupies precious
public space. Parking supply should support local
businesses hence long term parking should be
reduced and/or shifted to an alternate location.
• Integrate Manek Chowk improvement along with
Bhadra Chowk pedestrianization project in order to
synchronize movement and sharing of parking and
other facilities.
Quality Criteria to Analyze Manek Chowk
• Protection: Analysis of safety against accident,
violence and unpleasant senses as experienced by
people.
• Comfort: Analysis of opportunities for people to
walk, stand, sit, talk, hear and interact in a public
space. These are simple quality of life indicators,
which are often neglected.
• Enjoyment: Analysis of enjoyment in terms of
possibilities to get involved in a variety of activities,
as well as enjoy the scale and aesthetics of the
place.
Every activity in Manek Chowk is specific to a purpose
and intrinsically related to the nature of the ‘place’ and it
changes with the activities at various times during the
day.
1. We use ALL OUR SENSES in the city
2. We need a lot of VARIATION
3. We experience the environment at
EYE-LEVEL; and receive 75% of our
impressions from SIGHT
4. We are primarily PEDESTRIANS!
 Re-imagining Manek Chowk 19

12 KEY QUALITY CRITERIA

Figure 8 Human senses and perception of the city; Source: GEHL Architects 2013
20

PROTECTION

1. Protection against Traffic and Accidents and an

Overall Feeling of Safe
• Protection for pedestrians
• Eliminating fear of traffic

Situation for Pedestrians

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.

Implications on Public Life

General safety is a prerequisite for public life. Currently,
the proportion of old people and children seen visiting
Manek Chowk is very few. This could be due to unsafe
pedestrian access, making mobility a big challenge for
vulnerable people. Hence securing pedestrians from Figure 9 Mapping pedestrian movement at Manek
vehicular traffic is one of the major challenges. Chowk; Source: EMBARQ India 2013

Pedestrians are obstructed by shop extensions, vehicles parked and moving, and street vending activities;
Source: EMBARQ India 2013
 Re-imagining Manek Chowk 21

2. Protection against Crime and Violence - Feeling

Secure
• Lively public realm
• Eyes on the street
• Overlapping functions day and night
• Good lighting

Condition of Surveillance
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
Continuation of activities through the day provides
for businesses, residents and visitors. This is primarily constant surveillance; Photo credit: EMBARQ India 2013
achieved by the relationship of the current built form to
the street. Having said this, site observations in Manek
Chowk have revealed some dark areas that may seem
unsafe during the nights.

Implications on Public Life

In general, the participation of women in activities in
the Chowk is quite low. Though the Chowk is functional,
even past midnight, the number of women visiting the
Chowk reduces rapidly beyond 9:00 PM.

Manek Chowk is well lit, but the general street lighting

MANEK CHOWK PSPL: STATIONARY ACTIVITIES
needs an upgrade; Photo credit: EMBARQ India 2013
DATE: 17.9.2013
Date: 17.09.2013
WEEKDAY: TUESDAY
WEATHER: WARM & SUNNY
4%
Weekday: Tuesday
TEMP: 32°C
6%

Weather: Warm and Sunny

20%
Temperature: 32 degrees C TOTAL
54%

500 14%

400

300 Animal feeding activities

Praying activities

Production activities

200 Cooking activities

Lying down

Sitting on secondary sitting-possibilities

100 Sitting on café chairs

Shop keepers sitting on movable chairs

0
Standing

7:00am 1:00pm 7:00pm 9:00pm

Figure 10 Manek Chowk Public Space Public Lfe: Stationary Activities; Source: GEHL Architects and
EMBARQ India 2013
22

Date: 17.09.2013
Weekday: Tuesday
Weather: Warm and Sunny
Temperature: 32 degrees C

Figure 11 Manek Chowk Public Space Public Lfe: Age and Gender map; Source: GEHL Architects and
EMBARQ India 2013

3. Protection against Unpleasant Sensory

Experiences
• Wind
• Rain/snow
• Pollution
• Dust/noise/glare
• Cold/heat

Existing Condition of Air and Noise Pollution and Heat:

Air and noise pollution and extreme heat are some
of the major problems affecting public life in Manek
Chowk. Temporary shades help in reducing heat;
however, continuous noise and air pollution affects the
level of comfort in the public space. Informal vendors
use temporary structures as protection against the
natural elements such as heat and rain.

Implications on Public Life:

Lack of shading devices reduce length of time spent Pollution due to emissions and noise from vehicles have
by people in the public space. High noise levels from a major role in reducing comfort in the public space;
vehicles also reduce comfort in the public space. Photo credit: EMBARQ India

COMFORT
1. Comfort—Opportunities to Walk
Walkability
Manek Chowk has a high number of pedestrians.
However, the space available for pedestrians is highly
limited. Further lack of segregation from vehicular
traffic, obstacles and barriers are major challenges
affecting comfort of pedestrian movement.
Implications on Public life:
Lack of pedestrian facilities affects the attractiveness of
the Chowk and its economic activities. The Chowk is also
increasingly less attractive for vulnerable populations,
i.e. elderly and young children.
On an average, 55 pedestrians per minute cross Manek
Chowk during the peak hour; Photo credit: EMBARQ
India 2013
Due to lack of formal seating, people resort to all forms
of secondary opportunity; Photo credit: EMBARQ India
2013
Re-imagining Manek Chowk 23
2. Comfort—Opportunities of Pause to Stand and
Stay
• Edge conditions/attractive zones for standing/
staying
• Supports for standing
• Facades with good details that invite staying
Opportunities to Stand/stay
The people who spend most of their time in the Chowk
use the edges of buildings and/or other secondary
opportunities as standing spaces. As the Chowk is
an important commercial center, public space is
appropriated for maximum commercial and vehicular
usage; currently, human comfort is given secondary
importance.
Implications on Public Life:
Commercial functions continue to be the central
attraction of the Chowk, however its attractiveness is
hampered due to compromises of comfort, which in
turn would have a long term impact on the businesses
in the area.
3. Comfort - Opportunities to Sit
• Zones for sitting
• Utilizing advantages: view, sun, people
• Good places to sit
• Benches for resting
Predominantly Secondary Seating
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 neighboring homes/ shops. However, in
Manek Chowk the availability of these spaces is limited
and claimed by commercial activities.
Implications on Public Life
The lack of opportunities to sit and rest in shaddowed
spaces in the public space directly affect ones
enjoyment and level of comfort levels in the area.
24
4. Comfort—Opportunities to see
• Reasonable viewing distances
• Unhindered views
• Interesting views
• Lighting (when dark)
Sight Lines
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.
Implications on Public Life
Clear view corridors enhance the experience of comfort
in a public space, building memories and augmenting
associational values. Supporting heritage quality could
enhance the sense of pride and image of the Walled
City.
5. Comfort—Opportunities to Talk and Listen
• Low noise levels
• Street treatment that provides ‘talkscapes’
Figure 12 (left) People are often left with no
alternate route than miandering through heavy
traffic; Source: EMBARQ India 2013
High noise levels
As per the survey conducted in Manek Chowk, it is
observed that day time noise levels are higher than
permissible comfort standards. Despite the high noise
levels, Manek Chowk is still a vital place for people meet,
buy, sell, and socialize. It is also noted that in general
noise levels are high in public areas of Walled City and
this is mainly due to vehicles.
Implications on Public Life:
High noise levels induce high stress levels, reduces
human interaction and the time spent in a place.
6. Comfort—Opportunities for Variety of Activities
• Variety of activities
• By day and night
• In summer and winter
Variety of Activities
Manek Chowk provides opportunities for a variety of
activities that change with the time of day. While, Manek
Chowk has traditionally been a commercial center, it
also serves as a recreational center 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.
Implications on Public Life:
Even though commercial activities are the main
function, other cultural activities are also an essential
part of the collective memory of the place; hence they
need to be conserved.
High intensity of retail activities and shop extensions
create an opportunity for a variaty of activities; Photo
credit: EMBARQ India
 Re-imagining Manek Chowk 25

ENJOYMENT

1. Enjoyment—Scale
• Building and spaces designed to human scale

Human Scale of Public Spaces

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 The built edge offers opportunities for trading and
socializing. A multitude of businesses and their relation
vehicles.
to the neighborhood and the Walled City provide an
active, and relatable human scale to the Chowk and the
2. Enjoyment - Opportunities to Enjoy the Positive way it is being used; Photo credit: EMBARQ India
Aspects of Context
• Sun/shade
• Heat/coolness
• Shelter from wind/breeze

Cultural Heritage
The historic precinct has multiple layers of heritage
resources, whereas in the existing context they are
hidden and the heritage elements are forgotten and
enmeshed with everyday life. The heritage resources
need to be conserved as they reflect the history and
identity of the place.

3. Enjoyment—Positive Sensory Experience

• Good design and detailing Improving the surroundings of monuments and
preserving heritage resources will enhance the public
• Good materials
space; Photo credit: EMBARQ India
• Fine views
• Trees, plants, water

Green Cover and Design

Presence of garbage, dust, animal waste, waste water
and insect repels enjoyment of the Chowk.
Effective waste management and periodical cleaning
could contribute towards better experience of the
Chowk.

Trees not only help in providing shadow, absorb noise

and shelter but also enhances refreshing outlook in
these surroundings.

Address waste management within the Walled City to

enhance sensory experience of the public space; Photo
credit: EMBARQ India
26

RECOMMENDATIONS historical and cultural activities in Manek Chowk

need to be supported by facilities and conserved.
The 12 quality criteria provide a framework for analysis
of quality of life in public places. Based on the analysis Recommendations to Ensure Enjoyment
and discussions on the quality aspects during the 10. Opportunities to Enjoy the Scale: The human
workshop, the following recommendations were arrived scale of public spaces needs to be preserved
to improve quality of public life in Manek Chowk. These and presence of vehicles in public spaces of
aspects needs to be further addressed as guidelines communities needs to be reduced.
for designing of the public place and for the evolving 11. Opportunities to Enjoy Positive Aspects of the
development control guidelines. Context: Positive aspects of the place such as
monuments needs to be made more accessible and
Recommendations to Improve Protection their immediate surroundings need to be improved.
1. Protection against Traffic: To provide a safer 12. Enjoyment of Positive Sensory Experiences:
Manek Chowk for pedestrians. Pedestrians are Provisions for better management of waste is
the economical foundation for the identity of essential elevate positive senses of the Chowk.
the Chowk. Providing pedestrian infrastructures Better treatment of landscape also could contribute
promotes walking, and in turn promotes a healthy towards positive senses.
lifestyle.
2. Protection against Violence and Crime: A general
lighting scheme for the whole entire 'Walled City'
is essential in order to make the overall movement
more comfortable.
3. Protection against Unpleasant Sensory Experiences:
Protection from heat and sun in the form of
shaded areas needs to be developed in the Chowk.
Reduction of traffic could free the space from high
noise levels and exhaust fumes.

Recommendations to Improve Comfort

4. Opportunities to Walk: Organizing vehicular traffic
and spaces for various activities would contribute
towards better comfort, safety and livability, with
space for everybody.
5. Opportunities to Stand/Stay: To establish a clear
relation between private shops and public spaces
by clear definition of spaces for pedestrians to walk,
stand and stay.
6. Opportunities to Sit: It is essential to provide
provisions for seating at appropriate locations by
better organization of space.
7. Opportunities to See: Project heritage quality of
the place by enhancing view of historic axis and
unhindered visibility of the monuments.
8. Opportunities to Talk and Listen: Noise levels in
the Chowk need to be reduced in order to create a
place that meets permissible noise-level standards.
Measures such as traffic calming would result in
reduced traffic flows thereby resulting in an overall
reduction in noise-levels.
9. Opportunities for variety of activities: Existing
CHAPTER 4
CONSERVING THE
CULTURAL HERITAGE
OF MANEK CHOWK
The location of Manek Chowk in between the tombs and its
nature as the central commercial space in the city signifies the
importance of this space in settlement history.
EXISTING CHALLENGES
• In the present context the Walled City is
experiencing a trend of outward migration
of residents, leading to under utilization
and dilapidation of heritage buildings;
• The presence of the monuments
are not felt in Manek Chowk due to
existing developments and activities
in the immediate surroundings of the
monuments;
• Heritage resources that are not under ASI
and often owned privately also needs to be
conserved.
Manek Chowk is located on the south side of
Jami Masjid in between Raja no Hajiro and
Rani no Hajiro the Mausoleums of the King and
Queen respectively.
MANEK CHOWK AS THE HISTORIC
CENTRE OF THE CITY
Re-establishing the Importance of Historic
Axis in Public Memory
Manek Chowk is located in between the
Mausoleums of the King and Queen; these
are located along the axis of the Jama Masjid.
Together the complex of monuments forms
the heart of the historic walled city. During the
Sultanate period, the site for tax collections,
“Mandvi”, was located in Manek Chowk. Over
the centuries, settlements within the historic
city evolved and densified leading to the
growth and significance of Manek Chowk as an
important commercial centre in the city.
Historical texts reveal that a rivulet flowed
along the southern edge the monuments
and Manek Chowk. The space between these
monuments, that is the Chowk, slopes towards
the edge where the rivulet flowed. Moreover,
the public space also acts like a transition space
28

connecting residential neighborhoods on either side

of the monuments; Mahurat pol, one of the earliest
developed pols (residential neighbourhoods) is located
close to Manek Chowk.

RECOMMENDATIONS

• Conservation of heritage resources by organising

space around the monuments and preserving their
historic integrity;
• Heritage Conservation guidelines should focus on
restoring the architectural heritage of the Chowk;
• Conserve existing historical anchors that are Figure 13 The area within Manek Chowk and
currently privately owned and are not protected around the monuments needs to be seen as a
monuments unified public space; Source: EMBARQ India

Jama Masjid King’s

Axis Mausoleum Queen’s
Mausoleum

Heritage Monuments
100 m restricted buffer zone under
ASI
Commercial establishments around
the monuments

Figure 14 Walled City map showing Manek Chowk and the three historic monuments connected along an
axis; Source: EMBARQ India 2013
CHAPTER 5

FINDINGS FROM THE

WORKSHOP ON 'RE-
IMAGINING PUBLIC
PLACES IN HISTORIC
WALLED CITY OF
AHMEDABAD'
Proceedings from the workshop capture key aspects of the
visioning discussions and recommendations towards a way
forward.

Workshop participants at a field trip to Bhadra Chowk; Photo credit: EMBARQ India
30
WORKSHOP PARTICIPANTS
The Workshop was attended by:
• Dr. Guruprasad Mohapatra Commissioner, AMC;
• Ms. D. Thara Chief Executive Authority, AUDA;
• Mr. Ghosh Chairman Heritage Committee;
• Prof. E F N Ribeiro, former Chief Town Planner, Dept
of Town and Country Planning;
• Prof. Vasavada, Head, Centre for Conservation
Studies CEPT;
• Mr. Y S Rawat, Director Archaeology, Gujarat State;
• Dr. Shivanand, Supt. Archaeologist, ASI, Vadodara;
• Ms. Neela Munshi, Senior Town Planner, AUDA;
• Mr. Dinesh Patel, Town Development Officer AMC;
• Mr. P K Vasudevan Nair, Deputy General Manager
Heritage Dept., AMC;
• And other officials from AMC and AUDA;
• Prof. Vikas Dilawari Conservation Architect;
• Ms. Radhika Dhumal, Conservation Architect;
• Ms. Kushi Shah, Conservation Architect;
• Ms. Kamalika Bose, Conservation Architect; and
• Team members from EMBARQ India and GEHL
Architects.
Welcome session at the Workshop; Photo credit: EMBARQ India
PROCEEDINGS FROM THE WORKSHOP
Day 1:
Sanjay Sridhar, Strategy Head, Urban Development and
Accessibility, EMBARQ India, welcomed the participants
and explained objectives of the workshop. Chief
Executive Authority of AUDA introduced the Draft
Revised Development Plan 2021 for Ahmedabad and
stated that a Local Area Plan (LAP) and Development
Control Regulations (DCR) specific to the Walled City
need to be prepared within the Development Plan
framework.
The Municipal Commissioner, Ahmedabad Municipal
Corporation (AMC) expressed the need for a
comprehensive approach towards ‘public space design’
and appreciated the efforts of reimagining public
spaces in Historic Walled City.
Sree Kumar, EMBARQ India, along with Henriette
Vamberg, GEHL Architects, presented the public space
and public life surveys conducted at Manek Chowk, as a
demonstration case analysis. Their analyses emphasized
on the domination of vehicle movement and parking
leading to the deterioration of public life in the square.
While, changing aspirations of users and the demand for
better infrastructure are defining the basis for emerging
growth directions, the need for a people centric

approach to design of public spaces is crucial.
Following the morning sessions, the participants
travelled to the walled city area to get a first-hand
experience of the issues on the ground.
Day 2:
Kushi Shah, Conservation Architect, presented key
highlights from the previous day. This was followed by
a presentation and discussion lead by Vikas Dilawari,
Conservation Architect and Henriette Vamberg, GEHL
Architects. They presented experiences and challenges
of implementing a ‘people-centric’ design of public
spaces, in the context of their own work. This was
followed by the Visioning exercise for Manek Chowk; the
participants were divided into three teams and intense
group discussions were facilitated.
Three key aspects emerged as a common vision across
all teams:
• Retain Manek Chowk as a vibrant commercial,
community centre of the walled city of Ahmedabad.
• Reduce vehicular dominance in the area to
strengthen economic functionality of the public
space; and
• Enhanced public life by augmenting the experience
of the heritage precinct.
The afternoon session chaired by Prof. E.F.N. Ribeiro
Groups sessions at the Worskhop; Photo credit: EMBARQ India
Re-imagining Manek Chowk 31
focused on institutional systems required to execute
stakeholder consultations for development and
implementation of a new vision for Manek Chowk.
Participants agreed that a special committee may
be setup by AMC to look after the implementation.
Overall, through the workshop the complexities of
understanding public spaces in historic cities in India
were addressed. It was agreed up that a ‘people-centric’
approach to public space design by managing mobility,
organizing functional configurations, improving
environmental quality and institutional interventions,
must be adopted.
Rejeet Mathews, EMBARQ India facilitated the
visioning exercise and summarised the discussions.
Ulrik Nielsen from GEHL Architects, Vijay Anadkat and
Neha Mungekar, EMBARQ India also participated in
the workshop. Madhav Pai, Director, EMBARQ India
proposed the vote of thanks and briefed the way
forward. The workshop successfully arrived at clear
directions on reimagining public places in Walled City of
Ahmedabad through the demonstration case of Manek
Chowk; a summary of major findings is presented in the
next section.
32
VISION DISCUSSIONS BY GROUP 1
Major Findings
• Manek Chowk could be developed as a sequel
of Bhadra pedestrian improvement project as a
continuous public space of the Walled City;
• Reduce parking in Manek Chowk and introduce
options of other modes such as cycling from Bhadra
Chowk to reach Manek Chowk. Public transport
system also could be augmented to connect with
the square;
• Segregate vehicular traffic from pedestrian areas
by introducing a level difference. Pedestrianization
of the square needs to be achieved phase wise by
involving in consultative participation with local
stakeholders and public;
• Hawking activity contributes towards vibrancy
of the place; however they need such that they
augment the pedestrian experience. Appropriate
space needs to be found in case of resettlement of
hawkers;
Output from group 1 visioning exercise; Photo credit: EMBARQ India 2013
• Encroachments on the public space and in
surroundings of the monuments need to be
removed
• Reintroduce Shahnai/ Nagar Khana as daily cultural
event of the Walled City.
• Conduct scientific study and research to establish
archaeological importance of the place and
document history.
Long-term Solutions
• Removal of parking from the square;
• Conservation and adaptive reuse of old Stock
Exchange building. A museum on Ahmedabad's
history could be developed in the stock exchange
building, this would also help with the maintenance
of the historic structure;
• Pedestrianizing the Manek Chowk square.
Short-term Solutions
• Removal of encroachments and development of
amenities such as toilets.

VISION DISCUSSIONS BY GROUP 2
Major Findings
• Vision for Manek Chowk is to develop as a vibrant
economic centre and community space to achieve
higher quality of residents of the Walled City;
• Develop dedicated lanes for vehicular traffic and
restrict their movement during some parts of the
day to encourage pedestrian movement;
• Pedestrianization needs to be developed as a step-
by-step process to gain confidence from the local
shop keepers and other stakeholders;
• Paid parking could be introduced on the southern
part of Manek Chowk in the current four wheeler
parking area;
• Traffic management i.e. rerouting of traffic in the
surroundings of Manek Chowk is essential to reduce
traffic impacts on the Chowk;
• The local Government could announce Manek
Chowk as a Special Incentive Heritage Zone to
support maintenance and improvement of heritage
Output from group 2 visioning exercise; Photo credit: EMBARQ India 2013
Re-imagining Manek Chowk 33
resources of the place;
• Removal of encroachments around the monuments
to ensure better appreciation of heritage;
• Identify art-deco concrete buildings of heritage
quality that needs to be conserved;
• Unorganized signage on heritage buildings should
be removed, temporary projections needs to be
organized using same material and design;
• Improvement of infrastructure provisions such
as solid waste management, water supply and
drainage and fire fighting systems;
• Adequate public consultations organized by
AMC involving stakeholders such as elected
representatives of the area, ASI and WAKF Board, are
essential to ensure successful implementation of
improvements suggested.
34
VISION DISCUSSIONS BY GROUP 3
Major Findings
• Vision is to strengthen economic vibrancy of the
Walled City by reimagining Manek Chowk, as a
public space for higher quality of life;
• Pedestrian friendly foot paths and street design to
reduce vehicular traffic through measures such as
speed breakers and traffic restrictions;
• Movement of services vehicles coming to the
Chowk needs to be restricted to before 10:00 AM
and after 07:30 PM;
• Organise parking activities in dedicated areas in
the Chowk and introduce parking fees. The revenue
from parking could be used for maintenance of the
Chowk;
• Participatory process with Shop Owners
Association, NGO SEWA who is involved in
rights of hawkers, elected representatives and
ASI are essential to achieve implementation of
improvement of the square;
Output from group 3 visioning exercise; Photo credit: EMBARQ India 2013
• Comprehensive vending policy needs to be
prepared to organise the hawkers in the area;
• In the present context, shops are extended
on to the street space to enlarge their display
and occupying the space meant for pedestrian
movement. Frontage of the shops needs to be
organized for projections and signage and edge
condition to the street;
• To regulate developments in the Chowk, project its
architectural heritage, control regulations in the 100
m. restricted buffer zone, 200 m. further regulated
zone around ASI monuments, regulate signage and
name boards of the commercial establishments
as per NMA (National Monuments Authority)
guidelines.

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
Improving Mobility aspects:
Reducing domination of Vehicular Movement in Manek
Chowk:
Even though walking is the main mode of travel in
Manek Chowk, vehicular movement which is allowed
one way through the Chowk causes major disturbance
to safety of pedestrians. Parking during most times
of the day and noise and air pollution also hinder
pedestrian movement. Participants of workshop
considered this as a major factor affecting quality of life
in the Walled City and discussed the need for reclaiming
the public spaces by reducing traffic.
Improving accessibility to Manek Chowk:
In the present context, people either walk to Manek
Chowk or use private vehicles to reach the place. The
participants of the workshop opined that in order
to connect Manek Chowk with other centres such
as Bhadra Chowk and BRT stations, usage of private
vehicles could be reduced by providing alternative
modes of public transport services and the feasibility of
such provisions should be explored in further detail.
Reduction of parking of private vehicles in Manek Chowk:
Parking in public spaces was identified as single major
problem of Manek Chowk. Since most the parking in the
Chowk is long term, they are not directly contributing
to the businesses. Participants unanimously agreed
that parking needs to be avoided in the Chowk. Further,
to gain the confidence of shopkeepers and other
stakeholders, there needs to be a phased approach to
impose parking regulations and ultimately removal of
parking in the Chowk.
Public Space Design:
Integration of improvement of Manek Chowk with Bhadra
Chowk pedestrianization project:
Manek Chowk and Bhadra Chowk are the main public
spaces of the walled city. As the Bhadra redevelopment
project is already under implementation, Manek
Chowk improvement needs to be considered as a
sequel to Bhadra redevelopment and the best practices
incorporated.
Urban design approach for people oriented public spaces/
street design:
Provision of safe pathways, segregate vehicular traffic,
enhance comfort by providing rest areas, shaded areas,
Re-imagining Manek Chowk 35
and enhance accessibility for physically challenged and
vulnerable population.
Conserving Heritage Aspects of Public Spaces:
Conservation of Manek Chowk Precinct monuments and
improvement of surroundings:
Removing any encroachments or temporary additions
to the historic structures, which may affect its historic
integrity, is recommended.
To develop conservation guidelines for areas within
provisions of ASI buffer zones:
Specific urban design guidelines needs to be prepared
to restore heritage quality of the Chowk by regulating
signage and hoarding control, facade improvement and
temporary additions to the building facade.
Adaptive reuse of heritage buildings:
Some of the historic structures such as the old Stock
Exchange building could be reused for functions that
would contribute towards heritage value of the place.
Maneknath temple, a historic anchor of the place needs
to be conserved.
Archaeological and historical documentation:
It was opined to conduct detailed research and
document on historical and archaeological significance
of the heritage precincts and monuments.
Need to refurbish infrastructure provisions in Manek
Chowk:
Considering the multiplicity of functions in the
Chowk, it was opined that the public space requires
refurbishment of system for solid waste management,
waste water management collected from the evening
time eateries. Provision for fire fighting system is also an
important requirement for the Chowk.
Institutional Framework and Participative Process
Local Area Plan:
Specific to the Walled City/ward needs to be prepared,
which would address restoring heritage aspects of the
public spaces in the Walled City.
Special Committee to monitor implementation of Manek
Chowk improvement project:
The participants that AMC could constitute a special
committee under the leadership of Commissioner
including stakeholders such as ASI, representatives of
formal sector and informal shop keepers, field experts,
36
traffic police and historians.
Consultative participation and consensus building with
stakeholders:
In order to achieve implementation of the improvement
project it is essential to involve the stakeholders in
consultative participation, and build consensus on the
proposals.
Proceedings from the Workshop; Photo credit: EMBARQ India
Street Vending:
Organizing Street vending activity in the area:
Street venders offer a cheap and efficient alternative
for shopping and food in the area. While, vending
activities contribute to the vibrancy of the place,
their unorganized arrangements obstruct pedestrian
movement in the public space. Legible spatial
demarcations and appropriate clustering of venders
with support infrastructure, can improve functionality
for venders and visitors in the area.
CHAPTER 6
WAY FORWARD
BASED ON
FINDINGS FROM THE
WORKSHOP
To strengthen Manek Chowk as commercial center and public
place of Walled City of Ahmedabad.
DEMONSTRATION PROJECT-
REIMAGINING MANEK CHOWK
Based on the key findings of the workshop with
AMC, AUDA, other officials and key experts
a preliminary outline for a project of Re-
imagining Manek Chowk is being prepared by
EMBARQ India as mentioned below. The project
outline including preliminary Objectives,
Strategies and Methodology would be further
evolved on discussions with AMC and other
stakeholders.
VISION
To achieve higher quality of life in Walled City
of Ahmedabad by enhancing safety, comfort
and enjoyment in its public spaces and there
by ensure long-term sustainability of heritage
values of the place.
OBJECTIVES
To reduce the impact of traffic and parking
on the public life in Manek Chowk area. To
enhance quality of public life in the area by
reclaiming the public space for the people and
ensure protection, comfort and enjoyment.
Conservation of heritage resources in Manek
Chowk in order to ensure their long term
sustainability of its historic importance.
STRATEGIES
Managing Mobility:
• Reroute traffic to reduce thoroughfare
traffic in Manek Chowk and enhance
alternative means of reaching the Chowk;
• Reduce the space occupied by parking in
Manek Chowk by restricting the supply
of parking spaces and diverting parking
activities to public parking lots options in
38

riverfront area;
• Explore provisioning of alternate modes of access
to Manek Chowk.

Improvement of Public Space:

• Prioritise pedestrian in the Chowk by clear
demarcation of pedestrian areas, areas for vendors
and other uses;
• Provide pedestrian friendly infrastructure such as
walk ways, shade, resting/ seating, lighting, street
furniture and utility provisions.

Conservation of Historic Heritage of Manek Chowk:

• Improve the surroundings around the monuments,
historical axis, enhance accessibility to monuments
and visibility for better appreciation of heritage;
• Guidelines to conserve the heritage character
of facades of buildings along the Chowk, eaves
projections, signage regulations, fenestrations and
choice of construction material.

Manek Chowk, a vibrant public space with eateries and vendors during the nights; Photo credit: EMBARQ India
 Re-imagining Manek Chowk 39

PRELIMINARY LIST OF PROJECTS

6. Guidelines and controls for organizing the temporal
Following are the preliminary list of project components additions, materials and finishes on the facades of
arrived based on discussions so far. The list is to be buildings along Manek Chowk.
further refined on working with Ahmedabad Municipal
Corporation. Phase- 3:
7. Guidelines for conservation and restoration of heritage
Phase – 1: buildings and adaptive reuse of heritage structures that
1. Prioritising Pedestrian Movement and Management of are not protected by ASI.
Mobility in Manek Chowk Precinct:
1.1. Development of paved pedestrian areas segregated 8. Guidelines for enhancing heritage aspects around
from traffic in the central space of Manek Chowk; protected monuments
1.2. Rerouting of traffic in Manek Chowk and
surrounding areas to reduce thoroughfare traffic in
Manek Chowk;
1.3. Designated areas for on-street parking,
development of parking lots and introduce priced
parking as means of management;
1.4. Develop alternate modes of transport to reach
Manek Chowk;
1.5. Traffic calming measures such as bollards, geometric
correction of junctions, safe crossings through raised
intersections, tactile paving and other details;
1.6. Provisions to organize loading and unloading
activities for commercial areas.

2. Reorganizing Functions in Manek Chowk Precinct:

2.1. Designated paved areas for hawkers/vendors;
2.2. Provision of shaded spaces, seating areas and other
street furniture;
2.3. Provision of general lighting for public spaces.

3. Improvement of Areas around the Immediate

Surroundings of Monuments in the Precinct:
3.1. Development of paved walkways around the
monuments;
3.2. Provision for seating and signage;
3.3. Special lighting of monuments.

4. Infrastructure Provisions in Manek Chowk Precinct:

4.1. Additional underground service lines such as water
supply and sewerage with special provisions for night
time eateries;
4.2. Refurbishment of the existing public toilet adjoining
the Chowk and provision of drinking water;
4.3. Provisions for better solid waste management.

Phase- 2:
5. Guidelines and controls for signage of shops and stalls in
Manek Chowk precinct.
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