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PORTFOLIOMONSOON SEMESTER 2024AASTHA DHURANDHARUUR22005

Copyright © 2024 Aastha DhurandharAll rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording,or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review

PORTFOLIOMONSOON SEMESTER 2024AASTHA DHURANDHARUUR22005

02SITE INTRODUCTIONSite Location and HistorySite DocumentationSite Analysis12141803DESIGN PROCESSSWOT Analysis Iterations and StrategiesProposed Vehicular PathCluster Analysis2628313204FINAL DESIGN Design IntroductionMaster Plan363801SITE IMPRESSIONPerception of StreetStreet SectionsVendor Documentation020306 Part Details42CONTENTS

About The ProjectThis project focuses on redesigning a bustling street in Manek Chowk, Ahmedabad, toenhance its functionality and vibrancy. The goal is to cater to the existing informalactivities, such as vending and social interactions, while improving pedestrian flow andreducing traffic congestion. By studying the site’s informal elements, vendor patterns,and challenges, the design aims to create flexible spaces that support vendors,pedestrians, and cultural activities. Strategies like modular vending setups,multifunctional areas, and better traffic management will help preserve the street’sdynamic character while making it more organised, accessible, and sustainable for thecommunity.

01The Site Impression section captures the dynamic and vibrant character of the site through detaileddocumentation. Perception illustrations provide a visual representation of the street's bustlingactivity throughout the day. Measured sections highlight the spatial interplay between pedestrians,vendors, and vehicular movement, revealing the complexities of the area. Observations of thevendor setup process offer insights into the informal yet organized patterns of commerce and socialinteractions. This initial understanding forms the basis for a design approach that integrates existinginformal activities while enhancing the overall functionality and accessibility of the space.Documenting Site Observations and PerceptionsSITE IMPRESSION01

Perception of StreetThe Illustration captures the vibrant atmosphere of Old City, Ahmedabad, with bustling main streets full of vendors and shopkeepers. In contrast, the pols are quiet and peaceful, with narrowlanes and charming otlas that give the area a cosy intimate feel.02

Street Section 1: Gandhi Road 03

Street Section 2: Ratan Pol 04

Street Section 3: Pir Mohammed Shah Road05

Sharbat VendorLocation: Gandhi Road06

Chai WalaJama Masjid Entrance07

Clothing VendorBhadra Plaza08

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02The Site Introduction section explores the historical and contextual significance of the site,providing a deeper understanding of its evolution and cultural relevance. The site history outlinesits transformation over time, highlighting key events and developments. The context focuses on itssurroundings, marking important structures and their relationship with the site. Comprehensivedocumentation includes plans, sections, and elevations, offering a detailed spatial understanding.The analysis delves into building heights, land uses, street hierarchy, and movement patterns ofpeople and vehicles, drawing inferences to guide design strategies that align with the site’s uniquecharacter and needs.Exploring History and Site ContextSITE INTRODUCTION11

15th century Establishment of Bhadra and JamiMosque as the pimaryadministrative and religious power.The settlements developed aroundthe Jama-i-mosque. Theestablishment formed the typicalmorphology of medevial townsmuch alike the Sultanate periodDelhi. Early 16th centuryFormation of Fort Wall andexpansion Major streets runningNorth-South leads to Delhi. Thefort wall had three gates leadingNorth, East and South. 16th century-17th centuryThe population expanded withHindus and Mulims as the majorcommunities. The area around theJama-i-masjid was predominantlymuslim while the Hindu populationwas scattered. 16th century-17th century Commerce expanded around thejami area, with gold market comingup towards the east of Jamimosque. Manek chowk waspredominantly pedestrian street.The settlement saw an expansionin diverse religious groups settlingin the precinct. N17th century-19th century Manek chowk gained momentumas the primary gold market of thearea, The housing typology ‘pol’clusters came up during this timeperiod. The British set up theRailway line during the 19thcentury. Bhadra fortJama-i-mosquehindu communitymuslim communitySource- UNESCOHistory and evolution of Ahmedabad12

larger Context of the SiteImmediate Context of the Sitewalled city13Site Context

Site DocumentationAfternoon PlanNorth ElevationSouth Elevation14

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Morning PlanNight Plan16

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Site AnalysisMovement Mappingcloth11.7%G+51.8%G+314.0%G+249.7%plastic3.5%temple1.4%food7.3%metal3.5%utensil11.2%general stores8.9%G16.1%spices3.3%jwelers48.5%G+117.2%• There is a smooth transition of various markets along thestreet moving from Sakri Sheri junction to Dhalgarwad.• Due to the presence of Manek Chowk square thepenetration of the jewellery shops is the highest along thestreet. • The least spread market on the site is the spice market • Most of the buildings on the site are G+2 whichindicates that they were predominantly occupied byresidential population but due to commercialisation ofthe street, it has now been converted into a market • Most of the buildings on the site are G+2 with a fewthat have been renovated and increased in height toG+5, suggesting that renovations are often aimed atexpanding the vertical capacity of the structures. LegendLegendInferencesInferencesBuilding Height G G+1 G+2 SpicesJewellery Clothing G+3 G+4 G+5 andAbove Plastic Food Bank mN0 5 10 20General StoreUtensilMetalTemple18

open35.0%built 65.0%• Although the site has ample open space, the presenceof activities and double-lane parking in multiple areasmakes the space feel more constrained, creating theperception that there is less open space than thereactually is. LegendInferences Built OpenNolli’s MapNmN0 5 10 2019

Inferencestertiary street37.7%secondary street 36.6%primary street 25.7%• Clear Access Points: Manek Chowk Road (secondarystreet) is well-connected to Gandhi Road (primary street)through multiple access points, ensuring smooth flowand connectivity.• Hierarchical Connectivity: The network integrates primary,secondary, and tertiary streets effectively, with key junctionslike Dhalgadwad and Sakdi Seri facilitating movement betweenGandhi Road and Manek Chowk. Primary Street Secondary Street Tertiary StreetStreet Hierarchy MapLegendtertiary street37.7%secondary street 36.6%primary street 25.7%mN0 5 10 2020

N0 5 10 20• The site’s built form provides minimal illumination in mostareas, leading vendors to supplement lighting with temporarysetups, while the night eatery area is well-lit to accommodateits larger crowd, reflecting a focus on spaces with higher foottraffic during nighttimeLegendInferences Built OpenStreet Hierarchy Map21

Movement MappingPedestrian MovementParking Pedestrian MovementTwo Wheeler ParkingPedestrian MovementVehicular MovementFour Wheeler ParkingVehicular MovementPedestrians [3 people]Vehicular MovementFood Vendors Pedestrians [3 people]Vending ZoneLoading And Unloading Food Market Pedestrians [3 people]Auto-rikshaw StandNightMorningAfternoonmN0 5 10 2022

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03The Design Process section outlines the progression of ideas and strategies developed for the site.SWOT analysis identifies strengths and weaknesses, forming the foundation for informed decision-making. Vehicular rerouting maps explore potential solutions to streamline traffic flow. Clusteranalysis of vendors highlights patterns and relationships, informing spatial organization. Iterativedesign explorations refine these strategies, integrating site-specific elements and addressinginformal activities. This structured approach ensures that the final design aligns with the dynamicneeds of the site while enhancing functionality, accessibility, and the overall experience for vendorsand pedestrians.Developing Strategies and Iterative SolutionsDESIGN PROCESS25

StrengthsWeaknesses26SWOT

OpportunitiesThreats27

28Design Iterations

Mahurat ni Pol Part Plan29

30Design Strategies: Process

Proposed Vehicular Movement31

32Existing Vendor Cluster Arrangement

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04The Final Design section presents a comprehensive vision for the site, emphasizing the integrationof informal activities with organized functionality. The master plan highlights spatial arrangements,marking significant structures and their relationships within the design. Isometric and part-isometric views visualize the proposed interventions, illustrating the transformed public spaces andvendor zones. Detailed representations of the design showcase how spatial elements supportpedestrian flow, vending activities, and cultural interactions, creating a harmonious balancebetween informality and structured urban design. This final proposal reflects the intent to enhancethe site’s vibrancy while addressing its challenges effectively.Visualizing the Final Design LayoutFINAL DESIGN35

Understanding Informal Site ElementsInteraction and Movement• Defining Informality: Flexible SpaceUsage• Food Stalls and Night InformalitySocial and Cultural Informality• Spontaneous gatherings •Proximity to Jama Masjid Commercial Informality• Synergy between Shopkeepers and ven-dors• Pedestrian-Vendor En-gagementMarket• Unstructured Seating• Temporary structuresas a catalyst for religiousand social interactionsInformality is the spontaneous, adaptable use of urban spaces for diverse, un-regulated social and economic activities.• Street Vending • ShopExtensions • MobileVendors/ HawkersExploring Contextual Analysis TechniquesSWOTAnalysisDefiningInformalityReroutingVehicular MovementStudyingVendors on SiteSWOT analysis identi-fied site strengths andweaknesses, guidinginformed and con-text-sensitive design de-cisions.Understanding andcategorizing informalelements to design ef-fectively for their inte-gration and enhance-mentEvaluating routes tostreamline traffic flowand reduce congestioneffectively.Analyzing vendor typol-ogies and cluster pat-terns to inform site-spe-cific design strategies.Identifying Challenges and ConcernsVendors encroach junction,disrupting traffic and pedestrianflow.Chaotic pedestrian flow fromoverlapping vending and vehicularactivities.Unorganized parking disruptspedestrian flow and marketaccessibility.Sketches to Visualise the final OutcomeDhalgadwad Junction Jama Masjid Mahurat ni Pol Entrance36Design Introduction

DhalgadwadJunctonSakdiSeriJunct onFruit MarketJama MasjidFlexible SpaceUsage Paid Parking during theday, Food market bythe nightClothing Vendors onDhalgadwad JunctonSmall Shops occupying the front facade of Jama MasjidFresh Produce VendorsVegetable Vendors between the Island BuildingsHaphazard parkingMultfunctonal Open SpaceIdentifying Informal Elements on SiteFlexible ModuleSeating StandingVendors StorageVendorson theGroundDesign StrategiesInformal SectorSupportPedestrian PrioritySpaces andIntegrated Mobili-tyPlaza DesignModular DesignRaised IntersectionSegration of ActivitiesMultifunctional SpacesGreen Edges along the Street37

Master Plan38

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Isometric View40

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Part 1: Dhalgadwad JunctionSection AA’42

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Part 2: Jama Masjid EntranceSection BB’44

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Part 3: Mahurat ni PolSection CC’46

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