Master in Architecture (Urban Landscape Design)

Master in architecture (Urban Landscape Design)

1. Details of module and its structure

Module detail

Subject name M.arch - architecture

Paper name Urban landscape design

Module name/title Case study _ fort kochi, alleppey, sarovam

1. To learn about urbanism and the need for open space in urban areas. Objectives 2. Ecological design of open spaces like wetland, beach etc 3. Accommodation of local design language and vernacular solutions.

Keywords Case study _ fort kochi, alleppey, sarovam

M.Arch Architecture Urban Landscape Design

2. 2. Development team

Role Name

National coordinator Subject coordinator Dr. Monsingh d. Devadas

Paper coordinator Mr. K. Raghuraman

Content writer/author (cw) Mr. K. Raghuraman Content reviewer (cr) Mr. Deepak rao Language editor (le)

M.Arch Architecture Urban Landscape Design

E-text & learn more Text

Alleppey

Waterfront development of alleppey canals the heritage canals… Alleppey canals

The town of alleppey has a network of canals included in the west coast canal system which are used for navigation. The important canals are vadai canal and commercial canals and the link canal between these two canals.

The back water system and their adjoining areas are subjected to seasonal flooding and are utilized as filtration ponds for aquaculture and pokkali (salt resistant variety of paddy).

M.Arch Architecture Urban Landscape Design

Alleppey canals then…

M.Arch Architecture Urban Landscape Design

The design approach …

. The landscape proposal for the canals of alleppey started not from the drawing board, instead, from the site itself.

. The canals were desilted & re-connected to the sea to revive the natural flushing of waters due to tidal activity.

. Sewage & wastes flowing into the canals was curtailed.

. Banks were stabilized to clearly define the canals.

. Tracts of land along the water, was identified as possible green recreation zones. These areas varied from 15m to barely a few feet in width.

. Walking trails were identified at various levels & were evolved in a way so as to retain the existing trees.

. Steps or “padithurais” were designed to connect all horizontal planes.

. Play spaces & other recreational zones were conceived along the stretch.

. Seatings & view-points were devised as both static & dynamic spaces to enhance the landscape design.

. A revised lighting scheme was formulated so as to avoid dark spots and thus prevent anti social activities.

. Vernacular style of architecture was followed in all structures used in the landscape design.

. Retain existing vegetative cover as much as possible.

. An urban landscape plan was formulated keeping in mind the street furniture, hoardings, imagery of the site.

. A suitable maintenanace strategy was also thought of, so as to make the project self sustaining.

M.Arch Architecture Urban Landscape Design

Initial schemes….

M.Arch Architecture Urban Landscape Design

The construction phase …

Alleppey canals now…

M.Arch Architecture Urban Landscape Design

Alleppey canals – a visual comparative

M.Arch Architecture Urban Landscape Design

Alleppey beach Alleppey has large number of assets of varied nature, the beaches, backwaters, canals and the greeneries. All these characters have raised alleppey as a prime tourist destination area. They are at least fifty meters wide and sandy with rocky promontories and palm trees. These beaches are ideal for swimming so the beach area, which remains isolated and devoid of any development and facilities need to be revived.

Quality & character of alleppey beach: • Single large open space for the town of alleppey.

• Was once the “port” for the district of alleppey. Loading & unloading of goods happened here.

• Lack of character/ imagery.

Design approach:

M.Arch Architecture Urban Landscape Design

• Creation of identity for alleppey.

• Establish a relevance to exisiting landscape.

• Creation of seating galleries, paved walkways, pedestrian plazas, etc.

• Design to accommodate existing proposals of road widening/ expressway.

Salient features • Meandering walkways have been created to add interest to the walking experience.

• Planter boxes and green pockets have been introduced.

• Plant selection to suit coastal areas.

• Area in front to accommodate future road expansion.

The design approach:  Creation of a paved walkway along the length of the beach.  Creation of seating plazas along the walkway.  Creation of multi level user spaces along the beach stretch.  Creation of green zones.  Introduction of pergolas, seaters, fountains, etc.

M.Arch Architecture Urban Landscape Design

Alleppey now…

M.Arch Architecture Urban Landscape Design

Proposed urban landscaping of fort kochi beach A municipal town from 1866 to 1967, fort kochi now is one of the three main urban components that constitute the present day city of kochi in kerala, the other two being mattancherry and ernakulam.

The jew town…. • The jew town is a narrow street between mattancherry palace and the synagogue.

• Jew town in mattancherry is famous for the antique shops all along its sides.

• The colonial buildings lining the street add to its old- world charm.

• Jew town, a bustling port area and centre of the kochi spice trade.

• Scores of small firms huddle together in old, dilapidated buildings and aromas of spices .

• It is about 9 km from ernakulam town.

• . Earlier mattancherry was the trade link to ernakulam. Main trade was on spices such as pepper and turmeric

M.Arch Architecture Urban Landscape Design

• Tea is also traded. Mattancherry deteriorated mainly since the porters working at various firms had some unaccounted trouble with the merchants.

• Mattancherry is also home to the synagogue.

The jew town….

The landscape proposal for fort kochi comprises the following: • Revitalisation of existing walkway.

• Creation of pedestrian decks or plazas as niodal junctions.

• Retaining the existing paving pattern and material as heritage paving.

• Introduction of slope lawns, tree pits and seating areas where possible.

• Creation of a large open space at southern end for cultural and gathering activities.

• Facilities planning like provision of information kiosk, poilice kiosk, amphitheatre, seater units, food courts, etc.

Landscape layout – part 01 – at southern end

M.Arch Architecture Urban Landscape Design

Landscape layout – part 02

Lanscape layout – part 03

M.Arch Architecture Urban Landscape Design

Landscape layout – part 04

• Entry into the sandy beach from the parking area

• Parking bays are provided so as to facilitate better vehicular movement.

• Slope lawns and retaining walls are suggested on the sea side.

Children’s play area in park

M.Arch Architecture Urban Landscape Design

Open air theatre in park

Stepped lawn area in park

M.Arch Architecture Urban Landscape Design

• Semi permanent structures in the park

• Pergola plaza with an entrance archway signifying the entry into the park.

Section through proposed food court

M.Arch Architecture Urban Landscape Design

Existing walkway

Existing food court

Sarovaram - wetland development…

Sarovaram…

M.Arch Architecture Urban Landscape Design

. The kottuli wetland of kozhikode is a coastal wetland, and functions on the principles of high tide & low tides of the arabian sea.

. It is the largest “lung space” in calicut.

. Most significant source of groundwater recharge.

. Rich source of bio-diversty.

. Home to many species of flora & fauna.

. Asset to the city that ought to be preserved and maintained for future generations.

. Bio-diversity conservation does not mean “to just preserve”.

. It implies effective use of the resource without reducing its potential to meet future demands.

. Development should be controlled and regulated so as to ensure constant interaction between the environment & the public.

Existing photos….

M.Arch Architecture Urban Landscape Design

Sarovaram… Walkway along canal…

M.Arch Architecture Urban Landscape Design

In progress…

M.Arch Architecture Urban Landscape Design

Master plan… For effective planning strategies, the area is divided into the following zones: . Zone i – green belt

. Zone ii – canals/ waterway

. Zone iii – active recreation zone

. Zone iv – water sports – kalipozhigaiya

. Zone v – existing mangrove/ wooded area/ wetlands.

. Zone vi – bird sanctuary

M.Arch Architecture Urban Landscape Design