International Journal of Architecture (IJA) Volume 6, Issue 1, January-June 2020, pp. 8–20, Article ID: IJA_06_01_002 Available online at http://iaeme.com/Home/issue/IJA?Volume=6&Issue=1 © IAEME Publication REVITALIZATION OF URBAN SPACES: SAIDAPET MARKET, CHENNAI Ar. R. Ragavendira School of Architecture, Sri Manakular Vinayagar Engineering College, Puducherry, India ABSTRACT The main objective of this is to discuss the issues related to the revitalization of urban public space and its importance in relation to the urban design study. Revitalization reintroduces activity and prominence to the most deprived and neglected part of the cities, which were afflicted with a long period of complex and interrelated problems such as economic decline, social problem, spatial and infrastructural poverty leading to the loss of urban functions and impoverishing the quality of life of the inhabitants. The case study of saidapet market demonstrates that the gradual decline of local economic activity in the Saidapet is one of the many problems faced by the city. This activity is seen on their public market that has become one of the major trading centers in Chennai before suddenly becoming unpopular to the public due to common problems and lack of facilities that could attract both locals and people from other areas. In accordance with this problem, we attempt to give the best solutions by investigating the existing public market, surveying, reading various sources, formulating case studies and exploring new concepts and technologies. As we try to involve more public participation we decided to propose redevelopment of the existing public market together with tourist facilities such as, making the market more user friendly, Parking facilities, rerouting the traffic pattern in and around the market, eatery stalls to accommodate existing street hawkers and a transportation terminal (pedestrian bridge) to revitalize the present condition of the public market. With these facilities, the local vendors have a thriving business, it will provide more job opportunities; preserve their local industries while strengthening their linkages to other economic centers in Chennai. Key words: revitalization, economic decline, social problem, infrastructural poverty. Cite this Article: R. Ragavendira, Revitalization of Urban Spaces: Saidapet Market, Chennai. International Journal of Architecture (IJA), 6(1), 2020, pp. 8–20. http://iaeme.com/Home/issue/IJA?Volume=6&Issue=1 http://iaeme.com/Home/journal/IJA 8 [email protected] Revitalization of Urban Spaces: Saidapet Market, Chennai 1. INTRODUCTION Public markets in India often described as a dingy environment ventilated with foul odor. Consequently, these situations and conditions of public markets lead to the construction of modernized supermarkets and hypermarkets which are fully air conditioned that promotes convenience shopping that leads to its rapid popularity. However, public markets still support a pivotal role in promoting public health and local food systems. Many of the agricultural, fishery and forestry products are delivered into the public market by various traders from different parts of the country. For generations, street vending has provided vibrancy, colour and a market outlet in Indian cities. However, as the 21st century progresses, the dynamic growth of city populations, the scale of physical development, and globalizing economies create new challenges for street vendors, who face changing political, economic and social contexts and increasing competition for space. Today, modern street vending plays a vital role in the urban economy, as a source of jobs, revenue and „value added‟ to the economy. Street vending provides a flexible link in economic supply chains, gives vitality to urban streets, and provides affordable goods for many urban residents. Yet street vending exacerbates congestion at busy sites (eg: city centres where competition for space is acute) and vendors lack the facilities for „decent work‟. This project explores the challenges of managing street vending in developing streets of Chennai, and explores how inclusive urban design can generate imaginative use of space. The Design Guide adopts a „rights-based approach‟ to development, building on the paradigm of the right to the city, which argues for a right for all urban inhabitants to access the benefits of urban life, including street vendors. 2. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM The deteriorating condition and its lack of supporting facilities have become the predicament of the Abdul Razzak Public Market. These scenarios lead to a sudden decrease in patronage coming from the public. Moreover, the changing market pattern and interest of the consumers also adds to the situation leaving the public market and the vicinity a sickly environment. The existence of these problems may pose a threat to the sustainability of the market. Issues that can be addressed are the market environment, rerouting of traffic and livelihood as part of income and employment. The Project Aims to Answer the Following Questions What specific steps can be done to address and alleviate the problems in their public market? What are the usual and common activities inside and outside their public market? What are the factors that could affect the efficiency and capacity of their public market? How could environment nurture the situations and conditions of their public market? What type of environment and facilities could maximize the use of their public market? How could their public market be transformed to invite also foreign nationals and further cater traders, sellers and consumers giving new activities and market shopping experience? http://iaeme.com/Home/journal/IJA 9 [email protected] R. Ragavendira What are the extent needs of their public market that can be answered through architectural interventions? Goals, Objectives and Strategies The goal is to redevelop the Abdul Razzak Market that will invite both locals and people from other area through architecture. Objectives 1. To provide functional and well-designed spaces. 2. To reestablish and promote local market through user (public) oriented facilities. 3. To redesign the existing market in new approach. Strategies 1. Investigating the existing public market. 2. Conducting interviews with the city local government officials, sellers and consumers. 3. Reading various sources such as books, magazines and the like. 4. Formulate both local and foreign case studies. 5. Exploring applicable solutions including concepts and technologies. 3. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY The significance of the study varies from different related aspects. These include impacts on locals as part of tourism, on domestic livelihood, economic level and most importantly, its contribution to the architectural development of public market design not only in India but also globally. This study will further flourish what public space is all about. 3.1. Saidapet - Historical Significance Saidapet was founded by the Nawab of the Carnatic in the 18th century AD and was named Sayyid Khan Pettah after Sayyid Khan, the army commander of the Nawab's forces. When the kingdom began to decline, Saidapet was occupied by the British East India Company and was made the administrative headquarters of Chingleput district. The health district in Chengalpet district is split into Saidapet hud and Kanchipuram hud. Panagal building which is a part of Saidapet is a famous landmark. Saidapet is named after Sayyid Shah (Sayyid Musalman Sahib), a high-ranking 18th-century official of the court of the Nawab of Arcot. The then Nawab of Arcot gifted these parts to Sayyid Shah in 1730. However, Saidapet at that time also included Kotturpuram and Nandanam. The Maraimalai Adigal Bridge (previously the Marmalong Bridge) connects the northern banks of the Adyar River with the south. This bridge was originally built in 1726 by Coja Petrus Uscan. The dilapidated old bridge was replaced by a new one in the 1960s built as part of the reconstruction and modernization efforts. Saidapet was obtained by the British East India Company in the 1700s along with the jaghir of Chingleput. From 1859 to 1947, Saidapet served as the district headquarters of Chingleput District. In 1947, the headquarters was shifted to Chengalpattu. Saidapet was included in Madras city during 1945-46 and since then forms a part of the corporation. Saidapet had a large weaver population and handlooms were in operation as late as 1990. It was quite notorious for filariasis in the olden day. http://iaeme.com/Home/journal/IJA 10 [email protected] Revitalization of Urban Spaces: Saidapet Market, Chennai 3.2. Saidapet – Transportation Railway station The Suburban Railway station in Saidapet is located between the stations of Guindy and Mambalam. It is easily accessible from the main road. Buses Saidapet has a MTC bus terminus located on Anna Salai. There are frequent bus services originating from this place to other important parts of the city and outskirts. Many buses also pass through this area and offers excellent connectivity to various places and West Saidapet has a MTC bus terminus located on West Jones Road. Metro Rail Plans have been finalised by the local government to build a Metro Rail which connects to Alandur in the South and Chamiers road in the North as part of the Chennai Metro Rail Scheme. The tentative year of completion is 2013. Bridges The bridge located near the market on Jeenis road serves as a vital link to Mount Road from West Saidapet. Jones road underpass serves an important link for West Saidapet and Jaffarkhanpet. Aranganathan subway serves to connect Ashok Nagar and Mambalam. Alandhur bridge to connect Guindy Industrial Estate and West Saidapet, it helps to by- pass Guindy Katipara bridge to reach Mount road from 100 Feet road 3.3. Why Saidapet Fish Market? From fishes and meat, and from fruits and vegetables, the bazaar sells it all, despite the fact that size and state of the roads make it almost impossible for vehicular traffic to move”.lack of footpaths and congestion making it a challenging prospect to even walk”. Those who live here share from their evening tea to toilet facilities in an atmosphere that is “full of life”.