TITLE: Architecture as a catalyst for transformation of public spaces.

DEFINITION:

Transformation - process of transforming or the state of being transformed.

KEY WORDS:

Healthy cities.

City planning.

Homelessness.

Markets.

Public squares.

Sustainability.

Community participation.

Introduction:

Rapid urbanization has been posing a serious threat to urban development as aResult of lack of preparedness in terms of planning and infrastructure availability inThe cities of developing countries.

Bangalore is one such city in India. It’s Asia’s fastest growing cosmopolitan city. It is home to some of the most high tech industries in India. Bangalore is also home to some of India’s premier scientific establishments. It is among the top 10 preferred entrepreneurial locations in the world, blessed with a salubrious climate, gardens & parks, natural lakes, architectural landmarks, shopping malls, the best restaurants and pubs in this part of the globe, business opportunities. Bangalore, a city which had a image of garden city, air-conditioned city, city of scientific and technological institutions, and now IT and BT city. Is facing lot of social issues due to rapid urbanization, high haphazard growth and poor management which are being experiencedIn the metros of several developing countries.

As an architect’s V all say we are helping in shaping the society. I always wonder, what are the responsibilities of an architect towards society?

Architecture as a social tool for urban issues - ar. martin Del guayo

As the architects we all say that architecture can act as catalyst in transforming a city and the lifestyle of the people. But exactly how can a space transform lifestyle and the image of a city?

This question frames my thesis.

ABOUT SITE:

The site selected is in Bangalore it is named as Krishna raja wodeyar MARKET which is at the heart of the city of came into existence in 1508 and was started by Mysore king Krishna raja wodeyar and named after it .it is Asia’s biggest flower market which has lot of potentials in it as it is in the city centre, which framed the foundation stone for the setup of Bangalore’s existence.

The K R Market in all its traditional glory attracts the sale and purchase of more than 20 tones of flowers daily. The flowers arrive into the city not only from different districts of the State but also from the neighboring states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala.

The old and filthy market, is now suffering from lack of maintenance in the vicinity there are no proper facilities provided for the vendors already there is a existing structure which is not able to cater the population and also the issues surrounding the site are dump yard, homeless people, traffic, parking, outdoor market, unhygienic condition, outdoor markets and life’s of cows and dogs. The customers are thinking twice before taking the products because of its unhygienic conditions, it is not an easy place for customers to traverse and do their purchasing as there is hardly any space in the bustling market but there is no option for even the customers. It’s affecting the image of the city in a very bad way due to its issues.

Aim: The site has potentials and disadvantages with existing structure I am trying to reframe the market with existing structure n bringing transformation through spaces which will challenge the shopping mall culture and make involve the community for the social and political awareness and through these spaces.

OBJECTIVES:

- To study the characters of homeless people around the site and make them involve into society.

- To bring a new identity to market and the surrounding spaces.- To study the vacant pockets around the site(presently used as dump yard) - To create public spaces for the social interaction.- To create spaces for temporary as well as permanent markets.- Study the concept of Sustainability.

HYPOTHESIS:

“A city of profound aesthetic and environment culture with a balanced urban ecosystem in terms of land use, infrastructure and human beings belonging to various socio-economic strata”.

METHODOLOGY:

1. To study the existing character of the city and market.

2. To study different spaces and existing activities happening around the market.

3. To study and analyze the site and statics of site

4. To understand the potentials and drawbacks within and around the site.

5. Program formulation, concept and design.

Live case study:

Dilli Haat, New Delhi.

City centre, Kolkata by Charles Correa.

Chandni Chowk, New Delhi.

Literature case studies:

Handmade school, Bangladesh.