urban design strategies to use the spaces under elevated...

© 2019 IJRAR January 2019, Volume 6, Issue 1 www.ijrar.org (E-ISSN 2348-1269, P- ISSN 2349-5138)

IJRAR1BLP167 International Journal of Research and Analytical Reviews (IJRAR) www.ijrar.org 1125

URBAN DESIGN STRATEGIES TO USE THE

SPACES UNDER ELEVATED ROADS Captain Raman Singh,4thyear, Lovely school of Architecture and Design

Proma Roy, Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture, Lovely school of Art and Design

Abstract

Spaces under the elevated roads are much ignored and overlooked in people's eyes and are also known as URBAN VOIDS of

the city. This topic aims solution to problem of neglected spaces under flyovers which are one of the considerable options for

extra usable spaces. This dissertation is to research and focus on the definition and study of urban voids, how these voids can

be turned into public spaces by means of the installation process. The dark spaces created by overpasses can be reduced by

careful design and by incorporating the spaces below, into their urban surroundings. To carry this research firstly the user

group is identified in which interviews and surveys are done. Then literature review for the case studies of development of

spaces under the elevated roads in Indian context, further coming to the conclusion and identifying the solution to uncover the

potential of the Urban Voids, contributing to the public spaces and enhancing the user experience of the surrounding area. The

goal is to identify the problems relevant to the existing condition of the spaces below the identified elevated highways, and to

find a solution by design engagement. Urban voids are areas that break down the urban environment of the town. These are

places that are often ignored and overlooked by the eyes of the people. They are probably the outcome of designing of isolated

planning sites, irrespective of urban environment of the town and site context. The unique characteristic of flyover lies in

the character of an overhead shelter with its generous, longitudinal, barrier-free underground space. It is protected

from the rain and the sun's heat. Throughout the United Kingdom and most commonwealth nations, the term

'flyover' is used and is interpreted as a bridge over another road (flyover), which is a bridge, lane, railway or similar

structure that crosses another road or railway.

Keywords: Elevated roads, public spaces, urban voids, dark space, green area, public interaction

AIM

To study and reflect on the concepts of urban voids by defining and evaluating the form of voids, to explore the value

of these spaces in the sense of the built environment and surroundings, and to prepare a framework to use these places as a

strategy to enhance and improve the city's public sphere.

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OBJECTIVES

Identify the issues associated with the existing state of the spaces below the selected highways and create a practical

solution through design interference by:

Locating and studying a site with good potential.

Identifying the present use and scenario of the location under the overpass.

Studying and integrating public spaces in flyover areas and their social needs continuously catering for grow

th and services

Investigating factors that impact public space functionality. Develop proposals to accommodate the particula

r needs of their present context

METHODOLOGY

The modelling must focus on following parameters:

TOPIC SELECTION: Urban voids are spaces that degrade a city's streetscape. These are spaces that are

always overlooked or ignored spaces in people's eyes, the study of these spaces has generated an interest in

innovative approaches that can improve the city’s public sphere, making it more accessible and workable for a

potential public space.

LITERATURE STUDY: various research papers and books (as mentioned in the references) are referred for a

detailed study of the urban voids and workability of a public place.

SCOPE: limiting this research scope to Jalandhar city’s elevated roads for a focused and detailed study of the

public preferences and activities currently taking place at the locations and a better strategy to resolve the dark

spaces created by the urban voids and unveil the potential of urban public space.

POSIBILITIES: identifying the possible or workable design interventions which can enhance the public space

and encourage public interaction and green area. Also discussing the ideas with the user group and getting

possible ideas which can add up to the dark space created under the urban voids.

IDENTIFICATION: identifying the user group or the people who are going to use the public space majorly

and doing the activity mapping of the space so the daily activities for user is not hindered by the suggested

ideas for the space.




RESULT: identification of the possible solution which can unearth the potential of the public space which can

be created to avoid the dark spaces and enhance the public user experience on the streets which will further

contribute the street scape of the city.

EXPECTED OUTCOME

Methods of identifying and attempting to explore the potential of urban voids in the context of the built environment

and Simple solutions for dark spaces that can be applied to existing public use.

WHAT MAKES PUBLIC SPACE SUCCESS

PPS (Project for Public Spaces) assessed thousands of public spaces around the globe and discovered that

following are the four qualities which are common in all: Activities and use of the space

Sociability

Comfort

Access and link ages.

We always struggle with less to do more whereas citizens are always high in need and demand for better public spaces,

and we are caught in the web of financing and capitalizing, financial-fast-flexible are the three F’s which should be considered

while designing a public space. Considering these factors, the design of public space can be a low cost and high impact.

However, informal selling and gathering spaces are a great example of how cheaper and faster simple ideas can become

perfect spaces for attracting people. Considering 3F’s in a public space, Projects can quickly turn community ideas into reality.

This therefore takes less time, resources and money and is executed on a short-term plan of action. It can then be modified and

personalized based on the need and response of the community. (spaces, n.d.)

WHAT DOES 3F’S MEANS?

1. FLEXIBLE = Flexible and needs-based changing.

2. FAST = Fast to implement

3. FINANCIAL = Making the design financial affordable as these projects are design led projects and a well

thought design can fundamentally shift the design cost towards an affordable program and manageable

solutions.

WHY FFF APPROACH?




The use of the FFF approach will help to create and test the project immediately and directly on the ground.

These are temporary improvements to a public space and are relatively inexpensive.

In this scenario, brings life and services to dead spaces

Faster implementation would generate interest among potential investors.

Create a sense of community and feeling of pride and ownership.

It is a context-based, situation-by-place strategy for transforming poor performing spaces across the city.

MAKING IT FLEXIBLE

1) Integrating Art:

In most cities it has been observed that the sense of pride has been created by public artworks and art installations a

nd can play a major role in the sense of place of local residents. Community consultation and public space design is

crucial to the success of public art projects. It helps build the community's morale and helps build a place's identity

including local artists who will boost the success of the public space.

2) Implementing the community driven ideas:

The success of the placemaking project at each stage of the process always depends on community

involvement. Remember the expert is the community. Giving them what they need is always going to make them

happier. This will help them build alliances, raise money, avoid criticism and opposition, and, if the public supports

and is involved, it also ensures the management and maintenance of the space.

MAKING IT FAST

1) Small intervention huge impact:

All illustrations of FFF place interventions are simple additions of planters or benches in the space or

painting, or the introduction of a community suggestion board on vacant wall. These are highly flexible and price-

effective. Utilizing cheap, ultra-light conversion, the FFF approach will improve public space during a tight budget

or shortage of monetary resources.

2) Activating and repurposing:

It can be implemented very soon with the advantage of using the FFF approach, So it can help in

transforming the public space temporarily in the case of under-performing spaces and in finding the most

appropriate strategy in the process. It will be much safer for groups and organizations that plan to make changes in

the public domain, to be able to improve their case for both support and financing.




MAKING IT FINANCIALLY AFFORDABLE

1) Securing diverse and creative funding sources:

The participatory place making method as well as the FFF approach can help to explore new private and public

funding sources. The main motivation for the FFF approach is the lack of available funds. Non-conventional

financing channels, such as crowd funding and grants or trusts, may be a tremendous benefit in promoting programs

and campaigns.

2) Developing a management structure:

Local collaborations have long term effects on the environment and preserve the public space in the foreseeable

future. The principle appears to be stronger and more likely to be retained as the management strategy slowly

evolves out of the placemaking process.

CASE EXAMPLES

DIVISION STREET, MANHATTAN:

A public pop-up calendar and red LED lighting are installed. The installation gave them the opportunity to share

weekly community events: training classes, exercise programs, announcements of employment and accommodation,

and so on. If nothing else, the calendar "shows that people are willing to stop and pause in a location that doesn't fit

the traditional image of a public space," (Omnibus, 2015)

SPACES USED UNDER CAIRO BRIDGES (EGYPT)

Spaces under Cairo Bridges are used for various commercial and recreational purposes, such as:

- Book Shops

Figure 1: person observing the Pop-up installation for the activities going in town (Bauer, 2014)

Figure 2: Existing uses of the space along Division Street under the Manhattan Bridge(L) and Division street Pop-up

installation(R) (Omnibus, 2015)




- Games and recreational areas for senior citizens

- Interacting spaces

Figure 3: under bridge spaces used as book stalls(L) and for recreational purposes for senior citizens(R)

BOOGIE DOWN BOOTHS, NEW YORK CITY

Boogie down booths was installed on the Freeman street station, New York City. The Booth provides seating, lighting, and

acoustics derived from the rich musical heritage of the borough. The Booth has successfully created a vibrant public space.

The community loved its innovative seating area with music and solar power lighting.

1. Solar-powered LED lights

2. Seating for folks to mingle, have lunch, listen to music, or wait for the bus




3. Directional speakers playing local music in an effort to mask construction and traffic noise

4. Rotating mural for local students and community members to create and change

5. Community bulletin board to share neighborhood events and ideas

6. List of featured local artists with web links to experience more of their music

Figure 4: Boogie down booth at freeman street station, New York City (trivieso, n.d.)

DEVELOPMENT OF PLACES UNDER AMRITSAR BHANDARI BRIDGE

One such case in the city of Amritsar is the spaces under elevated loop at Bhandari Bridge which has immense

potential to grow as active public space. Built in the heart of the city and on both sides booming commercial activity

zone, the room will serve as a spill over to the active public.

Graffiti focused on social measure in some spaces is a way of building awareness among people.

Hereby, dense ornamental plantations will contribute to the climate and ecosystem and serve as a barrier to

minimize air pollution as well as add to street aesthetics throughout the day.

Night time illumination will absolutely turn the street look at night.




JALANDHAR CITY FLY OVER CASE STUDY:

Jalandhar, formerly known in British India as Jullundur, is a city in the Doaba district of northwestern Indian Punjab state.

Jalandhar is the oldest inhabited main town in the Punjab Indian state. The city has experienced rapid urbanization in recent

times and has developed into a highly industrialized commercial hub. (city, n.d.)

PRESENT ISSUES:

1. Public toilets are available which were built under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan but are not properly

maintained (in Zone 1 as per marked in figure 8)

2. There are eatery, newspaper, tea and cigarette vendors. These vendors have no proper space for

sitting and not even for washing utensils (in Zone 2 as per marked in figure 8), which adds up to

unhygienic environment around them.

3. Bus waits for the passenger in between Zone 3 &4 but there is no proper waiting area provided for

passengers which hinders traffic movement and results in traffic congestions.

4. No lights are installed, due to which it becomes a dark space and is overlooked by the people. These

dark spaces further become opportunity for criminals and insecure streets for the public.

POTENTIAL VOID AND AREA SURROUNDINGS (JALANDHAR CITY)

Figure 5: developed under bridge in Amritsar (amritsar, n.d.)




DEVELOPABLE ZONE NEAR JALANDHAR I.S.B.T.:

As primary surveyed, the yellow zone area (excluding 1m buffer from all sides) is 2800 Sq. MT (approx.

30,000 Sq. Ft) that can be developed and made a public interacting space which will enhance the public

approach which will further contribute in public security and space.

Figure 8: zoning around the selected urban void (yellow zone 1-4 are marked on the map)

Figure 7: temporary kiosk existing in zone 4 and

surrounding used as parking Figure 6: showing vendors selling eatery items

1

` 2

` 3

` 4

`




SOLUTIONS:

1. Pop-up installations for awareness about the latest happenings in the city and news displays. All the

exhibitions, fairs, sports activities, mass gatherings etc will be displayed on digital screen with the maps

showing the location and the time.

2. Kiosks and temporary stalls can be built for specified vendor areas to avoid the hassle-free arrangement and a

defined sitting can be provided to the consumers. Also, street vendors will have proper space for cooking and

serving.

3. Boogie down booth concepts can be installed for lighting up the dark spaces, which can be used for sitting also.

These booths can also be used to break the noise of the traffic as well as the silence of the night and make the

surrounding more interacting and safer.

4. Recreational areas can be created by adding short time local games such as – Hopscotch (Pitthu) to make the

space more public interactive.




5. Waiting area between Zone 3 & 4 is required for people. Also, Innovative sitting spaces and lighting of

underbridge will make it safer and more approachable at night times.

6. Wrapping up the highway columns with vertical garden and some attractive local art which will enhance the

aesthetics of the space under the roads. Also, hanging ceilings can be designed and lights can be installed to

light up the area.

7. Footpaths are required for the frequent movement of passengers and avoiding citizens moving on the edges of

the roads.

CONCLUSION:

Urban voids have enormous potential to improve the site and create the city's stronger urban fabric. By intervening an

d reclaiming, these dead spaces could overcome the perception of these spaces and thus create better shared spaces by improvi

ng imageability.

Such spaces can be seen as great opportunities in this expensive environment and used as public urban spaces such as public

meeting areas, pocket parks or plazas, or even places, or activities that attract people and improve the public sphere. In these

crowded contemporary cities, efforts are required to recognize, study and find ways to increase public spaces.

a) Catalyst for public space community, government, NGO’s – There is a need for strong local

leadership to promote the importance of public space.

b) A Strong vision/desire to change – Vision is very important because the willingness to change the area

into context can help to create great neighborhoods.

c) Enjoy great public spaces -People are a key to great public spaces, we get great public spaces if people are

involved in creating public spaces.

d) Identifying the opportunities – Identify dead spaces in the area and make full use of that place's capacity,

community involvement helps a lot in speeding up the development.

Bibliography

amritsar, s. c. (n.d.). smart city amritsar. Retrieved from smart city amritsar:

http://www.smartcityamritsar.com/project/development-of-space-under-elevated-loop

Bauer, C. (2014, june). Design Trust for public places. Retrieved from Design trust:

http://designtrust.org/events/division-street/

Below, C. f. (2015, May 15). Cairo from Below. Retrieved from Cairo from Below:

https://cairofrombelow.org/2015/05/15/utilizing-lost-space-in-cairo/




city, j. (n.d.). jalandhar city. Retrieved from jalandhar city: https://jalandhar.nic.in/

Last Name, F. M. (Year). Article Title. Journal Title, Pages From - To.

Last Name, F. M. (Year). Book Title. City Name: Publisher Name.

Omnibus, U. (2015, August 19). Urban omni bus. Retrieved from https://urbanomnibus.net/2015/08/under-

development-reclaiming-700-miles-of-public-space/: https://urbanomnibus.net/2015/08/under-development-

reclaiming-700-miles-of-public-space/

trivieso, c. (n.d.). chat triviso. Retrieved from chat trivieso:

https://www.chattravieso.com/index.php?/architecture/boogie-down-booth/


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