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Dissertation Document
Dissertation Document
SUBMITTED BY
2019-2024
CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that the work contained in the thesis titled “URBAN LOST SPACE – A CASE
OF THAMPANOOR” submitted by MOHAMMED SUFIYAN SHARAFUDEEN
(BGATEBCO39) for the award of degree of Bachelor of Architecture to the University of Calicut is
a bonafide work carried out by her/him.
CERTIFICATE
_________________________ ___________________________
DECLARATION
I do hereby declare that the thesis entitled “DISSERTATION TOPIC, LOCATION”, is an original
work of the study and design done by me independently during the 10th semester, B. Arch degree
course in the Global Institute of Architecture, Palakkad and the thesis has not previously been
submitted in part or full for a B. Arch degree or any other degree whatsoever.
Place: Signature
Date: Name
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
ABSTRACT
CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1 PROJECT INTRODUCTION…………………………00
1.2 AIM……………………………………
1.3 OBJECTIVES
1.4 METHODOLOGY
1.5 SCOPE AND LIMITATAIONS
CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION
CHAPTER 1
INDRODUCTION
Challenges in Thampanoor:
Traffic Congestion: Thampanoor may suffer from traffic congestion due to inefficient use of
urban space, leading to reduced mobility and quality of life for its residents.
Aesthetic and Environmental Concerns: Neglected spaces can be eyesores and may
contribute to environmental degradation, affecting the overall appeal of the locality.
Safety and Security: Abandoned areas can become hubs for anti-social activities, posing
safety concerns for residents.
Opportunities for Transformation:
Mixed-Use Development: These areas can be redeveloped into mixed-use spaces,
incorporating residential, commercial, and recreational components to create vibrant urban
neighbourhoods.
Green Spaces: Transforming vacant lots into parks or green spaces can contribute to
improved air quality and the overall well-being of residents.
Cultural Hubs: Abandoned buildings can be repurposed into cultural or artistic hubs,
fostering creativity and community engagement.
Conclusion:
Thampanoor, like many urban areas, is grappling with the challenges and opportunities presented by
urban lost spaces. With thoughtful planning, community involvement, and innovative approaches to
redevelopment, these lost spaces can be transformed into valuable assets that contribute to the overall
livability and sustainability of the locality.
AIM
OBJECTIVE
The main objective of this research is to define the characteristics of lost urban spaces. The specific
objectives of this research area:
The study can be used to determine lost spaces in any urban areas around the globe.
METHODOLOGY
The project focus on an Area Based Development program, which will focus on the core city area,
comprising the East Fort- Chala- Thampanoor. This qualitative research helps in identifying the
characteristics of lost spaces within any urban areas.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Fig 1: - Solid Void plan of the “Apartment Condition” inhabiting a thickened wall.
Fig 2: - Positive Void; reversing main and auxiliary space.
Fig 3: - “Actual Condition”; inhabitable spaces
2 Functional Voids
These are dead vacant spaces in the cities .When a space is not used like it was designed to use the
space becomes defunct. These occupy precious land in the city and make the environment
unpleasant.
3 Geographical voids
These area existing geographical features in the city . When the city planners and designers do not
respond to these geographical features voids are created around them making the space unusable.
E.g. :- River, Nuallah , etc.
The most important thing for this thesis is to study and understand urban spaces and people in
cities . Both cities for people and the social life of Small urban spaces will help in understanding the
human perception of the city and its context.
Derelict land
Derelict land is defined as ‘land so damaged by industrial or other development as to be incapable
of beneficial use without treatment’.
Brownfield land
Land which is or was occupied by permanent structures (excluding agricultural and forestry
buildings) and associated fixed surface infrastructure.
Lost and dead space
These are the left-over unstructured landscapes which are generally found at the base of high-rise
towers. They can be the un-used sunken plazas which are away from the pedestrian flow and
activity in the city. They are the undesirable urban areas and anti-spaces which make no
contribution to the surrounding.
WHAT IS THE “LOST SPACE”?
Roger Trancik, the American urban theorist uses different phrases to describe the lost features such
as the following expressions in the notable way.
I. - Broad, without form, without boundary and continuous edge, incomprehensible and
incapable of connecting with urban elements, etc.
II. - Unused spaces that is isolated from the flow of walking activities, abandoned and left
areas that have lost their original nature, spaces that do not have a guardian, etc.
As it is noticeable, this feature can be divided into two generally discussed categories.
The first category refers to the features of shape, form, and a way to communicate with
other urban elements which occurs to the area of physical debates.
The second category refers to the user types of these spaces in the field of functional issues.
In other words, Roger Trancik points out and deals with two aspects to investigate the
causes of the lost:
1. - A view to the form, mass and space relationships, the quality of the space defined by
each location, how to communicate with other urban elements, etc.
2. The functional view of each user type and function space, the compatibility functions,
acquisitions, etc.
Somewhere else Roger Trancik wrote in his book: “In general, the lost spaces are the urban
areas which are undesirable and need to be redesign; or its suppliers do not have any positive
impact on the environment. Most of them have no clear definition and boundaries as well as
in communicating with other elements of the [city] that are incapable. However, these
spaces present some valuable opportunities to define and revitalize urban spaces to
designers”
STUDY ANALOGIES
First, We Shape the Cities , then they shape us ( Gehl , 2010)
“If we look at the history of cities, we can see clearly that urban structures and planning
influence
human behavior and the ways ¡n which cities operate This explains the existence compact
urban fabric of the medieval cities with their short distances, layout of main streets, public
squares and marketplaces functioned as center of trade and craftsmanship.
There will always be a mutual influence between the city and the people. This connection
between invitations and behavior can be seen in present condition of cities which are try in g to
solve the issue of growing traffic in our cities. “We can always find new ways to increase our car
use, building a direct invitation to buy and drive more cars.”
Life, Space and Buildings (GehI , 2010)
If we want to create better cities, spaces working with scale is the most difficult and most
sensitive urban planning discipline. ¡f this is neglected or fails city will decline in its quality of life.
“The widespread practice of planning from above and outside must be replaced with new
planning procedures from below and inside, following the principle first life, then space, then
buildings. Instead of reverse order in the planning process that prioritize buildings, then spaces
and (perhaps) a little working with the human dimensions requires life and space to be
treated More buildings”
This method involves introductory work that determines the character and scope of the
projected life in the development. Then the agendas are prepared for the city spaces and city
structure, and then buildings can be placed or positioned to ensure the best possible coexistence
between life, spaces and buildings. This work expands into large developments and larger
districts but is always rooted in the requirements for a well functioning public life
Introduction.
'New York Highline' is formal industrial railway. the 1.45-mile-long elevated steel structures has
been built for freight trains. The last train ran on it was in the 1980's since then it remained
abandoned making a void in the fabric. in 2003 a competition was arranged to transform the
potential of the site. After the transformation it has attracted a large no of visitors and local people
on a daily basis and become an important catalyst for public life in the city.
• Freight trains on street-level tracks, run by New York Central Railroad, delivered food to
lower Manhattan. but created dangerous conditions for pedestrians; 10th Ave. became
known as "Death Avenue." By 1910. more than 540 people had been killed by trains.
• The first train ran on the High line-which was then called the "West Side Elevated Line." The
line was fully operational by 1934. transporting millions of tons of meat, dairy, and product.
The lines cut directly through some buildings, creating easy access for factories like the
National Biscuit Company (aka Nabisco). which is now the home of Chelsea Market.
• In the decades of disuse, many people were calling the High Line an ugly eyesore (Mayor
Giuliani signed a demolition order, one of his lost acts in office). But few of these critics saw
what had secretly taken over the structure: a thriving garden of wild plants. Inspired by the
beauty of this hidden landscape. Joshua David and Robert Hammond founded Friends of the
High line, a non-profit conservancy. to advocate for its preservation and reuse as a public
space.
• The High Line is now one, continuous, 1.45-mile-long greenway featuring 500+ species of
plants and trees. The park is maintained operated and programmed by friends of the High
Line in partnership with the NYC Deportment of Parks & Recreation. On top of public space
and gardens, the High Line is home to a diverse suite of public programs, community and
teen engagement and world-class artwork and performances.
strategy
Throughout the park's length, the design blends agriculture and architecture in a codified system
called "Agri-tecture" - combing together hardscape and soft scape areas changing proportions 10
create a pathless landscape where the public can meet in unscripted ways.
The flexibility of the varied spaces, which provides for small or large programming, and single or
group activities, has encouraged spontaneous events. The park has accommodated both planned
and unplanned dance, music and theatre performance
impact
The recycling of the railway into on urban park has increased real estate development in the
neighborhoods that lies along the line. Mayor Bloomberg noted that the High Line project has
helped user in something of a renaissance in the neighborhood : by 2009, more than 30 projects
were planned or under construction nearby,
Conclusion
By turning on abandoned railway line into a vibrant public park with many activities this
project has redefined the new work experience opening new vistas for the city. Interaction
with the surroundings lift the imageability of the neighbourhood. People like to walk and
enjoy the activity and nature in one of the dense urban fabric of the city. The nearby land
prices increased by 30% after the construction of this project. The success impact of the
High Line in New York City at this moment has inspired other cities to investigate the
feasibility of replicating it in their cities, "including Chicago, Philadelphia, and St. Louis " It
has encouraged other large cities leaders, such as Mayor Rahm Emanuel of Chicago, who
see it as "a symbol and catalyst' for gentrifying neighbourhoods.
In 1928, Kankaria was declared protected under the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act.
A lakefront is developed around it, which has many public attractions such as a zoo, toy train, kid's
city, tethered balloon ride, water rides, water park, food Stalls, and entertainment facilities. The
lakefront was revamped in 2007—2008. Kankaria Carnival is a week-long festival held here in the last
week of December. Many cultural, art, and social activities are organized during the carnival.
Strategy
• In the first stage of conceptualization, the main aim was focused on to develop the lake edge. This
included providing parking facilities, congregating existing amenities and de-congesting the
peripheral road.
• The second stage of conceptualization moved a step ahead and envision a complete pedestrian
zone which would house & formalize the informal sector as well as provide a traffic free zone for
various other activities. The portion of the road left open for vehicular movement was to be
provided with better parking provisions. This further developed in development of the ring road and
provision of parking facilities along the road.
• The conceptualization of the ring road and incorporation & promotion of BRTS (Ahmedabad Bus
Rapid Transit System) saw the development of the third stage. This vision of promoting public
transport provoked the designers not to provide parking spaces along the vehicular movement area,
also pedestrianizing the entire lakefront. The design though, still incorporated tarred road in the
area previously envisioned for vehicular movement. The addition of Entrance gates by AMC, marked
the end of this stage.
Impact
Cleaning of lake improved the quality of water inviting various bird species. Lakefront development
is conceived as a memorable recreational urban space and has enriching experience. It has become a
good tourist place and attracts visitors both local and tourist. Project cost can be recovered from the
services provided over a period. The culture of littering, encroachment, building and heritage abuse
in past is replaced by the culture of walkability (public friendliness), public art, festival, sports and
recreation. Entry fee is relatively low thus affordable for students, low- and middle-income people
Evaluation
• Walkability is not a new concept in Indian context. Still, a complete pedestrian friendly
space is difficult to achieve and implement m the current urbanized context of Indian cities.
This project -made a successful attempt towards a complete pedestrian friendly public
space, which allows one to connect to the spaces and its elements at human level
• From wall paintings to stone murals, art has become an inherent culture of this place.
Various events that promote this culture also are the living examples of the same
• Defining few entry points and restricting the vehicles outside by creating a no vehicular zone
has definitely changed the way one commuted with Kankaria Ticketing fees has further
changed the way this space was perceived. Many such Impositions at the Lake front Project
has given it a new Image.
• Various games for kids like bungee jumping, water riders train ride etc. has brought in the
culture of involving kids in outdoor activities, also allowing kids to interact with various
murals showing Gujarat's development in a public place like this.
Network
Bangalore
• Location: 12°59′N 77°35′E
• Climate: 36℃, Wind: SW at 2km/hr
• HUM 40%
Area
• Megacity 709 km2 (274 Sq mi)
• Metro 8,005 km2 (3,091 Sq mi)
• Elevation 920 m (3,020 ft)
Population (2017)
• Megacity 12,339,447
• Density 17,000/km2 (45,000/Sq mi)
• Urban 10,456,000
Domlur flyover is a grade separator situated at a junction of two busy roads, HAL Airport
road and 100ft Road.
The construction started at 2004 and the flyover opened to the traffic in 2007. This overpass
OBJECTIVE: The primary intention of this study is to find out existing left-over spaces at urban scale
for the proposed study area. Observing the naturally occurring public concentration zones and then
gather enough data through site visits, interview and questionnaire, after mapping an active land
use and behavioral information map this study will try to identify potential lost spaces and evaluate
the problem areas for possible interventions.
METHODOLOGY: The study will fellow simple methodology in observing, measuring and
determining public concentration zones and reasons behind those and find the surrounding land
use data to establish a natural linkage through field survey, with questionnaire survey the study will
acquire certain data regarding the users purpose and frequency of visit, typology and volume of
group in categories like age limit, mode of travelling, sense of place and performance and with
recent urban design guidelines this study will try to offer some possible interventions at selected
spaces.
FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS: An urban void is created mainly due to three factors-Planning void,
Functional void and geographical void. These factors that create an urban void can also become the
basis for classification of these urban voids, urban voids present new opportunities for developing
ambiguous and dynamic relationships. At present condition the area having the major roads
crossing across this junction, the land use pattern has a mixed use of residential, commercial and
office spaces and the space below the Domlur flyover is left unused and BBMP park next to it and a
GLOBAL INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTURE Page | 28
URBAN LOST A CASE OF THAMPANOOR
major drain (Raja Kaluve) runs next the park and below the flyover, this creates the boundary to the
below left over space.
Red marked intervention spaces could be developed as plaza or squares, shades and natural canopies, vegetation,
landscaped park with pedestrian friendly paths, open air theatre, amphitheater and rethinking of fueling stations and
reuse.
CONCLUTION:
The urbanization at leftover space below the Domlur flyover and adjacent area, since there is no
use attached to these spaces people tend to ignore this spaces and perceive this space as dead,
underused, unused space in the city, above mentioned interventions could change the entire
scenario of urban form and fabric of that space and create a livable urban environment around the
space and this spaces has a potential to be an example for the rest of the city leftover spaces if
proper urbanization tools are implemented
Conclusion
• Cities are growing fast, and it is resulting more and more spaces into Urbanization. Urban
voids are created by the rapid Urbanization. These spaces play important role in our city
fabric. It can contribute in positive way if we use these spaces for public life, as meaningful
public spaces are getting difficult to afford day by day. People belongs to different culture
and traditions, but they will gather at one place if we designers will design a strategic place
for them by using our knowledge and design tools. Public spaces are not only spaces, but
they create social relationship and a sense of belongingness between people. Urban voids
are usually positioned in center of city fabric, or they might have some kind of rich historical
background associated with them. As voids means empty and it provides limitless
possibilities for designers.
• In this research, focus is to understand the real meaning of Urban voids and to know what
factors are affecting these void spaces and to study various typologies of these spaces. As
Urban void is part of our city context it has some positive and negative Impact on the
surroundings, a study regarding its impact on city context. Then to study different design
strategies suggested and studied by the well-known designers and to understand the idea of
Place-making to know 'How a public space should be?
• .Examining the void space will help to notice its impact on our city context by understanding
the relationship between people and the built environment. So, as a designer we should
look for these void spaces in our city fabric, activate them with different design tools and
strategies. These activated void spaces will not only provide public life or a built
environment, but it will transform the context, surroundings and it will create opportunities
for regeneration and redevelopment.