CITY LEVEL PROJECTS

Public Space Initiatives

Ten Public Spaces Identified by New Delhi
Municipal Council (NDMC)
 (An ISO 9001 : 2008 Certified Organisation)

Delhi Urban Art Commission

The Delhi Urban Art Commission was set up by an Act of Parliament in 1973

to “advise the Government of India in the matter of preserving, developing

and maintaining the aesthetic quality of urban and environmental design within

Delhi and to provide advice and guidance to any local body in respect of any

project of building operations or engineering operations or any development

proposal which affects or is likely to affect the skyline or the aesthetic quality

of the surroundings or any public amenity provided therein”.

 (An ISO 9001 : 2008 Certified Organisation)

Delhi Urban Art Commission

Prof. Dr. P.S.N. Rao Chairman

Sonali Bhagwati Member (Upto 5 October 2017)

Samir Mathur Member
Sonali Rastogi Member
Durga Shanker Mishra Member & Addl. Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs DELHI URBAN ART COMMISSION with gratitude duly acknowledges the valuable contributions of the
(Upto 10 August, 2017)
following in making this report:
Manoj Kumar Member & Addl. Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
(From 11 August, 2017)

Organisations / Others
Vinod Kumar Secretary
Ministry of Urban Development
Delhi Development Authority
Duac Officers Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi
Rajeev Kumar Gaur, Raghvendra Singh, Indu Rawat , Amit Mukherji, Uma Bhati, Manju Anjali, Siddharth Sagar, North Delhi Municipal Corporation
Nihal Chand East Delhi Municipal Corporation
South Delhi Municipal Corporation
New Delhi Municipal Council

Senior Consultants Geospatial Delhi Limited

Ameet Babbar, Amit Ghosal, Minesh Parikh, Nandita Parikh, Rahoul B. Singh, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation
Satish Khanna Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board
BSES Rajdhani Power Limited
Consultants BSES Yamuna Power Limited
Aarti Mankame, Apurva Jain, Deeksha Lalwani, Joel Michael, Shilpi Madnawat, Swati Raman
RWA’s and Area Councillors
Anil Kumar (3D Visualizer)
Google Earth
 Preface

*DISCLAIMER*

This report is for academic purposes only and has been prepared on the basis of
information gathered from various sources, in cases without any independent verification.
The report can be adopted and utilized by any Government Authority/Local Body in The city of Delhi, capital of this vast land of diversities, is a city laden with layers of history,
the Country and is provided free of cost. The report is not meant to derive any kind of a place where civilizations have lived, prospered and perished over centuries. The modern
gain, monetary or otherwise. city today, built over and around a rich tapestry of heritage, presents an opportunity
Though all efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this at every turn, to allow for co-existence of the past, present and the future. In order to
report, the same should not be construed as a statement of law or used for any legal understand this multidimensional urban spectrum and attempt to plan the future, various
purposes. Delhi Urban Art Commission (DUAC) accepts no responsibility in relation to city level studies have been initiated by the DUAC. I hope that these studies will help
the accuracy, completeness, usefulness or otherwise, of the information contained in the the planners of modern day Delhi to carefully articulate urban space, structure, form and
publication. Stakeholders are advised to verify/check any information with the relevant environment and sensitively address future requirements.
Government Department(s) and/or other source(s), and to obtain any appropriate
I convey my thanks to all the Consultants and Members of the Commission who have
advice before acting on the information provided in the report.
tirelessly worked on this research project to bring out this document. I also take this
While adequate measures have been taken to acknowledge the source of the
opportunity to place on record my sincere appreciation of the efforts of Secretary and
information used in the report, the nature of the process and the diverse sources
other staff of DUAC for providing the necessary administrative support to make this
from which information is collected makes it difficult for the Commission to ascertain
happen.
whether each piece of information/data impinges upon any third party intellectual
I fondly hope that the authorities of the local, state and national government take these
property rights. DUAC shall consequently not be responsible for any inadvertent and
studies seriously and implement, in right earnest, the suggestions given herein.
/ or bonafide omission of acknowledgement of source of information.
In no event will the DUAC be liable for any expense, loss or damage including, without
January, 2018 Sd/-
limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any expense, loss or damage Prof. Dr. P.S.N. Rao
whatsoever arising out of any person/ stakeholder using or implementing or relying on Chairman, DUAC
any information in this report.
Contents
1 Introduction 10
7 Green Belt adjacent Air Force Station on Kamal Ataturk Marg 112
1.1 Public Spaces in Delhi 10 7.1 Site Context 113
1.2 Project Background 10 7.2 Existing Scenario 114
1.3 Study Approach 11 7.3 Proposal 118

2 Area above Palika Bazar and Palika Parking

8

in Connaught Place 12 Shantipath - Vista and Roundabouts 124
2.1 Site Context 13 8.1 Site Context 125
2.2 Existing Scenario 16 8.2 Existing Scenario 128
2.3 Issues 24 8.3 Proposal 131
2.4 Proposal 26 8.4 Roundabouts at Shantipath 136

3 Triangular Plot on Baba Kharak Singh Marg

9 Panchkuian Road Entry 150
adjacent to Bangla Sahib Gurudwara 40
9.1 Site Context 151
3.1 Site Context 41
9.2 Existing Scenario 154
3.2 Existing Scenario 44
9.3 Proposal 156
3.3 Proposal 48

4 Yashwant Place Park, Chanakya Puri 66

10 T-Point at Kautiliya Marg 162
4.1 Site Context 67
10.1 Site Context 163
4.2 Existing Scenario 70
10.2 Proposal 166
4.3 Issues 72
4.4 Proposal 74

5 Area around Mandi House 84

5.1 Site Context 85
5.2 Existing Scenario 87
5.3 Proposal 94

6 East Kidwai Nagar Park near South Kidwai Nagar Market 102
6.1 Site Context 103
6.2 Existing Scenario 104
6.3 Proposal 106
 Summary 7. Shantipath Vista and Roundabouts: Shantipath is the main road in the Diplomatic Enclave of Chanakyapuri housing a
number of foreign embassies. The study area under consideration is a 1.69 km. long stretch starting from the National
The study was taken up on a request from New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) as a part of their landscape initiatives Police Memorial at the Shantipath-Kautilya Marg round about upto the Shantipath-Satya Marg roundabout flanked by
for 10 public spaces in Delhi identified as areas having potential for development. These spaces are: National Indo-African Friendship Rose Garden and BRICS Friendship Rose Garden. A lot of variation in plantation all
along the vista fails to unify it. Thus the vision for the space is a landscape strategy to unify the vista, by an organized
1. Area above Palika Bazar and Palika Parking in Connaught Place: This area is a significant green space existing as two system of greens that compliments the formal nature of land use adjacent to Shantipath. Similar is the case with the 3
terraces, one each above the underground Palika shopping complex and the Parking, with a road in between. With time, roundabouts on this vista that do not have any character in terms of planting and form. Design solutions are aimed at
fragmented development in terms of built, hardscape and softscape in the area, has led to creation of many unusable retaining all the existing trees while imparting a character to the roundabout with clarity in planting and its form.
pockets. Also, in the absence of a legible and efficient circulation system the usage of space is further discouraged leading
to a number of “dead” areas that become deserted.The landscape strategy is aimed at making the space active and more 8. Panchkuian Road Entry: The demarcated site is a linear green patch measuring 120 M X 13 M approximately, situated
accessible through visible entrances, connecting pathways, introduction of play areas and seating spaces with screening above the Blue Metro line and lying admist the busy Panchkuian Road, in close proximity to the iconic Connaught Place.
of services. Inspite of the site’s strategic location, it remains un- noticed & un- appreciated. The development of this linear site will
help in uplifting the image of the overall street stretch and the surrounding areas. The vision for the space is to create an
2. Triangular Plot on Baba Kharak Singh Marg adjacent to Bangla Sahib Gurudwara: The 5 acres of triangular plot is iconic image acting as a Gateway to Connaught Place. This is achieved by opening up the space to the surroundings and
the only considerable green patch lying between the Bangla Sahib Gurudwara and the Government Quarters which bringing in life through introduction of public art/ sculpture.
is accessed from Baba Kharak Singh Marg. The site development has not taken place as per the Master Plan provisions
where it is designated to be developed into a children park, and is currently being utilised for a wide variety of other 9. T-Point at Kautiliya Marg: The site is located at the intersection of Kautilya Marg with Niti Marg in an area which
uses. It houses a Traffic Training Park, 2 NDMC Nurseries, Traffic Police Office, Rain Basera under Delhi Urban Shelter bestows buildings of great importance like Foreign embassies and State Guest Houses/ Bhavans. It therefore, holds a great
Improvement Board (DUSIB) and a Heritage Structure with Water Tank. The aim of the redesign has been to reclaim the potential to be developed as an independent landmark. The site, despite being strategically located, is used as a taxi stand
public park and return it to the city for public use.This has been achieved through rezoning while retaining all the existing and hosts a toilet block right at the intersection, thereby failing to offer a delightful view. The vision is to create a distinct
activities but restricting the encroachment. identity for the space that would serve as a Landmark for the surrounding buildings. The proposal also intends to open
up the site which could be viewed and appreciated by the users on all sides of the site.
3. Yashwant Place Park, Chanakyapuri: Yashwant Place was built in the 1960s to cater to the embassy employees,
politicians and government employees residing or working in nearby areas. Over the years, the market has slowly
assumed a new identity. The park of the complex has a softscaped area of almost 2325 sqm. The park has been poorly
maintained and is visually inaccessible. The roundabout at the intersection and in the vicinity lies in a similar state. The aim
is to make the spaces welcoming and hence the design has been conceptualized so as to integrate the 2 spaces – the park
and the roundabout. This approach makes the design more pedestrian friendly, encourages walking to the commercial
complex & park and thereby increases accessibility and connectivity.

4. Area around Mandi House: Mandi House Round-about and the surrounding area is historically significant and has been
a cultural hub of the city. It has many imoprtant insititutions and government offices with Mandi House metro station as
a recent addition in recent past. People use the open spaces along the roads and most predominantly the central open
green space of the Mandi House circle. One of the prime concerns here is that, for using this green space, they have
to cross the busy vehicular road which stands a risk of the user. The key parameter is to ensure pedestrian safety and
connectivity to the central space along with landscaping of the central green.

5. East Kidwai Nagar Park near South Kidwai Nagar Market: The area proposed for park development (500 M length
approximately) has been generated by covering the nallah which forms a buffer between the East Kidwai Nagar (New
development– under construction) and the dense development of South Extension I. Presently the park is not utilised
at its full potential and is lying underused in such prime location. The upcoming residential development creates a wide
scope of increase in users. The purpose of the study is to make the public space more interactive, sustainable and create
a Design development module for such urban areas. The Design interventions are proposed with a view to enhance the
potential of the site and revive the ecological aspect of the nallah.

6. Green Belt adjacent to Air Force station on Kamal Ataturk Marg: This green stretch adjacent to Delhi Race Club
hosts some very important landmarks within its proximity - Prime Minister’s Residence and Delhi Gymkhana Club being
few of them.The site is an unattended green belt lying as a non-usable area randomly planted with a dense cover of trees
and large shrubs. The stretch runs adjacent to the Defence land on one side and VIP areas like Prime Minister’s Office
on the other. The linear green stretch lacks features of interest for the passer-by. The design intervention is aimed at
preserving the natural flora and fauna of the area while opening up the green edge for visual connection. This is achieved
through designing biking trails and pedestrian pathways connecting important historic sites.

8 CITY LEVEL Project public space initiatives 9

 1.1 Public Spaces in Delhi
INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION
A public space is any area within the public realm that helps promote social interaction and a sense of community. It is
open and accessible to all. Active and vibrant public spaces are integral part of a city and are vital for the existence of a
well-functioning city, as these humanize cities and enhance urban life. The experience of ‘public’ is the experience of a city.
When properly designed, they bring communitites together, provide meeting places and foster social ties of a kind that
have been disappearing in many urban areas. Carr et al. (1992) defines public space as “open, publicly accessible places”
that facilitate the popular activities necessary for community building. Carmona et al. (2008, p. 5) finds that “public space
relates to all those parts of the built and natural environment where the public has free access. Although public access
is common for many types of open spaces, open space does not automatically imply public access.” UN-Habitat defines
public spaces as, “all places publicly owned or of public use, accessible and enjoyable by all for free and without a profit
motive.” Urban public spaces are needed to sustain the productivity of cities, their social cohesion and inclusion, their civic
identity, and their quality of life.

New Delhi was designed and developed after 1911 when the country’s capital was shifted for the last time. Exploration
of popular public spaces in this area started with the India Gate (open for public since 1931). Urban experts, planners and
concerned citizens have voiced a common refrain - “There is no dearth of space in Delhi. We need to activate the space
with careful planning so that maximum people can use it and enjoy the place.” Open spaces in the form of parks, lawns
and avenues are mostly overregulated or commercially exploited, denying people a friendly, safe and vibrant atmosphere.
It is time to build our cities around its people, and a need to transform the urban space into public place that is safe for
all its users.

Spatial forms of public spaces, with few significant examples in Delhi include:
• City plazas and town squares - India Gate, Dilli Haat, Sufi festival of Nizamuddin Basti
• Parks and playgrounds - Nehru Park, Lodhi Garden, Ramlila Maidan, Siri Fort Park, Children’s Park near India Gate
• Streets, sidewalks and footpaths - Shantipath
• Marketplaces and high streets - Chandni Chowk, Connaught Place
• Historic precincts - Humayun’s Tomb, Purana Qila, Tughlaqabad Fort, Feroz Shah Kotla, Mehrauli Archaeological Park,
Lal Gumbad in Malviya Nagar
• Waterfront spaces - Naini Lake in Model Town, Sanjay Jheel
• Open spaces within public buildings or public spaces within private buildings
• Edge space between buildings or roadsides which are often important spaces for the urban poor, etc.

1.2 Project Background

New Delhi Municipal Council vide their letter D.O. No: 67/PS/SECY/D/2017 dated 25.04.2017 had requested the Delhi
Urban Art Commission (DUAC) to undertake studies on “Landscape initiatives” for 10 public spaces in Delhi, to develop
viable solutions for improving the quality and reclaiming the enjoyment of public spaces by various innovative design
interventions. Map showing Location of Public Spaces in NDMC Area under consideration

These 10 public spaces identified by New Delhi Municipal Council are as follows:
1. Area above Palika Bazar and Palika Parking in Connaught Place (2 spaces) 1.3 Study Approach
2. Triangular Plot on Baba Kharak Singh Marg adjacent to Bangla Sahib Gurudwara
The public spaces, depending on their context and similarity of use, setting and nature, have been studied by categorising
3. Yashwant Place Park, Chanakyapuri
them under 3 basic heads - urban, parks/ greens and roads.
4. Area around Mandi House
5. East Kidwai Nagar Park near South Kidwai Nagar Market
6. Green Belt adjacent to Air Force station on Kamal Ataturk Marg URBAN PARKS ROADS
7. Shantipath Vista and Roundabouts
8. Panchkuian Road Entry 1. Area above Palika Bazar and Palika 5. East Kidwai Nagar Park near 7. Shantipath Vista and Roundabouts
9. T-Point at Kautiliya Marg Parking in Connaught Place (2 spaces) South Kidwai Nagar Market 8. Panchkuian Road Entry
2. Triangular Plot on Baba Kharak Singh 6. Green Belt adjacent to Air 9. T-Point at Kautiliya Marg
The location of each one of these spaces in the NDMC area has been shown in the map overleaf. Marg adjacent to Bangla Sahib Gurudwara Force station on Kamal Ataturk
3. Yashwant Place Park, Chanakyapuri Marg
4. Area around Mandi House

10 CITY LEVEL Project public space initiatives 11

 2.1 Site Context

AREA ABOVE PALIKA BAZAR AND PALIKA PARKING

2.1.1 Location & Connectivity
The demarcated site is a significant green space in the much visited commercial area of Connaught Place in New Delhi.
The site exists as two terraces, one each above the famous underground Palika shopping complex and the Palika Parking,
with a road in between. It is bounded by the two radials, Radial Road no.1 and Radial Road no.2 and by the Inner and
Outer Circle.The site is easily approachable from a number of metro stations like Rajiv chowk Metro Station, Barakhamba
Road and Shivaji Stadium Metro Stations. Owing to its location and footfall in the area, the site has a great potential of
being developed as a green public space enjoyed by people all the year round.

d
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Shaheed Bhagat
Singh Marg

Central Park

Inner Circle

Chapter 2
Site

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AREA ABOVE PALIKA BAZAR AND PALIKA PARKING, ghM Outer Circle
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CONNAUGHT PLACE Baba

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Map showing location and surroundings of the site

Connaught
Lady Hardinge
Place
Medical College

Shivaji Central
Stadium Park

Hanuman
Mandir
LEGEND
Residential
Religious
PSP
Transport
Jantar Commercial
Mantar Recreational
Vacant

Map showing the site and surrounding land use

12 CITY LEVEL Project public space initiatives 13

AREA ABOVE PALIKA BAZAR AND PALIKA PARKING

AREA ABOVE PALIKA BAZAR AND PALIKA PARKING

2.1.2 Evolution
Jama Masjid Development over the last 20 years:
The area above Palika parking has not undergone
considerable change in the last 20 years, other than the
addition of a Charkha Museum in the year 2017, at the
corner of the site flanked by Radial Road No.2 and Outer
Circle. The area above Palika bazar has comparatively got
transformed over the years in terms of access to the site
from the surrounding roads and connectivity within the site
(pathway layout connecting various structures providing
1931 entry to the underground shopping complex).

Other changes, like the recently developed front plaza,

responding to the needs of pedestrians with installation of
street furniture, food kiosks by NDMC and the space being
declared as a no hawking zone, has considerably eliminated
the chaos. Time Line Year 2000: Provision of surface parking in front of
underground Palika bazar. Missing pathways between various entry
points on area above it.

1950

Parliament of India

Map showing the placement of Connaught Place along the historic axis

1980

The area above Palika Bazar and Parking, which is conceived as the missing Time Line Year 2002: Repair and maintenance work on the area Time Line Year 2008: Opening of exit from Rajiv chowk metro station
above Palika Bazar at the area in front of Palika Bazar. Surface parking lot is retained.
built block, corresponds to the built axis of the Parliament House at one end Vendors concentrated on road between palika parking and bazar.
and to that of the Jama Masjid in Chandni Chowk on the other end. It has
been a significant open space in the area since the evolution of Connaught
Place in 1931. CP has undergone a lot of changes in terms of development of
commercial centre in 1950s, for high end shopping for the elite class residing in
nearby Lutyen’s Bungalow Zone and the addition of high rise buildings around
CP in 1980s. However, the initial concept of eliminating a built block and having
an open space along the historical axis has been intact.
2016

Time Line Year 2014: Linkage between various entry points in terms Time Line Year 2017: Addition of Charkha museum on area above
of pathways becomes conspicuous. Vendors also accumulate in the Palika parking. Pedestrian plaza created in front of Palika bazar and
front plaza with the removal of surface parking. declared as a no hawking zone.
Panaromic view of Connaught Place showing area above Palika Bazar

14 CITY LEVEL Project public space initiatives 15

 2.2 Existing Scenario
AREA ABOVE PALIKA BAZAR AND PALIKA PARKING

AREA ABOVE PALIKA BAZAR AND PALIKA PARKING

2.2.1 Levels on-site
LEGEND:
A’ NDMC CAFE
B’ Terrace Level
Kerb Level
Sunken Areas

A
B

GREENS FOOTPATH FRONT PLAZA

(PALIKA BAZAR BELOW)

Section (B-B’) showing an active front plaza of Palika Bazar.The plaza is removed of all the vending activity.The NDMC
C runs two food kiosks, water ATMs have been installed with space for seating in the plaza.

C’

Map showing various levels at site

The built mass of Palika parking block is sliced into 3 non-uniform levels. The area above parking is a huge flat green
terrace at +2.5 metres. The intermediate level corresponds to the road level. It is about 0.15 metres above the road
level and forms the footpaths and plazas to access the terrace as well as the sunken level. The sunken level comprises of GREENS
shops and small eateries on the 3 sides and the underground shops on the rear side of the parking complex. The built
mass of Palika market block is fairly simpler with braodly 2 levels, the footpath level (0.15 metres high) and the terrace

BASEMENT OPEN TO SKY COURT SHOPS

PARKING
2.2.2 Sectional Details LEVEL 1

BASEMENT PARKING
LEVEL 2

BASEMENT PARKING
LEVEL 3

GREENS FOOTPATH FRONT PLAZA

(PALIKA BAZAR BELOW)

Section (A-A’) showing an active front plaza with interactive shaded seating spaces Section (C-C’) showing the underground market and car parking in two levels

16 CITY LEVEL Project public space initiatives 17

AREA ABOVE PALIKA BAZAR AND PALIKA PARKING

AREA ABOVE PALIKA BAZAR AND PALIKA PARKING

2.2.3 Existing access to area above Palika Parking 2.2.4 Existing access to area above Palika Bazar
The area above Palika parking is The terrace to the underground
open for public and can be accessed Palika Bazar has six access points
from three entry gates. However, no distributed on the surrounding roads.
signage indicate the placement of Entry points marked 1, 3, 4, 5 and
these entries. These stepped entries 6 provide stepped access to both
are distributed, with one entry from the underground market as well as
Radial Road No. 2 and two entries the area above it, which is around 2 1
1
from the road between Palika parking metres high from the footpath level.
and the shopping complex. None of Entry point 2 gives access only to
these entries are differently-abled 2 the terrace. It provides a diagonal
friendly. Another gate from Radial pedestrian access across the area
Road No. 2 has now been converted above Palika bazar. None of these
into a dedicated entrance to the access points are disabled friendly.
recently built Charkha museum, the Most of these entries are narrow 2
entry to which is manned and passages and difficult to locate with the
3
ticketed. All the entries are gated and absence of any signage. The terrace is
have locking arrangement for the fenced and all the entries are gated
purpose of security, especially during with locking arrangement for the 6
night and to prevent vandalism. These 4 purpose of security, especially during
are made accessible only during some night and to prevent vandalism. These
events organised here. The terrace of remain open till the underground 3
Palika parking is fenced all around and market is functional. 5
recently lined with a vertical green
wall.
4

Map showing existing access to the area above Palika Parking Map showing existing access to the area above Palika Bazar

1 2 1 2

Entrance to the area above Palika parking from Radial Road No.2 and Entrance to the area above Palika parking from the road between Main entry to underground shopping complex from the Plaza Level Entrance to the area above Palika bazar from the road between Palika
near to the Inner circle Palika parking and the shopping complex and near to the Inner circle with two side entries on either side to access the green area above parking and the shopping complex

3 4 4 6

Entrance to the Charkha Museum from Radial Road No.2 Entrance to the area above Palika parking from the road between Same entry to both the underground shopping complex and green Same entry to both the underground shopping complex and green
Palika parking and the shopping complex and near to the Outer circle area providing access from the Outer Circle area providing access from the Radial Road No.1 and near to the
Outer Circle

18 CITY LEVEL Project public space initiatives 19

AREA ABOVE PALIKA BAZAR AND PALIKA PARKING

AREA ABOVE PALIKA BAZAR AND PALIKA PARKING

2.2.5 Existing Structures on area above Palika Parking
A heritage charkha museum is recently built and A number of structures, mostly for rendering services to
inaugurated on 21st May 2017. The space for it has been the underground Palika parking are present on the area
carved out from the existing area above Palika parking and above and around it. Many of these structures need to
now has been fenced off from the rest of it.The museum is be retained at their present locations for existing and
open for public and is accessed from a separate entry from continued functioning of the parking below.
Radial Road No.2.
10
1

10

Cooling tower
Weaver’s enclosure and ticket counter, at footpath level 9
2 9
7

8
1

6
2
6

White marble statue of Mahatma Gandhi mounted over one of the 3 Skylights for underground parking
ventilators of underground parking 4

3 8
5

Charkha Museum building that showcases several 50 to 100 year Raised platform with tensile structure roofing sits in a huge lawn
old charkhas designed for gatherings/ cultural events
Map showing existing structures on area above Palika Parking
4 5 6 7

A 12-feet tall and 25-feet long steel Charkha is erected at the Ventilators of underground parking exist as pop-up structures onto Vertical green wall enclosing the skylights to the Palika parking Ventilators of underground parking used as platform for mounting
museum premises the area above it sculpture

20 CITY LEVEL Project public space initiatives 21

AREA ABOVE PALIKA BAZAR AND PALIKA PARKING

AREA ABOVE PALIKA BAZAR AND PALIKA PARKING

2.2.6 Existing Structures (Services) on area above Palika Bazar
A number of structures, mostly for rendering services 12

(air-conditioning, fire fighting, electricity supply) to the

underground Palika Bazar are present on the area above
and around it. Many of these structures need to be retained
at their present locations for existing and continued
functioning of the shopping complex below.

Toilets (below) ventilators Fire Hydrant System

12

1
Skylights to render diffused light to the market below

2 10 11

11
2

10

Fire Control Room, accessible from the footpath level, gated and fenced 3 Dome-shaped structure with skylights to render diffused light to the
market below
9
3 10

7
6

Transformer Map showing existing structures on area above Palika Bazar Electric Sub-Station

4 5 6 7 8 9

D/G Room NDMC Dhalao Toilets (below) ventilator Regal Sump Air Conditioning Plants and Cooling Water Tank Janpath Sump

22 CITY LEVEL Project public space initiatives 23

 2.3 Issues
AREA ABOVE PALIKA BAZAR AND PALIKA PARKING

AREA ABOVE PALIKA BAZAR AND PALIKA PARKING

Fragmented development in terms
of built, hardscape and softscape.

Unusable pockets created due to

fragmented development.
Absence of a legible and efficient
circulation system discourages use
altogether and leads to a number
of “dead” areas that become
deserted

Discontinuous pedestrian
circulation at Plaza level

Green terrace above Palika

shopping complex lies unused and
inactive for major part of the year,
due to absence of seating, shading
mechanism and lack of planned
activities

Insignificant/ compromised entries

that look hidden in terms of street
picture

Insufficient width of pedestrian

walkway

Insufficient width of Dhalao conflicts with the Insignificant/ compromised entries that
pedestrian walkway streetscape look hidden in terms of street picture

Map showing existing issues at site

24 CITY LEVEL Project public space initiatives 25

 2.4 Proposal
AREA ABOVE PALIKA BAZAR AND PALIKA PARKING

AREA ABOVE PALIKA BAZAR AND PALIKA PARKING

2.4.1 Design Interventions

Limiting the green extent to

provide a contiguous pedestrian
plaza at Inner Circle

All services are to be retained

(cooling water tank, AC plant, D/G
Room, Transformer, Fire control
room, Regal and Janpath Sumps,
Toilet Ventilator openings, skylight
domes)

Redesign of space above palika

shopping complex – Landscape
layout to include flower garden,
shaded sitting spaces, active spaces
(interactive sculpture court,
childrens’ play area)

The 2 stepped entries to Palika

bazar Gate No. 5 to be demolished:
Opening up the entry for enhanced
physical and visual access

This makes the entrances and exits

to become easy to locate from both
inside and outside the site

The 2 stepped entries to Palika

bazar Gate No. 4 to be demolished:
• Opening up the entry for
enhanced physical and visual access
• Universal access at this plaza

Dhalao porta cabin to be removed

from site and shifted elsewhere -
Area thus available to be made part
of the pedestrian realm/ precinct

Map showing design interventions

26 CITY LEVEL Project public space initiatives 27

AREA ABOVE PALIKA BAZAR AND PALIKA PARKING

AREA ABOVE PALIKA BAZAR AND PALIKA PARKING

Existing boundary wall (toe wall with railing) to be
demolished and shifted to the existing main retaining
wall. The space hence available to be included in the
public realm. The increased pedestrian walkway can
be used for accommodating food kiosks, seating etc.
The rear side wall with its inclined profile does not
cater to any functional use, also it narrows down the
space for pedestrian circulation. The proposed design Existing fence line shifted to the back of services -
suggets a vertical retaining wall and removal of the replaced with chain link fence with climbers/ graffiti
granite platform thereby widening the pedestrian on wall to screen-off services
pathway.

Map showing design interventions for area above Palika Map showing design interventions for area above Palika
Parking Bazar

Section showing the existing inclined rear wall and hence narrow width of footpath for movement around Section showing the existing spread of greens limited by toe wall with railing followed by a narrow footpath

Section showing the proposed footpath widened by straightening the inclined rear wall, thereby creating wide walking Section showing the proposed pedestrian walkway extended to provide wide walking space and areas to accomodate
space and areas to accomodate street furniture food kiosks

28 CITY LEVEL Project public space initiatives 29

AREA ABOVE PALIKA BAZAR AND PALIKA PARKING

AREA ABOVE PALIKA BAZAR AND PALIKA PARKING

2.4.2 Proposed Conceptual Site Plan
DESIGN STRATEGY:
CENTRAL PARK
The terraces are made more
accessible.

Pathways are proposed in such a way

that these connect with the entries/
exits.
INNER CIRCLE
Entrances made highly visible to
promote casual use by passersby. An
6 active and visible edge will encourage
use.

Introduction of play areas and seating

RA
spaces will make the underutilised

DI
huge spaces usable and active.

AL
4

RO
Treatment and screening of services

AD
will eliminate the negative spaces

NO
2 misused by drug addicts and beggars.

.1
1
.2
NO

6 4
D
OA

3
LR
DIA
RA

3 4

5 4
4

LEGEND:

1 Interactive Sculpture Garden

OUT
ER C 2 Children’s Play Area
IRCLE
IRCLE
OU TER C 3 Lawn
4 Shaded Seating Structures
5 Existing Charkha Museum
6 Entry to Basement Parking
7 Exit from Basement Parking

Map showing the proposed conceptual site plan

30 CITY LEVEL Project public space initiatives 31

 2.4.3 Proposed Area Details
AREA ABOVE PALIKA BAZAR AND PALIKA PARKING

AREA ABOVE PALIKA BAZAR AND PALIKA PARKING

A) Stepped Entry with Lighting B) Shaded Seating Spaces
The entries numbered 4 and 5 to the Palika market in the Presently the terraces lack shaded seating spaces due to
existing scenario are accessed by narrow passages which which the space remains underutilised by the public during
are not visible while driving around. The design proposes summer months. Pergolas with provision for seating would
opening up of these passages into wide stepped plaza in add to the aesthetic quality of the space. Also it would
order to make it more accessible - physically and visually, allow visitors to sit and appreciate the landscaped area.
safe and to enhance the quality of space. The grandness
of these entry plazas will minimise negative areas which
are now used by drug addicts and beggars for shelter. The
Reference Images:
design also proposes to provide opportunity for night time
illumination and hence formal surveillance.

Reference Images: Key Plan Key Plan

Source: https://i.pinimg.com/236x/87/ba/b4/87bab41ab036ffa0163712648fc5298c--landscape- Source: http://www.vividlightdesign.com/image/44750383.jpg

lighting-plaza.jpg

Source: https://i.pinimg.com/originals/40/8a/8a/408a8a2ae7130b95a663bfffe097ad4d.jpg Source: http://www.schweppagne.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/products-terraform-

pergola-nyc.jpg

C) Children’s Play Area

Connaught Place is visited by a lot of families with young children but there is no space dedicated for the children to
play and move about freely. ‘Children being seen and heard in shared public spaces is the hallmark of a vital community’
(Free Play Network and PLAYLINK, 2006). Hence, a play space has been proposed for children upto 10 years of age
at the entry of palika market terrace. It is easily accessible, physically and visually. The proposed play area comprises of
rubberised play mounds and unconventional swings made of ropes, tyres and wooden logs. These would be easy to
maintain, economical and can be replaced every 3 to 5 years. The play area is lined with benches for parents to watch
over their kids and also enclosed by a hedge to ensure the safety and security of the kids.

View of the stepped entry to the Palika Market

Rubberised mounds in play area Key Plan

Source: http://www.jiudi.net/upLoad/news/month_1507/201507131010437209.jpg

32 CITY LEVEL Project public space initiatives 33

AREA ABOVE PALIKA BAZAR AND PALIKA PARKING Reference Images: Reference Images:

AREA ABOVE PALIKA BAZAR AND PALIKA PARKING

Source: https://i.pinimg.com/474x/e4/5c/02/e45c02599a8bca4818e0942809e6b0ac--play-yards- Source: http://wargraveprimary.org.uk/files//play2_815533078.jpg
recycled-tires.jpg

Source: http://i.imgur.com/IjAZJto.jpg Source: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N4FQmbePHW0/ToEaM8LWBuI/AAAAAAAAAt0/

ZPdz5Sdr6Fc/s1600/IMG_5548.JPG

View of the Children’s Play Area

D) Interactive Sculpture Garden

This sculpture garden would comprise of light weight,
easy to install and low maintenance interactive sculptures
wherein the young kids can explore the qualities of sound,
feel and form of material etc. Such an space also addresses
their fundamental need for exercise and social interaction, View of the Interactive Sculpture Graden
besides being visually interesting. Other than attracting the
kids, the colorful sculpture-like play equipments would also E) Screening options for Service Structures
enliven the space.
Both the children’s play area and interactive sculpture Currently lot of service structures like cooling towers, skylights, toilet shafts, sumps etc. pop up randomly at various
garden are easily accessible with seating spaces so that the locations on the bazar and parking terraces. These visually unappealing structures could be screened by murals/ graffiti
parents can watch over their kids. or green walls to make them unaccessible by the general public both physically and visually, at the same time their
maintenance and up-keep is unhindered..
Reference Images: Key Plan

Innovative playground benches for children to sit and play Interactive play sculpture for children to experience the joy of
playing with sound effects in the public space Screens with graffiti/ murals Chain link fence with climbers
Source: https://i.pinimg.com/736x/6c/83/cb/6c83cb93f55b8a0649bf8b7d7bb39f29--play-areas- Source: http://www.oldwebbhdk.gu.se/sites/default/files/media/Karl-Johan_Ekeroth_Invoxicated- Source: https://www.socialworkdegreeguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/9-Chicago- Source: http://www.plantanswers.com/chainlink1.jpg
labyrinth.jpg 2_p.jpg Public-Art-Group-.jpg

34 CITY LEVEL Project public space initiatives 35

AREA ABOVE PALIKA BAZAR AND PALIKA PARKING

AREA ABOVE PALIKA BAZAR AND PALIKA PARKING

2.4.4 Design Proposal - 3D Views

Key Plan

View of the Radial road between Palika Parking and Palika Market from the Inner Circle

36 CITY LEVEL Project public space initiatives 37

AREA ABOVE PALIKA BAZAR AND PALIKA PARKING

AREA ABOVE PALIKA BAZAR AND PALIKA PARKING

Key Plan

View of the Radial road between Palika Parking and Palika Market from the Outer Circle

38 CITY LEVEL Project public space initiatives 39