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STREET AS A PLACE

CASE STUDY : CHITPUR ROAD

M.ARCH (URBAN DESIGN)

THESIS REPORT

SUCHARITA ACHARYA

ROLL NO. 000810202002DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE

JADAVPUR UNIVERSITY

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I am grateful to the following people for their support, guidance

and constructive criticism without which this thesis would not

have been completed.

Sri Shivashish Bose, thesis Supervisor and Guide, Department of

Architecture, Jadavpur University

Sri Suvrojit Das, Head of the Dept., Department of

Architecture, Jadavpur UniversitySri Sanjib Nag, Department of Architecture, Jadavpur University

Sri Debashish Das, Department of Architecture, Jadavpur

University

All the Faculty members of Department of Architecture,

Jadavpur University

Sri Anadi Bose, Director, Statutory Planning, Kolkata

Metropolitan Development Authority

Last but not the leas, I would also like to thank my friends and

classmates for their support

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CONTENTS

CHAPTER TOPIC PAGE NO.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 1

1.0 INTRODUCTION 2

2.0 LITERATURE STUDY 5

3.0 CASE STUDY 9

4.0 DESCRIPTION OF THE STUDY AREA 22

5.0 URBAN DESIGN STUDY OF THE AREA 28

6.0 IDENTIFICATION OF ISSUES 36

7.0 RECOMMENDATIONS AND PROPOSALS 38

8.0 DEMONSTRATIVE SOLUTION 42

9.0 CONCLUSION 44

10.0 BIBLIOGRAPHY 45

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1.0 INTRODUCTION1.1 Preface

Kolkata is a city which is renowned for its resilience and vitality.

But this city, like all the cities in developing countries, has its

problems of haphazard development, over-crowding, congestion, poor

infrastructure, environmental pollution and poor urban governance.

The situation becomes more severe in the traditional urban quarters

of the city, as it loses its social values and suffers degradation of

built environment. Generally the root cause of these problems is

failure to formulate and implement policies for planned urban

development on time. Though market forces can not be avoided in the

period of globalization, we as planners can not leave our cities depend

solely on market forces for their growth and development. We should

look back again to our society, heritage, culture and resources and

should redevelop our old cities with new approach aiming for a better

living and sustaining environment.

1.2 Need for the studyChitpur is one of the historic quarters of Kolkata, which has

existed for at least 400 years, connecting the temple of Chiteswari in

the north with Kalighat temple in south. Renamed as Rabindra Sarani,

its length and breadth comprising of Bagbazar to M. G. Road portrays

its exclusive trait of fine blended cultural outlook unlike other parts

of the city. In spite of hackneyed look and ramshackle condition in

every nook and corner, some antique establishments like litho press,

marble engraving still take us to a journey of an era branded with

traditional ambience and distinctiveness. At present, the grand old

buildings with many classic architectural features are unattended and

uncared for. This road, with a strong cultural association with Bengals

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golden era on one hand, and a myriad of trades thriving on the other

hand, has become an urban place in its true sense. Unfortunately, it is

losing its grandeur and classic ambience now, but still it represents

the architectural treasures from the past which can be restored to

create an asset for the future.

Thus, there is a strong need to understand the dynamic

problems and development issues of this historic quarter and this

study has been carried out to fulfil the need culminating in proposals

of guidelines for future development.

1.3 Aim and objectives The aim of the thesis is to restore and enhance the image of Chitpur

Road reinforcing the sense of place

The objectives of the thesis is: To identify the components those contribute to the character of

Chitpur Road

To identify the assets and the discordant elements along the street To suggest guidelines for redevelopment of the built form along the

road

1.4 Scope of work The study is confined to the urban corridor of Chitpur Road and the

immediate surrounding of it.

Detail cost estimation for the proposals ill not be included within thescope of work

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1.5 MethodologyLevel I

Level II

Level III

Level IV

Level V

ProjectIdentification

Preliminary

Survey

Broad Issue

Identification

Formulation of

Aim and Objectives

Study on theLiterature

Study

Case Study

Data Collection Primary Survey

Land use, Built form,Traffic Pattern,

Ima eabilit

Secondary Survey

Maps, Documents

Analysis of

Existing Scenario

Identification of

Urban Design Issues

Recommendations

and Proposals

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2.0 LITERATURE STUDYAn important issue for preservation has been defining how new construction

might appropriately support and enhance, rather than detract from, historic

buildings and districts under regulatory protection. An important part of the

preservationists mission has been to tame the ambitions of modernist

architects and their penchant for setting off historic structures with

contrasting new ones. At the same time, many preservationists either

acquiesced in or actively embraced modernist aesthetics for new buildings,

especially as a means of distinguishing new and old construction, which has

been a preservation goal since John Ruskin called for it in the nineteenth

century. Not surprisingly, much attention has been focused on the question

of how we ought to manage the relationships between historic buildings and

contrasting new additions in the context of contemporary architectural

debates about style.

As suggested by Steven W. Semes in his article Differentiated andCompatible: Four Strategies for Additions to Historic Settings , a designer

or preservationist contemplating new construction in a historic setting may

adopt one of four strategies based on four possible attitudes toward the

existing setting or resource: 1) literal replication, 2) invention within the

same or a related style, 3) abstract reference, and 4) intentional opposition.

These options represent a range of responses to the call fordifferentiated yet compatible designs for additions or infill construction

in historic settings found in the Secretarys Standards.

LITERAL REPLICATION

The strategy of replication prioritizes compatibility and minimizes

differentiation. This strategy will likely sustain the character of an existing

setting so long as the historic elements to be replicated are well understood,the technical means to effect replication are available, and so long as the

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scale of the replication is modest relative to the original building. Despite

frequently expressed disapproval of this strategy by many contemporary

preservation theorists and officials3, it has the sanction of history.

Architects have often chosen to add to existing buildings by reproducing a

previous architects work, sometimes even centuries afterward, usually for

the sake of completing an intended but unrealized symmetry or extending a

pattern already established. In such cases, the resource is defined as the

design concept as a whole rather than any isolated part of it as it appears at

a given time. Many great European monuments visible today were completed

not by the original designers but by a series of successive architects willing

to realize their colleagues designs. Filippo Brunelleschi completed his

Ospedale degli Innocenti in Florence (1425) on the southeast side of the

Piazza Annunziata. Over the course of the next two centuries the disparate

buildings around the square were unified by a series matching arcades that

appear to be the work of a single hand. In mid-17th century Paris, Jacques

Lemercier replicated Pierre Lescots century-old facade on the Cour Carr of

the Louvre to maintain the symmetry of the expanded elevation we see

today.

INVENTION WITHIN A STYLE

This strategy, while not replicating the original design, adds new elements in

either the same or a closely related style, sustaining a sense of continuity in

architectural language. The intention is to achieve a balance between

differentiation and compatibility, but weighted in favor of the latter. This

strategy also has a long history: In fact, it is what most architects have

always done. Leon Battista Alberti, in his 15th-century treatise, urged

architects adding to a preexisting building to work in the same style as the

original builder and complete the work in the samespirit8. He followed this

principle to complete the facade of Santa Maria Novella in Florence, adding

to its medieval first story in kind, then subtly transforming the style into a

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Renaissance flourish at the top. Giacomo Barrozzi da Vignola and other

Renaissance designers followed Albertis lead in their competition designs

for the facade of San Petronio in Bologna, extrapolating the existing gothic

language without replication9. Back at the Louvre, two hundred years after

Lemercier, Louis Visconti and Hector Lefuel designed the monumental

facades on the Cour Napolon in conscious imitation of his work.

ABSTRACT REFERENCE

The third strategy seeks to make reference to the historic setting while

consciously avoiding literal resemblance or working in a historic style. This

approach seeks to balance differentiation and compatibility, but with the

balance tipped toward the former. This is a difficult strategy to execute

because it requires an artistry and skill that are not often available. The

abstract referencing of historic architecture is a modernist innovation in

which the compatibility of the new and old is suggested by the reduction of

composite form to abstract shape. An early example, Adolf Looss 1910

Goldman & Salatsch Building on the Michaelerplatz in Vienna makes

reference to its setting through massing, size, materials, and very restricted

articulation, allowing it to be both modern (in the sense of using a minimum

of historical detail) and contextual (in the sense of fitting in physically

with the scale, materials, and massing of the surrounding buildings). Looss

building may be the earliestand is perhaps still the bestexample of the

differentiated-yet-compatible formula enshrined in the Secretarys

Standards some six and a half decades later.

INTENTIONAL OPPOSITION

Finally, the fourth strategy is one of conscious opposition to the context and

the determination to change its character through conspicuous contrast,

prioritizing differentiation at the expense of compatibility. Modern

architects did not invent this idea. Andrea Palladio, who famously loathed

gothic architecture, wrapped the medieval town hall of Vicenza with elegant

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arcades to conceal the geometric irregularities of the older building.

Palladios arcades became a model of urban amenity and there is no question

that the center of Vicenza is the richer for this facelift. Sometimes

contrast isthe appropriate response to a context that is weak or otherwise

unsatisfactory, but one must be careful making such judgments. The most

suitable use of this strategy is to repair damage to the historic setting

brought about by previous insensitive or oppositional interventions. The use

of this strategy intentionally to diminish a valued historic context is usually

inappropriate. These four strategies represent four variations on the

relationship of differentiation and compatibility, two terms that represent a

logical contradiction. To insist on differentiation by means of a contrasting

modernist style for new construction, as some authorities have in recent

years, condemns historic buildings and districts to change in ways alien to

their historic patterns and typologies. When consistently applied, this policy

leads to the gradual erosion of historic character as the inevitable

consequence.

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3.0 CASE STUDY3.1 Case study IProject Title Jaisalmer Streetscape Revitalization Project

Date of Completion February 2001

Location Jaisalmer Fort, Rajasthan, India

Size 60 metres of Dhunda Para (29 houses)

176 metres of Kotri Para (30 houses)

Cost US$39,907

Client Madan Lal on behalf of Dhunda Para and

Kotri Para residents

Heritage Archirect INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and

Cultural Heritage)

Contractor ABC Contractor

Project Synopsis: The first of its kind in India, the Jaisalmer

Streetscape Revitalization Project was designed to restore and

revitalize two landmark residential streets Dhunda Para and Kotri

Para, within the historic fort of Jaisalmer. The project was

undertaken by Jaisalmer in Jeopardy (JiJ) a charity which campaigns

to create international awareness and raise funds to conserve

Jaisalmers heritage. Working closely with the Indian National Trust

for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), JiJ selected two streets as

a pilot conservation project.

The aim was to subtly integrate modern amenities with the traditional

streetscape and improve general living conditions for the residents.

The major objectives of the project were to prevent further water

seepage and to restore the streets to their former appearance by

removing or concealing inappropriate additions, including materials

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such as cement. In addition, the project hoped to raise the

awareness of local residents of the value of the heritage with which

they live and to demonstrate good conservation practice in order to

avoid further damage and to encourage more restoration efforts.

With the completion of the pilot conservation project, JiJ has

successfully established a conservation framework within which the

architectural heritage of the city of Jaislamer can be better

protected and has given hope to those concerned about the forts

future.

Highlights of Conservation Approach: The main issue in the

restoration process was the general decaying of the fort due to the

inability of the drainage system to cope with the quantity of water

being used. A considerable amount of water was seeping into soils

below the fort, leading to the collapse of hundreds of historic

structures. Although a sewage system had been installed some years

ago, it had not resolved the issue, with most water still draining into

the ground. Furthermore, the installation process had damaged the

old stone-paved streets and the concrete manhole covers put in were

unsightly. In addition, some households were using incongruous

plastic piping to connect to the sewage system.

Conservation works began in 2000. To prevent further water

seepage, drains were made watertight with the addition of cement

and the streets were given a concrete base. Lanes were then repaved

with the original stone, concrete manhole covers in the streets were

replaced by more suitable sandstone covers and unsightly piping was

concealed behind stone platforms. Houses without connections to the

sewage system had lavatories and piping installed, with special

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attention made to ensuring no water leakage and to maintaining the

original appearance of the building.

With the aim of restoring the streetscapes original appearance, the

project managers removed modern, incompatible additions and

materials and replaced them with original materials wherever

possible. Furthermore, they harnessed and directed traditional

knowledge and skills in the use of the original materials and thereby

revitalized those skills.

For example, the use of cement as a widespread, short-cut means of

making repairs to the stone buildings was a major concern. Not only

did this grey cement disfigure the yellow buildings, the cement sets

so firmly that in times of thermal stress the stone cracks,

compounding the problem and leading to structural instability and

the need for yet more repair work. In order to address this issue,

INTACH and JiJ met with residents and discussed residents needs

and motivations. Residents were encouraged to use traditional

methods and materials and in some cases residents agreed to remove

the cement and replace it with traditional lime mortar. In other

cases, however, an aesthetic compromise was achieved in which the

cement was painted yellow.

Conservation and Community: The most direct beneficiary of the

project was the local community, with the acquisition of a properly

functioning water and sanitation system. Through education

workshops the children also benefited, by learning about the

importance of good health and hygiene. In addition, the project

created much-needed employment opportunities for local residents

and raised awareness of the importance and viability of maintaining

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heritage architecture. Furthermore, through the projects insistence

on traditional methods and materials, there has been an overall

aesthetic improvement in the city, greater structural stability and a

revival of the traditional skills of local craftsmen and artisans which

were in danger of dying out.

The restoration project has improved living standards and generated

strengthened community spirit. In addition, the project has raised

international awareness of the threats facing Jaisalmer and the

need to act to protect the fort. In this way, the project has given

the fort and its inhabitants the possibility of a sustainable future.

Project Citation by Judges: The first phase of the streetscape

revitalization project in the historic fort city of Jaisalmer

represents an exemplary holistic approach to conserving the living

public realm. Starting with the basic gesture of harmoniously

integrating infrastructural amenities, such as drainage systems, into

the traditional streetscape, the project seeks to address a complete

range of conservation issues, including faade restoration and the

provision of hygienic facilities. The integrated conservation effort

will establish a mechanism for educating local property owners and

upgrading the entire fort in terms of modern functioning, while

maintaining Jaisalmers unique urban character and prevailing

traditional ways of life. The project has the potential to create the

momentum to drive a larger conservation project, serving as a best

practice case study for other communities to learn from.

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Assesment :Issues:

Uncontrolled constructionand use of in appropriatematerials

Extensive use o0f cementfor small scale repairwork.

Fast change ofappearance of the ancientcity

Solutions

Removal of modern,incompatible additions

and replacing them withoriginal materialswherever possible.

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3.2 CASE STUDY II

Murphy Avenue Streetscape Revitalization, Sunnyvale, CA

Royston Hanamoto Alley and Abey , November 1, 2005

LEVEL 1 - Sidewalk Improvements

LEVEL 2 - Murphy Avenue Streetscape Improvements

LEVEL 3 - Murphy Avenue Landmark District Revitalization

The Level 1 of the Programme consists of restoring the sidewalks

along the 100 Block of Murphy Avenue.

Streetscape improvements to Murphy Avenue consist of reclaiming

sidewalk space through the removal of existing concrete and in-

ground planters as well as unconsolidated newspaper racks; repair

of dilapidated portions of existing concrete and brick paving,

upgrading benches, trash receptacles, ash urns, and historic street

lights; installation of concrete paving in former planting beds, a new

fountain feature, new urn-style planters, new bicycle racks, new

custom tree grates in existing oversized tree wells, and new

consolidated newspaper racks. The installation of eight new

Gateway signs also figured

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The Level 2 of the Programme consists of streetscape re-design

of the 100 Block of Murphy Avenue, enhancements to the

breezeways connecting Murphy Ave. to the parking lots behind the

buildings, improvements to the intersections at Evelyn and

Washington Avenues.

Streetscape improvements to Murphy Avenue consist of

modification of existing sidewalk layout and replacement of

existing sidewalk paving with concrete unit pavers. Additional

enhancements include new street furnishings, new fountain feature,

new lighting, new planter urns, new custom tree grates, and

replacement of the irrigation system. Costing includes demolition

work and drainage improvements.

The two breezeways extend between existing buildings at mid-

block of Murphy Ave. to connect with the parking lots.

Improvements include demolition of existing breezeway roofs and

replacement with trellis structures and replacement of existing

paving with unit pavers.

Intersections of Murphy

Avenue with Evelyn &

Washington include eight

new gateway signs and

replacement of existing

crosswalk paving with

concrete unit pavers.

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The Level 3 alternative of the Murphy Avenue Streetscape Master

Plan consists of streetscape re-design of the 100 Block of Murphy

Avenue, enhancements to the breezeways connecting Murphy Ave.

to the parking lots behind the buildings, improvements to the

intersections at Evelyn and Washington Avenues, and re-design of

parking lots, including new pedestrian promenades along the back

entrances of businesses as well as edge treatments along the

perimeters of the parking lots.

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3.3 CASE STUDY IIIProject Title Dadabhai Naoroji Road

Date of Signage regulation May 2001

Completion Pilot street furniture project August 2001

Location Mumbai, India

Client Signage Guidelines Mumbai Metropolitan

Region Development Authoritys Heritage

Conservation Society

Heritage Archirect Abha Narain Lambath

Contractor Signage None

Street Furniture M/S Universal Designs

Designated as a Grade Il heritage streetscape as per the

Heritage Regulations of Greater Bombay 1995, the area has

immense value as a historic urban streetscape. The objective of

the project was, therefore, to restore the architecturalintegrity of the street with the regulation of the signboards

and the inclusion of street furniture that complemented the

neo-classical architecture.

The first of its kind in India, this ambitious streetscape

project has revived the historic ambience of Dadabhai Naoroji

Road of Mumbai through the restoration of shop fronts,

signage and street furniture to reflect the areas Victorian

Era commercial heritage.

Project Synopsis: Dadabhai Naoroji Road, a 19th century

streetscape characterized by arcaded bazaars and neo-

classical buildings, is among the busiest commercial areas

within Mumbai and presents perhaps the strongest image of a

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streetscape within the city. The road is a primary north-

south artery within the fort area, anchored by Crawford

Market (Mahatma Phule Market) in the north, and by Flora

Fountain in the south. Other urban landmarks like Victoria

Terminus (Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus) and Times of India

building are also located here. The road caters to a

phenomenal influx of pedestrians that flow out of the

Terminus building every day.

With the demolition of the Bombay Fort walls in the 1860s,

large commercial plots became available along the western

edge of Dadabhai Naoroji Road (then called Homby Road). By

the 1890s, fashionable new commercial buildings in Neo

Classical and Gothic Revival designs had been constructed on

these plots. Each building was required to have a ground floor

pedestrian arcade, which acted as the unifying element tyingtogether the various building facades.

Over the decades, due to fierce competition between the

streets shopkeepers, the handsome colonial facades became

completely concealed by unregulated signage such as

billboards, signboards and other forms of advertisement.

Street furniture too left much to be desired with the design

of road dividers, benches and other public amenities

completely out of sync with the ambiance of the historic

streetscape.

Designated as a Grade Il heritage streetscape as per the

Heritage Regulations of Greater Bombay 1995, the area has

immense value as a historic urban streetscape. The objective

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of the project was, therefore, to restore the architectural

integrity of the street with the regulation of the signboards

and the inclusion of street furniture that complemented the

neo-classical architecture.

Since the restoration, a veritable open-air exhibition of

architectural facades representing various genres of the

history of Mumbai can be witnessed along this single route

Highlights of Conservation Approach: An initiative of the

Mumbai Metropolitan Development Authority, the first phase

of the conservation project resulted in the preparation of the

first urban conservation guidelines in India by the appointed

architect. The preparation started with a survey of all

buildings, preparing hand-drafted measured drawings of each

faade. Extensive surveys were conducted to analyse the

relationship between the signage exhibited along the faade

with respect to ownership, amount of space occupied in

building, or the type of establishment (viz retail or

institutional). Finally a set of drawings were prepared,

mapping the recommended location and design of each sign on

every faade, taking care to ensure that every existing

shopkeeper got a space to exhibit his sign in nearly the same

square footage of the area that he previously had. The Design

Handbook for a Heritage Streetscape for Dadabhai Naoroji

Road was completed in 1999

Without waiting for government funding, the project

architect worked in a voluntary capacity with the local

shopkeepers, occupants and commercial establishments in the

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street and the local municipal officer to implement a voluntary

regulation of the shop fronts and signage. This was achieved

for the entire western side of the streetscape by May 2001.

Both the signage relocation works and the installation of

street furniture were completed with the voluntary and active

participation of the local community. Each individual

establishment bore the expense of relocating and redesigning

their shop sign. The pilot project of implementing the street

furniture along the 100-metre stretch, was sponsored by a

local newspaper who bore the expense of fabricating and

installing the cast iron street furniture designs along its

building.

Community involvement has been the key factor in the success

of this project. Its implementation has been achieved in a

participatory manner with the partnership between the

municipal officers and local shopkeepers. Throughout the

project an open line of communication has been maintained

between stakeholders, getting every holders opinion and

support at every stage.

Conservation and Community: Encouraged by the success ofthe signage relocation scheme in its initial stages, the various

occupants, owners, corporate establishments and shopkeepers

on Dadabhai Naoroji Road came together to form a citizen's

association - The Heritage Mile Association. This is a non-

profit group that aims to restore the heritage character of

Dr. Dadabhai Naoroji Road through public participation and

private sponsorship.

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Since its inception, The Heritage Mile Association has raised

funds through local stakeholders and shopkeepers to

implement street furniture through another 500-metre

stretch of the road, with more people and establishments

continuing to commit their financial and volunteer support to

this initiative.

The occupants of Dadabhai Naoroji Road now meet each

Monday to jointly discuss initiatives for the improvement of

this streetscape. The Association continues to undertake

improvement projects such as round-the-clock security,

maintenance and cleaning of the area, and there is a strong

sense of ownership among the local shopkeepers and other

stakeholders.

Project Citation by Judges: The first of its kind in India,

this ambitious streetscape project has revived the historic

ambience of Dadabhai Naoroji Road of Mumbai through the

restoration of shop fronts, signage and street furniture to

reflect the areas Victorian Era commercial heritage. This

project has galvanized local shop owners and residents, leading

to the creation of participatory citizens associations which

sustain and expand conservation work in historic Mumbai.

Starting with grass-roots advocacy, and continuing through

stakeholder consensus, the project has succeeded in gaining

commitment from the municipal government to adopt urban

design guidelines for the entire historic precinct, setting an

important precedent. The projects success has generated

widespread appreciation of the aesthetic, social and

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commercial values which have resulted from the preservation

of the streets historic character. Through its influence on

urban policy and contribution to the commercial vitality of the

neighborhood, this project sets the standard for future urban

streetscape revitalization throughout India.

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4.0 DESCRIPTION OF STUDY AREA

4.1 Historical Background

One of the very first roads to be macadamised in Kolkata, way back in

1839, Rabindra Sarani was formerly known as Chitpore Road. This road

derived its name from the temple of goddess of Chiteswari, which

stood at Khagendra Chatterjee Road, opposite the Gun and Shell

Factory at Cossipore.

It is the old pilgrim road of 17th century which connected the temple

of Chiteswari in the north with Kalighat temple in south. Along that old

road, popular as pilgrim's path, dharamshalas and shops came up.

Habitations grew around them and localities developed.

Chitpur Road was Kolkata's oldest road. Apart from the aristocracy,

there have been common folks engaged in various trades. The potters

(kumors) took to making clay idols in demand in the mansions that grew

up all around. Some antique establishments like litho press, marble

engraving are found here. The distinctive Bengali almanac or panjika

was printed here. It was a centre for Battala books. It was a centre

for the Bengali traditional form of drama jatra. A part of Lower

Chitpur Road rivalled the Chandni Chowk of Delhi before construction

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of Nakhoda Mosque in 1926. The last vestiges of Nawabi style were

found along Chitpur Road.

It is the place where Bengali zamindars erected grand mansions along

the road and Babu culture began to flourish in 18th century.

Jorasanko and Pathuriaghata along Chitpur road used to be major

centres of Bengali art and culture in 19th century.

It was on this road that Raja Rammohan Roy built his Brahmo Sabha,

which later became Adi Brahmo Samaj. The road was renamed

Rabindra Sarani, after its most famous resident, Rabindra Nath

Tagore. It is Kolkatas museum with communities and social groups

from various parts of country and beyond finding a place in nooks along

the road.

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4.2 Delineation of the study area

Chitpur Road extends from Bagbazar to Lalbazar Street in north-

south direction. The stretch of this road betwen its crossings with

Moulana Soukat Ali Street towards south and with Beadon Street

towards north is taken under study as this is the most characteristic part

of the road.

Moulana SoukatAli Street

BeadonStreet

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4.3 Connectivity

Road under study Primary Road Metro

Secondary Road Tertiary Road Station

The road with its one end starting from the CBD of Kolkata, has a high

level of connectivity. Chittaranjan Avenue, the arterial spine of the city

and Netaji Subhas Road, run parallel to Chitpur road in N-S direction.

M.G.Road and Girish Park Metro stations are only a few minutes walk. Two

other primary roads, Mahatma Gandhi Road and Vivekanada Road cross

Chitpur road in E-W direction connecting it with Sealdah and Howrah

Railway stations.

Chitpur Road

Mahatma Gandhi Road

Vivekananda Road

Moulana Soukat Ali Street

Moulana Soukat Ali Street

Mahatma Gandhi Road

Chitpur Road

Vivekananda Road

Beadon Street

Chittaranjan Avenue

Netaji

Subhas

Road

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4.4 Traffic and Transportation

Following types of vehicles run through this road:Public Transport Private Transport Goods Transport

Bus, Minibus, Tram Car, Cycle Truck, Matador, Auto Van

Taxi, Auto, Rickshaw 2-wheeler Cycle Van, Hand Cart

Heavy volume of traffic and combination of fast-moving and slow-moving

vehicles on narrow carriageway creates traffic snarl. In absence of

allotted parking area, vehicles are parked on road side narrowing the

effective width of carriageway. Traffic is one-way in S-N direction.

TRAFFIC DIRECTION

One-way traffic

Two-way traffic

TRAFFIC VOLUME(IN PCU)

Vivekananda RoadCrossing

Peak Hour 1123.4Lean Hour 877.4

M.G. Road Crossing

Peak Hour 850.8Lean Hour 725.8

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5.0 URBAN DESIGN STUDY OF THE AREAAn area earns an echelon of a place through its image-activity-form

interrelationship. So, in order to make an appraisal of Chitpur road as

a place, it is empirical to study these three components which would

make Chitpur road a place in its true sense.

5.1 Image Analysis

5.1.1 Pathways, Nodes and Landmarks; View and Axis

Pathwayso Major pathways within the study area are Mahatma Gandhi Road

and Vivekanada Road which cross Chitpur road in E-W direction.

o Other secondary pathways also run at almost right angles toChitpur road, namely Moulana Soukat Ali St., Zacaria St.,

Armenian St., Madanmohan Burman St., Muktaram Babu St.,

Hariram Goenka St. and Beadon St.

Nodeso Two most important nodes along Chitpur road are its crossing

with Mahatma Gandhi Road and Vivekanada Road.

o The crossing with Moulana Soukat Ali St Canning St. bustleswith trading activity making it an important node.

o The crossing of Chitpur road with Muktaram Babu St.- HariramGoenka St. has grown into another important node as it is theonly area along Chitpur road where various types of roadside

eateries are situated making it a lively place.

o The crossing with Beadon St. is another node whererecreational activities take place in the adjacent Rabindra

Kanan.

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Landmarkso Nakhoda Mosque In the past it

was a small mosque. In 1926, a

resident of Cutch, Abdar RahimOsman built the present mosque,

the biggest in Kolkata. It can

capacitate about 10,000 persons.It

has been built in the style of

Akbar's tomb at Sikandra-an exam-

ple of Indo-Saracenic architecture.

The gateway of this mosque is an

ersatz of the Buland Darwaza at

Fatehpur Sikri.

o Marble Palace It is an important landmark of the area, though itdoes not abut directly on Chitpur road. Marble Palace is a palatial

nineteenth-century mansion., famous for its marble walls and floors.

The house was built by Raja Rajendra Mullick in 1835. The house is

basically neo-classical in style, while the plan with its open

courtyards is largely traditional Bengali. The house contains large

quantities of Western sculpture and Victorian furniture, paintings

by European and Indian artists.

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o Jorasanko Thakurbari- It was built in the 18th built in the 18thcentury by PrinceDwarakanath Tagore). Rabindranath Tagore

(18611941) was born here. The house is has been restored to

reflect the way the household looked when the Tagore family

lived in it and currently serves as the Tagore museum for

Kolkata offering details about the history of the Tagore familywith a fabulous collection of Abanindranath and Rabindranath

Tagore's works. Rabindra Bharati University is now housed in anadjacent building in the same complex.

o Jorasanko Rajbati- It is a palace of Tagore family. Apart fromits historical association, it displays an indigenous style of

architecture

o Mallickbari (Ghoribari)- It is a mansion of Mullick family justopposite Lohia Matri Seva Sadan. This building is also in neo-

classical style with a big clock atop its pediment which justifies

its local name.

o Lohia Matri Seva Sadan- it isnow a maternity hospital. It is a

beautiful palatial mansion in neo-

classical style withy Ionic

columns and a pediment

ornamented with relief work.

The gateway also has beautiful

architectural details including a

statue of a lion atop.

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View and Axis

5.1.2 Cultural Association

This street has a strong association with the golden era of Bengal

Renaissance. Jorasanko, a famous stretch along the road was home to several

great luminaries of Bengali Culture, earning it its title of "the cradle of

Bengal Renaissance". Rabindra Nath Tagore spend most of his life here. It

was on this road that Raja Rammohun Roy built his Brahmo Sabha, which

later became Adi Brahmo Samaj. It is the place where Bengali zamindars

erected grand mansions along the road and Babu culture began to flourish

in 18th century. Jorasanko and Pathuriaghata along Chitpur road used to be

major centres of Bengali art and culture in 19th century. Many antique

establishments like litho press, marble engraving still take us to a journey of

an era branded with traditional ambience and distinctiveness.

o There is a potential view of the domes of Nakhoda Mosquefrom north along the viewing axis of the road itself. On the

other hand, the domes abruptly come into view while walking

along the bend of the road from the south of the Mosque,

providing an element of surprise.

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5.2 Activity AnalysisMajor activities along the road encompass the following:

Trading and Commercial activity: It is the most thriving

activity in this area. Towards the southern end of the road,

where it is in close proximity of Burrabazar, the central

trading centre of Kolkata, wholesale trading is most

prevalent. Different stretches of the road specializes in

different kinds of merchandise e.g marblework in

Pathuriaghata. Baskets and other commodities made of cane,

wooden utensils, large aluminum pots are sold in the northern

stretch of the street. Besides this, there are many

commercial establishments along the road.

Religious activity: The stretch of the road in front of Hafiz

Jamaluddin Masjid serves as the prayer grond during the

time of namaj. During Muslim festivals, the road in front of

and at the side of Nakhoda Mosque takes the role of a fair

ground.

Eateries: Many roadside eateries have come up at the

crossing of Chitpur road with Muktaram Babu St.- Hariram

Goenka St. It is the only area along Chitpur road where

various types of roadside eateries are situated making it a

lively place.

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5.3 Built-form Analysis5.3.1 Land Use Pattern Commercial (35%) : The land use pattern shows that the

study area is predominantly a commercial corridor with

various trading establishments being situated here.

Residential (50%): There is also a high percentage ofresidential land use

Educational (3%): one university and two schools aresituated on this road.

Medical (3%): There is two hospitals ( Lohia Matri SevaSadan & Marwari Relief Society) and one nursing home.

Religious (2%); There is two mosques and two temples. Industrial (1%); There is one factory premise beside

Rabindra Kanan, although closed. Besides this, there are a

few small scale industrial units adjacent to the factory

premise.

Parks and Open spaces (6%): There is only one park inthe area (Rabindra Kanan).

5.3.2 Pattern, Grain, Texture Pattern: The settlement in this area has high density and

a closely knit urban fabric. Grain: Most of the buildings have large mass. They are

sporadically interspersed with buildings of low mass.

Some pockets contain single storied slum dwelling. Thus

the result is a coarse grained fabric.

Texture: the building types vary from large traditionalbuildings to smaller and newer buildings and to temporarystructures, thus making the texture uneven.

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5.3.3 Building Use Pattern (Floor-wise)Floor-wise distribution of building use shows that the ground

floors of the buildings abutting the road are mostly used for

shops and other commercial purposes. Percentage of residential

use increases with height.

5.3.4 Building HeightBuilding height survey shows that buildings vary in height mostly

from single storied to four or five storied with only a few

buildings exceeding that height.

5.3.5 Building ConditionBuilding condition survey shows that most of the buildings are in

a poor condition and lacks maintenance. Only a few buildings arewell maintained. There are quite a number of buildings in

dilapidated condition which need immediate attention.

Building use Gr. fl. (%) 1st/2nd fl. (%) 3rd/4th fl. (%)

Residential 35 72 78

Commercial 50 15 8

Educational 3 5 1

Medical 3 5 8

Religious 2 2 3

Industrial 1 1 2

Open space 6 - -

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5.3.6 Typological Study of Buildings

Typological study of the buildings reveals that there is a distinct

variation in the typology of the buildings in the three stretches of

the road. The results are shown accordingly.

Stretch Building Uses Predominant

Architectural style

Key Architectural

Elements

S. Ali St.

To

M. G. Rd

Gr. Fl. Commercial

Upper fl. Mixed use

Religious (mosque)

Old buildings are in

Islamic style. Newer

buildings are devoid

of any particular

style

Cusped arches,

octagonal columns

with square base,

minarets and

domes on mosques

M. G. Rd.

To

Vivek. Rd.

Gr. Fl. Commercial

Upper fl. Mixed use

Educational

Institutions

Medical institutions

Religious (temple)

Mix of classical and

Indian (Rajasthani)

elements.

Columns and

pilasters, arches

and pediments,

cast iron grills,

wooden blinds,

jharokhas

Vivek. Rd.

To

Beadon

Street

Gr. Fl. commercial

Upper fl. mixed use

Educational

institutions

Medical institutions

Mix of classical and

Indian (Rajasthani)

elements.

Columns and

pilasters, arches

and pediments,

cast iron grills,

wooden blinds

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6.0 IDENTIFICATION OF ISSUESThe following urban design issues have been identified after a thorough

survey of the area and analysis of data obtained thereon:

A. Issues concerning built-form

1. The image of the area is being eroded due to change and degradationof the built environment

2. Old buildings in traditional architectural style are mostly in poorcondition and lack maintenance

3. Arbitrary addition / alteration of the buildings, enclosure ofverandahs degrade the aesthetic value of the street frontage.

Materials and the elevational treatments of these newer additions do

not comply with the original style.

4. Variety of plastic or tarpaulin sheets are used as awnings at the shopfronts which creates visual pollution.

5.

There is no facility of public toilet along the whole stretch except theonly one beside Rabindra Kanan.

6. There is a sheer dearth of open space along the road except RabindraKanan, which is again being encroached by a club structure.

B. Issues concerning movement

1. Heavy volume of traffic on the road with effective narrowcarriageway creates traffic snarl.

2. Combination of fast-moving (automobiles) and slow-moving (cycle vans,hand-carts) further aggravates the situation.

3. In absence of allotted parking area, vehicles are parked on road sidenarrowing the effective width of carriageway.

4. Insufficient width of footpath compels pedestrians to walk on theroad creating pedestrian and vehicular conflict.

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5. Shops encroach on footpaths and use it as an extension of their shoparea for storage of merchandise aggravating this conflict.

6. No dedicated area for loading unloading of merchandise which takesplace on the road only further obstructing vehicular flow.

C. Issues concerning streetscape elements

1. Indiscriminate installation of sign boards, advertisement bannerscreates visual clutter.

2. There is lack of proper street furniture like railings, tree guards etc.3. There is also a lack of public amenities like drinking water kiosk, sheds

at bus stops etc.

4. The road is mostly devoid of greenery or landscape elements. A fewtrees which has grown at random, lack maintenance.

5. Street lighting is not uniform employing various types of light sources.

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7.0 RECOMMENDATIONS AND PROPOSALSAfter a thorough study of the area and identification of urban design

issues, the following proposals are formulated for redevelopment of

the area which are subdivided in five categories :

7.1 Restoration of Street Faade The buildings which are in a degraded condition should be

renovated retaining the original architectural style, masonry

character, details window patterns.

Original significant architectural features which are lost due toaddition / alteration should be reinstated or reconstructed.

Existing significant verandahs and balconies should be retained External wall surfaces which are characteristic of the building

are not to be coated, rendered or painted.

External colour schemes should be appropriate to thearchitectural period and style of the building.

Where repair or replacement of original render is necessary,this should be undertaken using materials consistent with

original render.

7.2 Rectification of Street Faade Elements Variation in the heights of the buildings break the pattern of

street walling and quality of enclosure is devalued with abruptvoids in the skyline. So, infill measures should be undertaken for

the sites with low-rise buildings, dilapidated and unauthorized

structures.

Removal of later, intrusive enclosures of verandahs or balconiesshould be undertaken

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Awnings and other overhanging features on the buildings whichare not compatible with thy building style should be replaced

with appropriate devices

Removal of intrusive paints on the building faade should beundertaken

Shopkeepers should be encouraged to replace the inappropriateawnings at the shop front with devices compatible with the

ambience.

7.3 Enhancement of Streetscape Elements Sign boards, advertisement hoardings, banners which create

visual clutter should be removed.

Shopkeepers should be encouraged to replace the inappropriatesign boards and advertisement hoardings at the shop front

which are compatible with the surrounding.

No sign board will be allowed to be installed above the firstfloor level so that the building faade from that level upward

remain uncluttered.

Overhanging service cables should be taken underground.Electrical installations on the street side which creates visual

clutter should be relocated.

Street furniture, which are appropriate to the ethos of thearea should be installed, like railings, tree guards.

Amenities, which would cater to the pedestrians, should beinstalled, like drinking fountains, seating for olds and children

etc.

More greenery and other landscape materials should beintroduced.

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7.4 Measures for PedestrianizationOne of the major onuses is to mitigate the pedestrian and

vehicular conflict. With the buildings abutting on the street

there is no scope of widening the road, neither the side-walk

can be widened under the present scenario. So, measures should

be taken to pedestrianize the road which would include:

Time-bound restrictions on the movement of all type ofautomobiles and goods carrier including cycle vans and

handcarts. Trams should be exempted from this restrictions.

Diverting the north-bound public transport routes presentlyplying through the road to the two major roads running parallel

to Chitpur road.

Allocating dedicated parking area near the crossings with theroads on which vehicles will be allowed to run.

7.5 Control Measures for Future DevelopmentIt is needless to say that the above endeavours would be fruitless

unless and until some control is imposed on the future development of

the area. A broad policy should be formulated which would incorporate

a degree of control over the following:

New constructions;Height of new construction should be stipulated so as to be

compatible with the existing skyline.

Any new construction adjacent to or in close proximity of a

significant traditional building should not exceed the height of

that building.

New constructions should be compatible with the ethos of its

surrounding through its architectural style, material selection,

colour scheme, architectural details and fenestration pattern.

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Any future addition / alteration / renovation work should follow

the guidelines proposed in the clauses 11.1 and 11.2 above.

SignageSign boards, advertisement hoardings, banners should be

appropriate and sympathetic to its built environment in

selection of its size, colour and installation position and should

be integrated with the architecture and structure of the

supporting building.

7.6 Incentives to the StakeholdersTo encourage the premises occupants to actively participate in the

proposed redevelopment programme, allocation or award of some form

of incentive should be considered by appropriate authority which may

include:

Awarding additional F. A. R. in return of renovation /restoration of buildings which would follow the proposed

guidelines.

Awarding premises or building tax benefits to those undertakingrenovation / rectification measures following the proposed

guidelines.

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8.0 DEMONSTRATIVE SOLUTION8.1 Design Brief8.1.1 Issues

The area at the crossing of Chitpur Road and Beadon Street needs

immediate intervention in terms physical, social, economic and

environmental upgradation as the following issues have been identified

concerning this area:

1) The most prominent structure in this area is the centuries oldthree-storied building of Notun Bazar, which was established by

Raja Rajendralal Mullick. The building is in a dilapidated condition

with parts of this building declared condemned. The faade of this

building is unique with two massive arched gateways and two similar

arches are on the flanks of the building. This building needs

immediate renovation / reconstruction. However, the faade should

be retained.

2) Though Notun Bazar is a thriving market, it lacks in properinfrastructure. There is no loading-unloading area which takes

place on the road only further obstructing vehicular flow.

3) The site on the opposite of Rabindra Kanan has a factory premisewhich is closed for years and the premise has been occupied by

shanty-dwellers degrading the physical environment.

4) There are a few number of small scale industries housed indilapidated temporary structure causing environmental concern.

5) There is no recreational public space with proper facilities likeeating outlets, drinking water facilities, public seating area,

childrens park etc.

6) The sidewalks in front shops are cluttered with stackedmerchandise obstructing pedestrian movement and visual nuisance.

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8.1.2 Needs

1) The building of Notun Bazar should be renovated retaining /restructuring its faade.

2) The temporary structures of the shops in the Bazar should bereplaced with a proper market building with required public

facilities and loading-unloading area.

3) The site opposite Rabindra Kanan should be redeveloped withrelocation of the shanty dwellers, segregation of the small scale

units with environmental protection

4) Storage area for the shops is required to encourage the shopowners to clear the shop fronts.

5) A proper public space should be generated with required publicfacilities like eating outlets, drinking water facilities, public

seating area, childrens park etc.

8.2 Design SolutionThe area including the site of Notun Bazar an the site opposite

Rabindra Kanan has been selected for a demonstrative solution

of the major issues identified in this thesis study following the

guidelines proposed in the same. This includes:

1) Design of a new market complex at the site of existing Bazarwith a public plaza within and renovation of the building.

2) Design of a residential building complex at the site oppositeRabindra Kanan relocating the shanty dwellers of this site.

3) Design of a storage building to cater to the needs of local shopowners.

4) Allocating dedicated area for the small scale units withenvironmental protection.

5) Creation of a childrens park in this site.

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9.0 CONCLUSIONIn this thesis project, an overall attempt has been made to

comprehend the unique characteristics of the historically

significant urban corridor of Chitpur Road. The intention was to

identify the urban design issues which devalues these

characteristics and to find out the appropriate remedies to guide

the development taking place in the area. The approach takes

care of diverse needs and requirements, and social and cultural

impacts of the area. With ideas and examples of similar cases in

the other parts of the country as well as world, an attempt has

been made to enhance the functional efficiency and to give a

better identity to the place.

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10.0BIBLIOGRAPHYBooks:

1. The Image of the City Kevin Lynch2. Townscape Gordon Cullen3. Urban Design : Street and Square Cliff Moughtin4. Urban Design : The Architecture of Towns and Cities5. Calcutta old and new H. Cotton6. Brief History of Calcutta A. K. Ray7. Calcutta The Living City S Chaudhuri

Articles:

1. Urban Design Guidelines as Design Control Instrument

- Poerbo, Heru Wibowo

2. Differentiated and Compatible: Four Strategies forAdditions to Historic Settings -Steven W. Semes

Maps:

1. Atlas of Kolkata NATMO

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TRAFFIC VOLUME ANALYSIS

Chart for PCU Calculated Traffic VolumeVehicle Type PCU Vehicle Type PCUTram 2.0 Two-Wheeler 0.5Bus 2.2 Cycle 0.4Mini Bus 2.0 Truck 2.2Taxi 1.0 Matador 2.0Auto 1.2 Auto Van 1.2

Rickshaw 1.5 Cycle Van 1.0Car 1.0 Hand Cart 2.0

Vehicle TypeRoad

Crossing Time

Public Transport Private Transport Goods Transport

Tram Bus MiniBus

Taxi Auto Ricksha Car Two-Wheel

Cycle Truck Matador AutoVan

CycleVan

HandCart

M.G.

Road

5 p.m

6 p.m.

20 8 14 236 Nil 26 146 72 48 6 108 14 210 4

2 p.m-3 p.m.

14 6 10 170 Nil 10 86 40 10 6 98 12 130 2

Vivek.

Road

5 p.m6 p.m.

18 8 18 158 160 38 202 72 68 14 94 34 94 4

2 p.m-

3 p.m.

12 5 10 104 112 30 170 58 48 10 60 14 142 3

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Road Crossing Time of the day Total PCU

Mahatma Gandhi

Road5 p.m 6 p.m. (Peak hour) 850.8

2 p.m - 3 p.m. (Lean hour) 725.8

Vivekananda

Road5 p.m - 6 p.m. (Peak hour) 1123.4

2 p.m - 3 p.m. (Lean hour) 877.4

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