Shimoli Patel

4669-8

The objective behind the course “Understanding the City Studio” is to develop an acute understanding of the various behaviors of a mass residing in a particular precinct by objectively analyzing its history, evolution, built form, infrastructure and lifestyle characteristics. During the course of this exercise, it would be fair to claim that Vastrapur is an extremely interesting study of contrasts. While one part of this precinct houses extravagant glass buildings of both - residential and commercial in nature, the other is a Gamtal, that has barely changed in over half a century.   As this portfolio progresses, the claim that Vastrapur boasts a lot of diversity will be more pronounced. Be it the infrastructure that has evolved over the years, while retaining traditional structures in the Gamtal, or the fact that the precinct houses people from various economic backgrounds engaging in all casual, regular and self-employment. Studying the various planning and design parameters revealed a lot about the area and the behaviors of people living in this precinct, more particularly after the lakefront development in 2002. The Vastrapur lake gave rise to new dimensions for this precinct which is now a prime recreational as well as commercial center of Ahmedabad. To sum up the entire experience, Vastrapur is a beautiful example of peaceful coexistence within a contrast.