Nahar - Restoring A Canal Through Modified Waterscapes

Apratim G Thakurata

LA4010

The Khari Cut Canal in Ahmedabad, India, is an important waterway that serves various purposes for the city and its surrounding areas. The project aims to transform this neglected canal into a vibrant and eco-friendly waterfront space that not only revitalizes the natural environment but also rekindles the sense of community and connection with the water through - environmental restoration, community engagement, waterfront activation, sustainability & resilience. At the heart of this endeavor is the strategic implementation of natural sponges along the canal’s length, to provide ecological sanctuaries as well as effective water purification systems.

View Additional Work

Report Content

Location and overview of the chosen stretch. Understanding the context, existing layers and current situation of the canal.

Proposed design framework to solve the issues at site. Programmatic layout of the site, based upon the design framework and the strategies.

The strategic plan for the 'L' scale site through re-naturalization and green insertion to the existing system.

Calculation of the volume of water, the site will manage, hence the derivation of the concept of sponge-canal combination.

The masterplan for the 'M' scale site, showing introduced sponge pockets and activities on the canal system.

Sections, explaining the seasonality and programmatic change of the proposed masterplan.

Programs and seasonality of the 'S' scale site, chosen at a transect, where the naturalized canal-bed meets with the existing concrete section.

A fluid planting palette for the transitional space. The planting of the site merges into a marginal grassland and riparian edge from a structured public landscape experience.

Site Kinetics to show the functional change of the site through different seasons and extremities, leading to create some distinct experiences for the people.

Conclusion - A redefined system of water. A new identity. A renaturalized system of channel and sponge, activated with community engagement.