Anshika Agrawal

UR3009

GRADIENT aspires to intertwine the urban environment with the inherent ecology of the river. By questioning conventional urban land practices, it proposes a design framework that respects the ecological thresholds of the river while ensuring the vibrancy of urban spaces. The ecological boundaries are defined by flood plains, vegetation types, reserved plains, plantations, landforms, and various manifestations of the river. The project aims to meticulously blend urban edges with ecological contours, establishing a spectrum of zones along the river distinguished by the level of human intervention allowed. These zones are defined and separated via design strategies and policies to help preserve the edge and make a vibrant public realm simultaneously. The zones range from 100% preserved natural state to complete urban integration. The design also modulates the degree of connection (visual and physical) via design interventions and policies. The design then paves a new way for urbanization to spread while establishing the river as a spine.