Shah Shashvi Sachin

UR2005

The site Maan Darwaja in Surat has both the formal as well as informal settlements. The people living in both the settlements are facing issues such as garbage filled inter building spaces, congested units, lack of maintenance, safety especially in the formal settlements and extremely congested streets in the informal settlements. One of the main activity generator that binds these settlements is the informal market and the streets which allow them to celebrate events ad festivals. Hence, the project aim is to transform the site into vibrant and accessible environments that prioritize pedestrian experience and community engagement. By reimagining open spaces as dynamic hubs of activity, the project has tried to integrate principles of safety (separating vehicular and pedestrian zones), connectivity, and vitality. Through strategic placement of "eyes on the street" and thoughtful consideration of pedestrian flow as well as retaining the informal character of the market, it wants to create inviting thoroughfares that promote active transit and foster social interaction. The approach of the project emphasizes the integration of activity generators, ensuring that every space becomes a catalyst for community engagement and cultural enrichment. Additionally, it has aimed to design spaces and spillovers that capture the essence of individuals engaged in live and work on otlas like in the informal settlements, while preserving the intangible aspect of narrow thoroughfares.