Trade and Terrain - Create_Connect_Commerce

Udit Deepakkumar Shah

UR3005

Trade and Terrain reimagines the Sant Sarovar Dam site as a vibrant, public-oriented hub where commerce and culture converge. This vision is realized through three strategies: Enhancing Accessibility: Pathways, elevated walkways, and new plantations follow natural contours and preserve native vegetation, addressing steep slopes and improving connectivity. Upgrading Cultural Assets: The heritage fort is sensitively reinforced, preserving its authenticity while incorporating new structures that offer scenic views. Integrating Commerce: Three scales of interventions foster economic vibrancy: vibrant commercial edges along the most accessible roads, marketplace hubs featuring local crafts and harvested goods along major gathering areas, and smaller workspaces for diverse local activities. By thoughtfully integrating existing stakeholders and introducing new economic opportunities, Trade and Terrain transforms the site into a vibrant, thriving, and safe destination. It supports local livelihoods, promotes cultural exchange, enhances connectivity, and creates a welcoming environment for both the community and new visitors.

Report Content

Spatial occupational analysis of the area reveals both positive and negative aspects affecting its environment and local economy. Positive features include scenic views, opportunities for bird watching, the presence of temples, and well-utilized community spaces that encourage social interaction and leisure. However, negative activities such as sand mining, construction dumping, haphazard grazing and parking, and illicit activities disrupt the area's balance, contributing to environmental degradation and public safety concerns. The local economy is primarily supported by fishing, free grazing, vending, and the harvesting of food and firewood, which provide livelihoods for many residents. However, the area's infrastructure is poorly developed, with roads poorly organized and a lack of public toilets, exacerbating sanitation issues. These challenges highlight the need for better urban planning and sustainable practices to preserve both the natural environment and improve the quality of t

Terrain Analysis This study assists in identifying optimal locations for commerce spaces. Upland areas are the most suitable for such developments, while low-lying areas and mid-slope terrains can be made more productive through stabilization strategies.

This design concept aims to create a dynamic environment where commerce and culture intertwine, fostering economic opportunities for locals while generating a thriving, inclusive space for people from all walks of life. The project envisions a series of marketplace hubs strategically placed throughout the site, featuring local crafts, food stalls, and harvested goods. Local harvesters and vendors will be encouraged to set up shops, providing them with an opportunity to sell their work, strengthening the local economy and preserving cultural traditions.The integration of commerce into the design will play a crucial role in popularizing the site, ensuring its sustainability and relevance while promoting cultural exchange.

Part Plans

Preparing the site involves establishing the essential infrastructure required to facilitate basic human interactions and activities. This process ensures that the space is functional, accessible, and ready to support the needs of its users, laying the groundwork for a well-connected urban environment. “Provide” refers to enhancing the site by making meaningful improvements that transform existing spaces into well-defined, functional zones. This process involves organizing and refining the layout to create more purposeful areas that serve specific needs and contribute to a cohesive urban environment. “Activate” refers to the process of enhancing the site by incorporating commercial uses and spaces that foster economic activity and social interaction. The goal of this phase is to infuse the area with energy, transforming it into a vibrant and functional part of the urban landscape. This involves revitalizing existing activities and turning them into a commercially viable platform

These plants are categorized based on various characteristics such as foliage density, height, edibility, fragrance, and root structure. This classification ensures that the chosen species are not only well-suited to the environmental conditions but also serve productive and commercial purposes. The goal is to create a sustainable and functional landscape that meets the needs of the community, supports local commerce, and enhances the overall urban environment.

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