URBAN DUALITIES:Unveiling the complexity of Bifold realm

Bhairavi Udaykumar Ashar

LA4017

Beneath the flyover, an overlooked space lies hidden, dominated by monotony and rigid structures. Amidst the imposing columns, a small figurine symbolizes human presence in a landscape where shadows constantly shift, creating a dynamic environment. Despite being a gathering spot for stakeholders, the space paradoxically embraces contradiction, as the flyover above, designed for convenience, constrains the potential below. Envisioned as an escape, a linear retreat emerges in the midst of dense urban fabric, introducing a new rhythm. Through drastic transformation, this space is reborn, defying norms and promising quality. Now open and accessible, it flourishes with retained functionality, no longer underutilized but instead restored to its full potential, becoming a revitalized part of urban lore.

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Drawing Observations | Landscape character draws from diverse site visits to extract observations and create conceptual designs, studying variability within a consistent setting.

Reading the site | The focus of bridge design is often on convenience, neglecting the potential beneath for development. This neglected underbridge area presents developmental promise, offering opportunities to enrich the environment and expand building typologies seamlessly. Strategically developing these spaces can transform them into valuable extensions, contributing to urban improvement. The SG Highway, spanning the city's axis and connecting east to west, provides a unique opportunity for prototype development suited to its diverse typologies.

Recording the site | The site along SG Highway spans from Chandoliya railway line to Thaltej metro station, with about 1000 meters on each side. Landmarks like Palladium Mall and Zydus Hospital attract users. The bridge offers potential for diverse interventions and plugin prototypes, with amenities like AMTS bus stops and rickshaw stands. It stretches 2 kilometers with 500 meters of open space, 7-meter height at the cross junction, and 30 meters of accessible area. Palladium Mall is a key activity hub, complemented by small industries and food kiosks in the vicinity.

Recording the site | The activity map shows activity variations throughout the day, including changes in building types and foot traffic density. It analyzes user demographics from residents to visitors of all ages. These insights are foundational for programming the proposed intervention. The speculation aims to enhance the underbridge's spatial quality and activity flow, utilizing changing shadow patterns and dynamic planting features to activate the space.

Design conceptualization | Alteration 01: The diverse stakeholders and building types on-site contribute to a dynamic environment under the bridge, influenced by evolving activities and adjacent elements. A unifying element along the linear stretch is crucial to manage this complexity. Factors such as parking and building types, both constant and variable, shape the site's dynamics. The cross junction symbolizes unity amid diverse usage patterns, adding to the site's complexity. Changing shadow patterns further contribute to the underpass's dynamic nature, defined by an interplay of constants, variables, stakeholders, and diverse functionalities. Alteration 02: The evolution has led to a departure from the area's original character, now representing a significant urban intervention. The narrative emphasizes restoring the lost essence, aiming for a transformative space that adds unique value beyond typical underbridge development.

Design conceptualization | Alteration 03: The 9/11 Memorial Glade honors war martyrs with a concept of "presence of absence," symbolizing devastation in the backdrop, formal architecture in sunken plazas, and resilient oak trees in the foreground, signifying endurance across war sites. Alteration 04: Ed Sheeran’s albums - Plus, Minus, Multiply, and Divide - symbolize life phases with distinct colors and textures, showcasing a transition from smooth to rough emotions. Each album represents a musical journey reflecting a wide spectrum of human emotions, contributing to an overall emotional tapestry. The emotions within and across phases are depicted through geometric forms, with smooth or rough edges representing different feelings. A consistent highlight color symbolizes enduring hope, while other emotions fluctuate. The journey includes open prospects and confined opportunities, shaping the evolving emotional landscape.

Sculpting spaces | The master plan comprises two segments: a shorter stretch resembling a mall extension with adaptable spaces like raised plinths and exhibition pods, connected to a longer side by a boardwalk. The longer stretch includes a water channel, skate park, playcourt, and sculpture park, ending with a secluded resting pod. The median space hosts food stalls and bioswale features, offering filtered stormwater and natural aesthetics.

Planting strategy | The landscape concept emphasizes porosity, adapting to varying shadow patterns despite the perceived consistent shading under the flyover. Four distinct exposure levels guide planting decisions based on partial or direct sunlight. The strategy aligns with program elements: hardy plants for resilience in the shorter stretch and a tropical theme for the longer one, enhancing the proposed water channel. Planting diversity and stratification accommodate various species despite limited upper growth, arranged perpendicular to avoid a monotonous appearance, transitioning from ground cover to shrubs and flowering plants.

Technical strategy | Lighting: The lighting strategy, in line with the ephemeral theme, operates across three timeframes. It starts with a sunset-inspired phase, transitioning to ombre lights mimicking sunset hues afterward. This design enhances various elements like the water channel, floor patterns, tree canopy, seating, and flower bed, reflecting natural sunlight for growth. It also emphasizes the underbridge borders as a landmark and offers a comfortable space for late-night activities. Irrigation: The proposed irrigation system complements the theme of revitalizing the lost water element by utilizing suspended sprinklers every two days in the shaded environment. Weekly water changes for the water channel ensure its vitality, while the bio swale filters stormwater runoff efficiently. Drip irrigation is used for the dense vegetation in the median due to its regular operation.

Conclusion | The conclusion underscores ongoing activities under the bridge and suggests community-centered improvements for better utilization, aiming to engage the community and enhance the landmark's value. This adaptable plugin prototype is inspired by the surroundings and can be customized for user requirements, showcasing the broader potential of underbridge in urban development.