Relinked Neighborhoods : Bridging Urban links

Pranav A

UD4006

This project envisions the transformation of Ahmedabad’s urban villages (gamtals), such as Bopal and Ghuma Gam, by leveraging their spatial proximity to lakes to create active, multifunctional neighborhood anchors. It aims to reconnect fragmented spaces with the city through improved street networks, activated public realms, and reimagined built forms. The phased strategy includes immediate interventions like lake preservation, mid-term goals such as sponge parks and vibrant lakefronts, and long-term enhancements of public space linkages. The initiative promotes ecological resilience, cultural vibrancy, and Integrated urban development offering a replicable model for integrating peripheral settlements into the city’s evolving urban fabric.

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The inquiry: In many cities, lakes are closely linked to nearby gamtals, offering a unique opportunity. However, standardized lakefront developments often break this connection. Could a new role emerge from this relationship where lakefronts act as connectors between gamtals and the wider city?

The vision & objectives: The vision is to reconnect the lake with the gamtal and city for anchor-based urban development, by activating natural assets, linking public spaces, and creating inclusive urban edges.

The study area & the pilot: Opportunities lie at the city's edge where lake–gamtal connections still exist. The Bopal- Ghuma precinct was chosen, focusing on Bopal Gam and its lake as a pilot to explore the need for such interventions.

The strategies & spatial framework: The spatial strategies- CONNECT, REDEFINE, and COMPLEMENT -to guide a resilient, inclusive transformation of the focus area. Together, they shape a context-specific masterplan that weaves mobility, ecology, public space, and built form into a reimagined neighborhood identity.

The Gamtal edge transformation: The underutilized & disconnected gamtal edge is transformed into an active, connected space hosting cultural and social activities.

The details of transformation: Reconnecting fragmented spaces with better streetscapes, active public areas, and built form guidelines, creating a vibrant, inclusive urban edge linked to the lake.

The Economic edge transformation: The second zone enhances the lake-city interface by improving the key street, adding economic anchors, preserving open lakefronts, and linking green corridors with active, walkable edges.

The Link edge transformation: The final zone links residential areas and a smaller lake to the main lakefront through walkable public lands, activated by cultural spaces and ending at a sponge park.

The built form guidelines for gamtals : These guidelines are designed to facilitate the transformation within the gamtal in response to the surrounding interventions.

The implementation & impact: The phased plan fosters lake–gamtal links and public space activation, leading to well-integrated neighborhoods over time.