Aastha Dhurandhar

UR2033

From Context to Criteria to Design

This project began with studying Jan Gehl’s criteria for good public spaces. Based on those learnings, key considerations were identified for designing better public spaces in Ahmedabad. Two sites—Vastrapur and Vasna—were selected for design interventions. Within these, specific locations were chosen based on building use, existing functions, and observed activities. The design aims to improve usability, comfort, and engagement by incorporating considerations like human scale, walkability, safety, and flexible use. Efforts were made to integrate these principles into the design to respond to the local context and user needs effectively.

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Strategies to activate Vastrapur Lake’s inactive interior through zoning, functions, and contextual public space design.

Context-based design process addressing circulation, level shifts, and user engagement through phased spatial strategies.

Plan, section, and sketch illustrate clear zoning, level transition, and spatial intent for active engagement.

Design develops around entry plaza by structuring visual access, spatial layering, and activity-based zoning strategies.

Final design centers around a circular plaza, integrating vending, seating, movement, and social gathering zones.

Vasna site study identifies attractors and underused zones, guiding strategies for activation, balance, and engagement.

Design process responds to temple placement and residential edges through zoning, hierarchy, and spatial structuring.

Final layout organizes forecourts, vending, and courts to foster community use, movement, and interaction.

Design process integrates temples and market dynamics to structure multifunctional, accessible, and community-driven public spaces.

Final layout organizes forecourts, vending, and courts to foster community use, movement, and interaction.