Urban Transformation in Leftover Spaces:

A case study of Dilli Haat 1 2 1

Gaurav Raheja , Katharina Borgmann ,Sangeeth S Pillai
1. Department of Architecture & Planning, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Uttarakhand State, INDIA
2. IN-EAST School of Advanced Studies, University of Duisburg-Essen, , GERMANY

Abstract
Urban transformation is a fairly complex, large and a continuous phenomenon. However, trans-
forming left over spaces within contemporary urban environments into better, safer and valuable
public spaces remains a continuous challenge (Bentley, 2004). This paper presents the case of
Dilli Haat, as a unique example of urban transformation of a left over space in New Delhi, the
capital city of India. Evolved from an open left over space with storm water drain, garbage dump
and a line of some vegetation, Dilli Haat has emerged as an active and engaging public space Axial Map Analysis showing
with an over growing demand and high footfalls. Its urban precinct and spatial configuration fur- Entrance Plaza the measure Connectivity
ther become the defining criteria of how it works and how people use it. This paper employs
space syntax tools to analyse the spatial framework of Dilli Haat along with in situ observations.
It further correlates the findings based on discussions conducted with the project architects, on
site observations and Space syntax tools. It brings out generic conclusions about the spatial ty-
pology of Dilli Haat as a learning for urban transformations with positive social impact in Indian
context.
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Keywords
Axial Map Analysis showing
Urban transformation, Leftover Spaces, Public Space, Space Syntax Craft Stalls the measure HH-Integration
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Dilli Haat: Origin & Evolution
Located on a leftover site opposite to an informal market on a highly active road, Aurobindo
Marg (Fig. 1), the journey of its transformation began from an experimental Crafts Bazaar in
1990 at another location in New Delhi. The chosen site of 100 x 300m comprised of a 23m wide
storm water drain (Nallah in local language) (Fig.2) , a garbage dumping ground often used for
outdoor defecation and sanitation purposes. Along the site were number of trees lining both
sides of the drain, giving it a linear flowing character but with an identity of a left over space. Food Zone AxialAnalysis
VGA Map Analysis showing
showing
the measure
the measure HH-Integration
Choice
An initiative led by an NGO (Dastakari Haat Samiti),
architect Pradeep Sachdeva and Delhi Tourism de- Figure 5 Site Images, Space Syntax Analysis (Axial Map and VGA Analysis)
partment led to the proposal of a unique concept of a
Crafts bazaar where the local artisans could display Space Syntax Analysis: How people use it?
and sell their crafts and people could shop and experi-
ence the place. The whole proposal was conceptual- The connectivity analysis of the axial map of Dilli Haat shows that the street corresponding
ized on a site allotted by the New Delhi Municipal Cor- to the first half of central spine from entrance has the highest values of connectivity but com-
poration (NDMC) during the 1990s. Reclamation of paratively smaller values of integration to the overall system. This is by virtue of its linear
this site for a transformational purpose of a public ac- character which supports its function as a shopping street.
tivity was a novel idea. Discussions with the architect In comparison, the latter half of the central spine with a nearer value in connectivity has very
reveal that it was envisioned as a public space for an high value of integration as it is well integrated into the network of food zones on both sides.
average urban Delhi resident, who otherwise did not
have enough choices for urban recreation. Dilli Haat,
The food zones that flank
designed by architect Pradeep Sachdeva, was con-
as networks on both sides
Figure 1. Dilli Haat: Location Map ceived as an Urban Haat, the permanent urban equiv-
of the spine after the round
( www.google.co.in/maps, 2015) alent for the weekly village market (Mohsini, 2011).
about has a medium level of
visual connectivity and inte-
gration. The lower most
portion of the site has lesser
integration levels due to its
visual discontinuity. This is Figure 6 Dilli Haat Current growth pattern of Informal
visible through in-situ obser- Shops marked in red , ( Sachdeva, 2015)
vation by the authors also.

Figure 2 Dilli Haat : Section showing drain under the site, ( Sachdeva, 1994) The above analysis is validated through the facts that while Dilli Haat was conceptualized for
____________________________________________________________________________ 1000 to 2000 people per day. It however witnesses up to 7000 people on weekends or holi-
Program Zoning : How it works? days and about 3000 on weekdays. ( Kakar, 2015) The growing numbers of visitors is a
strong indicator of the successful transformation of a dead and unattended leftover space in-
In response to the given site and a participatory design brief, that emerged through discussions
to a valuable urban space demonstrating a rich public experience. Figure 6 shows the in-
with craft persons, probable users and other stakeholders, it was resolved in to a spatial se-
creasing growth pressure the haat is facing from within by the creation of unplanned informal
quence and configuration (Fig.3) making the Haat a feasible urban public space experience.
stalls.
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As a result the spatial pro-
Conclusion
gram includes an entrance
plaza, raised to block vehic- Dilli Haat is a true example of a complete transformation of an urban leftover space into a
ular access and bring a unique public space through a food and crafts bazaar program. Its spatial typology supported
new spatial identity for pe- by a subdued architectural character induces a strong sense of connectedness and visibility
destrian circulation and tick- as also evidenced by the space syntax. Space syntax tools further reveals the underlying
eting services for entry to properties of the spatial configuration of Dilli Haat. It has a strong potential to illustrate how
Dilli Haat. urban spaces and their configurations can translate into positive public value.
It is followed by a linear
spine of movement flanked __________________________________________________________________________
by stalls on both sides in References:
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Figure 3. Diili Haat, Activity based zoning map, traction in urban pedestrian movement. Environment and Planning B: Planning and Design, 20, 29-66.
crafts of India. (Fig.4) ( Sachdeva, 2015) Kakar, A., (2015) Dilli Haat, http://www.indiaprofile.com/fashion/dilli-haat.htm
To transform Dilli Haat into
Mohsini, M. (2011), Crafts, Artisans, and the NationState in India. In: Princeton University, A companion to
a successful public experi- the anthropology of India, John Wiley & Sons, p.186-201, doi: 10.1002/9781444390599.ch10
ence, the food plazas and a
Sachdeva, P., (1994),The Dilli Haat, Architecture+Design, Media Transasia India, New Delhi 11(4), 22-31.
performance arena culmi- Sachdeva, P., (1995), Dilli Haat, The Food & Crafts Bazaar, The Indian Architect & Builder, Jasubhai Media,
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Sachdeva, P., (2015), Dilli Haat Issues, Unpublished Report , Pradeep Sachdeva Design Associates 11(4),
Space syntax tools have 22-31.
been used to study the in-
teraction between the spa- ________________________________________________________________________
tial configuration and public Acknowledgements:
movement in this spatial ty- The authors acknowledge the valuable contribution of data, images , discussion and support rendered
pology in an urban context. Figure 4 Dilli Haat, credits : Martin Haobam, (2012), by Ar. Pradeep Sachdeva and Ar. Vishwesh Viswanathan from Pradeep Sachdeva Design Associates,
Source: www.flickr.com New Delhi.