Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Transaction Advisor
CRISIL Risk & Infrastructure Solutions Ltd.
DESIGN REPORT
Consulting architect : Kiran Keswani
INDIA
30 October 2008
Proposed
ROSE HILL Mall
at existing Rose hill
vegetable market site
Proposed
ROSE HILL MARKET SQUARE
Scope of the project
The ‘Rose Hill Market Square’ project is now an Integrated Development plan that includes the 'Rose Hill Mall' (the
Commercial and Tourist centre) to be built at the current market site, the Bazar Rose Hill (Fruit & Vegetable Municipal
market) to be rebuilt at the Duval Stadium and the Arab Town Market to be relocated to the Bus-station.
Bazar Rose hill The Stadium Arab market Da Patten Way Supermarket
3
kiran keswani architect . India
Scope of the project
1. an urban design
approach – the Rose Hill
Market Square
2. an architectural design
solution – the Rose Hill
Mall (the Commercial &
Tourist Centre)
North
4
kiran keswani architect . India
Ar ark
M
ab et
To
w
n
Stadium
Rose hill
It is recommended that the Rose vegetable
Hill vegetable municipal Market be Crafts market
Bazaar an urban design approach
n
relocated permanently in a part of
tte
Pa
the stadium and the open space
Da
facing the Stadium and Da Patten
Rose Hill Rose Hill Market Square
Market Square
be developed into a ‘Market
Square’.
Chinese
El
ia
store
s
st
et
re
Edward stre
et
Rose Hill
Mall
Th pe
en
(Commercial
su
Pa
market will be developed as the
AY k
a
D
5
Study of the site & relevant areas
This has been the main market for the residents of Rose hill
for the last few decades. It houses the Vegetable section,
the Fruits section, the Bread stalls, the Fish & Poultry and
the Pork sections. It has had three entrances. The main
entrance is on the corner of Edward & Duncan Taylor. The North
second entrance is at the corner of Elias & Duncan Taylor. D C
Key Plan : ROSEHILL MARKET
The third entrance is the direct entry into the Fish, Poultry &
Pork sections. A
6
Existing Rose Hill market
vegetables are informal and change as individual vendors Fruit & Vegetable Fish & Poultry
arrange them every day. It is different from a supermarket section section
A Vegetable vendors and B Lane within the Rose hill C Natural light flows into the market on the entrance D Cut coconut, Coconut water
their displays market side, with grills facing Edward VII street pickles are an attraction
7
Existing Rose Hill market
Market be equipped with refrigeration facilities. Fruit & Vegetable Fish & Poultry
section section
A The Meat section of the Rose hill market. B The double door system in C The tiled platforms at D The glass cabin at a higher level that allows
place at the Meat section the Meat section supervision of the Fish & Poultry sections
8
kiran keswani architect . India
Existing Rose Hill market Port Louis Market
Corrugated metal sheets form the walls of The roof structure in the existing Rose hill High ceilings bring in a spaciousness that The design of the natural light sources can
the Rose Hill market and perforated panels Market consists of corrugated metal sheets comes with a sloping roof structure. also help demarcate areas – assigning each
bring in Natural light and metal trusses that support it. Built into the a character of its own.
structure are light panels that bring in sunlight.
9
kiran keswani architect . India
Rose Hill region
Re
du
Post
it
a d
Office
Ro
oa
The Port-Louis St.Jean Road is a major road that passes through the
n
d
ea
area of the existing Rose Hill market. Whilst this triangular piece of
.J
land is being developed into the Rose Hill Mall and the adjoining public Police A
St
station
s
space into the Rose Hill Market Square, this road becomes an
i
ou
Bus Stand
-L
important link for the Rose Hill project.
rt
B
Po
This road connects Rose Hill to St.Jean on one side and to Port Louis Raymond
Chasle
on the other. The urban fabric in the Rose Hill region as seen in the square Chinese
plan shown here is indicative of architectural development that belongs C store
to the past. This is seen from the continuity in development as against
et
D
El
Edward stre
stand-alone independent buildings that demand attention to
ia
s
themselves. Here, each building still connects in its character to an
st
Rose hill
re
adjoining development. There is yet a sense of organic nature of Market
et
development which must be continued also in the new development
for Mauritius and especially for the Rose Hill region.
A The Post office building at the junction of B The Chinese store at the junction of Edward C The Raymond Chasle Square developed at D One of the traditionally
Reduit road and Port-Louis St.Jean Road VII street and Port-Louis St Jean Road the Bus Stand, behind the Police station is a constructed buildings
good example of the kind of development that at the junction of Port-
will also benefit the proposed Rose hill market Louis St.Jean road &
square and make it attractive for the public. Elias street
Reference : Wright, Carol (1974) : Mauritius, David & Charles, Great Britain
10
The Stadium
A Looking towards the proposed site B Proposed curved site adjacent to C Facing the wall separating the D View from the proposed site for
with the stands on the left the tracks stadium from the Lorry stand with relocation of vegetable market
Da Patten beyond looking towards the stands
11
Arab Town Market
et
a
Ro
Edward stre
The Arab Town Market (1275 sq.m.) is the Haber Dasherie or
n
ea
the Textile market. At the stakeholders’ meeting at the
.J
St
MBBRH held on 22nd Aug 2008, the vendors expressed
s i
concern over their relocation to the proposed market building.
ou
Rose hill
-L
rt
Chung Mui vegetable & fruit
Po
They preferred to be in the Ground floor of the new building Fong house
market
and not be relocated to the first floor or to the basement. They
pointed out that a new set of hawkers would begin to sell their Duncan Taylor street
A Arab town market Taxi stand
wares at the pavement level or ground level at prices that
C D
Raoul Duval street
would be more competitive since they would not pay the rents
that the relocated vendors would pay in the new building and
B
that they would therefore lose their business to these hawkers.
North
The relocation of the Arab Town Market makes possible the
Light Rail Transport (LRT) to pass through Raoul Duval street Key Plan : Arab Town Market
as required.
A View of Arab Town market from B View from Edward street facing C Arab town market as seen from D Looking at Arab town market from
junction of Port-Louis St.Jean street Chung Mui Fong house Raoul Duval street Duncan Taylor street
& Raoul Duval street
12
Beau Bassin Market
It is suggested that the Beau Bassin market also be a part of the ‘Market Tour’ that may be developed as part of
the Tourist package for Rose Hill and Beau Bassin. It is a good example of the vernacular architecture of this
region and a place where the local culture and a part of everyday life can be viewed by visitors and tourists.
There is a fairly large parking lot that belongs to the property on which the market is situated. Additionally, from
the grounds of this market, one can also see the beautiful stretch of “green belt” that has been developed by the
MBBRH where the old rail track once passed through.
Corrugated metal sheets form the walls of High ceilings bring in a spaciousness that High ceilings bring in a spaciousness that The design of the natural light sources can
the Rose hill market and perforated panels comes with a sloping roof structure. comes with a sloping roof structure. also help demarcate areas – assigning each
bring in Natural light a character of its own.
13
Port Louis Market
In Port Louis, the capital city of Mauritius, the “market” is an entire region that consists of
several streets that have grown from this nucleus that sells fruits and vegetables and
where people congregate to buy their daily necessities. Today, it is also an interesting
area for tourists who can buy crafts, who can see what it is like to be in Mauritian
markets and to be a part of the lives of the people here.
Port Louis Market main entrance as seen High ceilings bring in natural Stone walls lend a traditional look to the The façade of the Port Louis Market uses
from the Street outside light s through the skylights in interior of the Port Louis market. Hand-woven wood overhangs for the stone arched windows
the roof baskets by local craftsmen are used for holding and wooden kiosks that bring in traditional
goods. aesthetics
14
Architectural heritage in Mauritius
The houses were built in wood, which was in great plenty. Their
foundations consisted of stone & lime. Wood however, is now becoming
rare, the forests are removed to such a distance that it would require great
expense & immense labour to bring it from there. The lime employed in
building is made of white coral, which is in great abundance and of
excellent quality. There are several kinds of wood on the island. Ebony is
very common and others which are extremely hard; one, in particular, is of
a reddish colour and of a very close grain, which is called nattes and is the
timber employed in buildings”.
Traditional structure facing the old Beau Bassin market.
Window surrounds painted white can be Decorative fascia boards or panels Elements of architecture that used Wood and stone may be
adapted also for new construction where that adorn a balcony in Port Louis. natural materials such as stone and combined with glass and
stone finish can be used for the walls. wood may be studied and used where metal in an effective way to
possible in new constructions bring an old world charm.
Reference: Grant, Charles (1995) : The History of Mauritius – the Isle of France & the neighbouring islands from their first discovery to the present time,
composed from the ‘Papers & Memoirs of Baron Grant’ Asian Educational Services, New Delhi – Madras 15
Concept & Design
Every village, every town, every city in every country has markets. Sometimes they are small, sometimes they are large.
The ‘market square’ has always been a dynamic environment. It has been an excuse to gather together for festivals, to
exchange news, to enact dramas, to make public announcements. There is the Peach Peddler occupying a corner in a street
in China; a Brush hawker on a tricycle in Singapore; the Boat peddlers on the River market of Bangkok; the outdoor
vegetable market in Israel and the city market in Milan.
In London, Covent Garden is a district which is dominated by shopping, street performers and entertainment facilities and
contains an entrance to the Royal Opera House. Covent Garden Piazza was originally the site of a flower, fruit and
vegetable market from the 1500s until 1974. In August 2007, Covent Garden launched the UK's first food Night Market. It is
recommended that the ‘Rose hill Market Square’ be one such vibrant public space for the local residents and for tourists who
come to Mauritius.
Source : Wikipedia
2
1. Street Performer at Covent Garden in U.K. 2. & 3. Interior & Exterior views of 3
the Covent garden market
Reference : Spencer J.E. & Thomas W.L. (1969) : Cultural Geography; Wiley International
16
Phase - wise development
The development of the Rose Hill Market square will take place over a period of a few years. It may happen in the following
phases :
1.Relocation of the Fruit and Vegetable market to the Stadium premises
2.Relocation of the Arab Town Market to face the Market square. This can consist of covered and open spaces
3.Design of a shopping centre similar to Da Patten, also facing the Square. These structures will gradually give rise to a
public open space that is enveloped on its sides by buildings – some traditional and some contemporary.
4.Development of a Crafts Bazaar, that will comprise of permanent steel structures with wood panels for finish and of
temporary umbrella or other shelters that will come together for a weekly fair.
5.Pedestrianisation of the streets adjoining the market square
6.Incremental growth of parking facilities in the region adjoining the square.
7.Organised Street Performers monitored by a central association that will make the Square a lively place in the evenings
8.Open-air Food market
9.Landscaping that includes public fountains and sculptures in the Market Square
17
kiran keswani architect . India
The Rose hill
Market - in the context
of Rose hill & Beau-Bassin
urban development
M Market/Fair
SM Supermarket
P Police
S School
Rose hill
CA Casino
Market
T Telecom
S School
TS Taxi Stand
PO Post Office
B Bank
BT Bus Terminal
NC Night Club
C Court
North
SP Sports Complex
Source : Municipality of Beau-Bassin & Rose Hill (MBBRH)
18
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ou
ad
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tR
nd
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la
ah
t
d
an
M
c
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a
m
Post V Future
el
Office
ilh
Open-Air Parking
W
es
in
Police Stands
Bus Stand la
station
/P
ad
Ro
Sir Gaetan
Duval Stadium
n
ea
Raymond
.J
Chasle
St
square Chinese
is
ou
Cooperative
the Bazar Rose hill needs
rt
Po
El
en
W ar
tt
rose hill must begin to attract..
AY k
Rose hill
Pa
Chung Mui vegetable & fruit
a
Bus Stand
et
Fong house
market D
Re
oa
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ah
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M
nt Bus & Lorry Park
s
Post a
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V
ilh
Proposed area
W
for Parking
es
Police
in
Bus Stand Stands
la
station /P
ad
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n
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Raymond
.J
Chasle
St
Chinese Poultry
-L
store
rt
Sir Gaetan
n
Po
ke ow
Duval Stadium
et
El
ar T
t
ia
M ab
Edward stre
r
Rose hill
A
st
Rose Hill
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Vegetable
et
Mall market
Th pe
su
(Commercial &
e rm
en
W ar
az ts
Tourist Centre)
r
AY k
tt
B raf
aa
Pa
Chung Mui
C
Fong house Fruit &
a Stands
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t Future
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m
c Bus & Lorry Park
el
Post a
ilh
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W
es
Proposed area
in
for Parking
Police
la
Bus Stand /P
station Stands
Ar
ad
ab
Ro
To
n
ea
w
Raymond
n
.J
M
St
Chasle
ar
square
is
Fish &
ke
ou
Chinese Poultry
t
-L
store
rt
Po
Sir Gaetan
Duval Stadium
El
pi ed
et
ia
ng
op os
s
Edward stre
sh rop
Rose hill
st
re
P
vegetable
Rose Hill
et
market
Th pe
Mall
su
e rm
en
W ar
(Commercial &
AY k
tt
Tourist Centre) Fruit &
Pa
Crafts
Chung Mui Flowers
a Bazaar Stands
et
Fong house
D
Duncan Taylor street Taxi stand Light Rail Transport Line ( LRT ) North
Stadium
El
ia
n
et
ke ow
s
st
Edward stre
ar T
t
re
M ab
et
r
A
Rose hill
Rose Hill vegetable
Mall market
(Commercial &
Th pe
Tourist Centre)
su
e rm
W osk
en
W ar
oo s
ki
AY k
tt
Crafts
de
Pa
Fruit &
n
Bazaar Flowers
a
et
D
Umbrellas
North
The Rose Hill Mall (the Commercial & Tourist Centre) may be
designed to have an arcade on two sides, so that visitors/shoppers
can walk in a shaded zone. The building above extends to the edge of The red dotted line
the streets. Points of entry into this Mall must relate to the streets that indicates the connecting axes
run perpendicular to the building so that there are several linkages for and the circulation pattern
pedestrian movement. thereby generated.
Fountain
Stadium
pi ed
El
ng
op os
ia
s
sh rop
eet
st
P
re
et
Mall vegetable
(Commercial & market
Umbrellas
Tourist Centre)
Th pe
su
e rm
W ar
en
AY k
tt
Wooden
Pa
kiosks Fruit &
et
Flowers
a
D
Crafts Bazaar
Sculpture
Duncan Taylor street
North
The Crafts Bazaar will be planned to have umbrellas and
kiosks as the primary shelter options for the craftsmen and traders.
The use of the market square will be exclusively for the craft-related The red dotted line
activities. This will also ensure that there are no hawkers who indicates the connecting axes
compete with the Arab Town Market stalls and the fruit and vegetable and the circulation pattern
vendor units that are provided a sheltered indoor space. thereby generated.
The Crafts Bazaar being proposed (2500sq.m.)at the Market square is an important element
in the Integrated Development Plan that has both the informal and formal sector in the retail
Ar
ab
environment. It will consist of craft vendors utilising both enclosed shelters - wooden kiosks
M
ar
as well as semi-enclosed shelters such as umbrellas and wooden pergolas for shade. In
k
et
Stadium
India, examples of contemporary craft bazaars are the Dilli Haat & Hauz Khas in Delhi.
The market square may be designed to have street furniture such as stone benches, lamp-
posts of traditional style, information kiosks about the market walk & Beau Bassin Rose Hill Rose hill
vegetable
tourist attractions with appropriate signage for this entire region to make it tourist-friendly. market
n
tt e
Some kiosks may be given out to food vendors selling special Mauritian snacks so that a
Pa
Da
part of the Market Square functions as a food court. A new shopping centre (shown in red)
may be built adjacent to the Da Patten building. This can be leased out to Restaurants or
Coffee shops that may have also some outdoor seating that overlooks the crafts bazaar. Crafts Bazaar Key Plan
Outdoor restaurants & Cafeterias as at La Caudan The proposed Crafts Bazaar at There will be shelters such as the one built at the The landscape development for the
waterfront would be a part of the Rose Hill Market the market square will have Chasle Square at the Rose Hill Bus stand. Pedestrianised market square and the
Square similar products for sale as at the linkage to the proposed Rose Hill Mall
La Caudan indoor crafts bazaar may be detailed out as above.
24
Urban Design Guidelines
It is suggested that Urban Design guidelines be framed specifically for the area surrounding the Rose Hill Market for :
Built-form
Scale of the buildings & the open spaces
Landscape development – Hard and Soft landscape
Intensity of construction – the traditional urban fabric vs. the contemporary urban fabric
Heritage Conservation
Climate-responsive construction
The guidelines may also specify which areas hoardings will be permitted and areas where they will not be permitted. This
will allow the character of the place to be retained whilst allowing urbanization to make its own progress.
It is apt that any new construction that is taken up in this region take elements from the historical architecture of Mauritius
and blend it with elements of contemporary architecture. It would help tremendously to frame & enforce a policy on the
Preservation of Heritage buildings in the Rose Hill region.
Wooden kiosks at Port Louis Market Detail of Wooden kiosks Pedestrian walkway through the Port Louis Market
25
Rose Hill Market Square & Rose Hill Mall
Parking Plan
ad
R
oa
Ro
d
Future
n
ea
Bus & Lorry Park
.J
St
Bus
is
1
Po
Edward street
Stadium
El
ias
Relocated
Rose hill
st
re
en
Mall market
tt
Pa
Basement
stands 2
a
D
n
Chinese
ke ow
store
ar T
Stadium
t
M ab
r
A
Rose hill
et
Vegetable
Edward stre
El
market
ia
s
st
re
et
Th pe
Rose Hill
su
en
e rm
Mall
W ar
tt
AY k
Pa
(Commercial &
Tourist Centre)$ Rose Hill
a
D
et
North
Duncan Taylor street
View A
The new buildings in the Rose Hill Market Square and the Rose Hill Mall building will have part sloping roofs in
galvanized steel sheeting and part flat roofs in Reinforced Cement Concrete slabs. This is to ensure the continuity
of the architectural heritage in the Rose Hill region along with bringing in contemporary architecture that is
functional and attractive to the tourist and local resident population that this Integrated Development Plan will
27
serve.
Rose Hill Mall
Design Brief
Ground floor plan Typical floor plan – alternative 1 Typical floor plan – alternative 2 Typical floor plan – alternative 3
Option 1 :
without basement parking
28
Design Approach
The basic design concept underlying the ‘Rose Hill Mall’ is a natural integration of modern facilities into the existing urban
fabric of Rose Hill and developing a design aesthetic that takes its inspiration from the prevalent colonial architecture of
Mauritius.
The proposed Business and Tourist facilities proposed in Rose Hill will be designed to harmonise with the physical and
environmental setting of Beau-Bassin & Rose Hill. The use of local building materials and construction techniques is
recommended. Within the new structure, the design of interiors, furniture and graphics will utilize and propagate local craft
traditions of Mauritius.
The building facade of the Rose Hill Mall will be a combination of stone finishes and glazing for the shop/office windows.
The corners of the building situated on a triangular site will be treated in a special manner, especially the roofs.
Architectural facades in Rose Hill and Port Louis that are good examples of the kind of façade the Rose Hill Mall may be designed to have – a combination of stone finish and
white painted surfaces.
29
Options 2 & 3
Option 2 : Option 3 :
with basement parking with basement parking
3 Entrances 2 Entrances
3 Service Cores 2 Service Cores 30
area statement
31
kiran keswani architect . India
+ 20.0 M
+ 16.0 M
+ 12.0 M
+ 8.0 M
+ 4.0 M
View from
Edward VII Street
Key Plan
Rose Hill Mall E L E V A T I O N The Rose Hill Mall may be designed to have a clock tower at its eastern
end. This may be an octagonal feature with four clocks facing in four
Option 1 different directions.
32
kiran keswani architect . India
Architectural Specifications “Today, in Mauritius, forest is
rare and timber logging is
allowed to only established
Façade
logging companies in a very
Stone masonry / Stone cladding for the ground floor & first floor levels and painted & plastered wall surfaces for the
rare controlled manner. The
upper levels for the Rose Hill Mall building. The façade of the relocated vegetable market to have stone masonry
local timber is mostly soft wood
upto plinth level or up to 4ft. height and a plastered surface above until roof overhang. The stone façade of the
with the only abundant trees
existing Bazar Rose Hill, especially the side of this building that overlooks Edward VII street could be reused in the
being Eucalyptus which are
new market building.
used only as scaffolding. Ebony
is very rare.
Flooring
The proposed Rose Hill vegetable and fruit market to be relocated to stadium premises to have old-style stone Coral extraction is strictly
blocks if possible similar to the existing flooring at the Beau Bassin market.. The paving for the Rose Hill Market forbidden. Lime is no longer
Square to be precast concrete blocks as shown here with precast blocks also for the drains and built-in light fixtures used in building works, having
in the floor. been replaced by imported
cement.”
Fenestration details
It is suggested that the proposed Rose Hill Mall be designed in some parts to have a stone façade and white door & Inputs from : Nand Sooredoo
window surrounds as shown here. Mega Design Ltd, Consulting
Engineers & Project Managers,
Note : Architectural Finishes to be similar to the historical buildings in Mauritius, as much as possible and both easy Quatre Bornes, Mauritius
to maintain and cost-effective.
Façade & Window detail from Port Louis. Paving detail from the La Caudan waterfront Stone masonry and steel Stone paving in Beau Bassin market.
in Port Louis grills at the Bazar Rose Hill
33
Municipal Regulations
Maximum Height
The maximum permissible height is 55 M. The maximum height at Street Frontage is 2.0 M x street width. An additional penthouse floor is
appropriate provided that it is set back a minimum of 2.5 M from the street frontage. In the case of a tower on a podium, the maximum height of the
tower is to be 1.8 x the distance from the tower façade to the property line across the fronting street.
Setbacks
Setbacks serve to protect the amenity of adjoining properties, to provide spatial barriers against fire spread, to reserve utility and road corridors
and to assist in the establishment of street character.
The objectives of urban design encourage the placing of buildings close to the street. In order to achieve this, it is essential to reduce the building
line to the minimum that is appropriate to the context.
Building to plot boundaries may be permitted in locations where this is not in conflict with the existing context, and where it can be demonstrated
that the buildings have been designed to ensure the provision of adequate daylight to habitable rooms, sufficient natural ventilation, and private
open spaces of the plot and adjacent plots are not overlooked.
For a building height of 15.0 M, the minimum setback is 3.0 M on the side and 3.0 to 15.0 M in the front.
In highly urbanised areas, such as in the city centre, setbacks will be determined on a case by case basis and will be governed by the existing
context, the optimising of valuable city centre land, the creation of safe, comfortable and convenient public areas.
The implementation of the Rose Hill Mall project can be most viable if its planning excludes setbacks i.e. if the building line can be taken up to the plot
boundaries. As mentioned above, urban design does support such a plan provided there is adequate natural light and ventilation for the habitable
rooms of the building and if adjacent plots are not affected. In the case of the Rose Hill Mall, since the property is surrounded on all three sides by
roads, it may be possible to consider eliminating the setbacks, if the Municipal Council of Beau Bassin Rose Hill can grant the permission to do so.
Since the current design takes the entire plot area as the plinth area, the maximum height of buildiing possible is 6 floors. The total built up area of the
proposed G+4 building is approximately 5 times the plot area i.e. utilises an F.A.R of 5.0.
34
Rose Hill Market
RELOCATED
Parts of the old, existing market building such as steel roof members, the
Ground floor plan stone blocks that make the walls, the metal grillwork, currently facing
Edward VII street would be reused effectively in the new construction on
the Stadium premises. This will help retain the old-world charm of the
Bazar Rosehill and also result in small savings in the new project.
35
kiran keswani architect . India
List of vendors STALL TRADE SIZE NUMBER
to be relocated
to the market at Stadium premises VE VENISON 1500 x 750 6
from the existing Bazar Rose Hill G GOAT 1500 x 750 8
F FISH 1500 x 750 14
B BEEF 1500 x 750 13
P POULTRY 1500 x 750 8
O OFFAL 1500 x 750 5
PK PORK 1500 x 750 5
VE VEGETABLE 1600 x 1000 147
C CAKE 1300 x 600 8
FL FLOWER 1500 x 750 6
36
RELOCATED
BAZAR ROSEHILL
S T A D I U M
CRAFTS
BAZAAR
E T
R E
S T
O R
Y L
T A
A N
N C
D U
View A : Proposed Rose Hill Vegetable Market & the Market Square 37
Design approach
for the Relocated Fruit & Vegetable market building
“Reinforced concrete structures are better resistant to cyclones, but are less
aesthetically pleasing if designed as sloped roof structures than steel structures
designed with traditional joinery details. With a steel structure, a higher roof
height may be achieved more economically giving plenty of aeration and light”
Inputs from : Nand Sooredoo
Mega Design Ltd, Consulting Engineers & Project Managers, Quatre Bornes, Mauritius At the entrances/corners of the new Rose Hill market, the
roof profiles may be similar to this development at La
Caudan in Port Louis.
Examples from the Beau Bassin market Joinery details in the steel structure The Fish & Poultry section in the new Tubular steel members
showing steel columns and arches construction may follow the same and trusses lend support
supporting a sloping roof. detailing as the Beau Bassin market in to the corrugated metal
terms of the structural design. roofing sheets.
38
Tourism development
Market walk
It is recommended that a ‘Market walk’ be developed that will highlight the traditional and contemporary features of the
In a descriptive note in ‘Mauritius’ by Carol Wright, the characteristics of the Port Louis market are highlighted. It says :
“ In Port Louis, the Central market is situated near the dock entrance between Farquahar and Queen streets. In early morning,
the main central paved way between the two covered sections seems carpeted with fresh vegetables and fruit -small sweet
Victoria pineapples, mangoes in season and the small cherry tomatoes popular on the island. Sari-clad women crouch by the
artistically piled arrangements. Under cover is the meat and fish market, and on the other side the pungent crushed spices for
curries marry with the stable-like smell of the baskets and tentes (little plaited baskets made from vacaos leaves) in which
many workers carry their lunch and which visitors use to collect shells when beachcombing. Little bundles of vegetables, ready
selected to make a soup are widely sold, as are the ‘pains de maison’- big crusty rolls.
Little bundles of vegetables for soup Freshly baked bread rolls Spices and Pickles Hand-woven bags & souvenirs
Reference : Wright, Carol (1974) : Mauritius, David & Charles, Great Britain
39
Conclusions
Kiran Keswani
architect
Bangalore, India
kiranmkeswani@gmail.com
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