BELL ROAD,

CASE STUDY REPORT

Submitted for the report writing of Research Management (AR 603)

6th semester B.Arch. By
AKSHAYKUMAR U 1MS18AT005
AMOGH R SHRINIVAS 1MS18AT006
DEEPALI VK 1MS18AT016
GAUTAM KRISHNA 1MS18AT020
MEGHANA R 1MS18AT032
MOHAMMED DANIYAL 1MS18AT033

SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE
RAMAIAH INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
(Autonomous Institute affiliated to Vishveshwaraya Technological University)
VIDHYA SOUDHA, BENGALURU

Porf. PUSHPA DEVANATHAN Ar. LAVANYA VIKRAM

HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT, Assistant Professor,SOA
School of Architecture.

Dr. MONALISA BHARAWAJ

Assistant Professor,SOA

--/05/2021
 CONTENTS

1. CHAPTER -1
1.1 BACKGROUND STUDY
1.2 METHO
1.3 AIM
1.4 OBJECTIVES
1.5 SCOPE
1.6 LIMITATIONS
2. CHAPTER -2
2.1 LOCATION AND SETTINGS
2.2 DATA REQUIREMENTS
2.3 PURPOSE OF DATA
2.4 ACTIVITY MAPPING
2.5 TRAFFIC ANALYSIS
2.6 SHOPS, RETAIL STORES AND RESTAURENTS
2.7 DATA COLLECTION METHOD
2.8 DATA COLLECTION TOOLS
3. CHAPTER -3
3.1 DOCUMENTATION OF DATA COLLECTED
3.2 METHODS USED
3.3 STEPS TAKEN FOR THE ACCUMULATION OF DATA
3.4 INFERENCE
4. CHAPTER -4
4.1 OBSERVATIONS AND INTERPRETATIONS
 ACKNOWLEDGMENT

We would like to thank our college, Ramaiah Institute of Technology, and the Head
of Department, School of Architecture, Prof. Pushpa Devanathan for giving us this
opportunity to publish this report.
We express our sincere gratitude to our subject guides, Asst. Prof. Lavanya Vikram,
Dr. Monalisa Bharadwaj for their constant guidance and support during our
research endeavours and data collection. Their continuous support and
suggestions have helped us in this process for valuable inputs on this topic and on
the research report work that will follow.
Finally, we would like to thank our parents and friends for their support and
encouragement, during this period of study.
 CHAPTER 1
1.1 BACKGROUND STUDY

Context is external elements that influence a design. These elements are physical
and non-physical. Roads, buildings, and land contour are examples for physical
elements while non – physical elements are weather condition, local culture, as
well as political and financial constraints. The context hence determines the
architectural style, site layout, material selection and internal circulation, which
is important in creating a functional and an effective design. It helps connect the
proposed building and the local circumstances. Buildings cannot exist in isolation
, it has to cleverly merge with and respond to the socio cultural, economical, and
political needs, and the erected in natural and built environments.

“ Master planning starts with an assessment of the ecology of the site and its
context: we need to know what is there to insert anything new “

Existing patterns and characteristics of the façade fabric can give us a starting
point or an insight for approaching site development, building design. An
excellent precedent and an example of context with respect to material and
patterns is the Pink city in Jaipur, India where a pink colour stone is used for the
construction of all structures.

How important is physical and social context in Architectural design?

"The entire secret of designing is the conscious insertion of a building in the
community of what exists."
Architecture plays an important role in the way we think, interact, and live. It
constitutes each street, city, and society at large. It is almost impossible to ignore
Architecture, rightly said by Renzo Piano during his 1998 Pritzker acceptance
speech, ‘You can put down a bad book; You can avoid listening to bad music, but
you cannot miss the ugly tower block opposite your house’. This aspect of
architecture makes it a socially dangerous field as it is imposed on society. It
imposes total immersion without giving the user a chance. This, in turn, makes it
an extremely serious responsibility.

We need to consider this as our duty; to develop buildings and surroundings with
meaning which can foster positive communication that can, in turn, nurture a
healthy society. We shape our buildings and afterwards our buildings shape
us; Winston Churchill had the right thought in mind as we ponder about the
effect of architecture on people. To create such a positive environment, we need
to determine what elements to factor in our design that can truly provide
meaning. The easiest way to translate this is to figure out what would make the
building unique and specific to that place.

Context and concept are two factors that, if taken seriously, will provide
processes that can be followed to arrive at a unique building with meaning. Our
human way of understanding is often based on context – we tend to try and
understand the background scenarios before we attempt to make a decision, on
what to do next or on what to believe. We can prove the validity of context
through many examples; one of which is the Ebbinghaus illusion. This optical
illusion demonstrates how we interpret and evaluate what we see and
experience based on what is around – context

Assessment of context gives an idea of what is existing before we plan to

introduce a new component to it. Buildings are but one element of the collage, a
piece of the overall jigsaw puzzle. A proper study and analysis of context can
determine the architectural style, selection of building material and site layout to
a large extent. An effective introduction of a building should see an improvement
of the local circumstances, urging development and positivity, with minimal
disruption of the existing ecosystem. Various issues such as economic, even
racial, stratification can be affected, altered and therefore changed by
architecture.
1.2 METHODOLOGY

1.3 AIM

To understand and study the physical and social context of MSRIT campus,
Bangalore, India with respect to BEL road.

1.4 OBJECTIVES

- To understand the symbiotic relationship of the campus with Bel road.

- To understand the different and user groups and the role they played in
the effective design of the campus
- To study what kind of spaces around a campus respond best to increase
the quality of a students campus experience
- To understand the traffic and pedestrian pattern around the campus and
how that in turn affects the circulation within the campus.
1.5 SCOPE

This study will include the various lists of shops, restaurants, residential
complexes, pubs etc in and around the campus and how that has an effect on
how desirable the campus is and in turn how the location of the campus
contributes to the economic development of the area. It will also mention the
various modes of transportation and transportation stands and the
implication this has on the access points of the campus. We’ll be studying
about the traffic configuration, peak and non peak hours, the different user
groups that accord to observed pattern. We’ll also be giving an insight into the
pros and cons of this space with respect to different user groups which will
give us an understanding on the kind of spaces that increase learning
efficiency of students.

1.6 LIMITATIONS

- This study will only be specific to the physical context of Bel road and wont
consider the non physical aspects.
- The sample used to infer the research could be biased and doesn’t have
equal representation of all subgroups with respect to the ratio of their
presence in the space that is being studied.
 CHAPTER 2

2.1 LOCATION AND SETTINGS

New Bel Road was carefully selected with the deliberate intent to understand and
study the physical and social context of MSRIT campus with respect to it. New
BEL Road is a commercial and residential street in north Bangalore, Karnataka,
India. Once home to only a few landmarks like Ramaiah hospital, today the hip
street is teeming with fine dining restaurants, ornamental cafes, popular gym
chains, high-end salons and a multitude of supermarkets and retail outlets. The
New BEL Road has also promoted the growth of retail shops and restaurants in
the nearby junctional roads.
Set as a wide 3-kilometre road also owning to the proximity to Ramaiah
Institutions and IISc. With residential pockets in the vicinity and retail stores have
mushroomed, PG accommodation have come up and eateries catering to every
taste and budget have sprouted.

2.2 DATA REQUIREMENTS

Evidence must be collected systematically. While the case study methodology of
New BEL Road is very flexible, it must be clear how the data from various sources
contribute to the overall aims of the study. We should not collect data randomly.
There needs to be a purpose for collecting certain data.
While several data required to be collected in the research program are often
classified as:
Qualitative – (Names, Address and Sign boards) of the retail stores and
restaurants in BEL road.
Quantitative – (Descriptive numbers and Tables) and no of commercial stores and
its economic value in BEL road.
2.3 PURPOSE OF DATA
Good data allows organizations to establish baselines, benchmarks, and goals to
keep moving forward. Because data allows you to measure, you will be able to
establish baselines, find benchmarks and set performance goals. The process of
data analysis uses analytical and logical reasoning to gain information from the
data. The main purpose of data analysis is to find meaning in data so that the
derived knowledge can be used to make informed decisions.
Hence through the data (Descriptive number of shops and restaurants in BEL road
can provide a bigger picture on how the locality is going to develop in the
upcoming years and if it’s going to affect the nearby residential locality through
expansion).

2.4 ACTIVITY MAPPING

BEL Road is a 4-lane road with a divider along with a pedestrian. Usually being
busy throughout the week.

2.5 TRAFFIC ANALYSIS

Being one of the most happening places in North Bangalore, Bel road often tends
to be crowded with a lot of traffic in the morning and evening. In the expansion
3 kilometres it covers almost 3 traffic signals in its way. The Ramaiah and IISc
campus being around it also increases the vehicular movement for the people
who’s travelling over there. Traffic is also affected by the less area for parking and
even the crowd for the shops are mainly affected by the parking and divider.

During college off days

 During College days

2.6 SHOPS, RETAIL STORES AND RESTAURENTS

Apart from the major proximity locations it also houses a wide range of eateries,
pubs, retail stores, supermarket etc. Hence its crowded during the weekends and
one of the most happening places in North Bangalore as it attracts a lot of visitors.

2.7 DATA COLLECTION METHOD

During the Research Process, several methods of data collection had to be
followed which included:
• Convenience sampling
Is a type of non-probability sampling that involves the sample being drawn
from that part of the population that is close to hand. This type of sampling
is most useful for pilot testing.
Since the BEL Road is filled with a lot of eateries and pubs, it acted as a
primary and convenient source to gather data from there. Hence this
 technique is incredibly prompt, uncomplicated, and economical. In many
cases, members are readily approachable.

• Quota sampling
Is a non-probability sampling method in which researchers create a sample
involving individuals that represent a population. Researchers choose these
individuals according to specific traits or qualities.
Research and data collection was done only in those places (includes shops, and
restaurants) that were beneficiary for the Ramaiah and IISc campus students.
Hence in this technique researchers choose these individuals according to
specific traits or qualities.

• Purposive Sampling
Is a form of non-probability sampling in which researchers rely on their own
judgment when choosing members of the population to participate in their
surveys.
Since we were left to choose between different shops and restaurants during the
data collection process, we relied on those that were in context of MSRIT campus
with respect to BEL Road. Hence the judgement was a collective group decision.
2.8 DATA COLLECTION TOOLS
Many different methodologies can be used for data collection and analysis and
most are based around a core set of basic tools. Since it was a live case study the
tools used in the data collection were mostly through:
• Face to Face interaction
• Note making
• Photography
• Videography and Panorama
 CHAPTER 3
3.1 DOCUMENTATION OF DATA COLLECTED
Being assigned to a field research with the intention of improving our
understanding of key theoretical concepts by applying methods of careful and
structured observation of, and reflection about, people, places, or phenomena
existing in their natural settings. Field research facilitates the development of
data collection techniques and observation skills.
The research was situated around NEW BEL road. IT is a commercial and
residential street in north Bangalore, Karnataka India. The street is three kilo
meters long and houses a number of fine dining restaurants, pubs, retail outlets,
gyms and salons.
The main purpose of the research was with context of how businesses are
affected by the university students, pandemic, times zones of the day as well as
how the commercial surrounding benefit the students.

3.2 METHODS USED

• Convenience sampling
• Quota sampling
• Purposive sampling

3.3 STEPS TAKEN FOR THE ACCUMULATION OF DATA

Starting off with a research drive we drove around bel road and did questionnaire
sessions with students regarding how bel road which houses most of the hangout
spaces benefit them having most of the answers saying it benefits them as they
don’t have to travel far distances, lots of cultural activities , more dinning and
meetup spaces and ability to have life outside university where as a few students
had a few issues like noise pollution due to increasing traffic, more distractions
and expensive life style.
We did a questionnaire session with staff, owners and managers of restaurants,
pubs, retail shops, salons and gyms. we asked questions like do they benefit from
students, what type of crowd are their customers and what are the peak seasons,
hours for businesses. Different businesses had different answers for instance the
restaurants and pubs were highly benefiting as their crowd was mainly students
and their peak hours were around lunch time but businesses like textile and
clothing had less to no benefit from students as their main crowd was family and
their peak time for business was during festivals.
During the end we did questionnaire with PG and a few people who lived around
bel road. Questions regarding rent and quality of living were asked and the
response stated the rent of the locality was pretty high and that the cost of living
was also high.
3.4 INFERENCE
There were a lot of issues of bias as a part of the population were systematically
more likely to be selected as well as the time period of selection. The study
helped us to analysis what type of businesses are ideal and necessary in a
university surrounding.
CHAPTER 4

4.1 OBSERVATIONS AND INTERPRETATIONS

New BEL Road is a commercial and residential street in

north Bangalore, Karnataka, India. The street is three kilometers long and houses
a number of fine dining restaurants, pubs, retail outlets, gyms and salons.
It is in close proximity to Indian institute of science and Sankey Tank which are
both prestigious Landmarks in Bangalore.
Strategically nestled on the northern part of the city, New BEL Road is one of the
prominent residential and commercial areas. New BEL Road is home to several
restaurants, pubs, retail outlets, gyms, salons and these are the prime reasons
behind the rapid growth of the real estate market of this area. Gowri Apartments,
Sovereign Developers and Infrastructure Limited, Benaka Homes Libero
Apartments, Anugraha Properties etc., are some of the residential projects in New
BEL Road that mainly comprises residential apartments. New BEL Road has a
great approach to nearby areas such as Mathikere, MSR Nagar, Ashwath Nagar
and Ramakrishna Layout.

From fine-dining restaurants , to ornamental cafes , popular gym chains, high

end-salons and a multitude of supermarkets and retail outlets this is definitely one
of the most talked about towns in Bangalore. A stones throw always offers oodles
of options to foodies, revellers and weekenders, many of them students and the
younger age group of the population. While this may be true of many up and
coming city localities, it’s symptomatic of Bengaluru’s transformation from
pensioner’s paradise to consumerist metropolis.

Unbridled growth may have brought shops and amenities closer to residents, but
a lot has been lost ; tranquility , walkability, old world charm. Minus the glitz and
glamour, a stroll down NEW BEL Road is far from pleasant ; vehicle users jostle
for space and blare shrill horns in a mad rush to dash through the next signal,
while edgy pedestrians put their lives in peril. It takes an average of 15 mins to
cross the three kilometre stretch in the afternoon.

Owing to the proximity to Ramaiah institutions and IISc, retail stores have
mushroomed, PG accomodations have come up and eateries catering to every
taste and budget have sprouted. The stench from the restaurant is obnoxious. The
road was definitely not ready for the rapid expansion it witnessed.

The campus and the shops on this lane definitely have a symbiotic relationship¸
mutually benefitting from each other. With the increasing popularity of the
campus many prospective business owners want to start off their venture within
close proximity to this area. Similarly due to the juxtaposition of the campus with
BEL road people it has attracted and has been made more desirable to the localites
and they have claimed to prefer this campus over the other competing campuses.

The campus is also surrounded with many transportation stands be it auto or bus
making it easily accessible from all other parts of the city. The transportation is
not only affordable which makes it extremely beneficial to different stratas of the
society who have travelled miles to fulfil their dream of receiving a quality
education. The campus also has different access points on different sides to make
it more easier to connect the wide network of roads, nodes and junctions.

The limitation of being such a popular landmark not only among the student user
groups but all other sub groups of the society make this road extremely busy at
almost all the important times of the day as the traffic is combined making the air
polluted with smoke , noise and a lot of commotion. The peak hours of the traffic
is from 8:00 – 11:00 in the morning and from 6:00 - 8:00 in the evening. A lot of
the crowd in the morning is due to the students and teachers of the campus as the
college timings are from 9: 00 AM combined with the people who are getting to
work through BEL road in the morning as it connects a two important road
junctions on it’s two ends, Sadashivanagar circle and Mayuri circle. A lot of the
traffic in the evening is people who are getting off work and people who come
to this place for a recreational purpose as it is the home to a lot off well known
restaurants. We noticed that a lot of this traffic and what kind of traffic is also
affected by what day of the week it is ; working days and non working days.

The ratio of student and non-student oriented shops is quite interesting ;

approximately a 70 – 30 ratio. The 30 percent of spaces which are non-student
related are the ones which are not within their budget but help increase the
economy of the street hence keeping it busy and lively throughout. It gives the
space a healthy balance as there are good percentage of places which can be
accessed by the entire spectrum of the user group.

Though Bel road is a commercial area – with residential pockets in the vicinity
this wasn’t always the case a few decades ago. One of the owners of one of the
last standing houses on the street , relocated years ago in pursuit of some peace
and quiet. He says he moved diagonally to Seenapa layout as his lane had become
a hub for partygoers and cabbies. All sorts of nefarious activities took place in his
house entrance.

Taking a trip down memory lane he mentions that back in the day it was a
peaceful road frequented by morning walkers. It was home to large houses with
abundant open spaces for kids to play. There were barely any provision stores .
Sagar Samrat, opposite to Ramiah hospital is one of the oldest food joints here.
Once abandoned by city planners, it has become a very important stretch, he
further proceeded to compare it to Brigade road.

So, although this street is a starting point to the new era of the modernization of
this community, it definitely failed to retain some of it’s old time charm making
it a completely new place all together.

However, not all is lost. Trees, silent spectators to the radical transformation have
stood the test of time. Despite the change, the street has retained much of it’s
greenery – the tree – lined avenue from Ramiah signal to Sadashivanagar police
station is an oasis of serenity at night.

Bel Road has it’s fair share of pros and cons which makes us wonder if it’s the
right environment for students to experience the “perfect” college life that they
would have long awaited for. The space although has its share of thriving
recreational spaces, it doesn’t have the privacy and quiet that is needed to
optimize learning experiences. Considering the fact that RIT as a campus by itself
doesn’t have a lot of green space and is predominantly a concrete jungle. This
makes us reconsider if the transition from the outside to the inside is done in the
best manner which brings us back to how context plays a major role while
designing a master plan.
BIBLIOGRAPHY AND REFERENCES
1. https://www.google.com/search?q=context+in+architecture+importance&o
q=context+in+architecture+importance&aqs=edge..69i57j0i22i30l2j69i60.8
184j0j1&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
2. https://www.commercialdesignindia.com/2592-importance-of-context-in-
architecture
3. https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Contextualism
4. https://www.re-thinkingthefuture.com/architectural-community/a2633-
why-is-concept-and-context-important-in-architecture/
5. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/no-time-for-old-times-
on-new-bel-road/articleshow/71236059.cms