CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF ACTIVE

OPEN SPACE IN,FORT-KOCHI

Re imagining the Beachfront as Public Spaces

DISSERTATION
SIJO_MONACHAN_BJK18AR037
 INTRODUCTION
People are the soul of the city and open
spaces serve as nodes in the city where
people gather and celebrate the
goodness of life.

Public spaces have always been a part of

human civilization. The open public space
should be a social space that is accessible
to all, regardless of gender, age, or socio-
economic level, open places become
important as they create a visual
communication between several persons
who visit it. Any public space has three Characteristics of a Great Public Space. Great public spaces are accessible to
characteristics: physical social and cultural. people, engage the public with activities, are comfortable, project a good
image and foster a sense of community. (The American Planning Association,
2019)
To make a successful city it should provide Other characteristics of a Great Public include:
a sense of space that strengthens
community identity and community pride. • Promoting human contact and social activities • Is safe, welcoming, and
This improves community relations and accommodating for all users. • Has design and architectural features that are
reduces feelings of alienation while visually interesting. • Promoting community involvement. • Reflects the local
creating a place for all types of people to culture or history. • Relates well to bordering uses. • Is well maintained. • Has a
congregate. unique or special character.
INTRODUCTION

AIM
To study and critical analysis of active open space in beach way, fort-
Kochi. Produce developmental guidelines that could help enhance the
experience of these spaces.
OBJECTIVE
• To evaluate the urban open space, their role and essence.
• Analysis the open space in urban context of fort Kochi.
• finding out the reason why it is successful or fail in our context.
• studying the various aspects in open space planning

SCOPE
• The study will undertake a critical, visual and physical survey of
various public space in fort Kochi.
• Understanding of urban open space will need to take in account its
physical and social dimension simultaneously.

LIMITATION
Due to the limitation in the research focusing on the fort Koch beach
area and does not address the higher activity point in other part of the
cities.
METHODOLOGY
 DATA COLLECTION
Definition
Public space is the stage upon which the drama of communal life
unfolds. The streets, squares, and parks of a city give form to the ebb
and flow of human exchange. These dynamic spaces are essential
counterpart to the more settled places and routines of work and
home life, providing channels for movement, nodes for
communication, and common grounds for play and relaxation. (Carr,
Francis, Rivlin, and Stone, 1992)
The open public is a valuable component of the city's urban fabric.
The most prevalent open spaces in Kerala include public parks,
bazaars, monuments, marketplaces, streets, playgrounds, community
open spaces, greenways and linear parkways, religious sites, and
waterfronts. Many of these venues have been identified as having a
word that describes their casual, daily, functional use.
Urban open spaces in India frequently focus on town centres and
metropolitan areas, where retail and tourism demand, as well as
general public interest, are highly significant. Local youth use the
open areas extensively for social and cultural development. Different
types of open spaces have different predominant functions, which
can fall either into providing services to society or conserving natural
value.
Characteristics of a Great Public Space.
Great public spaces are accessible to people,
engage the public with activities, are comfortable,
project a good image and foster a sense of
community. (The American Planning Association,
2019)
Other characteristics of a Great Public include:
• Promoting human contact and social activities
• Is safe, welcoming, and accommodating for all
users.
• Has design and architectural features that are
visually interesting.
• Promoting community involvement.
• Reflects the local culture or history.
• Relates well to bordering uses.
• Is well maintained.
• Has a unique or special character.
 Elements of a Great Public Place
• Walkways or sidewalks
• Street furniture
• Lighting
• Public art
• Sitting
• interactive installations or
public instations
Principles for Successful public spaces Why public spaces fail
• Lack of places to sit
• Image and identity • Lack of gathering points
• Attractions and Destinations • Poor entrances and visually
• Amenities inaccessible spaces
• Access • Dysfunctional features
• Flexible Design • Domination of a space by
vehicles
• Blank walls or dead zones around
the edges of a place
• Inconveniently located transit
stops
PARAMETERS IDENTIFY FROM THE LITERATURE READING
Cities for People - Jan Gehl, Image of the City - Kevin Lynch, Social Life of Small Urban Spaces - William H. Whyte, Responsive Environments

Vehicular and View and

proximity Accessibility
pedestrian vista

Safety Sitting space Climate Permeability

Activity and
Imageability Legibility
age group
 INTRODUCTION TO FORT KOCHI

Beach side
Nehru Park

Delta study school ground Beach side Nehru Park

Parade ground

Santa cruz ground

There are different typologies which include large open grounds, community
open ground, children's park, beach front parks, etc. The key issues include that
the neighborhood parks are not maintained periodically. Parade ground is one of
the important grounds and recreational areas in the city, the Maidan needs
landscaping, jogging tracks, barrier-free tracks, and planting of more trees, etc.
Delta study school ground Parade ground
Since Fort Kochi comes under the Special Tourist Zone, we can see
that more public spaces are allotted. The water edge and the park
are mainly used by the public and the ground is used by mostly
students, making it a semi-public area and the private area - an open
space used for residential parking.
 The central
promenade
LITERATURE CASE STUDIES of Tel Aviv, a
young
• Tel Aviv’s Central Promenade Renewa l Israel / Mayslits Kassif Bauhaus city,
Architects was essential
in creating the
The current renovation project aimed to transform this historical blockade by creating a new
continuous interface that enables free pedestrian flow to and from the sandy beach, ever-evolving
throughout the city's central waterfront. Moreover, serving as the main waterfront public space link between
of the entire metropolitan area, the new promenade and its sitting-terraces were designed to the city and its
offer a generous array of seats and relaxation opportunities along the seafront, in order to host
a great many new visitors and create a hospitable and lively public domain for this large dense shoreline from
urban area. the time it was
built in the
late 1930s. The
raised
boardwalk
served as a
dividing line
between the
city and its
beach during
all the stages
The physical gap between the city and the sea was repaired by building a continuous stretch of of its
sitting steps and ramps along the waterfront and redesigning the vacant rooftops of the old beach
buildings into warm urban balconies. The promenade was extended towards the beach with
existence.
terraced seating platforms, large, covered areas, and new recreational areas that contained
sporting amenities, different game courts, playgrounds, and resting places under the palms.
 • ANALYSIS
Activity
The people prefer to move around as
the space is permeable and get
engaged in different activities which
include backgammon players,
jogging, skating, walking, talking.
exercising, cultural activities, different
game courts, playgrounds
Imageability
The whole beach is imageable
as it is multifunctional. The
walkway is set up like an avenue
with well-defined landscape
and is paved.
views and vista
The Mediterranean Sea and public square
are the dominant features of Tel Aviv's
central It provides good beach views. The
whole beach is nicely landscaped with
paths and areas for relaxing.
safety
Different types of lighting include spot
lights, ground lights etc. The entire
stretch can be developed as walkway
with well lighting fixture making a safer
place for evening.
Sitting Spaces
A wide choice of seating and
relaxation facilities were designed to
be provided along the seaside by the
new walkway and its sitting-terraces.
 Marina Beach, Chennai
• Marina Beach is a natural urban beach on the Bay of Bengal in Chennai,
Tamil Nadu, India. The beach is the longest natural urban beach in the
country, spanning 6.0 kilometres (3.7 miles) from near to Fort St. George in
the north to Foreshore Estate in the south.

AERIAL VIEW

Around 500 vendors manage the beach's famous stores and food stalls,
which are well known. Because of the memorials and sculptures, as well as
the morning stroll, joggers' track, lovers' area, aquarium, and other
amenities, it is a popularly hangout for people of all ages. Beach cricket
has been played at the Marina for decades. Other popular beach MARINA BEACH FOOD STALL
activities include kite flying and beach cricket.
ANALYSIS
Activity
In the beach people engaged in
different activities which include the
morning stroll, joggers' track, aquarium,
and other amenities. At the beach,
kite flying, and beach cricket are
popular activities, and pony rides. The
beach is well-known for its shops and
food stalls there for more people and
activities in the beach.
Sitting Spaces
Benches are provided at regular
intervals at the marina beach.
Normal plate forms with granite
finishes are also provided
Permeability
The site is well permeable and is
designed along a stretch with
different activities
Sculptures
The park includes a variety of large-
scale sculptures which fit into the
landscape of the site
views and vista
The seating of the beach is facing to
the beach. The whole beach is nicely
landscaped with paths and areas for
relaxing.
safety
The Marina continues to be the most
dangerous area to bathe or swim in
the state of Tamil Nadu, with the
highest frequency of drownings.
Bathing and swimming are
prohibited at Marina Beach due to
the strong undercurrent in the area
and the lack of lifeguards.
LIVE CASE STUDY
South Beach, Calicut, Kerala
The Kozhikode Beach also Known as the South Beach, is a beach on the western side of Kozhikode,
situated on the Malabar Coast of India. Kozhikode beach which was once a major trade port for
traders from all parts of the world to import and exports goods especially textiles which consist of silk,
calico and other forms of spices has a wide variety of areas which still are not introduced to the tourist
even though they are placed in front of them. The beach is famous for an old lighthouse which gives it
an ancient tinge. The beach also has a cultural status as it brings all the sections of the community to
enjoy its magnificence every day. The Beach is accessible through four road overbridges in the city. The
beach has paved stones and illumination.

There are many visual connections from the

nearby beach area and Gandhi road to the
Square,
The North stage is for cultural events and the central walk radiating from the space is and we see diverse visual features of the
designed as a reminiscence of Calicut's history with a walking gallery, with historical same space from each point. However, in
narratives engraved on curated plates. Green rooms act as an asset for the successful areas where
functioning of the performance areas
isolation from noise and visual access from
the road are required, the design has
included tiny
buffer zones created by vegetation.
 Key Findings

o This is one of the central attractions

of Kozhikode city
o This is one of the few beaches that
provides camel safari
o Kozhikode beach is also a famous
movie shooting location
o Plastic waste has enormous
presence in the beach
o Drainage comes directly to beach
without any pipe line thus
spreading bad odour to the
View Point Recreational space Monumental Accessibility Seating space
atmosphere
SEATING
SPACE o Lack of proper drinking water and
seating arrangement is a major

ACCESSIBILITY constraint for the visitors

o Lack of proper first aid facility

VIEW POINT

defined parking spaces are also among the latest renovations here.
Selfie corners with ‘I love Kozhikode’ and ‘Nammude Kozhikode’
structures are among the major attractions
 ANALYSIS
Accessibility
The Beach is accessible through four
road overbridges in the city. There
are several entries from the road, this
makes it suitable for people to make
choices. The freedom square, and
beach is open for all public. No
ramps are provided for accessing
the stage and walkway making it
difficult for disabled persons.
Vehicular parking
There provided more number of
parking to the public .
Sitting Spaces
Activity And Age Group
Normal platforms with granite
There were different activities
finishes are provided and the
which include jogging, walking,
seating area provide under the
talking. exercising, cultural
tree
activities, live performances,
for natural shade. The seating etc. User group include family,
mainly provide the edges of college students, youngsters,
the freedom square and children’s.
views and vista
Gandhi Road and the neighbouring beach
area have various visual connections to the
Square, and from each location, we may
view different visual aspects of the same
space. However, the design has modest
buffer zones made of plants in places
where noise isolation and visual access
from the road are necessary.
Activity Imageability
Freedom square itself adults The freedom square add
to seasons, time, function & to the imageability of the
users. The space is equally beach and the freedom
open to political and cultural square is also an
events of various scales. It imageable element
also acts as a meeting place,
striking photo destination, an
urban gym, and more. There climate
were different activities which The beach experiences
include jogging, walking, direct sun during the day
talking. exercising, cultural and hot sea breeze blow
activities, live performances, into the square.
etc.
INFERENCE OF THE CASE STUDIES
Based on the study, some parameters were identified, that play a major

role in improving the public spaces near coastlines.

• Accessible with viable road networks and visual connections.

• The various areas, monuments, and signs on and around the shore

must be legible to all.

• Beach quality is determined by the nature of the coastline. It should

be considered to ensure a safe and user-friendly environment.

• Proximity to the city, allowing people to visit the beach premises

regularly and easily.

• Tourist industry economic opportunities for the local community as

well as the government.

FIELD STUDY
FORT KOCHI BEACH, KERALA Site area :2.36 Acres

One of the famous beaches of the state, Fort Kochi Beach has its fair share
of cultural and historic legacy along with being the venue for famous
Cochin Carnival. The beach is situated near the estuary of Vembanad Lake.
The beach is adjacent to many historical monuments that speak about the
colonial past of Kochi. Fort Kochi beach is part of culture and lifestyle of
Kochi. The beach is crowded in most of the evenings especially in
weekends and vacations. The beach is also famous for Kite – flying.

The Vasco Da Gama Square is one of the most active places in Fort Kochi
having a narrow promenade along the beach, food stalls, Chinese fishing
nets and cultural events. the most active area with activities changing
from morning to evening. Attracts many tourists and local visitors for
activities like shopping, sea food, sight view, photography and many other
similar purposes.
Key Findings
• Key Findings

• The beach is one of the most busiest public place of the city

• The beach has a wide and long walkway which gives the tourists to

walk and enjoy the beauty of the water bodies and beach

• There are lot of food joints that provides tasty sea food cuisine

• There is a children's park adjacent to the beach which is functioning properly

• The beach walkway is a busy shopping spot

One among the most active area with activities changing from morning
to evening. Attracts many tourists and local visitors for activities like
• The beach cleanliness Is poor
shopping, sea food, sight view, photography and many other similar
purposes.
• Rest room facility is limited

• Tree shelters are not sufficient to provide shades Pie chart

• Beach staff is limited
7:00am-8:00 12:00pm-1:00 7:00pm-8:00
locals tourist locals tourist locals tourist
• Lacks safe drinking water facility
28% 30%
40%
• Lacks first aid facility 72% 70% 60%
MAIN ACTIVITY POINTS

3 2 1
4
FISHING
5 2 CHINESE
6 fishing is done by the locals
near fort kochi. Time morning NET The chinese net fishing is done by a
7:00am to 11pm evening group of people The sale of fish is done
3:00 to 5:30pm near the net its self-time morning 7:30am to
9pm night

3 BOAT FISHING
4 VENTORS
Boat fishing is done by the locals. And
Small vendors are placed in between
fish caught are taken to auction space.
shops. They are basically Bengalis.
Boat fishing is done by the locals. And fish
caught are taken to auction space.
BEACH PATHWAY ANALYSIS
 Safety
Active during night due to proper lighting
and ornamental lighting make space
vibrant, making the walkway well it makes it
safer and more active.
View and vista
Good view to the Arabian sea, proper
seating facing the sea are provided.
Mainly active morning and evening.

Accessibility
The beach is open for all public, free
movement is possible. Ramps are provided
for accessing the walkway making it easy
for disabled persons. There are several
entry to the beach. this make its suitable
for people to make choice.
Sitting space

Choices include people sitting under the

shaded tree. Benches and platforms are used
as sitting spaces. Few of them are not well
shaded so people prefer to sit under the
trees.

User Group
. User group include family, college
students, youngsters, tourists, couples
etc
Permeability Imageability
A continuous walkway The long stretch of pathways adds to
run throughout the beach with well- the beauty of the beach. The Chinese
defined curbs and pavements. fishnets

Is also a imageability of the beach.

COMPARATIVE
ANALYSIS
COMPARATIVE
ANALYSIS
INFERENCE

The general parameters to find the potential of coastal edges to form efficient active public spaces were
identified. Accessibility to the beach is an important factor in all beaches, Proximity to the city, allowing
people to visit the beach premises regularly and easily. The study of the Fort Kochi Beachfront Spaces led to
the development of specific guidelines that could help in developing such areas into functional public
spaces.
GUIDELINES
• Parking places must be made available on the property close to the beach road. The government
should acquire the land under the Land Acquisition Act.

• The promenade pathway must be slightly sloped so that water drains naturally through the holes
provided.

• Maintenance of Trash cans provided on the beach should be done on a regular basis.

• The present vegetation between the beach and the promenade should be fenced in, with regular
access paths to the beach provided.
• The open spaces should be attractive and imageable

• A lack of good place to sit is an equally important issue. For example, a choice of seats in sun or shade
can make all the difference in a place success, depending on its climate and location

• The beach cleanliness has to be a priority and needs suitable intervention

• More beach staff has to be appointed to ensure safety of the visitors

CONCLUSION

• Beach areas have the potential to become important public interaction places. With the use of the data collected

from the field study, I can conclude that the beach way in Fort Kochi should be maintain for the long-term benefit.

The study provided insight into the many characteristics of beach sides, which can the general parameters that help

to easily identify the coastal edges that can develop as people's places.

• A successful beach is defined not only by its design but also by the public's commitment and involvement.

• The beach cleanliness must be a priority and needs suitable intervention. Pollution of these beaches also makes

them unusable for the public.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

• https://www.public.asu.edu/~mesmith9/1-CompleteSet/StanleyEtAl-OpenSpaces.pdf

• https://www.nar.realtor/blogs/spaces-to-places/what-makes-a-great-public-

space#:~:text=Great%20public%20spaces%20are%20accessible,and%20accommodating%20for%20all%20users

• https://www.archdaily.com/913023/tel-avivs-central-promenade-renewal-mayslits-kassif-architects

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marina_Beach

• https://www.academia.edu/43135686/A_STUDY_ON_TOURISM_POTENTIAL_OF_BEACH_TOURISM_HIGHLIGHTING_KOZHIKODE_BEACH_Repaired_

• https://healthbridge.ca/dist/library/Situational_Analysis_of_Beaches_of_Kerala_inner_with_cover_May_2017.pdf

• https://www.ura.gov.sg/Corporate/Get-Involved/Enliven-Public-Spaces/Shaping-Public-Spaces