ARCHITECTURAL THESIS 2019-20

PRE-FINAL THESIS REPORT

ON
RIVERFRONT DEVELOPMENT, AT KANPUR

SUBMITTED BY
ANSHIKA SINGH
B.ARCH,9TH SEMESTER

SUNDERDEEP COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTUR, GHAZIABAD

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION
SYNOPSIS
LITERATURE REVIEW
SITE ANALYSIS
CASE STUDIES
AREA ANALYSIS
REFERENCES
INTRODUCTION
Riverfront development refers to any development in front of a river. Riverfront development may not need to be
fronting a river but may only need to look connected to the river. It is the interface of the aquatic and the terrestrial.
Riverfronts are often the most valuable resource of a city. Also cities seek a riverfront zone that is a place of public
enjoyment, ample visual and public access to both the water and the land. These riverfronts have the potential to
become the cultural and heritage hubs of the city that lie on the banks or shores of the waterfront as well as attract
people from the city and also tourists.

AIM
To propose a riverfront development such that it can contribute to enrich the identity of a city.

OBJECTIVES
• To investigate factors affecting riverfront development.
• To explore the diverse options and examples for the best use of riverfront area.
• To propose the measures that will improve the life of overall population living in the area.

SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS

This thesis includes public space design for both socio & ecological benefit and to trigger the development in
riverfront areas & coastal areas also. Main focus has been given to research and study of the local cultural &
tradition . The project has goal of using architecture as a way of communicating ideas of culture tourism to region.
Design is in realtion to site , through the spatial arrangement , materially and activity areas , which all relate back
to local area. Kepping in mind the loose soil of ganga , to build structures which are light weight and can stand still
under the impacts of continuous moisture from Ganga river.
METHODOLOGY

Data
Collection
LITERATURE STUDY

• Understanding Riverfront Dvelopment Secondary

Primary Data
• Role of Riverfront in Urban Context Data

Case Study Site Visit Surveys Article Books Internet

Data Data
CASE STUDIES

• About the Riverfront site and surrounding.

• Construction techniques used in riverfront development. Data Analysis
and Synthesis
• Creating recreational activities.
• Make riverfront accessible for public.
• Maintain river city relationship Proposal
ABOUT RIVERFRONT DEVELOPMENT

The term riverfront is defined as “the land or property along a river, or any part of a city or town along a river”. Riverfront
development refers to any development in front of River. In the development area, considered that a riverfront development
may not necessarily need to be directly fronting river but may only need to look attached to the river. The interface point
where land and water meet, between approximately 200 to 300 meters from the river line and 1 to 2 km to the land site and
also takes in land within 20 minutes walking distance. Water is a defining force that fundamentally shapes the character of
each place it touches. It's a feature to be celebrated and honoured. Urban waterfronts, like the cities help define, dynamic
places.

TYPES OF RIVERFRONT

• Cultural Riverfronts - sense of community, festivity, artistic expression, recreation, commercial bustle
• Environmental Riverfronts - "Design with nature", might include shore stabilization, wetland preservation, prairie
restoration etc.
• Historic Riverfronts - "A sense of uniqueness and character" to a place. Provide a special educational experience by
preserving the cultural heritage of place.
• Mixed-use Riverfronts - dynamic space containing various activities blended to complement each other.
• Recreational Riverfronts - "The place of community gathering". parks, gardens, picnic areas, walking, cycling and water
related activities including boating, fishing, etc.
• Residential Riverfronts - Housings, creates opportunities for other activities like retail, recreation, restaurants.
• Working Riverfronts - River-related activity such as fishing, boat repair, etc.
BACKGROUND STUDY

Water is the primary source of life. Adequate amount of clean water is necessary for sustenance of humans as well as
other living beings. Water has the ability to enhance life as well as it has destructive potential. In both states: scarcity
and flood, the damage caused is plentiful. With climate change, the change in environmental patterns have cause heavy
downpours leading to floods. This has caused the drainage systems to fail and it has become a home of disease causing
bacteria and virus. Hence, water systems needs to be managed continuously. The attitude of people has changed and
water bodies are acknowledged as important elements of the city. There is an effort to work on ill effects of
industrialisation. After long years of negligence we have now realised that they are valuable economic and community
assets. Rivers are powerful forces of nature which have shaped and moulded the pattern of human civilisation for ages.
The mood and character of river has set the pattern of developments along its course.
Rivers, being a continuous open corridor, provides an ideal space for architectural Riverfront Development I 10
expressions. The riverfront thus develops as an outcome of interaction between river, city, built forms and the people.
Rivers have defined identity of various cities. It is difficult to imagine London without Thames, Egypt without Nile and
Varanasi without Ganga. In river-based cities, the riverfront becomes the most important urban space. It is a
representation of the city's culture and architecture and reflects the nature of the city and also its inhabitants. No
riverfront city can sustain if the condition of the river is continuously deteriorating. Many countries are struggling in
economic and social development as these are very much related to water. Issues related to water shortage and quality
deterioration are increasing. Rivers being major fresh water source, needs to be taken care of and its development to
meet various demands related to domestic, agriculture, industrial and environment has become important.

NEED OF RIVERFRONT

• To increase the significance of river front area.

• To conserve historical context.
• Stimulation of tourism and maintaining local economy.
• Habitat conservation and restoration.
• To providing adequate public access to the river.
• To prolong the lost river and city relationship.
SITE ANALYSIS
SITE AREA = 21 ACRES

Site is located adjacent to Luv Kush Barrage.

It is surrounded by LIG and MIG housing at its South , Water Treatment Plant in the East
, New Kanpur city at west and the river Ganges at north.
Site has its two edges completely accessible by 8 metre wide road .
Site can be transition between old and new city .
A bund at the river side edge has been constructed in order to avoid flooding
in future.
A seasonal water body exist on site which will be converted into a
lake for theme park as a part of landscaping .
200 metres from the river cannot be used for permanent
construction.

Kanpur is the economic and industrial capital of Uttar Pradesh.

City is perceived as “ KING OF LEATHER “ oldest industrial
townships of India .
Area over 605 sq. mts .
Population 5.03 million inhabitants in its area .
Location 26.449923* N and 80.331874* E .
Average annual temperature 22* cel.
Biggest education hub of INDIA.
Tourist destination – Bithoor , J.K temple , Nana Rao park ,
Allen forest zoo .
Industrial hub – The British India Corporation Cawnpore woollen
mills ,The Elgin mill.
STRENGTHS
Context is strong as the site will be a mediator between new and old Kanpur city .
A parallel road runs across runs the site making it easily accessible .
Spectacular views of ganga barrage and the Ghats .
Site will have the view of water body for lower levels and views of river for upper footage .
Due to the FAR restrictions the view of river won’t be block from the road .
Existing foot fall around the site will enhance the usages of the build .

WEAKNESS
Dying cultural heritage in the present day .
High moisture in the air due to proximity to the river .

OPPORTUNITIES
There is an opportunity to create a new identity for a city with rich and varied heritage.
The site is located next to an existing park , thus it has an opportunity to extent as the public park.
The location of site serves it best because from here the tourist take the boasting facility and roam
around.
The existing trees and that have been restored tm provide tremendous opportunity to built around
them to provide community spaces for the blocks .
The existing contours can help the extend the river front to the street in the form of steps and levels

THREATS
The view of river is maximum from north to east and minimum towards the south west .
Being located adjacent to river side , underground construction may not possible .
 MASTER PLAN KANPUR

SITE

SITE LIES IN ZONE 4

BOTANICAL GARDEN

NH-91

LAKE
CASE STUDY 1

SABARMATI RIVERFRONT DEVELOPMENT

The River Sabarmati flows from north to south splitting Ahmedabad into almost two equal parts. For many years, it has
served as a water source and provided almost no formal recreational space for the city. As the city has grown, the Sabarmati
River had been SABARMATI RIVER and AHMEDABAD abused and neglected and with the increased pollution was posing
a major health and environmental hazard to the city. The slums on the riverbank were disastrously flood prone and lack basic
infrastructure services. The River became back of the City and inaccessible to the public.

ABOUT PROJECT
Total area of the project = 202.79 hectares (501.1 acres)
Total cost of the project = 1152 crore by June 2014
Architect of the project = Bimal Patel-led HCP Design, Planning
and Management Pvt. Ltd
Developer of the project = Sabarmati River Front Development
Corporation Limited
AIM OF THE PROJECT
The project aims to reclaim the private river edge as a public asset and restore the city’s relationship with its
river.

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT

1. Make the riverfront accessible to the public
2. Stop the flow of sewage, keep the river clean and pollution-free
3. Provide permanent housing for riverbed slum dwellers
4. Reduce risk of erosion and flooding in flood prone neighborhoods
5. Create riverfront parks, promenades and ghats to enjoy the water
6. ProvideAhmedabad with new cultural, trade and social amenities
7. Revitalize riverfront neighborhoods,rejuvenateAhmedabad
8. Generate resources to pay for all of the foregoing
9. Create a memorable identity for Ahmedabad.
PLANNING PRECINCTS

1. Paldi Residential Neighborhood

2. Cultural Mile
3. Health-care Hub
4. B J Park Institutional Precinct
5. Ashram road Business District
6. Ashram road Mixed Use Precinct
7. Gandhi Ashram Heritage Precinct
8. Sabarmati Residential Neighborhood
9. Sabarmati Redevelopment Precinct
10. Shahibagh Residential Neighborhood
11. Shahibagh Institutional Precinct
12. Dudeshwar Mixed Use Precinct
13. Khanpur Mile
14. Lal Darwaza Heritage Precinct
15. Fair and Market Precinct
16. Calico Redevelopment Precinct
17. Pirana Precinct 18. Lower Promenade
LOWER-LEVEL PROMENADE

The lower promenade having a minimum width of 10 meters lies

just above the water level, providing uninterrupted pedestrian and
cyclists solely access to the water.
The width of the promenade varies from 6-18m. Facilities provided at the
River Promenade include:
Access points from the city level via staircases and ramps at regular
intervals.
Lifts or elevators to make lower-level promenade accessible for people with
disabilities.
Concrete paved flooring which can support walking, jogging and cycling.
Continuous seating arrangement at the river’s edge along with protective
railing.
Platforms at regular intervals for regulated and organized vending
activities.
LOWER-LEVEL PROMENADE

UPPER LEVEL PROMENADE

The upper promenade hosts a variety of public buildings, cultural
and educational institutions, public parks and plazas and
commercial development.

UPPER-LEVEL PROMENADE
GHATS
There are 30 ghats and Ghats punctuate the lower-level river promenade at planned intervals to provide access to the water.
These have been designed at strategic locations to enable continuation of cultural activities along the water.

BOATING STATIONS
There are 3 Boating Stations which have been provided at the lower-level River Promenade to enable recreational boating
in the river as well as a water-based mode of public transport in the future. Three boating stations have been completed so
far. First station is located on the eastern bank near Subhash Bridge. The other two stations are located downstream on the
western bank, near Nehru Bridge and Sardar Bridge, respectively.
AMUSEMENT PARK
Area = 0.9 hectare
This park will be a hub of thematic areas with an informative and entertaining environment. The facility will provide interactive
exhibitions, holographic displays and animatronics to recreate prehistoric living creatures, historic episodes and traditional
architecture.

RIVERFRONT MARKET
The market provides selected vending areas with 1,641 vendor platforms, seating areas, paved walkways, food streets, parking of
vehicles and four public washrooms.
 EVENTS GROUND
Event ground will offer venues for holding planned events of local and national importance

EXHIBITION CENTRE
The riverfront will host trade-fair facilities to serve the business community.
Riverfront Land Use
The proposed development is of mix land use that includes commercial, recreational and residential developments within the
both side of river bank from Gandhi Bridge to Sardar Bridge.
PROJECT BENEFITS AND IMPACTS
• Now it is possible to retain surface water in the river all year around.
• The ground strata are recharged with storage of 12.5 million cubic meter river water.
• More than 250 MLD sewage is diverted from the river and pollution is eliminated.
• The river is protected from the scour and stopped the erosion of the river banks with Diaphragm walls.
• 202 ha. land is available by retaining wall on both sides for further development for the city and flood
protection.
• The embankments provided with wide walkways, green space with tree plantation and many other facilities.
• Rehabilitation of resettlement of 10000 slum dwellers in great pukka houses.

CONCLUSION
The abused river can be brought back;
• To the city by utilizing the resources of the river itself
• To convert the abandoned land of riverbed and nuisance at the centre of the City into;
1. People's attraction
2. Tourist destination

• To create infrastructural and recreational facilities

• To transform the city more liveable with
• Environmental improvement
• Inclusive development.
•Traditional users of a river like washer men and unorganized vendors are now provided with organized facilities.
•Easy access to the river water through Ghats, Stairs/ Ramps.
YAMUNA RIVERFRONT DEVELOPMENT

River Yamuna is the fifth longest river in India and forms the largest tributary Of the Ganges The river cognates from
Champasar lake in Bandarpooch Glacier in Uttarakhand The river flows through snow-capped Himalaya before entering the
Ind-Gangetic plains of North-India After travelling for 1376 km the river finally merges onto River Ganga at Alahabad U.P.

Delhi has been site for many empires because of proximity of Yamuna river. Historical monuments in Delhi are strong
evidences of relationship of the river and the city. Be it the position of the Fero Shah Kotia's fort or the presence of the Red
fort right next to the river during Shahjahan's reign shows the importance of the river in the city's history. The city of
Shahjahanabad (now Old Delhi) was constructed by the Mughal Emperor, ShahJahan. Shah Jahan's reasons for the selection
of the site was due to three main reasons One, was its location on the bank of the river which ensured continuous water
supply Secondly being adjacent to the river protected the city from as aver acts as natural defence Also, building next to
Yamuna meant that transport and communication between Delhi and Agra was faster and easier due to presence of Yamuna
Also Delhi was not too far from Agra which allowed him to control both the places and also transfer of capital was easier
Delhi had a religious-spiritual history as it was home to shnnes of several Sufi saints Shahjahan was highly superstitious
which made him choose Delhi as the site for his next capital
Apart from this, Shahjahan repaired the canal that was built under the !Chair and extended till Akbars reign He got the canal
up to the chosen site where his Fort was built Also. the presence of river altered the micro-climate of the Fort by bringing
cooler air into the premises .
Apart from this. Yamuna has been high religious significance as well Thousands throng Yamuna ghat to offer prayers during
Chaff Pula The river is considered daughter of Surya the Sun God and twin sister of Yama (the God of Death . The river has
been worshipped for it is considered as Goddess in Indian culture.
However in modern times the ever has become more functional rather than a recreational space .The function more or less
being a huge Oran for the city A Id of money has been spent by governments but the over conbnucus to reman appalling state.
The Delhi stretch of over is barely 22,:ms which is 2 percent of the entire length of the river However this 2 percent
contributes to 80 percent of the pollution load in the entire stretch of the river The water quality of the net is deteriorating due
to untreated domestic wastewater agricultural run-offs human carcass mass bathing etc.
Evolution of the river

The river pas part of Indus River system initially. Over time its course shifted and it became pal of the Gaga River
system flowing over the Aravali. This shift in course led to formation of a triangle with ridge on two sides( Aravali)
and the river flood plats on the third The landform was majody of rocky terrain With time, stream network emerged
due to drainage system of the ridge Natural trough was formed winch attracted settlements Early settlements settled
along the water sources and based on the land avadabidy based on balanced resource consumption The streams and
other water sources decided the pattern of the settlements Open spaces like gardens parks were critically designed
beyond settlement walls. Early colonial settlement came up along the North of the walled city and the ridge acted
as a buffer between the walled city. New lands were examined to expand. The course of the river was further
altered by building embankments and the area was reclaimed for development The ndge acted as a city's forest
cover and the river supplied the city with water The open spaces eventually became formalised and the road
network was setup for the movement of cars. The river and the water streams turned into natural drainage system
for the city Independence movement affected areas other than which were under imperial control .There was
continuous influx of people from rural area into the urban fabric . Also the, period experienced rapid urbanisation
which led to further formalisation of spaces. New factories cane up in the city due to this urbanisation. The
economy eventualy became decentralised which led to development which did not pay heed to natural features The
planning strategy shifted from natural resources to infrastructure. The zoning plans were developed based on
different functional spaces and landscape features were not taken account which led to degradation of these
resources Ring railway network came to fauktate inter-city movement There was a further shift of attention from
the romr Later the city was divided into vanous zones under different administrative bodies. The development was
happening in various zones in deferent olden rather no order) This lead to creation of urban space lacking identity
The city expenenced further development dunng CWG Metro. BRTS came up The sense of open space was lost.
AIM: To conserve, protect and restore the Biodiversity of Yamuna River by Public Recreation
spaces.

OBJECTIVE: Restore the riverine ecosystem

Connect people with river
Protect the floodplain from the adverse effect of development activities
Share awareness among people
The Structure Plan – The
floodplain has been studied &
analysed based on several
ecological & physical parameters,
such as -
• Existing natural features like
water bodies, vegetation, etc.,
• Proximity to habitation &
movement corridors,
• Intensity & conformity of
abutting activities.

Zone
• Interactive Biodiversity Zone
• Protective Biodiversity Zone
• Public Recreational Zone
River Yamuna – In Delhi
• The Delhi stretch of River Yamuna is barely 22
kms of its entire 1,370-km long journey from
Yamunotri (its birthplace) to the ocean.
Although barely 2 per cent of the length of the
river basin, it contributes to over 80 per cent of
the pollution load in the entire stretch of the
river. There is no water in the river for virtually
nine months of the year. Delhi impounds water
at Riverfront Development I 59
• The barrage constructed at Wazirabad where the
river enters the city. What lows in the river
subsequently is only sewage and waste from
Delhi’s 22 drains. In other words, the river
ceases to exist at Wazirabad.
Context
The site continues to possess historical,
archaeological, architectural and artistic value as
the walls of the ruins merge with the newer
constructions around. The signiicance of this site,
needs to be protected, preserved and enhanced
for the experience of people who visit or live in
Delhi. The constituent structures hold the
potential to continue the original design intention
or suggest interventions for adaptive reuse or new
use, consequently reinstating the cultural
relevance of the site, whilst making it a place for
people to enjoy and experience their own
heritage.

Linking Heritage on the Site Delhi’s

Heritage can be integrated and linked to transform

the cognitive image of the city:
• Through architectural conservation and urban
design interventions to create experience and
awareness towards heritage. These will cover
street furniture, lighting, special transportation
system, treatment to footpaths, roads and
intersection nodes, public places, etc.
• By making the cognitive experience of Delhi as a
Heritage City more manifest for both local
inhabitants and visitors.
VEGETATION
RIVERFRONT PLAN 1.Entrance
2. Parking
3. Welcome Zone (Weekly Haat)
4. Mela Ground For Chhath Puja
5. Chhath Puja Ghat (Existing)
6. Solar Farm
7. Eco Area – Boardwalk/Birdwatch Trail
8. Pond
9. Viewing Platform (Existing Embankments) 10. Plaza
11. Grand Lawn – Open Exhibition Space
12. Amphitheatre
13. Exhibition Centre
14. Cafés
15. Railwaytrack
16. Entrance Court
17. Pedestrian/Bike Trail along Nullah
18. Adaptive Reuse IP Powerplant
• The Riverfront is envisioned to be a place of great diversity,
offering activities throughout the seasons for people of all ages.
• Connection of existing trails to the Riverfront; creation of new
trails that lead users to the Riverfront.
• Recognizing loodplains as ecologically fragile areas; maintaining
the open agricultural character of the riverbank.
• Promote development of vegetational belts in the loodplain
area for improving water quality and enhancement of biodiversity
• Use of loodplain area to augment treatment of pollution from
diffused sources.
Need for Riverfront Plan

Now, the government is trying to focus back on the river as Yamuna is in

alarming state. The government is facing the following challenges :
1.The waterfront is highly disconnected from the city .
2 The waterfront is occupied by industries, commercial and stadiums This
makes the site active only during office hours The waterfront lacks safety
tvndenng people from going there
3 The culture of meeting in open spaces is lost People prefer to meet in malls
Man in open public spaces
4. Highways limit access to the site
5.The water quality of the river is deteriorating which is a major reason that its
failing to attract tourists as well as citizens.

Riverfront at ITO
Immediate context and Land-use
The river is surrounded by stadiums power stations memorials and institutional
buildings The east bank of the river is majorly residential. The presence of
stadiums power plants metro stations reduces physical linkage of the people
with the river. Also the presence of a major Road (Ring Road) with hem.
Vehicular traffic and a number of flyovers right next to the river makes
pedestrian access difficult.
Features of the Yamuna Riverfront Development Plan (DUAC):
• Adaptive re-use of Industrial buildings (IP Power Station) and railway line.
• Restoring ecology and improving water quality.
• Planting native species along the river corridor.
• Accomodating the street vendors at ITO bridge into the weekly haat_ Creating plazas and exhibition spaces to
attract tourists.
• Create a bird watch zone which will be landscape so as to attract migratory birds to the site.
• Solar Park: Adaptive re-use of existing grid and turning it to a power generator.
• Utilising Secretariat and Indira Gandhi Stadium's parking for parking rquirements of the proposed site.
• Improve accesibility to the site keeping in mind the utilisation of sustainable modes of rtransport including walking
and cycling.
• Providing resting space at regular intervals along the pedestrian path Provide shaded pathways and proper street
furniture
• A visual link as well as pedestrian link from the historically significant monuments(like Feroz Shah Katie) is to be
created
• Water bodies Apart from the river and the Nullah which is present on site. a pond is proposed in the broadwalk area
and the train entrance plaza A water fountain is proposed at kids activity zone
• Chhatt Pula is celebrated on the banks of the nver every year. Thousands of people come to the river and offer their
prayers to the Sun God. The plan aims at providing adequate parking space and design a large pen space to
accomodate people when the event takes place. It also aims at providing temporary shelter as the people tend to stay
over night.
TENTATIVE PROGRAM ACTIVITIES AND USE
 Development of ghats along the stretch of Ganga.
 Promenades including - Kiosk (connecting ghats together) & Cycling Track
Community & cultural centres
 Landscape work in the precinct zones
 City level parks
 Improvement of approach roads to the precinct.
 Art and craft village
 Boating Station
 Heritage Plaza
 Sports Activities
 Meditation or yoga centre
 Cafeteria
 Public toilets complex
ART AND CRAFT VILLAGE REQUIREMENTS
REFERENCES
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Riverfront
https://www.slideshare.net/arakausk/cmaa-riverwalk-presentation
https://hundenpartners.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/New-Chicago-Riverwalk-PS-7-19-18-jhrh.pdf
https://nacto.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/The-Riverwalk-Chicagos-Second-Waterfront.pdf
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/250231772_The_Yamuna_Riverfront_India_A_Comparative_Study
_of_Islamic_And_Hindu_Traditions_In_Cultural_Landscapes
https://www.archdaily.com/tag/riverfront
http://www.sabarmatiriverfront.com/
https://www.scribd.com/doc/311099307/Riverfront-Development
waterfrontsnl.com
www.louisvillewaterfront.com