URBAN DESIGN

ARC 752

ANEENA POULOSE
2061749
ARC 752: Urban Design
Semester 7: AY 23-24
School of Architecture
CHRIST (Deemed to be University).
This report is submitted to the School of Architecture, CHRIST (Deemed to be University)
towards the partial completion of the requirements for the course

ARC 752
URBAN DESIGN

by

ANEENA POULOSE
2061749

Under the supervision of

Albert Joseph Hefferan

Assistant Professor

SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE

October, 2023.
 DECLARATION

I Aneena Poulose (2061749) declare that this report is a record of all the work
undertaken by me towards the partial completion of the requirements for the
course ARC752: Urban Design under the supervision of Albert J. Hefferan
Assistant Professor, School of Architecture, CHRIST.

Place: Kengeri, Bengaluru.

Date: 26 / OCT/ 2023

______________________
Aneena Poulose
2061749
7B.Arch; A. Y. 2023-24
School of Architecture
CHRIST (Deemed to be University)
Bengaluru.
 CERTIFICATE OF EXAMINATION

This is to certify that this report by Aneena Poulose (2061749) entitled URBAN
DESIGN in partial completion of the requirements for the course - Urban
Design; ARC 752 was presented for the Viva Voce Examination on 26th
OCTOBER 2023.

Albert J. Hefferan External Examiner(s)

Course Coordinator Name, Designation, &
Affiliation.
Sl. no. List of Assignments Pg. No.

1. Tracing Gardens 1-3

2. Urban Areas in History 4-6

3. Creating Maps 7-9

4. Tracing Water 10-12

5. Bengaluru Diaries 13

6. Saving the Fringe - Kanmanike. 14-25

 Assignment No: 1

This exercise is designed to give us an idea of the scale that we would be working within an
urban design project. In this exercise, we are required to select a famous garden or park
(Eg: The Garden of Versailles, The Charbagh of the Taj Mahal, Central Park of New York,
Cubbon Park of Bengaluru, etc.) and reproduce its plan on a Gateway sheet using only
Isograph Technical Drawing Pens in black ink. The sheet is to be composed in such a
manner that there are no blank spaces left on the sheet.
Once completed, we are to express it in about 1000 words the principles that were used to
design the layout of the garden/park. Need to title this essay as follows - “Design Principles
of the Botanical Garden of Naples”. As students of architecture, should feel free to
substantiate what we write with sketches. Hand-written essays would be preferred.

Note that the garden is to be traced in a Gateway sheet of size A1 or greater in pen and ink.
The composition is to be monochrome and the final sheet should have no empty spaces on
it. We would need to carry with us a suitably scaled image for us to trace from. Precompose
the sheet before we start the drafting process so that we are aware of what we are working
towards. While we are tracing the image, please feel free to improvise/interpret the
representation, but ensure that it does not reduce the overall effectiveness.

The outcome of this exercise is to -

● Enable us to understand the scale at which we would be working when we talk of
urban design. Therefore, while tracing, try to relate the drawing to the space that it
would occupy in the real world.
● Enable us to understand representation and detail at the urban scale. For this, we
need to understand how details vanish when we work on larger scales. For example
the details that would normally be visible at a smaller scale, such as the projections
in a building or its exact footprint are lost. Furthermore observe, how items, that are
generally large and unique on a smaller scale, lose that uniqueness and become a part
of something larger, as the scale increases.
● Enable us to understand how the principles of design work at a larger scale. This
would come out through the essay, however, through sketches and overlays, we can
further indicate how these principles have actually been translated into the design.

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 TRACING GARDENS
BOTANICAL GARDEN OF NAPLES
The Orto Botanico di Napoli, usually referred to as the Botanical Garden of Naples, is a
notable botanical garden in Naples, Italy. The Naples Botanical Garden, which spans 170
acres, was established a little over ten years ago. It is situated on what used to be a parking
lot and garbage dump. It is amazing how the garden came to be in such a short amount of
time. The following are a few of the main design tenets that define the Botanical Garden of
Naples:
Plant Collections and Diversity: A wide variety of plants, including rare and exotic species
from different parts of the world, are on display in the garden. The design ideas are intended
to highlight and accommodate the distinctive qualities and needs of each plant species,
thereby fostering an environment that is favourable to their development and exhibition.
Education and Research: The garden acts as a hub for scientific study, instruction, and
conservation. The arrangement and labelling of plants to provide visitors with educational
information are emphasised by the design concepts. The garden also has spaces for the study
and preservation of plant species as well as research facilities.
Thematic Gardens: The Botanical Garden of Naples incorporates thematic gardens within
its overall design. These gardens focus on specific plant families, regions, or ecological
themes, allowing visitors to explore and appreciate different aspects of plant life. Examples
of thematic gardens may include a succulent garden, a medicinal plant garden, or a tropical
rainforest garden.
Botanical Collections and Herbarium: The garden features botanical collections that
include preserved plant specimens, seeds, and other valuable plant materials. These
collections are typically housed in a dedicated herbarium or greenhouse, providing
researchers and scientists with valuable resources for botanical studies and conservation
efforts.
Sustainable Practises: To lessen its negative effects on the environment and to encourage
conservation, the Botanical Garden of Naples frequently incorporates sustainable practices
into its design concepts. Utilising organic gardening methods, using renewable energy
sources, conserving water, and incorporating native plants with low maintenance and water
requirements are a few examples of how this can be done.
Recreational and Relaxation Spaces: The garden design also includes spots where guests
can unwind and take in the scenery. This might include places for people to sit down, places
to have a picnic, and clean walkways and paths. With the addition of these areas, visitors are
encouraged to spend more time in the garden, building a bond with nature and enhancing
well-being.
Environmental protection: The Naples Botanical Garden frequently serves as a refuge for
uncommon or endangered plant species. The design guidelines place a strong emphasis on
preserving and protecting these species, giving them the best possible conditions for growth,
and incorporating conservation activities into the garden's overarching goal.
Aesthetic Appeal: Although scientific research and education are the Botanical Garden of
Naples' main priorities, aesthetic appeal is also taken into account. The design concepts
include components like colour harmony, texture variety, and appealing landscaping
techniques in order to produce an atmosphere that is aesthetically pleasing.
The purpose of the Botanical Garden of Naples is to promote botanical research,
conservation, education, and a deeper understanding and enjoyment of plant life. These
design principles jointly support those goals.
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 Assignment No: 2

For this exercise, we are to select a heritage site with the parameters mentioned below and
create a figure-ground map of the same on a gateway sheet of A1 size or greater. The
following parameters should be considered to select the heritage site: (a) The Site should
have been Urban in character, at least when it was in use. (b) The site should have a
suitable area. (c)The site should have built forms of an appropriate density so that our
sheet does not remain blank. (d) Appropriate information/sketches may be added to the
sheet where space is available in order to enhance a viewer's perception of the drawing.
The Madurai Meenakshi Temple, The ruins of Humpi, The Stupa complex at Sanchi, The
Greek Agoras and Amphitheaters, Roman Stadia, Machu Picchu, are a few examples that
could be consider exploring.

While the nolli map has the entire city of Rome as it existed in the 1800’a, we are
expected to deal with a smaller, but important area. Ensure that while we are choosing the
area and printing the map to trace from, we are to also take into consideration the
surroundings, taking care to include the adjacent buildings or structures.

On completion of the drawing, we are to write a 1000-word essay title with the name of
the palace we mapped. The essay should briefly describe the origins of the space we just
mapped, how it came to be constructed, the role it played in the society that utilized it and
how the society that used it, shaped the space, and how this use evolved into the present
day. Conclude the essay with a note on the impact the space created in the minds of the
people, by looking at works of art and culture in which the space is referred to or has
inspired.

The main aim of this exercise is to further make us understand what urban spaces meant in
the past and how these spaces became the spaces they are today. This would be achieved
only if we compare our work with the productions of our classmates, and learn directly
from them.

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The Ruins of Hampi, also known as the Vijayanagara ruins, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site
located in the state of Karnataka, India. The ruins are the remnants of the ancient city of
Vijayanagara, which was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire during 14th to 16th centuries.Under
the rule of the King Krishnadevaraya (1509-1529), the Vijayanagara Empire reached its peak in
terms of territorial expansion, military power, and cultural splendor. The empire extended over a
large part of Southern India and had trade relations with foreign powers. Hampi, was a magnificent
center of art, culture, and commerce during its time. It was adorned with grand temples, palaces,
markets, and other architectural marvels. The city thrived as a bustling metropolis with a population
estimated to be over half a million people at its peak.The empire faced conflicts with neighbouring
kingdoms and invasions by the Deccan Sultanates. Hence in the Battle of Talikota the armies of
Bijapur and Golconda attacked Hampi, resulting in the defeat, and the city was ransacked and
extensively damaged.Following the battle, the city of Vijayanagara went into a rapid decline, and its
once-thriving structures fell into ruin. The empire disintegrated, and the capital was abandoned.
Hampi was gradually reclaimed by nature and lay hidden under dense vegetation for centuries.It
was only during the British colonial period that the ruins of Hampi gained attention. Archaeological
explorations and restoration work began in the 19th and 20th centuries, leading to the recognition of
its historical and cultural significance. In 1986, the ruins of Hampi were designated as a UNESCO
World Heritage Site, attracting tourists and researchers from around the world.
The site comprises numerous temples, royal complexes, marketplaces, and other structures that
provide valuable insights into the rich history and cultural heritage of South India.
The architectural style of the structures in the Ruins of Hampi reflects the artistic and cultural
influences of the Vijayanagara Empire. The empire's architecture is often referred to as the
Vijayanagara style or the Dravidian style, which is characterized by its grandeur, intricacy, and
attention to detail. Here are some key features of the architectural style seen in the ruins of Hampi:
Temples: The temples in Hampi showcase the finest examples of Vijayanagara architecture. They
typically follow a Dravidian temple plan with towering gopurams (entrance towers) adorned with
intricate carvings depicting mythological scenes, deities, and celestial beings. The temples are often
dedicated to Hindu gods and goddesses, with the Virupaksha Temple being the most famous and
revered.
Mandapas (Halls): The temples feature pillared mandapas or halls that serve as assembly areas for
religious rituals and ceremonies. These mandapas are known for their numerous intricately carved
pillars with elaborate motifs such as mythical creatures, dancers, musicians, and floral patterns.
Monolithic Structures: Hampi is renowned for its monolithic structures, particularly the
monolithic chariot in the Vittala Temple complex. This iconic chariot is carved out of a single
granite rock and resembles a chariot drawn by mythical creatures.
Royal Enclosures: The ruins of the royal enclosures in Hampi display the architectural grandeur
and opulence of the Vijayanagara Empire..These complexes were organized in a hierarchical
manner, with the king's palace at the center. Surrounding structures included audience halls,
administrative buildings, and spaces for court proceedings and also had elaborate water structures
such as stepped tanks and canals.. The royal enclosures were used for official purposes, meetings
with ministers, and the reception of dignitaries.
URBAN AREAS IN HISTORY
RUINS OF HUMPI
Water Structures: The Vijayanagara Empire paid attention to water management and irrigation systems.
Hampi is dotted with tanks, reservoirs, and aqueducts that were designed to store and distribute water
efficiently. The stepped tank system, such as the Pushkarani, is a prominent feature seen in the ruins.
Secular Buildings: Besides temples and royal structures, Hampi also contains ruins of marketplaces,
bazaars, residential areas, and other secular buildings. These structures exhibit a blend of architectural
styles influenced by the empire's multicultural interactions and trade relationships.
The spatial organization and people usage of the spaces in the ruins of Hampi reflect the social, cultural,
and religious practices of the Vijayanagara Empire.
Temple Complexes: The temple complexes in Hampi were central to religious and cultural life. They
were designed to accommodate large numbers of devotees and facilitate rituals and ceremonies. The
temples often consisted of multiple enclosures, with the main sanctum housing the deity and other halls for
rituals and gatherings. People would visit the temples for worship, offerings, and participation in religious
festivals and processions.
Marketplaces and Bazaars: Hampi had vibrant marketplaces and bazaars that catered to the commercial
and trading activities of the empire. These spaces were organized in a grid-like pattern, with streets lined
by shops and stalls. People would gather here for buying and selling goods, including spices, textiles,
precious stones, and other commodities. The marketplaces were also social spaces where people
interacted, shared news, and exchanged ideas.
Residential Areas: Hampi had residential areas where people lived, including the nobles, courtiers,
priests, and common citizens. The layout of the residential areas followed a hierarchical structure, with
grand houses closer to the royal enclosures and simpler dwellings in other areas. The houses were
constructed with locally available materials, such as stone and mud, and typically had courtyards and
multiple rooms.
Public Spaces: Hampi had open public spaces that served as gathering areas for various activities. These
spaces, such as open squares and courtyards, were used for cultural events, performances, and recreational
activities. People would come together to witness dance performances, music concerts, storytelling
sessions, and other forms of entertainment.
Art and Sculptures: Hampi is renowned for its exquisite stone carvings and sculptures found throughout
the ruins. These artistic creations adorned the temples, royal structures, and public spaces. The sculptures
depicted various deities, mythological scenes, celestial beings, animals, and everyday life activities. They
were not only decorative but also served as a means of religious expression and storytelling.
Overall, the spatial organization and people usage in the ruins of Hampi reflect the multifaceted nature of
the Vijayanagara Empire. The spaces were designed to accommodate religious practices, trade,
governance, and social interactions. The art and sculptures added beauty and symbolism to the
surroundings, enriching the cultural and spiritual experience of the people who inhabited and visited the
city.
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 Assignment No: 3

As a class, we are to
Identify one drainage system of lakes and rivers, preferably in the city of Bengaluru.
Demarcate the selected area into 38 parcels that are approximately the same area and
have the same level of difficulty (In terms of the built vs the unbuilt) in mapping. Each
of us would select one area to study.
Use Global Mapper to export the high resolution image.
Select a suitable composition and layout pattern so that when placed in the proper
manner, each individual composition becomes a part of the study area chosen. One way
to achieve this is to have the edges of the study area overlap with the adjacent study
area.
Select a suitable scale so that the study areas of most students fit approximately onto a
single sheet of A1 size.
Note that the demarcated area includes the water body / a part of it and the surrounding
area up to 200m from the edge / HTL of the water body.

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 CREATING MAPS

Downloaded, installed and launched the Global Mapper software in the laptop. This
software provided access to online data sources for satellite imagery.
Acquiring satellite data:
Accessed the source by going to File > Download Online Imagery/Topo/Terrain Maps,
and chose Google maps as the data source and specified the area of interest, using the
pan and zoom tools to navigate to the specific area of which need to be extracted to a
high-resolution satellite image.
Further, to extract a high-resolution image, had to set the appropriate parameters by
going to the "Configuration" menu and selecting "Export Setup". In the dialog that
appears, need to chose the following settings:
Set the output format to an image format (JPEG/PNG).
Adjusted the pixel dimensions to achieve the desired resolution (1080 pixels).
Set the compression settings as required.
Clicked "OK" to save the changes to export setup.
After setting up the export parameters, go to File > Export Raster and Elevation Data,
chose the export format and location where to save the image in the system, and click
"OK" to proceed with the export process.
At the end saving the processed high-resolution satellite image of the desired study area
of the Vrishabhavathi River and got it printed for the next exercise.

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 Assignment No: 4

Identify one drainage system of lakes and rivers, preferably in the city of Bengaluru.
Demarcate the selected area into 38 parcels that are approximately the same area and have the
same level of difficulty (In terms of the built vs the unbuilt) in mapping. Each of us would
select one area to study and map.
Understanding the High Resolution map that is obtained from the previous Ex, prepare a base
map, hand drafted i.e., they must include all details to the maximum extent possible.These
details must be presented as though one is looking at them from the sky and from a great
distance.
The main aim of this exercise is to:
- Enabling us to work in groups, understand our and teammates' potentials and
shortcomings and use them to counteract each other.
- Enable us to work in a team towards the fulfilment of a particular goal.
- Enables us to understand how Urbanization occurs and what causes development. We
would also be able to understand the impact rapid, inconsiderate, and unplanned
development impacts nature and ultimately the societies and communities that depend
on them.

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 TRACING WATERS
The Vrishabhavathi River, which runs through Bengaluru city, has indeed experienced
significant pollution and degradation over the past few decades. This transformation can
be attributed to a combination of factors, including rapid urbanization, industrialization,
inadequate waste management, and the increase in population. Bengaluru has witnessed
rapid urbanization and industrial growth in the past two decades. This has led to an
increase in infrastructure development, commercial establishments, and industries. The
expansion of the city has resulted in encroachments on the riverbanks and the
construction of buildings and roads that have altered the river's natural flow.
One of the major contributors to the pollution of the Vrishabhavathi River is the discharge
of untreated sewage and wastewater from households and industries into the river. As the
population of Bengaluru has grown, so has the volume of sewage being released into the
river, overwhelming the limited treatment facilities. Several industries situated along the
course of the river discharge effluents and pollutants directly into the water. These
effluents often contain toxic chemicals, heavy metals, and other contaminants, which
have a detrimental impact on the river's water quality and aquatic life. The improper
disposal of solid waste, including plastic, electronic waste, and construction debris, along
the riverbanks has further degraded the river's ecosystem. This has not only polluted the
water but also disrupted the natural habitats along the river. The illegal encroachment of
land along the riverbanks has led to reduced buffer zones and wetlands. This, in turn,
hampers the river's ability to absorb pollutants and filter the water naturally. The river's
flow has been significantly reduced due to excessive extraction of groundwater for urban
use and irrigation, as well as the diversion of water for industrial and agricultural
purposes. Reduced flow can lead to stagnation, concentration of pollutants, and increased
water temperature, further damaging the ecosystem.
The pollution and alterations to the river's natural course have resulted in a decline in
aquatic biodiversity. Many native species of fish and other aquatic life have been
adversely affected or displaced by invasive species that thrive in polluted waters.
The river's water has become increasingly unsuitable for consumption or agricultural use
due to pollution. This has contributed to the city's water scarcity issues, as the river is no
longer a reliable source of freshwater.

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 Assignment No: 5

The final outcome of this exercise is a short story book, that we would be
submitting in the form of an A5 size story book.

To start this exercise we are to select one area in Bengaluru, and write a few diary
entries from the area's perspective as though the area was a living person. The diary
should have a minimum of 5 entries, inter-spaced by at-least 3 hand drawn
sketches of the area with an aim to further understand the related diary entry.

Assignment submitted separately as an A5 book

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 Assignment No: 6

This exercise is the culmination of the practical aspects of the course in which we are
required to study and map Kanmanike Lake, and propose a suitable design that would
not only protect the lake as its surrounding areas develop but also preserve and
protect the various activities that are currently taking place around the lake. For this
submission the following maps/sheets are expected:
- Map of the current lake, and its immediate surroundings.
- Map of the changes that happened to the lake and its environs for the past 20
years.
- Map of the activities that take place in and around the lake, over a period of
time, in a given year.
- Map of the flora and fauna around the lake.
- Map showing a SWOC analysis of the area.
- Map of the proposals and how the area would look once our proposal is
implemented.
- Detailed drawings of the proposals on a scale of 1:100.

Assignment submitted separated as an A3 book.

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 BIOTIC COMMUNITIES
PROJECT BACKGROUND

The Kanmanike waterbody is one of the water body in the periphery of the urban Bangalore. The
water body lies between Kengeri and Christ University in Bangalore South and is accessible
through the service road running parallel to the Bengaluru- Mysuru Expressway.

The water body covers up an area of 2.9 hectares with the maximum depth of 3.5m. Over the years
encroachment and neglect has led to it being dry, filled with silt and being converted into a marsh
due to the lack of facilities to hold back the rainwater.
Algae Reed Swamp
According to NLCP guidelines, by hydrological criteria, a water body should have a maximum
depth more than 3m and should cover a water spread of more than ten hectares to be considered as
a lake and have no or very little aquatic vegetation. But due to the eutrophication in the waterbody,
it can be prioritized for conservation under NLCP.

Phytoplankton Zooplankton

View of Kanmanike waterbody

Fishes Bayonet Grass

- Kanmanike
waterbody

View of Kanmanike waterbody through street view

Coconut Tree Lantana

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 SWOT ANALYSIS INTERVENTIONS

The fact that Kanmanike lake is not been identified as a lake by National Lake Conservation
Strength Weakness Authority

● Rich aquatic biodiversity.
● Drinking water source for
animals of nearby area.
● Groundwater recharge.
● Supports activities such as
fishing
Opportunity
● Support diverse ecosystems
● Serve as gathering places for
community events
● Foster a sense of belonging
and cohesion
● Reduction in the water spread area
due to silt in the inflow.
● May be invaded by non-native
plants and animals that disrupt the
natural balance and ecosystem
health.
● Land formation owing to
eutrophication
● Difficult access roads
● Vulnerable to pollution from runoff
So the 1st step includes to bring this new water body a well visible one by making the people
around it to get aware of it so that they conserve it.
In Order to achieve that we shall need to identify the the boundary and need to de-silt and
de-weed the area also to reduce the nutrient rich condition by clearing it also need to remove the
algal forms present in the lake
Clearing its shallow depths and securing its boundaries need to done and providing walking
spaces or pathway around the lake for humans, so that people start to use it and creates a sense
of belongingness in them
This can thereby reduce the dumping of waste around this marshes. Can provide a small linear
garden along the pathways with seating, so that it can attract people to spend their evenings
Since the contour study shows that the storm water of this region drains to this very point being
3m below from the Highway, and since the average rainfall received by the Bangalore South is
100mm on an average a month, this clearly shows its potential to be a sustained resource for the
people nearby and for the coconut plantation area next to it.

Threat

● Occasional dumping of waste

● Urbanisation may change the
land use
● Use of pesticides and
fertilizers, can result in runoff
that negatively impacts pond
water quality.

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