THE UNFOLDING OF A HISTORIC URBAN METAPHOR- MG ROAD,

BANGALORE

Poorna Chinnappa B1, Priya V P2

1, 2
Department of Architecture, B M S College of Engineering, Visvesvaraya Technological University, India
email:poornachinnappa@gmail.com; pkhatavkar@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

Keywords: Urban space, street, visual aesthetics, urban metaphor, transformation, perception
and spatial behaviour.

Urban spaces typically streets, serve as vibrant socio-cultural spaces. The streets represent
the spirit of the place (Norberg Schulz, 1979). This spirit is an outcome of interaction of
people, their activities and built or physical environment. The built environment is a strong
indicator of the historicity of the place lending it a characteristic identity. Globalization has
resulted in the public spaces being continually transformed. This process of transformation
gives rise to homogeneity and continuous change in perceptions and socio-cultural meanings
attached to public spaces like streets. This is a critical study of the origin, evolution and
transformation of the most important public urban space of Bangalore- MG Road. This space
originated as South Parade of the British cantonment established during the 19th century. It
was the major socio-cultural and recreation space of its times and the associated built forms
included Clubs, Ball rooms, Turf grounds, Parade grounds, Bars, Bakeries, Cafes and
Bookshops. They set up formal traditions which were reflected in the way people interacted
with the space and built form- an urban metaphor with distinctive character, identity and
aesthetics- embedded in the Bangalorean memory. Political, economic and infrastructure
changes have transformed built form and public spaces of MG Road as well as their
associated activities. When these super imposed development layers are unfolded, the historic
urban metaphor is visible again. This paper critically examines the historicity, analyses the
transformations in form-space relationships, imagery, street activities, people’s perceptions
and their spatial behavior.

1. INTRODUCTION
Bangalore is a bifocal city which has transformed over time. One foci is the Pete area and the
other is the Cantonment which is a colonial settlement, which after independence is
undergoing a process of indigenization. Formal urban spaces with English character have
transformed into one with a global, contemporary character. This paper focuses on MG
Road. Aesthetically, urban spaces have been organized to reflect their socio-political and
cultural attitudes. Urban space has been undergoing transformation in the guise of
technological progress. Streets are vital public spaces that are used to connect places, for
public interaction and socialization. Streets become the context for social, cultural and
political activities. ‘The street is no longer perceived as a tool which facilitates transportation
between buildings and networks. Visual aesthetics of a streetscape encompasses historic and
social elements as a part of sensory perception. The notion of working with metaphors is
understanding and experiencing one kind of thing in terms of another (Lakoff and Johnson
2003; Köveczes 2010). The phenomenon of homogenization and indigenization has
influenced MG Road (formerly south parade) to be a historic urban metaphor.
1.1 Declaration

We hereby declare that the research paper titled "The unfolding of a historic urban metaphor-
MG Road, Bangalore" submitted by us is based on actual and original work carried out by us.
Any reference to work done by any other person or institution or any material obtained from
other sources have been duly cited and referenced. We further certify that this research paper
has not been published or submitted for publication anywhere else.

2. AREA OF STUDY
The area of study has been taken from the Queen’s statue to the edge of Brigade road
spanning a length of almost 960 meters.
MG Road has a carriage way of 20meters and right of way 22.8meters (includes the
pedestrian walkway on the built side only).
The boulevard on the northern side has two levels; a lower level which is in line with the
road and an elevated level at the height of 4.5 meters. The width of the boulevard at the lower
level is 13metres while the elevated level has a width of 5 meters.

Fig. 1. Plan of MG Road

3. HISTORIC URBAN METAPHOR

The process of seeing things as an urban metaphor happens when two contrasting things or
images are placed side by side and where one element is understood in terms of other. The
historical authenticity of MG road has undergone transformation whereby the constitutional
elements/activities have changed over time. This makes it an historic urban metaphor.
The several factors contributing to these transformations are discussed below:

3.1 Political changes and their impact on the streetscape

South Parade was an urban space designed by the English with broad avenues. The Statue of
Queen Victoria was a symbol of their sovereignty over the Indians. With independence South
Parade was named after MK Gandhi to MG Road. A park was added to symbolize the Indian
Independence which competes with the Queens Park.

Fig.2. Queen's statue and focus of south parade

Fig. 3. Mahatma Gandhi statue introduced after Indian independence

3.2 Economic changes and their impact on streetscape

The buildings have changed their uses, form and function many a time down the line. What
previously were bars have converted into office buildings. A bank stands in place of the old
Liberty Theatre. The old and famous supermarket Spencers and Co has changed into a
commercial complex. MG Road has become a prestigious address for offices to have.

Fig. 4.Formerly Liberty theatre and Spencers Co.Ltd

Fig. 5. Now Canara Bank and commercial & office building complex
3.3 Impact of physical infrastructure on the streetscape:
With the increased influx of people from different strata of society into this precinct for work,
shopping and recreational activities has contributed to increase in traffic. The Metro station
while attempting to provide commutable routes for the public adds to the visual aesthetics of
the urban space. It alters the visual volume of the space while adding a definite skyline
across the street.
The Boulevard is for leisure strolls. It is a contrast from the hawker filled crowded walkway
on the built side. The elevated level offers a different perspective of MG Road while the
lower level houses recreational and shopping activities.

Fig. 6. Sections showing former Plaza theatre complex now demolished to accommodate the
lobby of the metro station.
 Fig. 7. Section showing flourishing bookstore, Higginbothams now on the verge of
relocation.

3.4 Social changes and their impact on streetscape

This street was exclusive because of the formal activities carried out by the elite and military
who resided in the cantonment; routine military parades, formal recreational activities similar
to those in England like ballrooms, clubs, and informal establishments like coffee house,
cafes and restaurants offering English cuisine.MG Road offered the latest things to do and the
newest experiences. It was a high-street destination. People were always attired in their best
clothes when visiting MG Road.
Currently the activities along the road tend to different strata of the society. Growth and
development of the city has made it more of a thoroughfare. Former recreation spaces have
become commercial spaces. The shell of the building is the same but the activity has changed
as the culture has changed.
 Fig. 8. Section showing former ballroom and banquet hall building, now is Sri Sai Complex
hosting a suiting store and a restaurant

3.5 Perception and spatial behavior

MG Road could be experienced from four different levels.
i. As a pedestrian on the built edge
ii. Through a moving vehicle on the road
iii. As a pedestrian on the boulevard
iv. From the Metro

Fig. 9.Cone of vision from pedestrian level

i. Pedestrian level:
This level is closest to the buildings. The speed of movement is a hurried walk. The
perceptive elements are shop windows, entrances, sign boards.
 Fig. 10. Cone of vision from a moving vehicle
ii. From a moving vehicle:
This level is the next closest to the buildings. Speed of movement is 15Km per hour. The
elements of perception are large scale billboards, building mass and night lighting.

Fig. 11.Cone of vision from the boulevard

iii. Pedestrian on the boulevard:
This level is across the road width. The speed compared to the one on the sidewalk of the
built edge is slower being a leisure stroll . Elements of perception are building masses,
pedestrian activities on the opposite side, movement of vehicles, part of the metro.

Fig. 12. Cone of vision from the metro

iv. From the Metro: This becomes an elevated level of 11 meters. The Speed of Metro is the
fastest comparatively. Elements of perception would be terraces, roof tops of buildings and
large billboards.

5. CONCLUSIONS
MG Road as a streetscape is dynamic and has been changing with times. It has transformed
from being a destination meant to be visited for all the formal activities that took place on the
road to currently being a thoroughfare connecting the North and South parts of the city. The
effort now is to restore its original identity status as being a destination street.
 Fig. 13. Elevated part of the boulevard used as art exhibition space

Fig. 14. Spaces rented out to display and encourage traditional arts and crafts

Fig. 15. Permanent stage to host cultural events on the lower level of the boulevard.
The boulevard with its elevated and lower levels is exclusive to MG road. By introducing
appropriate modern and contemporary activities that cater to a wide range of social strata, the
boulevard could act as the factor that imparts MG Road the identity as ‘high street’ of
Bangalore.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We are in debt to Prof. Vaseem Anjum Sheriff and Asst Prof. Samhitha B S for guiding this
paper and in that line improved the manuscript significantly. We express our profound
gratitude and deep regard for exemplary guidance, valuable feedback and constant
encouragement.

REFERENCES

1. Norberg-Schulz, C., 1979, "Genius Loci: Towards a Phenomenology of Architecture",

Rizzoli, New York.
2. Köveczes A, 2010, " Metaphor: a practical introduction", Oxford University Press,
Oxford.
3. Lakoff G, Johnson M, 2003," Metaphors we live by", University of Chicago Press,
Chicago.