Design Intervention proposal

Radha Sahdev

Netaji Subhash Place, Wazirpur District Centre A/3316/2019

The planning of Netaji Subhash

Place and its district center is
characterized by a design that
incorporates open spaces
around buildings.

Land use within the district

center primarily revolves
around small retail
establishments along the
streets and within these
breakout spaces, making them
the main attraction.

The intermediary spaces

between buildings are
creatively mixed with eateries
and automobile-related shops,
capturing the commercial
essence of the center while
simultaneously providing users
Layout of the District Centre
with versatile breakout spaces.

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Formal Sector

Informal Activity

Site Boundary

Metro Station

Metro Line

The district hosts a vibrant

informal sector, with street
vendors lining roads like
Mahatma Gandhi Road and
interspersed between buildings
and peripheral roads.

Additionally, the area is notably

marked by a dominant used
car market, which tends to
crowd peripheral roads and
compromise the public realm.

Mapping of Formal and Informal Activity

Urban Design Studies Radha Sahdev

Figure Ground & Vegetation

Netaji Subhash Place's district center features a prominent informal

sector comprising small-scale vendors lining roads near the metro
station, Mahatma Gandhi Road, and spaces between buildings.

The design of the district center emphasizes a balance between open

and built spaces. Initially, open spaces around buildings were intended
to encourage social gatherings and community engagement. However,
these spaces have often been underutilized due to a lack of
programming, amenities, and maintenance, diminishing their potential
as communal hubs.

Sparse vegetation is a notable issue in the district, both aesthetically and

functionally. Limited greenery and trees hinder the creation of inviting
public spaces and contribute to less comfortable urban environments.

The underuse of open spaces in the public realm is a consequence of

such factors. To optimize these areas, the district center should focus on
enhancing landscaping, providing pedestrian-friendly amenities, and
organizing cultural events to attract people. Additionally, increasing
vegetation can improve the visual appeal and overall comfort of open
spaces.

Addressing the informal sector, optimizing the balance between open

and built spaces, and increasing greenery are essential steps to
maximize the potential of Netaji Subhash Place's district center. This
comprehensive approach can create a more inviting and user-friendly
urban environment, encouraging social interactions and improving the
overall quality of the area.
Urban Design Studies Radha Sahdev
Intervention for Social Spaces in Inner Streets

Source: Pinterest, Google Images

Key Plan

To improve the urban environment and make these places more usable, a transformative intervention is required within
the district center's internal streets.

The use of vegetative components, such as well placed trees, has the potential to offer much-needed shade and relief
from the intense heat of the city.

Stepped landscape elements, with their varied levels and zones for various activities, can improve the social
atmosphere. These areas can be used for socializing, leisure, and cultural activities, creating a lively and dynamic
atmosphere that appeals to a wide variety of people.

By revitalizing the interior streets and transforming them into a center for social interaction and recreational pursuits,
these interventions will enhance the district center's overall quality and usability.

Urban Design Studies Radha Sahdev

Intervention for Shaded Structures

Source: Pinterest, Google Images

Key Plan

Incorporating shade-producing structures, such as green canopies, can be a proactive measure to improve the
usability of open spaces and offer relief from the intense Delhi sun.

In addition to providing a much-needed relief from the intense heat, these canopies have the cooling effect that keeps
outdoor spaces usable during the day.

These shaded structures can be quite important for fostering business ventures. They promote economic activity and
the expansion of small businesses by providing refuge to street vendors, craftspeople, and startups.

The existence of green canopies promotes a more inclusive and vibrant urban environment by improving the quality of
public areas and boosting the district center's vibrancy and sustainability.

Urban Design Studies Radha Sahdev

Intervention for Improving Sidewalks on Main Streets

Source: Pinterest, Google Images

Key Plan

A major step towards building more socially engaging urban environments is the addition of shaded, livable spaces,
seating nooks, and breakout areas to the public realm on the walkways within the district center.

These inviting spaces, which spill out from commercial stores and eateries on ground floors, not only facilitate social
gatherings and a sense of community but also stimulate economic activity.

By providing opportunities for local businesses to extend their presence and attract customers, these improvements
act as a catalyst for economic growth.

They serve as a transition barrier between vehicular lanes and pedestrian pathways, contributing to safety and better
traffic management. Furthermore, these spaces can accommodate bicycle parking, promoting sustainable
transportation options.

This approach enhances the sense of "eyes on the street" ensuring a secure environment under the surveillance of
people (passersby or conducting business), ultimately mitigating accidents and fostering a safer, more vibrant urban
atmosphere.

Urban Design Studies Radha Sahdev