SENSE OF PLACE
Selected Square of Nagpur- Aath Rasta Square
Aath rasta Square is one of the greenest squares of Nagpur.
Aath Rasta Square is one of the g reenest squares in
Nagpur. It is surrounded by thick furrowed bark of Neem
trees. These trees are of 15-20 meters height. These trees
are typically evergreen. This is the best example of PPP
(Public-Private Partnership) where the Hotel Ashok and
Rotary Downtown Club joined hands with Nagpur
Municipal Corporation to take the responsibility of its
maintenance. They have financed for the street furniture
like Street lights and plant potters along the road dividers.
This Square diverges into Eight different lanes thus called “Aath Rasta Square”. The Central circle has a
Cannon memorial maintained by Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC). It was inaugurated at the
hands of Shri Banwarilal Purohit in the year 1987. The surrounding area of the Cannon is divided into 8
sectors by bricks pavings.
As we reach this square from WHC road, we observe the eye catching views of beautiful evergreen
trees. It acts as a visual buffer from chaotic vehicular movements. These lush green vegetation gives a
feeling of calmness from busy traffic routes. Aath Rasta square is thus usually preferred by the public
for early morning walks and cycling. There is not very heavy traffic as compared
to other squares situated at the Central Core area of Nagpur.
The Cannon and the Rotary downtown memorial is beautifully surrounded by
water fountains and decorated with lights. There are some m ural paintings
along the periphery of the circle. These mural paintings showcase the natural
scenic beauties of clouds merging with hills. The Cannon memorial and the
Rotary DownTown Stambha is well shaded by the Neem trees. These trees are
decorated with lightings during festivals like Deepavali, Navratri, New Year's
Eve, etc. The fountain is not always lit but only during certain events. This
complete view soothes the visitor’s mind creating a peaceful environment.
As we stand at the centre, the visitor gets the particular significance in the
tension between “hereness” and “thereness” ( Gorden Cullen). It creates
curiosity among the visitors about the further image of street he would be
achieving. The wide streets provide good visual angle with dense
foliage trees lined across it. The 6 meter wide roads are usually
occupied by four wheelers for parking and the WHC road occupied
by informal street activities.
As we move across the lanes, we see mostly old residential buildings
of ground or first floors. These buildings age around 40-50 years.
There is a famous Purti Super Bazaar located very near to this square.
So people across the nearby localities visit this place creating a s
ense
of identity. Nagpur’s famous Hotel Ashok is also located on the WHC
road creating a prominent destination in the city. There are also
community halls, tuition classes, beauty and fitness centres, banks, gardens,etc attracting people from
Sachi Dongarwar | MT19UPL015 | Semester 1 | Urban Design and Conservation| Tutorial 01
( i )
SENSE OF PLACE
Selected Square of Nagpur- Aath Rasta Square
other localities to visit this area. The urban fabric is such that the
figure ground relationship established shows that the locality is not
very densely populated. This may be because of high rent prices in
this locality. Thus while moving through these lanes, one
experiences a t rue feeling of neighbourhood.
People of this locality are much involved into social gatherings. We
see a large number of small children playing in front of their homes
at evening times. Also they have Utsav Mandals during Ganesh Puja
and Navratri. This shows their good bonding in a community as a
whole.
The informal settlements around the square adds more l iveliness
in this area. The fruits and coconut juice vendors gets more benefit
as more early morning walkers and cyclists come into this area. Also
the tea stalls and vegetable vendors attracts middle age group
people.
Aath rasta square is thus a good example of interaction between
people and place. Although some infrastructure facilities need
urgent infrastructure, it does not hinder the visitors from using it.
Sachi Dongarwar | MT19UPL015 | Semester 1 | Urban Design and Conservation| Tutorial 01
( i )
