International Conference on Urban Sustainability: Emerging Trends, Themes, Concepts and Practices
REDEFINING THE ROLE OF CIVIC NODES IN URBAN FABRIC IN THE
CONTEXT OF A CONTEMPORARY INDIAN CITY
Ar. Rikta Desai*
*Rikta Desai (Professor, Faculty of Architecture, SCET, Surat)
ABSTRACT: Qualitative civic open spaces are the most challenging issue of contemporary Indian cities. Though
being important identity of city’s daily collective lives, these are the most neglected and unattended spaces in our
urban centers. Requalification of those spaces is more important that are associative to human instinct of being a
part of larger community and offer immediate opportunity of participation into public realm. The aim of this
study is to define “node” as such potential urban space, to identify the issues obstructive to its performance and to
understand the scope of interventions for regain of its lost identity. The walled city area of Surat is considered as
a case.
I. INTRODUCTION II. "NODE" AS POTENTIAL URBAN SPACE
The image of any contemporary city is apparently As one looks at the various kinds of urban spaces within a
perceived as a highly dense built environment holding city, it is important to recognize and study those that have
complex interrelationships of people, activities and evolved through the time and existing in present context
movements. The interesting paradox here is that though as well. In other words, those spaces are interesting that
characterized by solid masses making a divergent has witnessed socio-cultural, economic and technological
skyline, the city actually subsists more in the voids revolutions and participatory in growth and development
between these solids where the activities and movement of the urban form. These are the spaces that are constantly
of people actually occur. While making the city live, under the influences of the forces acting upon the society
vibrant and dynamic, these un-built spaces establish a and reflecting the metaphoric transformations with
larger socio-communal system, where people get an changing time and traditions. In this study, “Node” has
opportunity to participate into a community life. These been identified as such space. At a preliminary perception
open spaces serve multiple purposes of utilitarian, socio- these are the cross road junctions or square that display
communal and perceptual functions and portray the trade, commerce and culture of a place or a settlement by
public realm of the city, the backdrop against which the its scale, character and strategic location. The important
daily collective life of a city unfolds. The scale of such feature of nodes that distinguishes them from public
space may vary widely; ranging from a doorstep pause squares is their dual role in urban morphology. While
point to street side eateries to a street itself to local squares are predominantly “individualistic urban spaces”,
market squares to neighborhood parks to city scale nodes are not so. Each node has its own identity as a
playgrounds. Amongst all of them, the most important is “place” and at the same, it is a part of a larger system of
the one that offers an opportunity for immediate movements along paths. The nodes can also be an
participation into community life, while serving multiple important element displaying historicity, depending upon
functions of day to day life of an individual. Such spaces its evolution over a period of time and significance in
are needed as a response to human instinct of being development of urban form. While serving as an open
socially connected and being a part of a larger space of associative scale, the nodes also have to
community. These are the lung spaces of the city, places essentially offer an organized network of vehicular traffic,
to pause during the activities of the day, places to meet, adequate parking to access immediate land use and most
interact and exchange and hence are essentially importantly; a safe and secure pedestrian movement, to
important part of an urban fabric. Unfortunately, in the perform as a successful civic space, in the context of
cities of developing country like India, these are the most present time.
neglected and unattended spaces. The objective of this
study is to understand the significance of such spaces for
the enhancement of quality of life, and to identify
various roles these spaces have to perform in the bustling
life of densely built modern metropolis, a city of Surat in
this case.
Electronic copy available at: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3233570
International Conference on Urban Sustainability: Emerging Trends, Themes, Concepts and Practices
typical Indian city, (Surat in this case) and to define their
roles responsive to contemporary context.
IV.THEORETICAL PREMISE: NODES AND
NODAL SYSTEMS
Nodes are generally perceived as junctions of roads, a
space that bifurcates as well connects paths leading to
different directions. In the context of urban morphology,
Fig:1 Fig.2 the term ‘node’ has been used differently in different
conditions. The studies of Kevin Lynch have given a
fundamental definition of nodes in the urban context.
“Nodes are strategic foci, into which the observer can
enter; typically either junctions of paths, or
concentrations of some characteristic. But although
conceptually they are small points, in the city image,
Fig.3 Fig. 4 they may in reality be large squares, or somewhat
Fig. 1,2,3,4: Relationship of People and nodes at extended linear shapes, or even entire central districts,
different scale and location when the city is being considered at a large enough
III. STUDY CONCERNS scale.” (Lynch, 1959, 73)
In Western context, the concerns for “public realm” is
well addressed with changing context of time and Interestingly, here, the scale and image of the space is
technology that effectively convey new meanings of not specified. The node could be just a crossroad
“civic space”, and the roads and nodes are well defined junction or a small open space or a large relief area
for people as well as automobiles. Unfortunately, the within a dense urban setting. It may have a strong built
image of the urban space as a street or as a square or as a edges defined by historical monuments displaying city’s
node in any contemporary Indian city is a scene of big past glory or may portray a very strong contemporary
disorder where the older “Chowk” has been taken over image dominated by commercial activities. Thus, the
by the encroachments, heterogeneous traffic, haphazard possibility of interpretation of this space is open, and one
parking, abandoned street edges, hoardings and could perceive it more relatively in the context of urban
advertising elements and many more unpleasing form and its evolution pattern. Two important aspects
activities. Despite of holding a strong potential of that remain fundamental to the understanding of nodes in
displaying socio-cultural or historical significance, the general are:
identity of a space called "node" has been lost in the • The possibility of variation in the scale of the
traffic, noise and congestion of overcrowded and space; and
overburdened urban roads. In other words, the nodes • It being part of a larger system that holds other
have become mere traffic junctions in the rushing and nodes as well.
bustling metropolis; unorganized, insignificant and A. Character of Nodes
unattended. Though strongly characterised by vibrant As an urban space, nodes are characterised by certain
commercial, recreational and socio-communal activities; qualities as described below:
both formal and informal; these nodes of urban fabric are Orientation: serve as reference point and guiding
hardly perceived as strong urban design elements, element
representing poor attitude towards urban form. The Pause: momentary psychological perception or physical
discrepancy between the various factors involved in the stop for some time
making of cities has been one of the fundamental Connection: links between various parts of the city
reasons. On the other hand, its potential lies in the fact Association: relationship of an individual with the space
that this urban space is still an activity hub, catering to of public realm outside the personal space
the rich and the poor, the old and the new equally. The Container: enclosure that allows various elements,
key issue here is structuring the same and thereby activities and movements to come together
making them a better place to experience. Hence the Interaction: between people as well as between the city
design and performance of these spaces take on and the citizens
significance, both in architectural terms and as an These qualities are more experiential rather than
expression of the combined aspirations of the people physical, and these experiences are dependent on the
who use them. The inquiry of this paper is to study overall urban environment. A well-organized urban
various aspects related to the performances of nodes in a setting will enhance the experience whereas; its identity
is lost in a chaotic, haphazard and unplanned
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International Conference on Urban Sustainability: Emerging Trends, Themes, Concepts and Practices
development. The fastest growing city of Surat in the
state of Gujarat has been identified as case study, in The residential quarters, traditionally termed as “Chaklas”
order to understand the character and experience of civic and “Puras” grew within the area enclosed by these two
nodes in Contemporary Indian Context. walls. Interestingly, both these walls were having 12
V.STUDY AREA BACKGROUND gates, through which entry to the city was defined. These
Surat’s settlement pattern and morphology is an example twelve gates were named after the major trade routes they
of medieval urbanization, with a strong impact of were facing, or the major city institutions to which they
different cultural interfaces and trade as a magnet of were facing or were connected to. Majority of the
growth. The unique feature about the built form residential quarters were also known on the basis of these
evolution of the walled city is its two concentric city gates and were given name of the gates. And in that sense,
walls, suggesting two distinct periods of development these gates were actually the nodes, a referential points to
and a need for expansion at an early age. It also suggests divide and connect the city as well as beholders of
a need for double fortification as Surat was subjected to movements and activities.Though these walls are almost
constant attack from the enemy. non-existent at present, its semi-circular plan orientation
demark the two major ring roads of present city form and
the areas and nodes between them are still known from
their original historical names.
The city’s transportation network is predominantly a ring
and radial pattern, as an attribute to these two walls, and
location of original gates have been now become busy
traffic junctions. The area of focus for this study is the
inner ring road, being a reference of historical inner wall
signifying city’s growth pattern and also the major
circulation artery of the city at present. This road connects
as well as separates the old and the new city. The area
along this road is mainly residential neighbourhoods with
number of formal and informal commercial activities,
along with some public institutions. “Gopi Talao”, the
historical lake and the only recreational place for the
walled city area is accessed through major two nodes,
namely, Navsari bazar and Golwadon this road. And
hence the stretch covering these two nodes, along with
two connecting nodes of Bhagal and Saiyedpura are being
identified for the detailed study and analysis. Study
findings in relation to specific parameter are explained
below:
Fig. 5 Inner and outer wall with gates
Fig. 7. Navsaribazar Node
Fig. 6 Inner and outer ring road at present
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International Conference on Urban Sustainability: Emerging Trends, Themes, Concepts and Practices
Fig.8: Golwad Node Fig. 9: Bhagal Node Fig: 10: Saiyedpura Node
Study Findings:
Parameter Findings
Location and Accessibility in Location amongst dense residential fabric, accessible from multiple secondary roads
relation to city as well as
surrounding neighbourhoods
Land use Residential, retail commercial, markets(Vegetable/meat/fish/grocery), public
amenities(Police station, hospital, community hall) religious institutions,
recreational (Gopi Talao)
Activity generators Markets, street side eateries, retail shopping
Traffic and movement
• Traffic Composition Heterogeneous: two wheelers, three wheelers (Auto rickshaws), four
wheelers
• Traffic volume high
• Traffic speed average
• Traffic Management uncontrolled and haphazard
• Pedestrian intensity high
• Pedestrian movements: haphazard
• Pedestrian safety highly unsafe
• Pedestrian no provision at all
infrastructure
Built form character Three to Four story high buildings, traditionally ornamented wooden/brick houses
with architecturally interesting facades:some in good condition while majority in
dilapidated, rest being renovated with mix character of old and new, lack of definite
character.
Perception in general Overcrowded space with unpleasing surroundings yet dynamic and vibrant due to
multiple activities
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International Conference on Urban Sustainability: Emerging Trends, Themes, Concepts and Practices
5.2Analysis on the basis of findings
Strengths Weakness
• Historical references attached to most of the • Heterogeneous vehicular traffic
nodes existing on old city areas • Underutilized open spaces
• Location amidst dense residential • Unorganized and illegal market spaces
neighbourhood and accessible to all • Encroachments on road sides by vendors
• Strong linkages between the old and the new: • Scattered settlements/ slum encroachments on road
interwoven transportation network sides
• Mixed land use along the edges • Derelict buildings, low quality built form
• Surrounded by diverse range of activity • Lack of comfortable permeability
generators: shops, eateries, markets, public • Poor attitude towards urban form
transport that act as a positive contributors to • Lack of policy framework and implement
the efficiency and intensity of a civic space. mechanism.
• Haphazard surface parking effecting on road width.
• Insufficient road widths on some routes, Piecemeal
approach of road alignment
• Neglected public Realm
• Unsafe pedestrian environment
Opportunities Threats
• A renewed public realm acting as a civic • Relieving the encroached land for the public purpose
space with retail-wholesale commercial, from the existing users.
leisure and community facilities, transforming • Intervention in existing situation requiring a huge
the space into economic, cultural, and support from public and stakeholders.
recreational heart of a city or an active hub of • Issues of Maintenance of renewed Public Realm.
immediate neighbourhoods.
• A potential to serve as a community centre
with organized activities and holding efficient
transportation network providing access to
employment, goods and services.
• Image maker for entire city or for a
neighbourhood, depending on scale.
• Well define pedestrian edges establishing
quality face to users.
VI. ISSUES AND RECOMMENDATIONS: consider managerial, aesthetical, perceptual and
Study findings and analysis identifies multiple level functional aspects.
issues of traffic and transportation, unattended open Level: 1: City Level
spaces, neglected pedestrian realm, activity The major concern of Level: 1 intervention is to
distribution and land use classification, slum achieve the city level benefits and to integrate the
encroachment and illegal occupancy, environmental proposals with the provisions made in the city
quality, visual appeal and aesthetics, Issues of space development plan. At this level, managerial and
definition and loss of character. Considering the level administrative issues are to be addressed that include
of complexity and approach required to each of the strengthening and structuring of roads and road
abovementioned issues, the recommendations are network, enhancement of road infrastructure, traffic
classified in three levels dealing with three control and management, relieving encroached lands,
distinguish scales viz. city level, area level and place with due concern to the existing pattern of movements
level. This is in reference to the dual character of the and activities, while imposing certain do’s and don’ts.
nodes i.e existence as an individual entity as well as a Level: 2: Area level interventions
part of a larger nodal system. Further, pertaining to The major concern of Level: 2 interventions is to
the type of issue, the recommendations have to achieve the area level benefits by enhancing the
Electronic copy available at: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3233570
International Conference on Urban Sustainability: Emerging Trends, Themes, Concepts and Practices
character of spatial distribution of land use and
activities. The concerns to be achieved here are to be in
response to the socio-communal needs of the
communities, while respecting local trade activities and
people’s desire for a civic space offering scope of
interaction and. participation. A safe pedestrian realm is
a prime demand to be addressed at this scale. e) Role as traffic and transportation
Level: 3: Place level intersections
The major concern of Level: 3interventions is to f) Role as physical identity of the city
establish a detailed physical design proposal and
guidelines for the specific nodes to achieve the (a) (b)
concerns of aesthetical and perceptual functions. Role (c)
of urban design is to be recognized here. The (d) (e)
intervention strategies should be focusing on the issues (f)
of space definition, character of space and needs of Fig.10: Graphical representation of
contemporary times, while retaining the identity as an various roles of nodes
active open space.
Thus, there are multiple and multilevel challenges that a
“Node” has to resolve so as to perform as a meaningful
and convivial urban space in Contemporary Indian
cities. A successful civic space has to serve the
purposes of utilitarian, socio-cultural and perceptual
functions. The role of urban design intervention is to be
recognized here to reorganize and restructure such Sensitive and sensible interventions at various levels,
spaces in order to achieve their potential i.e redefinition right from the vision for city development plan to area
of aesthetics, space and function. This will also demand development strategies to urban design guidelines for
a root level planning and development decisions that place making, can create new urban spaces that are
are responsive to past, present and future context of the contextual and sustainable. The study presents an
place, where role of qualitative public realm is well opportunity to re-establish an image of a potential urban
realized. space by defining their new roles in contemporary
context and thereby to address the issues of qualitative
VII. CONCLUSIONS civic spaces in urban centres of India.
Findings and observations from the case study
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Electronic copy available at: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3233570
International Conference on Urban Sustainability: Emerging Trends, Themes, Concepts and Practices
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