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Design Process for Street Environments in Mumbai
Urmi Kenia (UCM), Tanvi Udeshi (UCM), Vaishnavi Virkar (UCM)
1st July to 2nd August 2024 / Monsoon 2024 / Sem 5 7 9
Studio Overview
This studio explored the challenges of pedestrian infrastructure in Mumbai, where over 50% of journeys were made on foot. Students analyzed the current state of footpaths, characterized by non-uniformity, hindrances, and accessibility issues. The course focused on developing comprehensive, long-lasting pedestrian infrastructure solutions with universal accessibility. Key aspects included surface finishes, technical design, crossing ramps, street furniture, lighting, landscaping, and signage. Participants engaged in lectures, site visits, photo documentation, analysis, and design projects. The studio aimed to enhance walkability and the overall pedestrian experience through innovative urban design interventions, considering both micro-level street design and macro-level urban connectivity.
Exercise(s)
The Studio comprised exercises fostering comprehensive urban design skills. Students initiated with site analysis through detailed photo documentation, gaining thorough understanding of existing conditions. This was followed by extensive site surveys, collecting precise data on current infrastructure. Visualization techniques, including photo montages, were employed to explore potential design interventions. The next phase involved identifying site constraints and opportunities, laying groundwork for informed decisions. Preparation of design briefs and guidelines established clear project parameters. Students culminated the process by developing conceptual designs, synthesizing their research and analysis into innovative solutions for pedestrian infrastructure improvement. These exercises collectively enhanced practical skills in urban planning and design.
Methodology
The studio's methodology progresses through distinct phases: initial exploration of Mumbai's urban fabric, followed by evaluative techniques like Aesthetic survey, Total Stations survey and Nolli diagrams. Participants delve into local governance structures, focusing on BMC's role in decision-making and project implementation. Design principles, graphics, and stakeholder dynamics are examined, alongside the importance of total station surveys. Urban space analysis incorporates observational techniques and professional photography sessions. The process culminates in concept development and visualization exercises. Throughout, participants produce diverse outputs including drawings, collages, textual narratives, and presentations. The studio's comprehensive approach is ultimately synthesized into a physical booklet, encapsulating the entire learning journey and design process.
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