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Ar.Puneet Sharma He is working as an Assistant Professor at N.I.T. Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh, India

Exploring the Role of River as Seam within City Structure, Case of Gomti River Precinct, Lucknow

He did his B. Architecture degree from the Univ. Of VTU Belgaum Karnatka (India) and Masters in Urban Design from SPA Delhi.

Ar. Puneet Sharma Ar. Venu Shree Ar. Venu Shree She is an Assistant Professor at N.I.T. Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh, India She received her B. Architecture degree from B.B.D. Lucknow

Abstract This paper is an attempt to define the role of rivers as seem in urban fabric. In past, rivers used to shape the city structure but in the present scenario under the pressure of urbanization rivers have lost their significance with respect to city and its people. City needs public places and active natural recreation places to cater new lifestyle and this need gives an opportunity of redefining the interface between river and city. This research will be aiming at same by means of creating active water front which joins with city as a successful public place. This paper helps in developing an approach towards making rivers as heart of city rather than an edge. In order to establish this hypothesis case of river Gomti, Lucknow India, has been taken as research area. Keywords : Urban Fabric, Urbanization, Rivers, Active Water front. SPANDREL, ISSUE 2, SPRING 2011

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Introduction Lucknow, capital of the state of Uttar Pradesh situated on Gomti river bank, is today an important educational, trade, Commercial and administrative center. “Lucknow is the region that is emphatically and wisely related to its rivers, lakes, canals and waterfronts” (Simond J O). Lucknow, in its past responded to River Gomti both in terms of City structure and human relationship. River Gomti is passing through the mid of the city and also connects the major traffic routs. With growth of city, it has neglected this vast natural resource which can be seen as a potential for public recreational places. At present Lucknow is left with few recreational public places which are neither integrated with city nor with Gomti.

Fig. 2 : Historical Structures along River Gomti

during Muslim, French and British were along river. There are many magnificent monuments symbolizing the glorious past of the city, the following are the betterknown monuments. Bara Imambara :- Nawab Asifudollah built this historic building in 1786. Rumi Darwaja :- Just adjacent to the Imambara is an imposing gate structure which when seen from the front looks like a gate but in reality is a structure of several storeys. Chota Imambara :- This structure is famous for its chandeliers and other artifacts. Clock Tower and Picture Gallery :- The novelty of the paintings lies in the fact that they all seem to be looking directly at the viewer from every angle.

Fig. 1 : Evolution of Lucknow city

Residency :- This is the British settlement that was established following the annexation of Oudh and was the site of the 1857 Mutiny.

Walking street along Hazratganj and newly opened Sahara Mall are only Public places of active recreation. A new way for exploring some kind of common interest like public place will help in integrating the city. In present context (at Global level) all developments are aiming towards sustainable development and an approach toward sustainability in development process of Gomti River will not only be a move toward future but also set an example for same kind of developments in India.

Historical Evolution Lucknow is known for its rich history and culture – manifest not just in its many magnificent monuments but an intrinsic part of its lifestyle. During the course of development after independence growth pattern has shown back towards its life, River Gomti. City is divided in two parts by river Gomti. Most of the old intervention SPANDREL, ISSUE 2, SPRING 2011

Fig. 3 : Rumi Darwaza


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City Structure Analysis Movement network Lucknow is well connected to all the major places in the country as well as state by rail, air and road, due to which there is continuous flow of passengers and travelers throughout the year. It is an important railway station of northern and northeast railway. Several State and national highways converge into city, providing connection of city from other cities. Three national highways connect Lucknow with Delhi, Kanpur, Varanasi, Agra, Allahabad, Gorakhpur and Jhansi. Lucknow is connected by airways with Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Patna.

Fig. 6 : View of Temple inside River Gomti

Fig. 7 : View of River Gomti

Fig. 8 : View of River Side Temple

of spaces around it like transport nodes, Vacant site, Active and Dormant edges and Wide unused flood plain which can be perceived as both Opportunity as well as constrain.

River Precinct Study, Gomti River Overview Fig. 4 : Road Network of Lucknow City

Image Structure and Activity Pattern City of Lucknow has a radial structure hence there are number of active points where city meets the river which can be explored. Important historic/ institutional precincts, large open areas, significant city connectors give a vibrant river precinct in Lucknow which in turns has a great potential as public place. River has got variety

River Gomati is considered as the daughter of Sage Vashistha. One can get emancipated of all sins by taking a holy bath in her water. After covering a distance of 35 miles, river Joknai merges into it, after which it becomes broader. Many other small rivers too merge with it subsequently. Gomati finally merges into river Ganges, some 20 miles north of Varanasi. Gomti River and Its Flood Plain Gomti is subsidiary river of Ganga. Its total length is 640 k.m. Till lucknow its length is 290 k.m.Its length in Lucknow is about 12km. Gauhgath is the main pumping station for the city. • The city varies in altitude from 106.5 to 122 meters. • The highest flood level in the river Gomti is 113.2 meters recorded in 1960. • River bund level is 114.4 meters. • The flood level in the river Gomti was 106.56 meters in 2003. Zero river level is 100 meters. Constrains and Opportunities • River as vast open space within city structure

Fig. 5 : Important city level activity Generators

• Historical precinct and views SPANDREL, ISSUE 2, SPRING 2011

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Urban Design Agenda • Integrating city open space system with the river and creating a recreational park system, through which role of river can be redefined. • Creation of public spaces and regenerating existing natural resources all along river in order to strengthen overall structure.

Fig. 9 : Location of Gauge and discharge of River Gomti

• Number of religious structures along river side. • Rare natural landscape lying for city and its people. • Place for social attraction and public activities. • An alternative to fast growing class specific development. • New ferry as per master plan opens up river to city.

• River all along its length possesses different character districts. Based upon that analysis, river bank has been divided into different zones having separate development strategies. Among all these zones, zone C between Dali ganj Bridge with Hanuman setu is most appropriate area where river can act as seem while transforming huge open space into a new public place for the city. Character ZONES River side is dominant with institutional and historical precincts. Residential areas are plugged in between. Presence of religious activity nodes and transport nodes brings diversity in the overall character of river precinct.

Fig. 10 : Urban Design Vision Along River Gomti SPANDREL, ISSUE 2, SPRING 2011


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Precinct. • Connecting Dali ganj Bridge with Hanuman setu. • Improving connection between city railway station and city bus stand Pedestrian connectivity • Development of Heritage walks connecting monuments with river Gomti. Fig. 11 : Character Zones

Precinct Level Landmark

• Development of promenade along river bank connecting Daligangj Bridge with Hanuman setu. • Improving connection between city bus stand and CDRI. Development of Structural plan Activity generators

Fig. 12 : Residency

Fig. 13 : Planetarium

Fig. 14 : Chattar Manjil

Inferences • Area has number of landmarks which defines the precinct • Presence of historical buildings adds quality in skyline Fig. 15 : Concept Plan

• Presence of temples all along stretch gives an opportunity for interaction with river • There are number of nodes along river which can be integrated • At present riverfront acts as play and parking place • Dhobi Ghats along river adds color to it.

Concept Development Vehicular connectivity

• Enhancing the existing structures like Planetarium. • Connecting Daligangj Bridge with Hanuman setu. • Improving connection between city railway station and city bus stand Movement paths • Integrating exhibition area with museum and Planetarium.

• Connectivity of City railway station with river SPANDREL, ISSUE 2, SPRING 2011

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development. Creation of a active park system with activities like display area, water related sports, boating in river and street side food courts and shops will make this space one of the most visited public space in Lucknow. By means of active recreation spaces along river Banks River instead of acting as barriers will transform into seam hence archiving the objective of thesis. This transformation will add to river precinct a great value without disturbing the existing historical setting. Ecological sensitive pockets will also contribute in sustainable development.

Fig. 16 : Structure Plan

• Development of promenade along river bank connecting Daligangj Bridge with Hanuman setu. • Pedestrian domain all along shopping street. Fig. 18 : Detail Section along River Precinct

• Introducing ferry between temples and exhibition pavilions.

Strategies and Principles

References

• Increasing accessibility, mainly pedestrian in order to reinforce riverfront integration with city.

• Kevin Lynch, Image of city, The MIT Press, United State of America 1960

• Introducing public places activities along river bank.

and

recreational

• Colin Rowe and Fred Koetter,Koetter Kim, Place /Time, Rizzolo 1997 • Garrett Eckbo, Public Landscape May 1978

• Introduction of informal market in order to have active places.

• Matt Vander Ploeg, Rethinking Urban Public Space in the Context of Democracy and Altruism, “Urban Altruism” | Calvin College | Spring 2006.

• Introduction of water related activities and reinforcing existing religious activities along river.

• Martin Ludvigsen, Designing for Social Use in Public Places – a Conceptual Framework of Social Interaction

• Integrating and introducing new cultural activities in river prescient.

• Jean-Paul Thibaud , Frames of Visibility in Public Places, A Forum of Environmental Design, 2001, Vol. 14.

Strategically located on the beautiful riverside this Promenade will serve as a city level space. Clubbing of the exhibition pavilion will ensure the viability of this

• Urban Places, Public Spaces + Design of the City: Education as a Catalyst for Change ideas symposium, University of CALGRY, Tuesday, May 31, 2005. • Erving Goffman, Behaviour in Public Places, Simon & Schuster, 1985. • Jamie Horwitz , Mississippi Floods: Designing a Shifting Landscape, Journal of Design / Planning / Research. www.places.designobserver.com • Richa Bajpai, Thesis, Reinstating the presence of rivers in cites creating the public city interface, Thesis of Urban Design • Nidhi Kaistha, An Approach Towards Integrating Rivers With The City Fabric – Godavari River, Nashik Dissertation - 2007, School of Planning and Architecture, Delhi. • www.calgaryurbancampus.ucalgary • www. pps.org, creating urban parks

Fig. 17 : Detailed Structure Plan SPANDREL, ISSUE 2, SPRING 2011