charminar open spaces

5/21/2018 Charminar Open Spaces

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CONSERVATION AND URBAN DESIGN- M.ARCH. (E.D.)

PUBLIC OPEN SPACES IN AND AROUND

CHARMINAR AREA

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CHARMINAR AREA


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.........HISTORY deals with human action, that is, the actions performed by individuals and groups of individuals. It

describes the conditions under which people lived and the way they reacted to these conditions. Its subject are human

judgments of value and the ends men aimed at guided by these judgments, the means men resorted to in order to attain

the ends sought, and the outcome of their actions. History deals with mans conscious reaction to the state of his

environment, both the natural environment and the social environment as determined by the actions of preceding

generations as well as by those of his contemporaries........

- Excerpt from Theory & History, An Interpretation of Social

and Economic Evolution, Ludwig Von Mises.

Accessible open space is critically important in any densely populated city and active space, such as gardens, is particularly

valuable. Protecting open spaces also increases the property value of the land surrounding them.

-Christine Anderson, singer, songwriter, pianist and Social Activist, New York City


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CHARMINAR AREA


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CONTEXT OF STUDY

This study aims at understanding the public open spaces in and around the Charminar area, and how the global perception

of transition of public spaces needs to applied to this area too, for increased welfare of its residents. This has been achieved

through a background study of the city, of the Charminar area, a brief description of previous development projects carried

out in the area, understanding statistics related to the public open spaces in the area and a few suggestions at the end of

the study.


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CHARMINAR AREA

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Having being founded as a potential site for accommodating the growing needs of the people of Golconda, the then capital to the Qutb

Shahi Dynasty by the emperor Quli Qutb Shah, Hyderabad was laid out in grid iron pattern, and the Charbagh concept.

The city had two major axial centres. On one, Charminar was constructed in the year 1593 A. D. while on the other was marked by the char

Kaman (four arches), north of Charminar, each 60 feet high, 36 feet wide at the base and 6 feet thickness, facing the four cardinal points,

separated from the centre by about 375 feet in each case.

These arches served as gateway to the Jilu Kaman (ante Chamber) or the Royal Palaces. These arches are named Machli Kaman-North,

Naqqar Khana-e-Kaman- East (now known as the Kali Kaman), Sah-e-bati l Ki Kaman (west) and Charminar Ki Kaman- South (presently

called the Char Kaman). Exactly in the centre of these kamans (arches) was built a large octagonal cistern provided with jets of water called

Char- Su- Ka Hauz, which is now called Gulzar Hauz.

Charminar & the Char Kamans, Hyderbad

from a painting by P. A.

Bhaunani, Th e Journal of Hyderabad

Archaeological Society, 1927.

HISTORY OF HYDERABAD

The four main streets were lined with 14,000 double-storeyed shops selling variety of goods. The NS

axial street was lined with canals on either side. Mir Jumla tank was the then main source of

drinking water having been constructed in SE of the city in A. D. 1625.

The streets were purposely made broad so as to accommodate the large processions during thattime. It was during the reign of Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah that the city was not only planned in

terms of the desires of the royalty but infrastructural provisions, like, schools, hospitals, mosques

for the mass, proper irrigation works, were executed. This is said to have been never surpassed by

any other Muhammadam Kingdom in the Deccan.

Hyderabad in the

Qutub Shahi Period


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CHARMINAR AREA

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Hyderabad lost part of its grandeur during its annexation in 1687 A. D. by the Mughals. It

resulted in the capital shift from Hyderabad to Aurangabad. The year 1724 A. D. marked the

beginning of the Asif Jahi era. The city limits were marked by completing the wall with

turrets. During the years 1763- 98 Hyderabad regained its lost glory having become the

capital on June7, 1770 A.D. Being in terms with the British, the years spanning between

1800- 1956, paved the way for a mixed habitat. Cultural habits, especially architectural

underwent drastic changes.


Gulzar Houz,

Glimpses of NizamsDominion, A. Claude Campbell 1887.

Maps showing the

growth of

Hyderabad from

late 18thCentury.


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On the 28th of September 1908, Hyderabad faced yet another major catastrophe- the Musi Floods. This happened during the reign of

Nizam the VII, Mir Osman Ali Khan. Though magnanimously the emperor and his subordinates helped the common man to cope up with

the after effects, but the visionaries took immediate action and thus formed the City Improvement Board (C.I.B.) in 1912, not only for the

development and revitalization of the walled city but Hyderabad with its vast expanding horizons, as a whole. Sir Visvesvaraya, who was

then posted at the Royal Engineers at Madras, was invited to administer this action.

The reservoirs, Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar were constructed in the year 1917 and 1927 respectively. They were meant for, alpha,

governing the unprecedented ways of Musi River and beta, they became the prime source of drinking water for the whole city.

As evident, Hyderabad did not have any natural lakes for the topography of the same did not permit so. As the terrain north and south of

Musi drained into her, Sir Visvesvaraya got constructed many impoundments across the city intending to control the future floods and

thereby providing the potentials for newer settlements around these water bodies.

As the walled city had been damaged infrastructurally, it was decided thereupon to rejuvenate the city for proper administration in the

future. The same was laid keeping the geometry of the city intact. Proper electrical lines were also commissioned for this purpose. As the

StreetBazaarshad already been marked by the Qutub Shahis , which were constructed during this phase for the commercial activity

marking the permanence of the identity of the same space- space which was primordially, meant for pedestrians but now with an extradimension- the automobiles.

The Musi floods is worth mentioning among all the floods faced by Hyderabad for the redevelopment after this episode redefined the

architecture of the city in whole.


British Residency, Main Gate, during

the Musi Floods, 1908,

The Ravages of the Musi River, 1908

Seen here partially


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CHARMINAR AREA

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Sultan Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, the fifth ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty built Charminar in 1591 AD, shortly after he had shifted his

capital from Golkonda to what is now known as Hyderabad. He built this famous structure to commemorate the elimination of a plague

epidemic from this city. He is said to have prayed for the end of the plague and vowed to build a masjid (Islamic mosque) at the very place

where he was praying. In 1591 while laying the foundation of Charminar, Quli Qutb Shah prayed: "Oh Allah, bestow unto this city peace

and prosperity. Let millions of men of all castes, creeds and religions make it their abode, like fish in the water.

The structure is made of granite, limestone, mortar and pulverised marble. Initially the monument with its four arches was so

proportionately planned that when the fort was opened one could catch a glimpse of the bustling Hyderabad city as these Charminararches were facing the most active royal ancestral streets. There is also a legend of an underground tunnel connecting the Golkonda to

Charminar, possibly intended as an escape route for the Qutb Shahi rulers in case of a siege, though the location of the tunnel is unknown.

The Charminar is a square edifice with each side 20 meters (approximately 66 feet) long, with four grand arches each facing a cardinal

point that open into four streets. At each corner stands an exquisitely shaped minaret, 56 meters (approximately 184 feet) high with a

double balcony. Each minaret is crowned by a bulbous dome with petal like designs at the base.

HISTORY OF CHARMINAR


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CHARMINAR AREA

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HISTORY OF CHARMINAR

This old Map of the City of Hyderabad during the Qutub

Shahi and early Asaf Jahi periods clearly shows the

Charminar and the grid iron pattern on which the

erstwhile city was developed along the river Musi, as seen

in so many instances of civilizations developing on

riverfronts.


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CHARMINAR AREA

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DEFINITION OF PUBLIC OPEN SPACE IN URBAN AREAS

-Source: Wikipedia

In land use planning, urban open space is open space areas for "parks", "green spaces", and other open areas. The

landscape of urban open spaces can range from playing fields to highly maintained environments to relatively natural

landscapes. They are commonly open to public access, however, urban open spaces may be privately owned. Areas outside

of city boundaries, such as state and national parks as well as open space in the countryside, are not considered urban

open space. Streets, piazzas, plazas and urban squares are not always defined as urban open space in land use planning.


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CHARMINAR AREA

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RECREATIONAL BENEFITS OF PUBLIC OPEN SPACE IN URBAN AREAS

-Source: Wikipedia

Urban open space is often appreciated for the recreational opportunities it provides. Recreation in urban open space may

include active recreation (such as organized sports and individual exercise) or passive recreation, which may simply entail

being in the open space. Time spent in an urban open space for recreation offers a reprieve from the urban environment.


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CHARMINAR AREA

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ECOLOGICAL BENEFITS OF PUBLIC OPEN SPACE IN URBAN AREAS

-Source: Wikipedia

The conservation of nature in an urban environment has direct impact on people for another reason as well. A Toronto civic

affairs bulletin entitled Urban Open Space: Luxury or Necessity makes the claim that "popular awareness of the balance of

nature, of natural processes and of mansplace in and effect on nature i.e., "ecological awareness" is important. As

human live more and more in man-made surroundings i.e., cities he risks harming himself by building and acting in

ignorance of natural processes." Beyond this man-nature benefit, urban open spaces also serve as islands of nature,

promoting biodiversity and providing a home for natural species in environments that are otherwise uninhabitable due tocity development.


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CHARMINAR AREA

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AESTHETIC BENEFITS OF PUBLIC OPEN SPACE IN URBAN AREAS

-Source: Wikipedia

The aesthetic value of urban open spaces is self-evident. People enjoy viewing nature, especially when it is otherwise

extensively deprived, as is the case in urban environments. Therefore, open space offers the value of "substituting gray

infrastructure.


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PUBLIC OPEN SPACES IN AND AROUNDCHARMINAR AREA

-C.V.Vandana-34

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...in the shadow of its physical growth, Hyderabadsurban vitality has migrated north, away from the walled historicalcentre of the city. The name Hyderabadstill evokes the image of Charminar, but in actuality, it is a veiled semblance of the

splendour today. It has become a traffic island, only visible from the thousands of vehicles plying around it. Adding to this

cluster is the confusion of electrical lines, disarray of signs, and encroachments of virtually all kinds......

Excerpt from-

Overview Hyderabad: Restructuring the Historic Core, VSC, Ahmedabad.

RESTRUCTURING THE HISTORIC CORE OF HYDERABAD CITY d CHARMINAR PEDESTRIANIZATION PROJECT


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Following up similar line of thought of the Walled Citys layout, HUDA proposed to

pedestrianize the area around Charminar in 1975-1978. The proposal can be found as

part of the Hyderabad Urban Conservation Study published in 1984 by the active and

concerned members of HUDA.

Subsequently in 1993 - `94 APSRTC, QQSUDA, HUDA, TraffiC Wing of the City PoliceDepartment along with few eminent local architects came up with proposals of

restricting movement of buses/four wheelers and Pedestrianisation of Charminar

area.

It was concluded then that there was a need to prepare a separate zonal map for

architectural control of buildings. Prior to the commissioning of CPP to VSC,

Ahmedabad by APTDC, CRAPTHS Consultants (India) Private Limited proposed a

comprehensive traffic management scheme for Charminar area, which recommended

an inner and outer ring road to ease out traffic volume and enable Pedestrianisation

of Charminar area.

VSC in turn, at the outset, made a study of the entire old city area to determine inter-

linked proposals and actions necessary during Pedestrianisation of the area around

Charminar. These included a study of the traffic for re-routing, parking provisions,

and lost heritage properties due to proposed road widening.

In the recent past, with the advent of urbanization and the IT industry in Hyderabad, the citys core area has lost the importance it

rightfully deserves, being a part of its heritage. Wherein earlier, a layman conjured up the image of only the Charminar upon being said

Hyderabad, now it is the Charminar AND the Hi-Tech City.

Therefore the Governing Bodies in Hyderabad, at various points and

under various proposals by various consultants, have attempted to

re-structure the historic core of Hyderabad City. These projects attempt to:-

Restore & enhance visibility of Charminar.

Tourism as a tool to rejuvenate the local economy

Restoring the dignity & pride of the citizens

RESTRUCTURING THE HISTORIC CORE OF HYDERABAD CITY and CHARMINAR PEDESTRIANIZATION PROJECT

IMAGE OF HYDERABAD CITY

OR

This time graph tabulates in sequence, in summary, the organisations involved in the upliftment and

conservation of the Charminar

CREATION OF OPEN SPACE NETWORK AS PART OF OVERALL PEDESTRIANISATION PLAN


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CREATION OF OPEN SPACE NETWORK AS PART OF OVERALL PEDESTRIANISATION PLAN

Both Vaasthu Shilpa Consultants, Ahmedabad and Kshetra Consultants, Hyderabad have in their proposals of Revitalizing

the Historic Core of Hyderabad through the CharMinar Pedestrianization Project and the Proposals for the Development of

the Madina-Gulzar Hauz and Pathergathi stretch envisaged the creation of an Open Space Network as a part of the overall

plan by removal of encroachments and Detailed design of individual open spaces.

According to the Council of Europe, recommendation No. R (86) 11 of the Committee of Ministers to Member States on

Urban Open Space, Adopted by the Committee of Ministers on 12 September 1986 at the 399th meeting of the Ministers'

Deputies :- Open space is an essential part of the urban heritage, a strong element in the architectural and aesthetic form

of a town, plays an important educational role, is ecologically significant, is important for social interaction and in fostering

community development and is supportive of economic objectives and activities.

Conflict can occur in the use of historic urban spaces which form the setting of significant historic buildings especially if

there is little other urban open space or where alternative areas are strictly regulated. Successful management of urban

open space will recognise that where regulation of historic sites is necessary, perhaps in order to safeguard a particular

function or the appearance of an area, measures should be taken to ensure that the area as a whole fulfils all the urbanspace requirements of those living and working in it.

OPEN SPACE NETWORKING PROPOSALS VASTHU SHILPA CONSULTANCIES AHMEDABAD


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This prominent firm based in Ahmedabad,

through their proposals for Re-Structuring the

Historic Core of Hyderabad City attempted to

highlight the synergy between tourism,

economic regeneration, heritage conservation,

revitalization of the city fabric, and up

gradation of the physical environment. Theyconducted various studies, and attempted to

connect the past, present and future uses of

the old city historic core area in a figurative

presentation as shown in the next few slides.

OPEN SPACE NETWORKING PROPOSALS- VASTHU SHILPA CONSULTANCIES, AHMEDABAD

MAP SHOWING TRADITIONAL LAND USE PATTERNS



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MAP SHOWING EXISTING LAND USE PATTERNS ( 1999)




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MAP SHOWING INHERENT COMMUNITY AND

ACTIVITY DISTRIBUTION ( 1915-1999)

PREMISE OF STUDY


Physical Environment

Activity Pattern

Road Network,

their hierarchy,

capacities and

character

Built and

Open Space

Structure



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OPEN SPACE NETWORKING PROPOSALS- VASTHU SHILPA CONSULTANCIES, AHMEDABADOPEN SPACE OWNERSHIP EXISTING USE VSC PROPOSAL

Badshahi AshoorkhanaAshurkhana - Wakf

board, rest private

Manufacture of timber cases, furniture

repairs, small shops part of this area

Development as a pedestrian mode with battery bus terminal, tourist

information centre and other utilities

Osmania Bazaar internal court Public access

Local vehicular access, Pole mounted

transformer. Shops open onto the court

lying in a neglected state.

Shifting of pole mounted transformer. Landscaping of court as per design.

Use as a public space (plaza) with activites like food courts etc, connected

to facilities like parking lot & toilers etc provided near it.

Darul Uloom School Public Open assembly and playfield

Use or part space for parking and part space for food court and shops, in

evenings/ when school is closed. Construction of parking lot at basement,

and use of open space as food court in evenings.

Park, Traffic Police station & adjacent spaces

near CharminarPublic and private

Fenced park, marginal space lying indisuse, ruined building, parking of cycles

and carts.

Development as a landscaped public space housing and a Night Bazaar.

Pension office premises Public

Pension office & other office open space,

part of the land under construction at

footing level.

Use of full space for parking on payment and establisment of connection

with Mahboob Chowk Market.

Mahboob Chowk and Clock tower Public

Fenced landscaped park, informal

metalware stalls, cooldrink stalls, and

poultry market ancillaries like knifes etc,

situated around the fenced portion

outside.

Redevelopment as a plaza as an extension of the existing building after

the poultry market is shifted, fence removed and designed as one

continuous space surrounded by buildings.

Nanakram Bhagwandas college Trust Open assembly and playfield

Opt 1: Use of full space for food court on time sharing basis in evening

hours and summers (when college is closed)Opt 2: Construction of parking lot at basement, and use of open space as

food court in evenings.

Nanakram Bhagwanda Girls school Trust Open assembly and playfield

Opt 1: Use of part space for parking and part space for food courts and

shops, in evenings/ when the school is closed.

Opt 2: Construction of parking lot at basement, and use on time sharing

basis of open space as food court in evenings.

Open space near Pattergatti, Khokarwani sidePartly trust,

rest unclearVacant, ruined building

Opt 1: Acquisition & development as multi-storied parking complex.

Opt 2: Negotiation with the owners for additional parking on GF/

Basement on 'pay and park' system'

Near Malwala palace Private Vacant building & open space lying in thestate of neglect



Opt 2: Acquisition & development as a parking lot.

Open space near Chatta bazar PrivatePartly auction of old goods & furniture on

the open (every 15 days)

To be developed & used as Open parking lot with thick tree cover. Parking

provided for 100 cars and 200 scooters.

Near Salarjung Deorhi PrivateArea dug for basement, partly

constructed

Opt 1: Acquisition & development as multi-storied parking complex.



Opt 3: Acquisition & development as a plaza with shops/ restaurants

opening into it and provision of parking at basement.



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MAP SHOWING ACTION PLAN AND

SUPPORTING PROJECTS

CHARMINAR PEDESTRIANIZATION PROJECT- KSHETRA CONSULTANTS HYDERABAD


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CHARMINAR PEDESTRIANIZATION PROJECT- KSHETRA CONSULTANTS, HYDERABAD

Though the very idea of C.P.P. has been juggled from one decade to another, the sole

purpose remains unadulterated: Need for An Environmentally Healthy & Upgraded

Urban Space.

Kshetra Consultants believe that the two and the only factors governing this entire

approach and thought process are- the History and its products (the heritage buildings

and complexes) & the Existing Activity, within the precinct.

It is the liaison between the two, the past and the present (and thus the hope for an

empirical and rational future), that demands and administers the design process of

such a multi faceted framework, not only to maintain the same, but at the same time

not to present a SanitizedStage Setthat borders on the generic.

Though the government started C.P.P. with the initial two phases namely Charminar Buffer Zone and the Pathargatti Street, for the simple

fact of easy co-ordinance and execution, the range the project encompasses in subtle terms would be the now undecipherable Walled City.

At every stage, the prime concern which needs to be revised is the link which is to be maintained between its past- direct or relative, and

the present, in terms of interventions, design, policies and so on.

THE IDEA THAT KSHETRA CONSULTANTS HAVE WORKED WITH IS NOT TO LOSE THE IDENTITY THE AREA IS IDENTIFIED WITH, WITH THE

EXISTING COLOURFUL ACTIVITIES, BUT TO ENHANCE IT WITH THE DESERVING ATTENTION FOR THE MOVING DIMENSION- AUTOMOBILES.

STRUCTURE ACTIVITYTRAFFIC

CHARMINAR PEDESTRIANIZATION PROJECT- KSHETRA


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CONSERVATION AND URBAN DESIGN


CHAR MINAR

PEDESTRIANIZATION

PROJECT

CHARMINAR PEDESTRIANIZATION PROJECT- KSHETRA

CONSULTANTS, HYDERABAD

REVITALIZATION OF

PATHERGATHI STREETFRONT

CHARMINAR FIRST IMPRESSIONS


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CHARMINAR- FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Visible only in fleeting glimpses from the

thousands of vehicles plying around it.

Bustling Marketplace

Crowded at all times of the day.

Residents and Tourists make up the crowd.

Lively, Authentic Old City Experience with narrow

lanes, lots of stalls, markets, and heritage buildings.

Gabble of electric lines.

Disarray of signs

Encroachments of all kinds.

CHARMINAR- STATISTICS


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N

Legend:

Erstwhile walled city of

Hyderabad

Boundary of Charminar



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CHARMINAR STATISTICS

CHARMINAR- LIST OF OPEN SPACES


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CHARMINAR LIST OF OPEN SPACES

N


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CHARMINAR- LIST OF OPEN SPACES-QUADRANT 1 ( NW )


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CHARMINAR LIST OF OPEN SPACES QUADRANT 1 ( NW )

List of Open spaces in Q1:

A) Institutional

1. Government City

college

2. N.B Science college

3. Agarwals girls highschool

4. City high school

B) Administrative:

1. A.P. High court

C) Recreational:

1. Quli Qutb Shah mini

stadium

D) Religious:

1. Baad Shahi Ashoor

Khana

E) Markets/ Commercial:

1. Osmania Bazar

Predominant open spaces:

1. A.P. high court

2. Quli Qutb Shah mini

stadium

3. Government City

college N

CHARMINAR- LIST OF OPEN SPACES-


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QUADRANT 2 ( NE )

N


A) Administrative:

1. City civil court

2. Old commissioner office

B) Recreational:

1. Salarjung museum

2. Abbas union football ground

3. Playground

Predominant open spaces:1. Salarjung museum

2. City civil court

Open space abutting Q2:

1. BIN Mahfooz palace/

Purani Haveli

CHARMINAR- LIST OF OPEN


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SPACES-QUADRANT 3 ( SE )

N


A) Administrative:

1. GHMC office

B) Recreational:

1. Malwala palace

2. Moghulpura playground

3. Playground


1. Malwala palace


1. Graveyard of Mir Momin

2. Playground

CHARMINAR- LIST OF


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OPEN SPACES-

QUADRANT 4 ( SW )


A) Recreational:

1. Khilwat palace

2. Khilwat playground

B) Religious:

1. Jamia Masjid

2. Makkah Masjid

C) Administrative:

1. Pension office

D) Open space:

1. Clock tower

E) Transportation:

1. Charminar Bus stand


1. Khilwat palace2. Makkah masjid


1. Baradari (Nawab Sir Khursheed Jan

bahadur grd.

2. Iqbal-Ud-Daula Ladies palaceN

CHARMINAR- BUILT VERSUS OPEN SPACE


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CHARMINAR- SOME STATISTICS


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UDPFI GUIDELINES


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UDPFI GUIDELINES


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COMPARISON WITH UDPFI GUIDELINES


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COMPARISON OF OPEN SPACES BETWEEN THE FOUR QUADRANTS


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PUBLIC OPEN SPACESA NEW APPROACH ???


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"You are in the midst of a crowd of people meandering through lively streets, alleys and open piazzas. On all sides are

stores, cinemas and cafes, in vivid buildings with dazzling signs,' around you are colourful stalls and push carts, fountain and

trees. There is a cacophony of sound enchanting from all directions; there are mime artists and sired performers. It's

chaotic, vibrant and loud. Where are you," You are in public space.

Jon Jerde,

American architect based in Venice, California, Founder & Chairman of The Jerde Partnership, a design architecture and

urban planning firm that pioneered the concept of placemaking and "experience architecture"

PUBLIC OPEN SPACES IN TRANSITION


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People are the soul of the city and public spaces serve as nodes in the city, where people gather, and celebrate the

goodness of life.

Public places have always been a part of human civilization be it a road joining two important destinations, a vibrant street

developed along a linkage, a temple square or even a heritage site which aspire people.

The best loved public spaces are characterized by certain philosophical attitudes or value system, that seek to support thedevelopment of human life. They are not merely memorable because of their physical features but stand out in public

memory as representatives as epitomes of type.

Indeed, the most memorable public spaces are those in which the sense of being lost and yet safe co-exist.

To achieve such a status, they court participation. This involves the ability of the people to add something to the place,

individually or collectively. People stop to talk, or maybe they sit and watch, as passive participant, taking in what the place

has to offer.

There is magic to great public places. We are attracted to the best of them not because we have to be there, but because

we want to.

The retail precinct, in particular has always been the hub of activity in the city.

Using shopping as one of the essential functions, historically, the public open space in the city has bought together diverse

elements and people of the city in close contact to create and support public life .

THE STREET BAZAARS IN THE CHARMINAR AREA


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Throughout the day and evening the Charminar streets remain an active commercial

place, but again in the late evening they are occupied by the residents. Hence the street

is not a linkage from one area but it is also a playground for children, a workplace for

women, a place for meeting and gossiping ,and a place for commercial activities.

A Street Bazaar with variety of

people and activities, shades and

colors.

THE STREET BAZAARS IN THE CHARMINAR AREA


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These photographs focus on the different aspects of the physical, social and cultural

environment of the area and very clearly indicate that other than the Charminar, it is

these Street Bazaars existing in the four quadrants that afford the area its maximum

effervescent quality.

A Street Bazaar with immense Geometric Monumentalism and Variety of Street Environments.

ALARM BELLS RINGING-CHARMINAR POLLUTION LEVELS ARE HIGHEST IN THE CITY


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Pollution level at the 400-year-old Charminar has increased once again after a dip in the last two years. The thick layer of

black soot deposited over the majestic Charminar, robbing it of its golden yellow sheen, is testimony to the escalating

pollution levels in this part of the city. The worrying trend was recorded by the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board

(APPCB) in 2011.

The average ambient air quality data for the year 2008 puts Charminar junction as the most polluted area in the city. It's

air quality is worse than even Paradise junction, one of the busiest commercial areas in Secunderabad.

While health is of prime concern, the heavy pollution is causing irreversible damage to the majestic monument itself. The

increasing blackening of the structure has been attributed to air pollution. The diversion of the buses which was meant to

check pollution levels in the area has not helped since there is no restriction on the other vehicular traffic. Though we are

moving towards cleaner fuels and efficient automobiles, the pollution is on the rise because of the increase in number of

vehicles.

Although the measurements taken from June to October 2011 showed a huge drop in air pollution compared to the annual

average as during this period motorists were not allowed to go towards Charminar and were diverted at Gulzar Houz, as

the GHMC had taken up Charminar Pedestrianisation Project (CPP) work.

THE CURRENTLY ONGOING CHARMINAR PEDESTRIANIZATION PROJECT ENVISAGES LOWERING AIR POLLUTION LEVELS

THROUGH EFFECTIVE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT, CURTAILING OF VEHICULAR MOVEMENT AND ENCOURAGING MORE

PEDESTRIAN MOVEMENT, AND THIS MIGHT JUST PROVE TO BE THE ONLY LONG TERM SOLUTION TO CONTROL THE AIR

POLLUTION IN THE AREA.

TYPOLOGY OF HAWKERS, INFORMAL SECTORS AND MOVING SHOPS IN THE CHARMINAR AREA


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GROUND SQUATTERS :-

This typology includes hawkers on the stretch

without furniture to display their items of sale, or a

permanent position. This group generally deals with

sale of fresh flowers, old items, etc.

PERMANENTLY POSITIONED USING TEMPORARY

FURNITURE :-

This typology includes hawkers who have a

temporary arrangement of furniture to display their

items of sale and also a permanent position. The

furniture may be anything, from wooden or metal

stools to electricity poles. Their items of sale range

from clothes, crockery to smaller items like china

wear, toys, etc.

TYPOLOGY OF HAWKERS, INFORMAL SECTORS AND MOVING SHOPS IN THE CHARMINAR AREA


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MOBILE HAWKERS USING THELAS:-

This typology includes hawkers using thelas for

display of their items of sale. They move along the

stretch on a slow pace and may even cater to areas

outside this stretch. They are usually stationed on

the road edges and sell a wide variety of items.

STAND ALONES:-

This typology includes hawkers who move along the

stretch with their items of sale on their shoulders.

They do not have a permanent position but move

around in specific zones.

HOW IS THE PUBLIC COPING WITH THE LACK OF OPEN SPACES IN THE AREA ?USE WHAT IS AVAILABLE !


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USE WHAT IS AVAILABLE !

PUBLIC MEETING SPACE AROUND A CENTRAL TREE IN A

HOSPITAL COMPLEX :-

These visitors to the hospital prefer to wait outside, for

even though it is a sweltering day with soaring

temperatures, it is definitely more pleasant outside than

inside. Strategically located trees like this, in dense

urban areas act as a condensed form of huge urban open

spaces which used to exist prior to urbanization.

OPEN SPACE IN THE CHARMINAR COURT:-

The Open Court in the Charminar itself acts as a resting

place for weary travellers and citizens alike. A lot of

people were observed having their midday meal, snacks,

and some even an afternoon siesta in the cool confines,

activities generally carried out in a public urban open

space.

HOW IS THE PUBLIC COPING WITH THE LACK OF OPEN SPACES IN THE AREA ?USE WHAT IS AVAILABLE !


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USE WHAT IS AVAILABLE !

OPEN SPACE IN THE MECCA MASJID COMPLEX:-

The vast open space in front of the Mecca Masjid not only

acts as a space for the thousand of residents of Charminar

to offer their Friday prayers, but also as an open lung

space in the densely populated locality and also as a

resting space / interaction space for the thousands of

daily visitors to the mosque.

UTLIZATION OF SCHOOL PLAYGROUNDS AS OPEN SPACES

FOR INTERACTION AMONGST SCHOOL CHILDREN:-

Upon speaking to several people ( i.e. residents,

shopkeepers, children, etc ) in the area, based on their

answers to a series of unseemingly bland questions, we

concluded that the school going children after their daily

chores head back to the school for utilization of the school

grounds as open spaces to play games, various sport and

generally interact with other neighbourhood kids.

POTENTIALLY VIABLE OPEN SPACES THAT CAN BE DEVELOPED TO PERFORM FUNCTIONS OF PUBLIC OPEN SPACE


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There is lots to take away from our site visit to the Charminar area, as with any other old city in any other part of the

country, the whole scenario plays put like a scene from a film in your mind :- the vivid mohalla (neighbourhood) ethos, the

court yarded old homes, mohalla inhabitants' interactions on the roofs, the roofs being crucial spaces of play and action in

the area, temples, mosques, and dargahs, and hawkers, bangle shops, street performers, and so much more.


ROOFTOPS


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ROOFTOPS

Rooftops are one possibility that might be successfully converted for recreation. For years they have been underutilized,

sometimes reserved for gardens or athletic facilities, more often abandoned to mechanical equipment and storage areas.

Design critics in the west argue and see new potential: for urban residents, they could become an instant trip to wide open

spaces giving the freshness and liberated feeling of getting away to the country for the weekend.

In India, traditionally Indian rooftops have been used for a variety of purposes- flying kites in the Sankranti festival, drying

of papads, red chilies and other spices, sleeping areas when the house is too overcrowded due to visiting relatives, and

simply areas for children to cross over and indulge in childhood escapes and skirmishes.

These rooftops in urban areas, and specifically in the context of the Charminar area have the potential to be used as they

are, but with a little aesthetic development to become more pleasing visually. They will act as the much needed open space

in the already overcrowded and over dense residential area.


URBAN STREETS AS INTERACTION SPACES


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URBAN STREETS AS INTERACTION SPACES

All urban area contain spaces defined by human interaction with their surroundings, that happens through the medium of

streets. In any place, certain streets seem inviting while others seem cold and unfriendly. This is the result of subtle design

decisions that directly effect the character of a street and its corresponding place. Many designers believe that if people are

given a compelling reason to use a space, they will automatically use it and community vibrancy will appear.

Fortunately, through the Charminar pedestrianization project, the government has recognized the importance of

developing the area around for pedestrians which may potentially activate tourism and other forms of economic

development. Designers are taking thoughtful steps toward incorporating icons of cultural significance into their

streetscape design. Once this is realized, the potential of the street bazaars as urban open spaces meant for community

interaction and also reducing pollution will be truly achievable.

IMAGE OF THE CITY EVOLVES FROM THE SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURESocial infrastructure has the capacity to either expand or shrink wealth and cultural divisions within cities.


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JAIPUR

THEN AND NOW

Physical infrastructure may lay the foundations to create a successful city, but it is social infrastructure which

produces vibrant communities where people want to live and work. The kind of living environment a person

dwells in has the capacity to totally remodel what it means for them to live in that city.

We thus establish that a city should be shaped by more than just its physical forms, but also by the needs of

people and their connectivity to places in which they live, work and use for recreation.

LACK OF URBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES IN INDIAN CITIES

Worldwide, the master planning process for any city includes the

formulation of design guidelines that look at what the existing architecture

is and how to integrate new development into that existing building

framework and make sure itscompatible and the buildings are sensitive to

each other.

WHY NOT IN INDIA ?

MUMBAI

THEN AND NOW

Sense of attachment to the immediate surroundings is essential in order to ensure the neighbourhood is

maintained well. We have to find a way to do it. History has COUNTLESS examples in its fold.

URBAN DESIGNED CITIES = BEAUTIFUL CITIES

AHMEDABAD JAISALMER DELHI AMRITSAR JODHPUR

The significant point of observation is that it is not

only the city that has been designed, it is each and

every element in the city, from the plan to the roads to

the markets to even the manhole covers that co-relate

with the design to create the overall image of the city.

CHANDIGARH:-

It is one of the most significant urban

planning experiments by Le

Corbusier in the 20th century.

BHUBHANESHWAR:-Modern Bhubaneswar is a well planned city

with wide roads and many green spaces.

The plan was made by

Otto H. Koenigsberger, a

German town planner.

Most parts of the city

have stayed faithful to

the original plan.

8

THE CASE OF HYDERABADHyderabad is a city that gets under your skin. The old and the new are just randomly thrown together in the city,
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DETAILS OF THIS KIND ARE WHAT GET RECOGNIZED BY THE

SUBCONSCIOUS MIND.

A STREETSCAPE THAT RESPONDS TO HUMAN SCALE AND TO THE

CLIMATE WOULD MAKE THE CITIZEN FEEL SENSE OF BELONGING.

WE HAVE TO COME UP WITH ELEMENTS THAT RENDER THE PLACE THE STABILITY TO PASS THE TEST OF TIME IN AN AGE WHEREEVERYTHING IS TRANSIENT.

A few examples shown below re-iterate the fact in moving towards a vehicle friendly city, the once pedestriancity of Hyderabad has

lost its character. In Masab Tank also, there are no streets creating an imagein citizen minds. Mismatched street functions, lack of

pedestrian footpaths, poor conditions of vehicular roads, lack of trees, and lack of any distinctive city element in the street that

makes people perceive the city are some of the reasons for the lack of street character.

and very often people are in such a hurry to go on to their next ill-conceived building monstrosity that they leave the

newly finished one just lying on the skyline, steel rods poking out like stiff umbilical cords that haven't been properly

tied.: Satish Gujral, eminent author and Indian Historian

TO AN AVERAGE INDIAN, HYDERABAD

MEANS EITHER CHAR MINAR OR HI-

TECH CITY.WHY DOES THE IMAGEONLY

HAVE TO BE ABOUT MONUMENTS AND

NOT THE REAL ELEMENTS THAT MAKE UPTHE CITY LIKE STREETS, JUNCTIONS, ETC.?

THE IMAGE OF HYDERABAD

OR

HYDERABADTHEN AND NOW

It is important to not only preserve the heritage of Hyderabad,

but to make sure it helps in the evolution of the character of the

city. Basic elements that make up a city, like floor drains, parapet

walls, landscape pockets, and of course the color palette, ranging

from cream to dull gold and ochre all come together to create the

Image of the city.

9


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Livingcitiesones in which people interact with one another, are always stimulating because they are rich in experiences.

When all traffic is slow, there is life in the streets for this reason alone, in contrast to what is found in automobile cities,

where the speed of movement automatically reduces the activity level.

- Gehl, Jan (2003). Life Between Buildings. Danish Architectural Press. 5th edition

THE WAY FORWARD-RECOMMENDATIONS


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CONSERVATION AND URBAN DESIGN- M.ARCH. (E.D.) -C.V.Vandana-34

We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.

- Albert Einstein

The basic idea is to preserve the history of Charminar, but to make it more accessible to more people; so that historical

monuments can become a stage for current events and bind the social fabric of a city as rich in heritage as ours. Life for the

people living in these heritage areas should be equally rewarding in terms of services and infrastructure, both social and

physical as in other areas of the city.

There are enough examples around the world where ancient monuments and heritage areas and precincts are actively

used by people to get a sense of the history. But for a city that boasts of priceless heritage monuments, Hyderabad's

monuments and heritage areas have been reduced to numberless crumbling ruins in the tourist circuit. They need a face-lift

so that they are more people-friendly.

Presently, there are very few enforceable developmental controls, infrastructure serving the teeming masses or even roads

there, besides the main streets which are the tourist attractions. These heritage areas need to be preserved for posterity,

and its not only the monuments but the entire area that needs to be preserved.

WHAT'S REALLY NEEDED: TO MAKE THESE AREAS INTO OPEN SPACES FOR PEOPLE TO ENJOY AND SAUNTER AROUND

WITHOUT TRAFFIC BOTHERING THEM, WHILST CREATING AN IMAGE OF THE CITY IN THEIR MINDS.

Commercial activities in these areas would enable these areas to sustain themselves, but they should no be overused and

preservation has to be done alongside. They should be landscaped and designed by professional architects and landscape

artists, with minimum political and bureaucratic interference.

In Paris, there are wooded areas with restaurants in them, but they are carefully camouflaged. They don't stand out like

pimples on an otherwise flawless face. Something like that could give us taxes and sustain the areas also. An integrated

plan is needed where minimum reconstruction activity is done and specialised, detailed designs are made.

charminar open spaces

Documents

public open spaces

aroundcharminar areac

accessible open space

charminar ki kaman south

urban design

kaman east

kali kaman

char kaman