EXPLORING URBAN VOIDS TO ENHANCE THE

POTENTIAL OF URBAN PUBLIC SPACE IN

CONTEMPORARY CITIES

DISSERTATION IN ARCHITECTURE

2018-2019

Submitted by:

HARSHI GARG
150BARCHI047/SSAA/B.Arch./14

Guide: SOBIA AHSAN, Designation

SUSHANT SCHOOL OF ART AND ARCHITECTURE

ANSAL UNIVERSITY, GURGAON, INDIA

 SUSHANT SCHOOL OF ART AND ARCHITECTURE

ANSAL UNIVERSITY, SECTOR 55, GURGAON – 122003, HARYANA

BONAFIDE CERTIFICATE

This Dissertation is submitted by HARSHI GARG, student of Fourth Year B. Arch. Session 2017-2018, at
Sushant School of Art and Architecture, Gurgaon, as partial requirement for the Five Year B. Arch. Degree
course of Ansal University, Gurgaon.

Originality of the information and opinion expressed in the Dissertation are of the author and do not reflect
those of the guide, the mentor, the coordinator or the institution.

Signature of Guide
Signature of the Student:
Name: SOBIA AHSAN
Roll No.: 150BARCHI047
Date:
Name: HARSHI GARG

Signature of Coordinator

Name: RADHA DAYAL

Date:
CONTENT

ABSTRACT

CHAPTER ONE: DEFINING URBAN SPACE

1.1 Introduction

CHAPTER TWO: DEFINING URBAN PUBLIC SPACE

CHAPTER THREE: PHILOPHIES AND THEORIES ON URBAN PUBLIC SPACE

CHAPTER FOUR: UNDERUTILISATION OF URBAN SPACES

3.1 Urban space

3.2 Urban space in third world cities
3.3 Urbanization and underutilization of urban spaces
3.3.1 The underutilization of urban spaces
3.3.2 Evolvement of underutilized spaces in the city
3.3.3 Use and misuse of urban space
3.3.4 Usage of land

CHAPTER FIVE: CASE STUDIES

CHAPTER SIX: POTENTIAL OF URBAN VOIDS IN DELHI- SELECTED EXAMPLES

CONCLUSION

BIBLIOGRAPHY
ABSTRACT

The reason for this research is to decide the effect of 'lost spaces' as an issue to the urban context.
This paper will research issues around how these 'lost spaces' influence the connection among
individuals and space by its general need in the social, economic and architectural influence to the
urban context.

The aim of this research is to perceive the presence of these 'lost spaces' in the urban context of
Delhi and how to revive it. The objective of this exploration will be to find the factors responsible
for the creation of lost spaces in an urban space and to recommend solutions for the same.
These reactions to the social, economic and architectural parts of urban renewal will be exploited by
an intensive investigation of hypotheses, theories, concepts, ideas and writing that will authorize the
perfect methodology towards ‘EXPLORING URBAN VOIDS TO ENHANCE THE
POTENTIAL OF URBAN PUBLIC SPACE IN CONTEMPORARY CITIES’.

RESEARCH QUESTION

How would you consider inventive approaches to scoop out the capability of urban voids to
add to public space of the city and accordingly enhance the nature of the city?

Subsidiary Questions:

1. What are Lost Spaces in an Urban Space?

2. Why do ‘Lost spaces’ exist in the urban fabric?

3. What criteria identify the characteristics of a specific ‘Lost Space?’

AIM

 To identify the components that adds to underutilization of spaces or urban voids in the city.
 To highlight how underutilized spaces can be and have been misused as open space.
 To restore the nature of Public Space and improve public realm of an urban space in
connection to urban voids.
 OBJECTIVES

1. To understand / define lost spaces.

2. How economical, physical and social factors effect lost spaces.
3. Parameters that lead to the creation of lost spaces and its impact to the immediate
environment.
4. To find out the importance of lost spaces and its potential in urban intervention.
5. Factors responsible for the creation of lost spaces in an urban space.
6. To analyse different examples of the same and how further these spaces can be utilized
for greater use.

SCOPE
Presence of Urban Voids in Cities and Urban spaces are unavoidable.

 Delhi would be utilized as a basis for my investigation of urban voids, because of its variety
of spaces and their ease of use. A direct research and perception of spaces in Delhi would
help improve viewpoint of its present usage.
 Definition of urban voids, its development and its varieties are totally hypothetical and may
vary in practical conditions.
 All contextual analyses done under this exploration will be exclusively identified with Delhi
and along these lines its correlation with some other setting may contrast.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

1. Need for study

 Trying to find the objectives of study
 Setting up the scope and limitations

2. Precedent of resources.
 3. Literature review – Through the survey of all possible data to the topic lost spaces is
collected. This stage of the research included collecting data that is directly or indirectly
related to lost spaces. This has been done through books, journals, presentations and the
internet.

4. Case studies – Case studies are selected to understand the lost spaces around Delhi, how
they were formed in the first place, reasons for their origin, types and present utilization of
these spaces. Examples of these space have been utilized to good effort in some cases are
also done and a comparison is made between the two.

For instance: Studying spaces like –

1. Unused spaces underneath the flyovers and bridges which tend to have a lot of
potential and be utilized to create Banquet Halls, parks etc.

2. Spaces between every two buildings that are left over and never given a thought play
a major role at the time of expansion.

3. Spaces near the river banks which appears to be a no man’s land.

5. Analysis of Case Study – All the information collected so far was then analysed thoroughly.
Other than theoretical analysis practical implementation of these spaces are also studied
using various secondary examples.

6. Interviews – First hand interviews of people dealing and coming across lost spaces and how
they react to their presence and analysis of various lost spaces around Delhi.

7. Design idea formulation – possible conclusions about lost spaces and on how they can be
prevented from an urban environment.

LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

 The spaces that I will characterize as voids in this exploration are exceptionally emotional
and personnel. It may vary starting with one individual then onto the next.
 My information of urban setting is constrained and this may limit my examination of spaces
in an urban scale.
 Only direct perception of voids would help us giving a clearer photo of their reality and
convenience. In this manner my insight into these spaces outside Delhi would be restricted.
 Urban Voids are the ignored or either overlooked spaces of contemporary urban cities. Such spaces
could be unused on account of their restricted usefulness; as well as a result of the way that general
society’s eye does not see them by any means. Urban voids can be seen as spaces which bother the
urban tissue, without having a place with a private or open area. They are viewed as outside the
realm of relevance and mixed up with their environment. Often without function, by new urban
plans or social and business factors; or because of poor outline both contemporary and the mono-
philosophy of past urban plan developments, these spaces satisfy the meaning of the plain word they
bear “Lost spaces, empty, dead”.

From Roger Trancik's book "Finding Lost Space: Theories of Urban Design" distributed in 1986,
we can comprehend why individuals don't see such spaces. Composed on a basic two-dimensional
arrangement, these spaces have no thought for the nature of public life and suit no genuine
prerequisites for the clients of the urban fabric. However the clients comprehend in a totally unique
manner spaces, contradicted to architects, who see their many shrouded possibilities, which can be
unfurled and created in such voids.

According to Trancik, there are:

“Five types of urban voids (with different degrees of openness and enclosure) play a part in the
exterior city.”

“The first is the entry foyer space that establishes the important transition, or passage, from personal
domain to common territory.“

“The second type is the inner block void – the enclosed “hole in a doughnut” – a semiprivate
residential space for leisure or utility or a midblock shopping oasis for circulation or rest.“

“A third type of void is the primary network of street sand squares, a category that corresponds to
the predominant field of blocks and that contains the active public life of the city.“

“Public parks and gardens are the fourth type of larger voids that contrast with architectural urban
forms.“

“The final type of urban void is the linear open space system, commonly related to major water
features such as rivers, waterfronts, and wetland zones.“

In new and contemporary cities, a lot of spaces are left disregarded and unseen. For instance the
underneath and around the flyovers of huge transport supply routes, are spaces quite often not seen
by users. Despite the fact that the amount of users going by them is critical, they are totally
undetectable to their eyes. They are in that spot, yet users aren't ready to see them. These spaces are
the principle focal point of the research and their attributes and in addition the manner in which we
need to dump their potential inside the setting urban texture around are the reason we characterized
the subject as "EXPLORING URBAN VOIDS TO ENHANCE THE POTENTIAL OF URBAN
PUBLIC SPACE IN CONTEMPORARY CITIES”.
The minute one steps out of his or her private space, for example, their home, work space and so
forth they are naturally in public domain. Everybody on the planet independent of age, foundation
or status constantly utilize open spaces. It is, at that point, shocking that for a long time these spaces
have been underestimated and next to no consideration has been taken towards their quality.
Although some attempts have been made towards making open spaces like gardens and plazas in a
few places but the general perspective of an individual towards the significance of Public space had
been overlooked by numerous and relatively considered only as ’gaps between buildings'. Ghel, J.
(2001,p10) clarifies their conventional uses and says that 'open space has dependably filled in as a
gathering spot, commercial center and movement space'.

Throughout the years, due to the advancement of technology, these open spaces lost their
significance of being meeting and commercial centers. Digital world made it feasible for individuals
to convey without having a genuine physical place to meet and people on pathways were always
being traded by extended armatures for vehicles. Open space as a commercial center additionally
experienced emotional changes where, exchanging from open corners was moved to shops and
eventually to monster encased enclaves of shopping centers.

Nonetheless in the recent years, the perspective towards open space has bit by bit changed
rediscovering their significance as a fundamental part of urban integrity of contemporary cities.

IDEA OF A PUBLIC SPACE

It is difficult to explicitly bind the importance of an open space through one single definition. As per
Wikipedia, 'An open space is a social space that is for the most part available and open to people'. In
a more extensive sense, it is a space in which individuals can be at, disregarding to their age, color,
and sex. It is a space that permits and encourages a concurrence of various classes of individuals.
For the most part, when one thinks about an open space, it is consequently thought to be a city
square, a recreation centre, a park and so on. This is the place the subject of what precisely a
public/open space is emerges. An open space doesn't really mean a typical square or park, however
can likewise be spaces of ordinary use, for example, boulevards, walkways and subways to spaces,
for example, an open library. The issue lies in the reasoning of open spaces predominantly impacted
by a set thought of an open space as a social or gathering space. It is hard to precisely differentiate
the limit of the meaning of an open space. Who can take up an open space is an open ended
question. The significance and the utilization of an open space isn't settled yet and is in a condition
of change. A specific space can be utilized diversely by various gatherings of individuals at various
occasions. The importance and the users of an open space are constantly subjected to continuous
change.
An open space is a phase in which users take up that space at that moment and have a double task
to carry out. They play out the jobs of both the performing artist and the observer. Open spaces are
spaces in which one can 'see and be seen'. Gehl, J.(1987, 2011 revisited ed. p17) says that 'rather than
being a detached eyewitness of other individuals encounters on TV or video or film, out in the open
spaces the individual himself is available, taking an interest unassumingly, yet most certainly
participating.'

An essential change is the method for seeing an open space can be seen in the recent years. We can
see an expanding requirement where individuals need to venture out of their private space and
utilize or 'expend' open spaces. This can be identified with the experience of the 'other' in people in
public space.

Numerous analysts and urban planners have frequently talked about the idea of experiencing the
'other' in an open space. It is a place that gives a stage to encounter something new and presents a
sentiment of revelation, experience and appearance in individuals. It gives open doors for the new to
blend unreservedly and yet have authority over their private space. As indicated by Gehl, J. (1987 ,
p17) "The nearness of other individuals, exercises, occasions ,motivation, and incitement contain a
standout amongst the most essential characteristics of open spaces altogether'.

VALUE AND SIGNIFICANCE OF PUBLIC SPACES

We regularly hear individuals rerun Aristotle's popular expression 'Man is naturally a social creature'.
People are unequipped for being in separation and should be within the sight of others. This
requirement for social connection requires a place and that lays the essential requirement for open
spaces.

Open spaces give a stage or space in which users can interact with the social world outside and
encounter the chance of being with, seeing and hearing others which imparts incitement. It is a
space that allows users to see something new, to feel in an unexpected way, to learn and to be
propelled. Open spaces assume an indispensable job in the social improvement of users on different
levels, from little neighbourhood parks to expansive parking lots. They are spots of great value
where individuals of various foundations meet up and get new thoughts by only being spectators.
"...being among others, seeing and hearing others, getting driving forces from others, infer positive
encounters, option in contrast to being separated from everyone else. One isn't really with a
particular individual, yet one is in any case, with others" (Gehl, J, 1987, p17).

Open spaces are spaces which enables culture to flourish. It very well may be taken as a door to
social improvement in a public realm. It gives an open door for users of different cultures, age and
races to meet up and exhibit their way of life and in the meantime encounter new societies new to
them. It is where social and social improvement is conceivable. Individuals originating from various
societies have diverse methods for dressing, distinctive dialects, traditions, convictions, belief
systems and conduct. These social practices can be shared and experienced by individuals just in the
public realm.

DIFFICULTIES AND CONSTRAINTS OF A PUBLIC SPACE

As critical as open spaces seem to be, they are likewise faced with a lot of limitations. Planning and
keeping up an open space is very difficult. Open spaces should be ensured against different
hindrances, for example, crime, misuse, and violence. Among all, the security of the people of open
spaces is the key aspect.

Another important aspect of security in an open space is the presence of muggers, illegal drug
peddlers, thieves, and different threats in the public eye. Open spaces need to guarantee the security
of its users and ensure it against misuse by the 'nuisances'. It turns to a very risky circumstance
where open spaces should be secured against crime by sifting through the unacceptable exercises
and yet not losing public character of the open space.

This unstable circumstance can be dealt with various methodologies. The prompt move would in
some cases be to fence up the place and limit the utilization of the space. This would not be the
perfect method for taking care of it. Rather than separating between groups of users, surveillance
cameras, great quality of lighting, metal indicators or watching of security watchmen can be used.
Along these lines the first significance of an ' open place' isn't lost and in the meantime, security is
guaranteed.

CRITERIA AND DESIGN APPROACH FOR A SUCCESSFUL PUBLIC

SPACE

How can one choose if an open space is a decent space or an awful space? How can we possibly say
that one open space works superior to the other? Is it on the grounds that there are more individuals
utilizing that space or in light of the fact that it is more secure or visually all the more engaging or
additionally welcoming in the eye of a user or on the grounds that it is more 'open' than the others?
What are the criteria for an effective open space turns into a complicated question.

The accomplishment of an open space turns into an issue of its logical plan approach and its
sensibility. An open space ought to be a space that individuals don't simply use as a transitional
space to go by however a space that entices users to slow down or stop and experience the place.
A place that somehow enhances the lives of the users utilizing it . This totally relies upon the design
of open space as far as availability, comfort, security, aesthetics, variety and so forth. The most
moment perspectives like the dispersing of road lights, landscaping, materials used, planning of road
furniture and zoning of exercises assume a crucial job in how these spaces are utilized and their level
of progress.