Charminar Open Spaces

CONSERVATION AND URBAN DESIGN- M.ARCH. (E.D.
)
PUBLIC OPEN SPACES IN AND AROUND
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CONSERVATION AND URBAN DESIGN- M.ARCH. (E.D.)
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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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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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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 that
time. 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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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 Nizams Dominion, A. Claude Campbell 1887.
Maps showing the
growth of
Hyderabad from
late 18
th
Century.
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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
Street Bazaars had 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 extra
dimension- 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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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 Charminar
arches 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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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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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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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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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 mans place 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 to
city development.
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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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...in the shadow of its physical growth, Hyderabads urban vitality has migrated north, away from the walled historical
centre of the city. The name Hyderabad still 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.
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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 Police
Department 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
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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 urban
space requirements of those living and working in it.
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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. They
conducted 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 OWNERSHIP EXISTING USE VSC PROPOSAL
Badshahi Ashoorkhana
Ashurkhana - 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 Charminar
Public and private
Fenced park, marginal space lying in
disuse, 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 side
Partly trust,
rest unclear
Vacant, 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 the
state of neglect
Opt 2: Acquisition & development as a parking lot.
Open space near Chatta bazar Private
Partly 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 Private
Area 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
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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 Sanitized Stage Set that 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 ACTIVITY
TRAFFIC
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CONSERVATION AND URBAN DESIGN
CHARMINAR AREA
CHAR MINAR
PEDESTRIANIZATION
PROJECT
CHARMINAR PEDESTRIANIZATION PROJECT- KSHETRA
CONSULTANTS, HYDERABAD
REVITALIZATION OF
PATHERGATHI STREETFRONT
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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.
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CHARMINAR- STATISTICS
N
Legend:
Erstwhile walled city of
Hyderabad
Boundary of Charminar
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CHARMINAR- STATISTICS
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CHARMINAR- LIST OF OPEN SPACES
N
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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 high
school
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
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CHARMINAR- LIST OF OPEN SPACES-
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

1. Salarjung museum
2. City civil court

Open space abutting Q2:
1. BIN Mahfooz palace/
Purani Haveli

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CHARMINAR- LIST OF OPEN
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

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CHARMINAR- LIST OF
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 palace
2. Makkah masjid

1. Baradari (Nawab Sir Khursheed Jan
bahadur grd.
2. Iqbal-Ud-Daula Ladies palace N
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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 SPACES A NEW APPROACH ???
"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"

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PUBLIC OPEN SPACES IN TRANSITION
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 the
development 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 .
CHARMINAR AREA
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-B.Sindhura-27
THE STREET BAZAARS IN THE CHARMINAR AREA
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.
CHARMINAR AREA
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-Namrata B.-19
-B.Sindhura-27
THE STREET BAZAARS IN THE CHARMINAR AREA
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.
CHARMINAR AREA
-C.V.Vandana-34
-Namrata B.-19
-B.Sindhura-27
ALARM BELLS RINGING-CHARMINAR POLLUTION LEVELS ARE HIGHEST IN THE CITY
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.
CHARMINAR AREA
-C.V.Vandana-34
-Namrata B.-19
-B.Sindhura-27
TYPOLOGY OF HAWKERS, INFORMAL SECTORS AND MOVING SHOPS IN THE CHARMINAR AREA
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.
CHARMINAR AREA
-C.V.Vandana-34
-Namrata B.-19
-B.Sindhura-27
TYPOLOGY OF HAWKERS, INFORMAL SECTORS AND MOVING SHOPS IN THE CHARMINAR AREA
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.
CHARMINAR AREA
-C.V.Vandana-34
-Namrata B.-19
-B.Sindhura-27
HOW IS THE PUBLIC COPING WITH THE LACK OF OPEN SPACES IN THE AREA ?
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.
CHARMINAR AREA
-C.V.Vandana-34
-Namrata B.-19
-B.Sindhura-27
HOW IS THE PUBLIC COPING WITH THE LACK OF OPEN SPACES IN THE AREA ?
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.
CHARMINAR AREA
-C.V.Vandana-34
-Namrata B.-19
-B.Sindhura-27
POTENTIALLY VIABLE OPEN SPACES THAT CAN BE DEVELOPED TO PERFORM FUNCTIONS OF PUBLIC OPEN SPACE
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.
CHARMINAR AREA
-C.V.Vandana-34
-Namrata B.-19
-B.Sindhura-27
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.
CHARMINAR AREA
-C.V.Vandana-34
-Namrata B.-19
-B.Sindhura-27
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.
CHARMINAR AREA
-C.V.Vandana-34
-Namrata B.-19
-B.Sindhura-27
JAIPUR
THEN AND NOW
IMAGE OF THE CITY EVOLVES FROM THE SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE
Social infrastructure has the capacity to either expand or shrink wealth and cultural divisions within cities.
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 its compatible 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
CHARMINAR AREA
-C.V.Vandana-34
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-B.Sindhura-27
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 WHERE
EVERYTHING IS TRANSIENT.
A few examples shown below re-iterate the fact in moving towards a vehicle friendly city, the once pedestrian city of Hyderabad has
lost its character. In Masab Tank also, there are no streets creating an image in 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.
THE CASE OF HYDERABAD
Hyderabad is a city that gets under your skin. The old and the new are just randomly thrown together in the city,
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 IMAGE ONLY
HAVE TO BE ABOUT MONUMENTS AND
NOT THE REAL ELEMENTS THAT MAKE UP
THE CITY LIKE STREETS, JUNCTIONS, ETC.?
THE IMAGE OF HYDERABAD
OR
HYDERABAD THEN 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
CHARMINAR AREA
-C.V.Vandana-34
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-B.Sindhura-27
Living citiesones 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
CHARMINAR AREA
-C.V.Vandana-34
-Namrata B.-19
-B.Sindhura-27
THE WAY FORWARD-RECOMMENDATIONS

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.

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

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