Urban Transformation in Leftover Spaces:

A case study of Dilli Haat

1

Gaurav Raheja , Katharina Borgmann ,Sangeeth S Pillai

1. Department of Architecture & Planning, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Uttarakhand State, INDIA
2. IN-EAST School of Advanced Studies, University of Duisburg-Essen, , GERMANY
Abstract
Urban transformation is a fairly complex, large and a continuous phenomenon. However, transforming left over spaces within contemporary urban environments into better, safer and valuable
public spaces remains a continuous challenge (Bentley, 2004). This paper presents the case of
Dilli Haat, as a unique example of urban transformation of a left over space in New Delhi, the
capital city of India. Evolved from an open left over space with storm water drain, garbage dump
and a line of some vegetation, Dilli Haat has emerged as an active and engaging public space
with an over growing demand and high footfalls. Its urban precinct and spatial configuration further become the defining criteria of how it works and how people use it. This paper employs
space syntax tools to analyse the spatial framework of Dilli Haat along with in situ observations.
It further correlates the findings based on discussions conducted with the project architects, on
site observations and Space syntax tools. It brings out generic conclusions about the spatial typology of Dilli Haat as a learning for urban transformations with positive social impact in Indian
context.
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Keywords
Urban transformation, Leftover Spaces, Public Space, Space Syntax
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Dilli Haat: Origin & Evolution
Located on a leftover site opposite to an informal market on a highly active road, Aurobindo
Marg (Fig. 1), the journey of its transformation began from an experimental Crafts Bazaar in
1990 at another location in New Delhi. The chosen site of 100 x 300m comprised of a 23m wide
storm water drain (Nallah in local language) (Fig.2) , a garbage dumping ground often used for
outdoor defecation and sanitation purposes. Along the site were number of trees lining both
sides of the drain, giving it a linear flowing character but with an identity of a left over space.

Figure 1. Dilli Haat: Location Map

( www.google.co.in/maps, 2015)

An initiative led by an NGO (Dastakari Haat Samiti),

architect Pradeep Sachdeva and Delhi Tourism department led to the proposal of a unique concept of a
Crafts bazaar where the local artisans could display
and sell their crafts and people could shop and experience the place. The whole proposal was conceptualized on a site allotted by the New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) during the 1990s. Reclamation of
this site for a transformational purpose of a public activity was a novel idea. Discussions with the architect
reveal that it was envisioned as a public space for an
average urban Delhi resident, who otherwise did not
have enough choices for urban recreation. Dilli Haat,
designed by architect Pradeep Sachdeva, was conceived as an Urban Haat, the permanent urban equivalent for the weekly village market (Mohsini, 2011).

Figure 2 Dilli Haat : Section showing drain under the site, ( Sachdeva, 1994)
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Program Zoning : How it works?
In response to the given site and a participatory design brief, that emerged through discussions
with craft persons, probable users and other stakeholders, it was resolved in to a spatial sequence and configuration (Fig.3) making the Haat a feasible urban public space experience.
As a result the spatial program includes an entrance
plaza, raised to block vehicular access and bring a
new spatial identity for pedestrian circulation and ticketing services for entry to
Dilli Haat.
It is followed by a linear
spine of movement flanked
by stalls on both sides in
cluster patterns showcasing
the local and the regional
Figure 3. Diili Haat, Activity based zoning map,
crafts of India. (Fig.4)
( Sachdeva, 2015)
To transform Dilli Haat into
a successful public experience, the food plazas and a
performance arena culminate this spatial journey.
Space syntax tools have
been used to study the interaction between the spatial configuration and public
movement in this spatial typology in an urban context.

Figure 4 Dilli Haat, credits : Martin Haobam, (2012),

Source: www.flickr.com

Entrance Plaza

Axial Map Analysis showing

the measure Connectivity

Craft Stalls

Axial Map Analysis showing

the measure HH-Integration

Food Zone

AxialAnalysis
Map Analysis
showing
VGA
showing
the measure
measure HH-Integration
Choice
the

Figure 5 Site Images,

Space Syntax Analysis (Axial Map and VGA Analysis)

Space Syntax Analysis: How people use it?

The connectivity analysis of the axial map of Dilli Haat shows that the street corresponding
to the first half of central spine from entrance has the highest values of connectivity but comparatively smaller values of integration to the overall system. This is by virtue of its linear
character which supports its function as a shopping street.
In comparison, the latter half of the central spine with a nearer value in connectivity has very
high value of integration as it is well integrated into the network of food zones on both sides.
The food zones that flank
as networks on both sides
of the spine after the round
about has a medium level of
visual connectivity and integration. The lower most
portion of the site has lesser
integration levels due to its
visual discontinuity. This is Figure 6 Dilli Haat Current growth pattern of Informal
visible through in-situ obser- Shops marked in red , ( Sachdeva, 2015)
vation by the authors also.
The above analysis is validated through the facts that while Dilli Haat was conceptualized for
1000 to 2000 people per day. It however witnesses up to 7000 people on weekends or holidays and about 3000 on weekdays. ( Kakar, 2015) The growing numbers of visitors is a
strong indicator of the successful transformation of a dead and unattended leftover space into a valuable urban space demonstrating a rich public experience. Figure 6 shows the increasing growth pressure the haat is facing from within by the creation of unplanned informal
stalls.
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Conclusion
Dilli Haat is a true example of a complete transformation of an urban leftover space into a
unique public space through a food and crafts bazaar program. Its spatial typology supported
by a subdued architectural character induces a strong sense of connectedness and visibility
as also evidenced by the space syntax. Space syntax tools further reveals the underlying
properties of the spatial configuration of Dilli Haat. It has a strong potential to illustrate how
urban spaces and their configurations can translate into positive public value.

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References:
Bentley, I. (2004), Urban transformations: power, people and urban design: Routledge, London
Hillier, B., Perm, A., Hanson, J., Grajewski, T., & Xu, J. (1993), Natural movement: or, configuration and attraction in urban pedestrian movement. Environment and Planning B: Planning and Design, 20, 29-66.
Kakar, A., (2015) Dilli Haat, http://www.indiaprofile.com/fashion/dilli-haat.htm
Mohsini, M. (2011), Crafts, Artisans, and the NationState in India. In: Princeton University, A companion to
the anthropology of India, John Wiley & Sons, p.186-201, doi: 10.1002/9781444390599.ch10
Sachdeva, P., (1994),The Dilli Haat, Architecture+Design, Media Transasia India, New Delhi 11(4), 22-31.
Sachdeva, P., (1995), Dilli Haat, The Food & Crafts Bazaar, The Indian Architect & Builder, Jasubhai Media,
Mumbai.
Sachdeva, P., (2015), Dilli Haat Issues, Unpublished Report , Pradeep Sachdeva Design Associates 11(4),
22-31.
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Acknowledgements:
The authors acknowledge the valuable contribution of data, images , discussion and support rendered
by Ar. Pradeep Sachdeva and Ar. Vishwesh Viswanathan from Pradeep Sachdeva Design Associates,
New Delhi.