Integrating urban voids into surrounding urban fabric

Abstract

In the history of industrial revolution, it has been seen that, industries play a very important role in the economic development. Started in early 19th century, textile mills in India contributed significantly in the country’s economic progress, urban development & social structuring. Today many of the cities, where the mills flourished stands defunct. These defunct spaces are also known as ‘functional voids’. It contributes negatives to its surrounding on physical, social & economic level. But simultaneously, these spaces have potential to acts as a magnet for economic growth, these spaces are potential open spaces in the cities where land is a major issue. In the cities, which gives the opportunities of employment, land prices & land demand are very high due to increased population. The site of study is Mumbai. Mumbai has around 2.5 Square Km of land in the heart of the city (Lalbaug- lower Parel area) which is owned by 58 cotton textile mills. During mid-seventies majority of them are declared as sick industries. Urban Land (Ceiling and Holding) Act 1976 prevented owners to sell the land for real estate development. There were various proposals by government for the development of defunct mills of Mumbai which either failed or denied by owners. The site is not only defunct but also carries the historical mill structures which has distinct architectural character. The surrounding is growing with high pace due to which typologies & use of the buildings are changing rapidly. So, the heart of the city is on the verge of losing its past identity. The voids are currently acting as unsafe patches of the city. In addition, once an economic backbone of the city ‘the mill precinct’ deserves a due recognition and identity in the image of the city. The study aims to bring back the void in use again for public purpose. The focus of the study will be on the comprehensive integration of mill land at urban level for the benefit of all the stakeholders. The end product of the thesis proposal explores the multiple scenarios for the reuse of abandoned mill land in order to integrate them in surrounding fabric & to make it a vibrant place. Broader strategy is to keep historical essence of the place intact while bringing the abandoned land and historical mill structures in use again.