Perpetuate the sense of place of the city: a case of Ashok Rajpath Patna

Abstract

Places are constructed by the physical form, activity and meaning. The identity of place is determined not only by the physical components but also the meaning and association developed between people and places. One thing about cities which are perpetual is the continuous change that it undergoes, and with these changes urban environment and its identity is also affected. The issue lies with the Globalization and rapid urban transformation in the name of urban development or redevelopment that generates a standardized urban landscape. With the onslaught of global communication and economic forces, place identity and place attachment; two key concepts in urban design – have taken on new importance. (Ruggeri). There is a lack of connectivity between physical and cultural and emotional context of a place. The aim is to fill this gap and assimilate the notion of sense of place with urban development concept with the help of different strategies of Placemaking. Ashok Rajpath is a street in Patna, the capital of Bihar. Named after Ashoka, an Indian ruler of the Maurya Dynasty, runs corresponding to the river Ganga; has historic, educational, and religious landmarks that define the character of the street. The most beautiful thing about this historic lane is its diversity. From monuments to local markets, the street has it all. Ashoka Rajpath is one of the busiest streets of the city where traffic at times can be very challenging. Similar to any other old Indian cities street it is also undergoing the trend of urban redevelopment. However, is widening of the roads, converting it in 4 lanes and adding a flyover solves the problems…? Or it makes the streets, kitsch of a cookie cutter methodology of urban development and redevelopment..? The intention of this thesis is to strike the balance between these high end infrastructure inserts, which are the representative of modern city and pedestrian and informality, which is the identity of Indian cities.