Abstract:
The Fitzgerald bridge is a 156-year old bridge built by the bridge across the Mula-Mutha river in Pune. In 2011, vehicular movement was stopped on this bridge and in 2017, it was converted to an art plaza with the intention of converting the area into a venue for the Annual Art festival of the cultural capital of Maharashtra, Pune. But now, the bridge lies in a dilapidated state. Not many events were held and the lack of infrastructure around the bridge did not make the art festival possible. Pune has 3 major rivers, Mula, Mutha and Mula-Mutha confluence flowing for 44km from the centre of the city. Yet, we do not see activities and engagement of the people of Pune with the rivers. The river culture of Pune had deteriorated due to urban development. This thesis aims to resolve these issues by designing an urban riverfront activity centre. For this thesis the following case studies were conducted: Bharat Bhavan, Bhopal, Dilli Haat, Delhi, Kala Ghoda Art Distract, Mumbai, Sabarmati Riverfront, Ahmedabad. The main aim of this thesis is to improve the river culture and revive the heritage Fitzgerald Bridge by activating the area and creating an urban riverfront activity centre.
