Abstract:
Katra, a rapidly growing city, faces a multitude of urban design challenges that hinder its
visual coherence and effective utilization of public spaces. Issues such as haphazard
development, inadequate pedestrian infrastructure, limited green spaces, and fragmented
urban patterns compromise both the city's visual aesthetics and the overall quality of life
for its residents. The lack of visual continuity and connectivity between public spaces
further restricts Katra's potential to provide an enjoyable and walkable environment for its
inhabitants and visitors.
In addition to these challenges, Katra holds significance as a destination for pilgrimage
tourism, which adds another layer of complexity to its urban design considerations. The
city's role as an arrival point for pilgrims necessitates a thoughtful approach to its urban
fabric, ensuring that it not only accommodates the needs of the growing population but
also provides a sense of place and identity for both residents and pilgrims.
Inspired by Kevin Lynch's concept of legibility in the "Image of the City" and Gordon
Cullen's emphasis on townscape composition in the "Concise Townscape," this thesis
proposes a comprehensive framework for enhancing visual cohesion and networking of
public spaces in Katra. The research methodology involves an extensive analysis of the
city's existing urban fabric, employing mapping techniques, visual documentation, and a
study of the spatial relationships between different public spaces. By incorporating design
interventions and policy recommendations, the objective is to create a more visually
coherent and accessible cityscape that embraces the unique requirements of pilgrimage
tourism and establishes Katra as an arrival city.
The primary question driving this urban design thesis is: How can the visual coherence
and networking of public spaces be improved in Katra to enhance the city's identity as
both a growing urban center and a significant pilgrimage destination?
