Abstract:
Urban growth in India has increasingly emphasized the need for efficient and integrated transit systems, especially in dense metropolitan areas. Kalupur in Ahmedabad serves as a key transit node where multiple modes of transportation—rail, metro, bullet and bus—converge. Despite its strategic location, the surrounding area lacks a cohesive commercial and public interface that supports the heavy pedestrian flow and daily commuter activity. This thesis addresses that gap by proposing a commercial complex that not only leverages the connectivity of a multimodal transit hub but also enhances the user experience through thoughtful spatial planning and architectural design.
The project site, located within the designated Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) zone, spans 26,240 square meters and allows for a high-density, mixed-use development with an FSI of 4. The design includes a multi-level retail block (G+3), a hotel component, and a G+18 office tower, all organized around a modular grid system to maintain structural clarity and spatial efficiency. The proposal is rooted in the idea of creating a destination that serves not just as a transit point, but as a vibrant urban node catering to commuters, tourists, business professionals, and local residents. I’ve tried designing a place where strangers can meet and interact, simultaneously not disturbing the different user groups.
The design approach prioritizes walkability, ease of access, and visual connectivity across different functions. Key interventions include activated ground-level plazas, shaded pedestrian corridors, and seamless linkages to transit exits. Public spaces are designed to be flexible, interactive, and climate-responsive, promoting social engagement while offering moments of pause within a busy urban setting.
The intended outcome is a commercially viable and socially inclusive complex that redefines the relationship between transit infrastructure and urban life. The project aspires to transform Kalupur’s fragmented transit landscape into a cohesive, experience-rich environment, setting a precedent for future developments in similar urban contexts. Through this thesis, the commercial complex becomes more than a functional entity—it becomes a space that reflects the rhythms of the city and its people.
