Mapping the Place Identity of the Commercial Urban Nodes: A Case of Ahmedabad

Abstract

The urban public spaces, which include ‘nodes,’ provide distinct and diverse experiences in the city’s urban environment. These nodes are not just an interface, but an exchange hub that accumulates various activities that contribute to the identity of urban public spaces. These are the city’s major intersections, referred to as “Urban Nodes” in the study. Previously, the chowks, streets, and chaurah were important in determining the form and function of the neighborhood because these were the places where people used to meet and interact. In the present time, because of industrialization, cities are developing in an uncontrolled and haphazard manner, resulting in an identity crisis of the place. These spaces are the most important part of city life, but they are neglected and unattended spaces designed primarily for vehicular traffic. As a result, it is necessary to thoughtfully design and plan the Urban Nodes to improve the impact of these components, which would increase their degree of use, facility, and create a meaningful environment for the city. This thesis is an attempt to focus on understanding the relationship between physical form, activities, and symbols that would aid in creating the Place Identity of commercial Urban Nodes through field observations, activity mapping, and survey of the people. The method proposed by various scholars in their studies was used to investigate the Place Identity of the various commercial Urban Nodes developed in the context of Ahmedabad. Through comparative analysis of the selected commercial nodes developed during different time period, the thesis derives inferences that affect the Place Identity of the selected Urban Nodes.