URBAN CONDENSERS II

Project Details

THEME : Design Studio

CATEGORY: Summer Workshop

COLLABORATOR: ETSAM UNIVERSITY

DATE: July 2019

The walled city of Ahmedabad has been named a Historic Heritage City by Unesco in 2018. Our area of action in this course focuses on Dhal Ni Pol, located near Astodia Darwaja, one of the oldest and the second-largest city in the historical city.

The morpho structure of the area is characterized by a highly densified urban factory, whose formation dates back to the late 18th century. The main fabric is divided into Pols. A pol is a residential neighbourhood with well-defined limits. There is an access through the main entrance, a street as the spine and secondary streets along which groups of houses come together. At the intersection of streets usually appears the chowk or plaza, with a temple/mosque and well, and common latrines at the entrance.
The configuration of the Pols provided privacy to the occupants despite the proximity to public areas. Another interesting aspect of the Pol was that there was no differentiation of the area of residence by wealth. In the formation of the Pols, the social structure of the city was reflected. This became a manifestation in the grouping of the Pols in Ahmedabad, who were occupied by people of the same class or caste. These dense groups of rows and rows of houses, linked by labyrinthine streets, are where Indian ancient and vernacular architectural traditions continue to live.

Despite recognition by UNESCO, the current situation of the Pols is neglected due to several factors. The urban policies have focused on the Development of New City and the peripheral areas of the city, forgetting the need to provide the historic centre with the necessary infrastructures. There is also a generational conflict that is causing the abandonment of traditional houses or Havelis, as young people born in Old City prefer to go to new building blocks instead of adapting the existing structure to new living conditions.

Even with the differences between the situation of western cities compared to Ahmedabad, there are also some signs of gentrification in Old City, as investors are investing in converting the best buildings into hotels to promote the growing tourism of foreigners in the zone.


The course aims to analyse the current situation, including all the factors that affect positively or negatively in the living conditions of the neighbours. The key is to accept new social movements and trends, not as something to avoid, but as something that needs to dialogue with the environment. An environment that, in spite of its cultural heritage, needs to be modified and adapted to the new contemporary living conditions.

proposals by students


Site analysis emerges as an essential cornerstone within the intricate tapestry of architectural and urban design. It not only acts as a crucial step in the design process but also holds a profound role in the realm of education. This facet of analysis, interwoven into the workshop's narrative, underscores the pivotal role it plays in guiding participants towards more fecund avenues of design development. With a focus on fostering creativity and functional responsiveness beyond conventional paradigms, the site analysis facet of the workshop beckoned participants to delve into the heart of design with newfound vigor.

In the pursuit of igniting participants' design acumen, students were strategically guided to discern an array of parameters that wielded the power to significantly influence design decisions. This exploration was further solidified through meticulous mapping methods that captured the essence of these parameters. 

The culmination of these efforts was a thoughtful compilation of parameters that underscored the depth and breadth of the site analysis: - A comprehensive Tree Analysis unveiled the natural tapestry woven into the site's fabric. - Landscape Analysis delved into the intricate interplay of topography, vegetation, and spatial arrangement. - Scrutiny of Building Masses Around brought into focus the contextual dialogues within which the design would be embedded. - A consideration of Different Materials unearthed the potential for varied tactile experiences and aesthetic journeys. - The presence of Commercial Spaces in the plaza added an economic dimension, hinting at bustling human activity. - Exploration of Different Elements and Furniture brought the intricacies of functional design to the forefront. - People Density and Movement offered insights into the site's human dynamics, a crucial aspect in designing for people.


It was from the bedrock of these meticulous analyses that a symphony of proposals emerged, each resonating with solutions hinged on distinct perspectives. These proposals stood poised to address the issues discerned through a global lens. They included: - Ingenious Infrastructure Improvements weaving art installations alongside the existing electrical lines. - Envisaging Safe Spaces for Children to frolic amidst the urban clamor. - Dreaming up Light Structures adorning rooftops, thereby birthing a celestial skyline promenade. - Proposing a Heritage Repairing Centre to breathe life into neglected structures within Dhal Ni Pol. - Picturing a Cinematic Experience with Movie Projections that transcend physical boundaries. - Cultivating a Catalogue of Urban Furniture, intended to be locally developed and Pol-distributed. - Crafting a Civic Centre catering to the needs of the elderly inhabitants of Pol.

These multifaceted proposals, rooted in insightful site analysis, ventured to not only address tangible aspects but also to evoke a sense of purpose and transformation within the urban fabric. Each proposal, an embodiment of collective creativity and ingenuity, underscored the potential for harmonious fusion of tradition and innovation within the ever-evolving urban landscape.

discussions and open forums

Throughout the workshop, an amalgamation of 21 students and 4 professors came together in a collaborative pursuit of knowledge and exploration. A distinctive blend of academic minds was further enriched by the presence of 8 esteemed experts, shaping an environment of comprehensive learning and exchange.

Two intricately woven activities unfurled over the course of the workshop, each serving as a pivotal pillar of engagement: enlightening lectures and thought-provoking round table discussions. These enlightening sessions weren't mere monologues; they served as bridges between theory and practice. Renowned professionals of towering prestige graced the podium, sharing their profound insights and expertise for an approximate duration of 90 minutes. Through their enlightening discourse, participants were afforded a more multidimensional view of the intricate realities that shape the realm of architectural interventions in public spaces and the concurrent research efforts.

Complementing these enlightening lectures were the vibrant sessions of round table discussions, a platform that facilitated a dynamic interchange of ideas and perspectives. In the spirit of intellectual diversity, various professionals from diverse domains were invited to lend their voices to the discourse. These round tables emerged as vibrant arenas where the proposed interventions and concepts were laid bare, dissected, and scrutinized under the sharp lens of collective expertise.

As the echoes of the last round table discussion reverberated, the workshop found its culminating moment. A crescendo of achievement and accomplishment was reached as certificates of merit were bestowed upon the participants. This final act underscored the collective journey of discovery, learning, and meaningful exchange that transpired throughout the workshop.