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International Journal of Architecture (IJA)
Volume 6, Issue 1, January-June 2020, pp. 8–20, Article ID: IJA_06_01_002
Available online at
http://www.iaeme.com/IJA/issues.asp?JType=IJA&VType=6&IType=1
© IAEME Publication
REVITALIZATION OF URBAN SPACES:
SAIDAPET MARKET, CHENNAI
Ar. R. Ragavendira
School of Architecture, Sri Manakular Vinayagar Engineering College,
Puducherry, India
ABSTRACT
The main objective of this is to discuss the issues related to the revitalization of
urban public space and its importance in relation to the urban design study.
Revitalization reintroduces activity and prominence to the most deprived and
neglected part of the cities, which were afflicted with a long period of complex and
interrelated problems such as economic decline, social problem, spatial and
infrastructural poverty leading to the loss of urban functions and impoverishing the
quality of life of the inhabitants.
The case study of saidapet market demonstrates that the gradual decline of local
economic activity in the Saidapet is one of the many problems faced by the city. This
activity is seen on their public market that has become one of the major trading
centers in Chennai before suddenly becoming unpopular to the public due to common
problems and lack of facilities that could attract both locals and people from other
areas.
In accordance with this problem, we attempt to give the best solutions by
investigating the existing public market, surveying, reading various sources,
formulating case studies and exploring new concepts and technologies.
As we try to involve more public participation we decided to propose
redevelopment of the existing public market together with tourist facilities such as,
making the market more user friendly, Parking facilities, rerouting the traffic pattern
in and around the market, eatery stalls to accommodate existing street hawkers and a
transportation terminal (pedestrian bridge) to revitalize the present condition of the
public market.
With these facilities, the local vendors have a thriving business, it will provide
more job opportunities; preserve their local industries while strengthening their
linkages to other economic centers in Chennai.
Key words: revitalization, economic decline, social problem, infrastructural poverty.
Cite this Article: R. Ragavendira, Revitalization of Urban Spaces: Saidapet Market,
Chennai. International Journal of Architecture (IJA), 6(1), 2020, pp. 8–20.
http://www.iaeme.com/IJA/issues.asp?JType=IJA&VType=6&IType=1
Revitalization of Urban Spaces: Saidapet Market, Chennai
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1. INTRODUCTION
Public markets in India often described as a dingy environment ventilated with foul odor.
Consequently, these situations and conditions of public markets lead to the construction of
modernized supermarkets and hypermarkets which are fully air conditioned that promotes
convenience shopping that leads to its rapid popularity. However, public markets still support
a pivotal role in promoting public health and local food systems. Many of the agricultural,
fishery and forestry products are delivered into the public market by various traders from
different parts of the country.
For generations, street vending has provided vibrancy, colour and a market outlet in
Indian cities. However, as the 21st century progresses, the dynamic growth of city
populations, the scale of physical development, and globalizing economies create new
challenges for street vendors, who face changing political, economic and social contexts and
increasing competition for space.
Today, modern street vending plays a vital role in the urban economy, as a source of jobs,
revenue and „value added‟ to the economy. Street vending provides a flexible link in
economic supply chains, gives vitality to urban streets, and provides affordable goods for
many urban residents.
Yet street vending exacerbates congestion at busy sites (eg: city centres where
competition for space is acute) and vendors lack the facilities for „decent work‟. This project
explores the challenges of managing street vending in developing streets of Chennai, and
explores how inclusive urban design can generate imaginative use of space.
The Design Guide adopts a „rights-based approach‟ to development, building on the
paradigm of the right to the city, which argues for a right for all urban inhabitants to access
the benefits of urban life, including street vendors.
2. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
The deteriorating condition and its lack of supporting facilities have become the predicament
of the Abdul Razzak Public Market. These scenarios lead to a sudden decrease in patronage
coming from the public. Moreover, the changing market pattern and interest of the consumers
also adds to the situation leaving the public market and the vicinity a sickly environment.
The existence of these problems may pose a threat to the sustainability of the market.
Issues that can be addressed are the market environment, rerouting of traffic and livelihood as
part of income and employment.
The Project Aims to Answer the Following Questions
What specific steps can be done to address and alleviate the problems in their public
market?
What are the usual and common activities inside and outside their public market?
What are the factors that could affect the efficiency and capacity of their public
market?
How could environment nurture the situations and conditions of their public market?
What type of environment and facilities could maximize the use of their public
market?
How could their public market be transformed to invite also foreign nationals and
further cater traders, sellers and consumers giving new activities and market shopping
experience?
R. Ragavendira
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What are the extent needs of their public market that can be answered through
architectural interventions?
Goals, Objectives and Strategies
The goal is to redevelop the Abdul Razzak Market that will invite both locals and people from
other area through architecture.
Objectives
1. To provide functional and well-designed spaces.
2. To reestablish and promote local market through user (public) oriented facilities.
3. To redesign the existing market in new approach.
Strategies
1. Investigating the existing public market.
2. Conducting interviews with the city local government officials, sellers and consumers.
3. Reading various sources such as books, magazines and the like.
4. Formulate both local and foreign case studies.
5. Exploring applicable solutions including concepts and technologies.
3. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The significance of the study varies from different related aspects. These include impacts on
locals as part of tourism, on domestic livelihood, economic level and most importantly, its
contribution to the architectural development of public market design not only in India but
also globally. This study will further flourish what public space is all about.
3.1. Saidapet - Historical Significance
Saidapet was founded by the Nawab of the Carnatic in the 18th century AD and was named
Sayyid Khan Pettah after Sayyid Khan, the army commander of the Nawab's forces. When the
kingdom began to decline, Saidapet was occupied by the British East India Company and was
made the administrative headquarters of Chingleput district.
The health district in Chengalpet district is split into Saidapet hud and Kanchipuram hud.
Panagal building which is a part of Saidapet is a famous landmark. Saidapet is named after
Sayyid Shah (Sayyid Musalman Sahib), a high-ranking 18th-century official of the court of
the Nawab of Arcot.
The then Nawab of Arcot gifted these parts to Sayyid Shah in 1730. However, Saidapet at
that time also included Kotturpuram and Nandanam.
The Maraimalai Adigal Bridge (previously the Marmalong Bridge) connects the northern
banks of the Adyar River with the south. This bridge was originally built in 1726 by Coja
Petrus Uscan. The dilapidated old bridge was replaced by a new one in the 1960s built as part
of the reconstruction and modernization efforts. Saidapet was obtained by the British East
India Company in the 1700s along with the jaghir of Chingleput.
From 1859 to 1947, Saidapet served as the district headquarters of Chingleput District. In
1947, the headquarters was shifted to Chengalpattu. Saidapet was included in Madras city
during 1945-46 and since then forms a part of the corporation. Saidapet had a large weaver
population and handlooms were in operation as late as 1990. It was quite notorious for
filariasis in the olden day.
Revitalization of Urban Spaces: Saidapet Market, Chennai
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3.2. Saidapet – Transportation
Railway station
The Suburban Railway station in Saidapet is located between the stations of Guindy and
Mambalam. It is easily accessible from the main road.
Buses
Saidapet has a MTC bus terminus located on Anna Salai. There are frequent bus services
originating from this place to other important parts of the city and outskirts. Many buses also
pass through this area and offers excellent connectivity to various places and West Saidapet
has a MTC bus terminus located on West Jones Road.
Metro Rail
Plans have been finalised by the local government to build a Metro Rail which connects to
Alandur in the South and Chamiers road in the North as part of the Chennai Metro Rail
Scheme. The tentative year of completion is 2013.
Bridges
The bridge located near the market on Jeenis road serves as a vital link to Mount Road
from West Saidapet.
Jones road underpass serves an important link for West Saidapet and Jaffarkhanpet.
Aranganathan subway serves to connect Ashok Nagar and Mambalam.
Alandhur bridge to connect Guindy Industrial Estate and West Saidapet, it helps to by-
pass Guindy Katipara bridge to reach Mount road from 100 Feet road
3.3. Why Saidapet Fish Market?
From fishes and meat, and from fruits and vegetables, the bazaar sells it all, despite the fact
that size and state of the roads make it almost impossible for vehicular traffic to move”.lack of
footpaths and congestion making it a challenging prospect to even walk”. Those who live here
share from their evening tea to toilet facilities in an atmosphere that is “full of life”. It is
another matter, however, that Saidapet is “one of the most under-developed and neglected
areas of the city” and is “serviced by an infrastructure that is nearly a sixty years old”. “Built
for another time, the area is deprived of footpaths or roads navigable by cars. No system for
waste disposal exists even today. Residents receive water for only a few hours a day the
official.
Out-dated sanitation and inadequate fire and safety measures leave the population very
vulnerable to natural and man-made calamities. Visitors are met with heaps of rubbish and
rodents scurrying around.
Two-storied structures, designed to retain the street shopping experience, which will
make the Saidapet market a mini-Koyambedu for residents in the south of the city.
Inspired by the urban wet markets of Singapore, where old fashioned commerce has been
transformed, Abdul Razzak Vegetable Market in Saidapet, into a modern yet traditional
vegetable retail center.
The market has in the recent past been beset by problems : Congested shops, flies and
mosquitoes, shops with sacks serving as canopies, inadequate lighting and toilet facilities.
Vendors say they are happy that the corporation will build a new structure for them.
R. Ragavendira
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4. DOCUMENTATION OF SAIDAPET
4.1. Classification based on the total number of households / unit area
HIGH DENSITY HOUSING- 60% MEDIUM DENSITY- 32% LOW DENSITY- 8%
4.2. Why high density of population?
High density of population is due to the settlement of the people since the evolution of
saidapet. This includes most of the people belonging to the weaving profession, fishing and
also people settling because of the devotion to family land. This majorly has an effect on the
urban context as it plays as an important role in determining the scope for the future
expansion to meet the urban needs. Unfortunately, Saidapet lacks the flexible nature of
accommodating more open spaces, public gatherings or plazas or parking in future .Hence
giving rise to the increase in the verticality development for accommodating the urban
requirement.
4.3. Existing Market
This market is situated near Saidapet railway station which is one of the very busiest areas in
Chennai. We were astounded to note the street vendors and shop keepers belong to the 4th
generation
Roofing -Sloped roof with mangalore tiles and temporary tarpaulin roof over the
pedestrian path.
Revitalization of Urban Spaces: Saidapet Market, Chennai
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Circulation Map Existing Zoning within the Market
4.4. Documentation Photos
.
R. Ragavendira
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5. THE SOLUTION
5.1. Market Redevelopment Proposal
Market Redevelopment projects can be small or large ranging from a single building to entire
new neighborhoods or "new town in town" projects.
Other terms sometimes used to describe redevelopment include urban renewal (urban
revitalization). While efforts described as urban revitalization often involve redevelopment,
they do not always involve redevelopment as they do not always involve the demolition of
any existing structures but may instead describe the rehabilitation of existing buildings or
other neighborhood improvement initiatives.
5.2. Concept- Grid planning
The corridors run at right angles to each other, forming a grid. This grid planning makes it
inherently walk able.
A grid adds better alignment, balance, and equality in spacing better visual experience.
It is a great way to avoid confusion of paths
It is a straight-forward, easy approach to creating a modern looking market, avoiding
confusion in paths
The planning helps in avoiding congestion at one particular place equally diving the
crowd and making it look well organized
Outcome
Clarity/Order.
Efficiency
Economy
Consistency/Harmony
Grid Planning of Vegetable Market
Issues Faced In the Existing Market Solutions
Traffic congestion Flyover & Pedestrian Bridge
Waste disposal Pedestrian pathway
Traffic Re-routing Redevelopment of market
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5.3. Expansion of Pedestrian Pathway
Providing Pedestrian pathways, bollards and parking spaces on Zenis road to decongest
pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
6. PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENTAL PROCESS
The steps shaded by beams covered by small creepers to filter the sunlight while still allowing
light to penetrate. It's closed on both sides supported by the roofs of the fish stalls on either
side. The wooden rafters add shade and act as a transitional area while preserving the sense of
openness of the fish market. It complements the outdoor space. The combination of foliage,
flower, scent and color provide a sense of continual change and freshness.
R. Ragavendira
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Proposed Section for Fish and Meat Market
Proposed Section for Vegetable Market
6.1. Materials
Use of polyester fabric as a shading device. Polyester is the most commonly used material in
the instant canopies because it is durable and water resistant.
Very light so easy to install
Low maintenance
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Reflects UV rays lessening heat gain
Highly coated therefore easy to clean
High light transmission or lower if required
Has more insulation compared to single skin fabric
6.2. Pedestrian Bridge and Flyover
“The point of the city is the multiplicity of choices” – Jane Jacobs
6.3. Pedestrian Bridge
There is an increased pedestrian traffic from the railway station to the market and due to this
pedestrian traffic the junction near the subway is heavily affected.
To avoid this, we have devised a plan which includes a pedestrian overhead bridge which
starts from the railway station and lands inside the market and also on Zenis road.
This will help us eliminate traffic congestion and allow smooth movement of traffic.
The ramp ratio is 1:12. This makes it easy for even the disabled to use the overhead
bridge. Width of the Pedestrian Overhead Bridge= 3m.
6.4. Discovery of the “Centralized motion method” Principle
Most curving escalators once proposed around the world were based on methods for
movement in a concentric circle. But none ever made it to market. Even though the speed of
horizontal movement when creating a semi-circle is regular, making it possible to move
concentrically, the structural problem is that movement in the horizontal direction slows to the
extent that there is vertical movement in the inclined section. This issue has been overcome
by developing the "centralized motion method," in which the central point moves in stages
based on the angle of incline.
6.5. Innovation Supporting 3D Movement
Unique technologies were required to achieve the complex three-dimensional (3D) movement
of the spiral escalator. For example, a special chain capable of supporting a wide variety of
angles required for the spiral orbit was introduced to move the steps. Horizontal rollers are
installed on the outer-side of the chain, enabling the structure to manage the inward force
generated by the arching configuration. This enables the escalator steps to move along the
fixed orbital plane with high accuracy.
6.6. Concept
Bezier Curve: It is a parametric curve frequently used in computer graphics and related fields.
From the common place to the sublime, the Bezier Curve delineates to contemporary
aesthetics because it is lingua franca of design, engineering and structural roofing component
of the Pedestrian Overhead Bridge.
R. Ragavendira
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6.7. Materials
Fiber Reinforced Concrete: Mushroom shaped concrete columns which contain fibrous
material which increases its structural integrity. It contains short discrete steel fibers that are
uniformly distributed and randomly oriented.
6.8. Thermoplastic Fabric
Roof of the Pedestrian Overhead Bridge
Good low temperature flexibility and high tolerance.
Inherently fire resistant.
High impact resistance
Easy to repair
Available in a spectrum of colors and we used Golden yellow for the roof fabric.
Durable against rooftop contaminants and soiling.
6.9. Recyclable Steel – Bracing
Steel is not completely consumed once made. It can be reused multiple times. Hence the use
of steel in projects is actually a long term investment that does not go to waste. Steel is the
only truly cradle to cradle recyclable material available.
Revitalization of Urban Spaces: Saidapet Market, Chennai
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R. Ragavendira
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7. CONCLUSION
The existing conditions of Saidapet has been surveyed and documented and the problems
prevailing in the site were addressed. Suitable solutions like the redevelopment of market to
make it more users friendly and enhance the economic scenario of the market were proposed.
Pedestrian bridge and flyover made it more efficient to reach out to the market.
Relocation of hawkers from busy commercial roads helped ease the vehicular movement
in and around the market. Street furniture was provided along the Jenis road in front of the
market to avoid congestion of hawkers. Open spaces provided within the market acting as a
visual barrier between the vegetable and fish market.
This makes the market more accessible, clean and active.
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