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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.

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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.

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Circulation Map Existing Zoning within the Market

4.4. Documentation Photos

.

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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.

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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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