PERCEPTION OF AN URBAN PUBLIC PLACE : A

CASE STUDY OF MARTYRS’ SQUARE,

TRIVANDRUM

EIGHTH SEMESTER
B ARCH DISSERTATION
MAY 2020

Submitted by

Miss. Anjana Mary Jacob

Marian College of Architecture and Planning

Kazhakoottam, Thiruvananthapuram
Email:[email protected] Mob: 8281388111
www.mcap.edu.in
PERCEPTION OF AN URBAN PUBLIC PLACE : A
CASE STUDY OF MARTYRS’ SQUARE,
TRIVANDRUM

EIGHTH SEMESTER
B. ARCH DISSERTATION
MAY 2020

A Dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the

award of Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture of Cochin University of
Science and Technology

Submitted by
Miss Anjana Mary Jacob

Guided by
Asst Prof. Ar. Sairam R

Marian College of Architecture and Planning

Kazhakoottam, Thiruvananthapuram
Email:[email protected] Mob: 8281388111
www.mcap.edu.in
 DECLARATION

I hereby declare that the Dissertation entitled “PERCEPTION OF AN URBAN

PUBLIC PLACE: A CASE STUDY OF MARTYR’S SQUARE, TRIVANDRUM” is
an independent work of mine and it has not been submitted to anywhere else for any
Degree / Diploma or Title. No material from other sources has been used without proper
acknowledgment.

Place: Trivandrum Signature of the student

Date:

ii
 CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that this Dissertation entitled “PERCEPTION OF AN URBAN

PUBLIC PLACE: A CASE STUDY OF MARTYRS’ SQUARE, TRIVANDRUM”
is a bonafide record of the dissertation submitted by Anjana Mary Jacob under our
guidance towards partial fulfillment if the requirements for the award of Bachelor’s
Degree in Architecture of the Cochin University of Science and Technology
(CUSAT) during the year 2019-20.

Guide:………… Dissertation Coordinator….………

Ar. Sairam R Ar. Adarsh Vishwam
Assistant Professor Associate Professor

……………………….
…………………… …………………
HOD Principal Director
Ar. Ganga Krishnan Ar. Dileep C Kumar Prof. Baby Paul K

1. External Examiner Signature …..………………………………….……...……

Name ……………………………………………………………..
Designation…………………………………………………

2. Internal Examiner Signature …..………………………………….……...……

Name ……………………………………………………………..
Designation…………………………………………………

3. Internal Examiner Signature …..………………………………….……...……

Name ……………………………………………………………..
Designation…………………………………………………
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

On the very out set of this report, I would like to extend my sincere and heartfelt
obligation towards all the personages who have helped me in this endeavor. Without
their active guidance, help and encouragement, I would not have made headway in the
project. I am ineffably indebted and extremely thankful to my guide Associate Prof. Ar.
Sairam. R Sir for his consciousness guidance and support to accomplish this
dissertation. I extend my gratitude to my principal Ar. Dileep C.V who gave me the
golden opportunity to do this wonderful project on the topic “PERCEPTION OF AN
URBAN PUBLIC PLACE: A CASE STUDY OF MARTYR’S SQUARE,
TRIVANDRUM”. I also acknowledge with a deep sense of reverence, my gratitude
towards my friends who did Urban Design on Palayam. I also extend my
acknowledgement to my family members who helped me with the project and all my
friends who had been a constant support throughout the completion of this dissertation.

Any omission in this brief acknowledgement does not mean any lack of gratitude.

Anjana Mary Jacob

iv
 ABSTRACT

Now a days, every city develops at a very fast rate. Many factors contribute to this
huge development. Many parts of the city have various forms and physical structures.
Urban places and its different forms have a big influence and effect on the people
using it. Urban places in current scenario are important due to different reasons. So
it is necessary to analyze if an urban square is working good today. Only by
evaluation can we identify the issues affecting its performance. This dissertation aims
at understanding Martyrs’ Square, Trivandrum. Martyrs’ Square is a very important
urban place in Trivandrum, India. Many political and other activities are held here.
The Martyrs’ square at Palayam Trivandrum, a 64 year old urban space, which was
originally placed as landmark for the region, was used for several gatherings and
occasions. The immediate surrounding areas saw huge development in the eventual
years. Martyrs’ Square became an isolated spot in the midst of all the newer
developments and buildings around it. The gatherings and ceremonies started
happening in a confined fenced area with the commemorative tower in the middle of
a traffic intensive urban area. In spite of the area limitation, gatherings and public
events continue to be held there. This study is an attempt to explore how Martyrs’
square has evolved as an urban space and how to understand its behaviour in the
current scenario. This study also draws down to different methods of improving the
performance of Martyr’s square as an urban public square.

vi
 CONTENTS

DECLARATION ....................................................................................................... ii

CERTIFICATE ......................................................................................................... iii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ........................................................................................ iv

ABSTRACT.. ........................................................................................................... vii

CONTENTS .......................................................................................................... viii

LIST OF TABLES .................................................................................................... xi

LIST OF FIGURES ................................................................................................. xii

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS .............................................................................. xvivi

CHAPTER 1 …………………………. ............................................................... 1

INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................2

1.1 Background ..................................................................................................2

1.2 Need for Study .............................................................................................4

1.3 Aim of the study…………………………………………………………...4

1.4 Objectives .....................................................................................................5

1.5 Research Questions ......................................................................................5

1.6 Scope ..........................................................................................................5

1.7 Limitations .................................................................................................6

1.8 Methodolgy ................................................................................................6

CHAPTER 2 ……………………………………………………………………...7

HISTORY OF URBAN SQUARES AND ITS FUNCTIONS……………………...5

2.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................8

vii
 2.2 Urban Squares .............................................................................................9

2.3 History of Urban Squares ............................................................................10

2.4 Types of Urban Squares ..............................................................................13

2.4.1 By Form .........................................................................................13

2.4.2 By Shape ........................................................................................16

2.5 Urban Squares in India ...............................................................................17

2.5.1 Manek Chowk, Ahmedabad...........................................................19

2.5.2 Connaught Place, Delhi .................................................................20

2.4.3 Gandhi Nagar, Gujarat ...................................................................21

2.6 Functions of an Urban Square ...................................................................21

CHAPTER 3 …………………………. ............................................................. 23

PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS OF A GOOD URBAN SQUARE AND

LITERATURE CASE STUDY .............................................................................. 23

3.1 Performance Analysis of a good Urban Square .........................................24

3.1.1 Rob Krier .......................................................................................24

3.1.2 Kevin Andrew Lynch .....................................................................24

3.1.3 Accessibility...................................................................................26

3.1.5 Activity ..........................................................................................27

3.1.6 Spatial Organization.......................................................................28

3.1.7 Image..............................................................................................29

3.1.8 Size.................................................................................................29

3.1.9 Landscaping ...................................................................................29

3.1.10 Site Furniture .................................................................................30

viii
 3.1.11 Focal Elements ...............................................................................30

LITERATURE CASE STUDIES…………………………………………….....….31

3.2 Times Square, New York ...........................................................................31

3.3 Manek Chowk, Ahmedabad .......................................................................34

3.4 Cannought Place, Delhi ..............................................................................37

CHAPTER 4…………………………………………………………………… . 39

STUDY OF MARTYR’S SQUARE, TRIVANDRUM IN DETAIL THROUGH

ITS HISTORY, EVOLUTION AND ITS CURRENT SCENARIO ....................... 39

4.1 History of Palayam, Trivandrum ................................................................40

4.2 Martyrs’ Square, Palayam, Trivandrum- An Introduction ………………41

4.3 Palayam and Martyrs’ Square, Palayam- Evolution ..................................42

4.4 Current Scenario at Martyr’s Square ..........................................................45

4.5 Context analysis and Activity analysis ......................................................46

CHAPTER 5…………………………………………………………………… . 51

PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS OF PALAYAM MARTYR’S SQUARE ............ 51

5.1 Revelance of Martyr’s Square as a major pulic place ...................................52

5.2 Martyr’s Square and Urban square performance parameters ........................54

5.3 Comparision of Martyr’s Square and other case studies based on identified
performance parameters .......................................................................................61

5.4 Identifying potentials for improving the performance of Martyr’s Square...65

CHAPTER 6…………………………………………………………………… . 69

STUDY CONCLUSION ........................................................................................ 70

BIBLOGRAPHY ............................................................................................... .71

APPENDIX 1 ............................................................................................................72

ix
x
 LIST OF TABLES

Table 5.4.1:Comparision of martyr’s Square with other case studies.................................. 61

xi
 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1: Methodology .......................................................................................................... 6

Figure 2: People’s Square, Shanghai, China ........................................................................ 10

Figure 3: Evolution of Urban Squares n .............................................................................. 10

Figure 4: Romans Forum Reconstruction ............................................................................ 11

Figure 5: Piazza Del Campidoglio ....................................................................................... 12

Figure 6: Plaza mayor in Madrid ......................................................................................... 13

Figure 7: Notre Dame, Paris ................................................................................................ 14

Figure 8: Trafalgar Square, London..................................................................................... 14

Figure 9: The Roman Grouped Squares............................................................................... 15

Figure 10: New York‘s Times Square ................................................................................. 15

Figure 11: Manek Chowk, Ahmedabad, India .................................................................... 16

Figure 12: Different shapes of urban squares ...................................................................... 16

Figure 13: Great Bath, Harappa civilization ........................................................................ 17

Figure 14: Temples used as gathering spaces ...................................................................... 17

Figure 15: Mughal Garden used as gathering spaces ........................................................... 18

Figure 16: Public Squares used as protest spaces ................................................................ 18

Figure 17: India gate, Delhi ................................................................................................. 19

Figure 18: Manek Chowk, Ahmedabad .............................................................................. 20

Figure 19: Connaught Place, Delhi ...................................................................................... 20

Figure 20: Gandhi Nagar, Gujarat ....................................................................................... 21

Figure 21: Accessibility Map ............................................................................................... 26

Figure 22: Visual Access ..................................................................................................... 26

Figure 23: Symbolic Access at Brooklyn’s prospect Park. .................................................. 27

xii
Figure 24: Informal Activities ............................................................................................. 28

Figure 25: Image created by buildings around the square ................................................... 29

Figure 26: Victoria square, Birmingham, UK...................................................................... 29

Figure27: Site Furniture ....................................................................................................... 30

Figure 28: A popular square in Copenhagen, Denmark. ............................................................ 30

Figure 29: Plan of Times Square, New York ....................................................................... 31

Figure 30: Times Square, New York ................................................................................... 32

Figure 31 Times Square, New York before and after closing vehicular traffic. .................. 33

Figure 32: Plan of Manek Chowk, Ahmedabad ................................................................... 36

Figure 33: Manek Chowk, Ahmedabad ............................................................................... 36

Figure 34: Plan of Connaught Place, Delhi.......................................................................... 38

Figure35: Connaught Place, Delhi ....................................................................................... 38

Figure 36: Palayam .............................................................................................................. 40

Figure 37: Palayam, Martyr’s Square .................................................................................. 42

Figure 38: City of Seven Hills ............................................................................................. 43

Figure 39: Single Line of Site .............................................................................................. 43

Figure 40: Palayam .............................................................................................................. 43

Figure 41: Timeline of Evolution of Palayam ..................................................................... 44

Figure 42: Plan of Palayam, Trivandrum ............................................................................. 45

Figure 44: Major Landmarks in Palayam ............................................................................ 46

Figure 44: Palayam, Trivandrum ......................................................................................... 47

Figure 45: St Joseph Cathedral ............................................................................................ 47

Figure 46 University College ............................................................................................... 47

Figure 47: Juma Masjid ....................................................................................................... 48

xiii
Figure 48: Ganesha Temple ................................................................................................. 48

Figure 49: V.J.T Hall ........................................................................................................... 48

Figure 50: Kerala University College .................................................................................. 49

Figure 51: Connemara Market ............................................................................................. 49

Figure 53: Saphalyam Complex........................................................................................... 49

Figure 53: Martyr's Column ................................................................................................. 50

Figure 54: Chandrashekharan Nair Stadium, Palayam ........................................................ 50

Figure 55: Palayam .............................................................................................................. 52

Figure 56: Immediate Context of Martyr’s Square .............................................................. 53

Figure 57: Nearby bus stops ................................................................................................ 53

Figure 58: Martyrs’ Square, Palayam .................................................................................. 54

Figure 59: Built Use Map of Palayam ................................................................................. 54

Figure 60: Mental Map of Palayam ..................................................................................... 55

Figure 61: Physical Access of Martyrs’ Square ................................................................. 56

Figure 62: Visual and Symbolic Map ................................................................................ 56

Figure 63: Survey Result ..................................................................................................... 57

Figure 64: Political activity at Martyr’s Square (70 lakh people take part in Human Chain
against CAA)............................................................................................................... 57

Figure 65: Activity graph ..................................................................................................... 57

Figure 66: Spatial Analysis .................................................................................................. 58

Figure 67: Images at Palayam Martyrs’ Square ................................................................... 59

Figure 68: Survey Result ..................................................................................................... 59

Figure 69: Built Height Map of Palayam ........................................................................... 59

Figure 70: Survey Result .................................................................................................... 59

Figure 71: Rakta Sakshi Mandapam at Martyr’s Square ..................................................... 60

Figure 72: K. Ramakrishna Pilla Memorial at Martyr’s Square .......................................... 60

xiv
Figure 73: Survey Result ..................................................................................................... 60

Figure 74: Survey Result ..................................................................................................... 60

Figure 75: Improving the context ........................................................................................ 65

Figure 76: Comfortable spaces ............................................................................................ 66

Figure 77: Improving the context ........................................................................................ 67

Figure 78: User friendly spaces ........................................................................................... 67

Figure 79: Aesthetically appealing views ............................................................................ 68

xv
 LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

CAA Citizenship Amendment Act Asian Development Bank

xvi
PERCEPTION OF AN URBAN PUBLIC PLACE: A CASE STUDY OF MATRYRS’ SQUARE, TRIVANDRUM

CHAPTER 1

OVERVIEW OF
THE ENTIRE
STUDY

Source: Urban Sketches by Simone Ridyard

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PERCEPTION OF AN URBAN PUBLIC PLACE: A CASE STUDY OF MATRYRS’ SQUARE, TRIVANDRUM

Introduction

1.1 Background

India is in a rapid phase of development. The development occurs in various phases and in certain
areas. Usually a settlement pattern rises along the core area of growth. The spaces and its functions
changes according to the period and planning of the area. Spatial organization of today is more
chaotic and dense. There is a geometrical irregularity but it goes on with harmony with the
humans. A state of disorder can be seen in various public spaces. Hence, these spaces should be
designed with respect to functions and their connections with the surrounding environment. The
public spaces should be in correspondence with the culture, traditions, history and sentiments of
the people of the particular area.

One of the most important features of urban life today is complex social relationships. Part of the
relationships are in the work environment, but much of them take place in the form of social
interaction in the urban place concept. So, urban place plays an important role in the social
development of citizens. Social interactions are formed in these places. A social zone is defined
and also the mechanisms of collective life are experienced. Thus the absence of a suitable urban
place can cause social ills in cities. Squares are one of the most important urban areas and have
long been the context of formation of social life. The impacts of quick changing monetary and
social conditions have progressively become notable on how individuals use and shape their
surroundings. The urban populace has been drastically expanding overall and hence physical
structure of the urban areas changes always, for the most part in negative ways. As the populace
expands, the interest for infrastructure and equipment becomes greater. Privatization and
decentralization are the two noteworthy worries on the eventual fate of the urban areas and open
spaces.

When it comes to urban space, public space and urban square, many scholars have different
opinions. Some have identified urban spaces with a number of different perspectives (Krier, 1979,
p.15). Also having a physical approach of urban space, identifies space as the form (without
imposing aesthetic criteria). Subsequently, Krier characterizes urban space as the “external space”,
“all types of space between buildings in towns and other localities.” The concept of urban space
needs to take into consideration the physical, social and symbolic aspects at the same time. Urban

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PERCEPTION OF AN URBAN PUBLIC PLACE: A CASE STUDY OF MATRYRS’ SQUARE, TRIVANDRUM

spaces are important segment of daily lives (Francis, 1987, p. 23). Such activities of daily life take
place both in public spheres and private spheres.

Public spaces also depict a crucial and essential part of the ‘democratic’ community life,
particularly urban squares, a public property that serves as a site with the expectation of
complimentary discourse and free judgment of chose authorities in full perspective of others.
Public spaces are important components of daily lives. The public space concept covers an
extensive variety of roles and capacities in a variety of physical setting such as streets, squares,
plazas, market places and parks. This study aims to focus on the public urban spaces such as
squares.

Every society has its own particulars for such urban public open spaces, every one of these terms
addresses a typical point which is: ‘the open space for public use’ concept of urban square. In this
respect urban squares have a social angle in appreciation of its public dimension and a spatial facet
because of its physical organization. Urban Square frequently has been an image of social
communication and majority rules system. 1According to Kevin Lynch, an urban square is the
“activity focus” in the centre of dense urban areas. He states that “. . . it will be paved, enclosed
by high density structures, and surrounded by streets, or in contact with them. It contains features
meant to attract groups of people and to facilitate meetings” (Lynch, 1981, p. 443). As a result, I
think that an urban square is one sort of urban open public space that focuses on the public space
system, providing a forum for interchange, both social and financial, and a focus for civic pride
and community expression.

In urban planning, public space has generally been characterized as “open space”, which means
the streets, parks and amusement regions, squares and other freely possessed and oversaw outside
spaces, in contrast with the private area of lodging and work. Despite that, the late advancements
of the types of urban settlement and the increasing number and assortment of semi-open spaces
oversaw by private-open or totally private organizations addresses this thought acquired from a
legitimate point of view. Nowadays, public places should be understood as not quite the same as
people in the general area of the state and its subdivisions, but instead as a place available to the
general population. Urban public squares are assumed to be a key part in the urban structure and

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Importance of Urban Squares as Public Space in Social Life, Master Thesis in Sustainable Urban Planning by Armin
Abbasian
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PERCEPTION OF AN URBAN PUBLIC PLACE: A CASE STUDY OF MATRYRS’ SQUARE, TRIVANDRUM

city life, turning into an advantaged component keeping in mind the end goal to advance regional
attachment.

The performance of urban spaces gradually evolves with time, developmental pressures, outlook
of the people etc. It can change for good or for bad. No matter what the integral attributes of a
good urban space has to be retained in spite of all development activities if the space has to be
relevant to urban users. This is usually not the case in many places. This dissertation tries to
understand about the idle attributes of a good urban space. Further it tries to understand through
an example how the evolution of an urban space over period has changed the behavioural pattern
of the urban space. It tries to analyse if the changes prove good for the current users or not.
Martyrs’ Square Trivandrum, has been chosen as a Case study to explore the above aspect in this
study.

1.2 Need of the study

The fast changing social and economic conditions have a huge effect on how people use and shape
their space and environment. The urban structure today has significantly increased worldwide and
as a result the social and physical structure of the cities changes accordingly. As the population
increases the demand for spaces also increases. Privatization and decentralization are the future
of cities and open public places. There are various types of public places. One of which is the
urban square. Urban squares are open public spaces which reflect the cities’ identity and the
communities’ cultural background. They are where people of the community gather and “urban
life” takes place since the ancient times. As the fundamental component of the city structure, urban
squares contribute to the image and prestige of the city. The urban area evolves with time and it
can have both positive and negative effects. It also plays a major role in influencing the people in
terms of various aspects. Hence, it is essential to know various aspects of an urban square and
what all characteristics contribute to a perfect well-functioning urban public square.

1.3 Aim of the study

To understand urban spaces and to evaluate the performance of Martyrs’ Square Trivandrum as
an Urban Square.

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PERCEPTION OF AN URBAN PUBLIC PLACE: A CASE STUDY OF MATRYRS’ SQUARE, TRIVANDRUM

1.4 Objectives

The primary intention of the study is to identify certain parameters that are characteristic of well-
designed urban squares and to evaluate whether Martyr’s Square satisfies the identified
parameters, and if so how does how is it perceived as suitable urban space by its users.

[i] To understand urban squares, its typologies, characteristics and functions.

[ii] To understand and analyse the Urban theories pertaining to urban spaces of Roger Trancik,
Kevin Lynch.

[iii] To identify various forms and planning of urban squares and undertake an comparative
analysis

[iv] To evaluate the performance and behaviour of Martyrs’ Square, Palayam, Trivandrum as an
urban square and its behaviour

1.5 Research Questions

 What are the various parameters for analysing the quality of an urban square?
 Does the performance and behaviour of urban spaces change with time, if so how do the
user adapt themselves to it?

1.6 Scope

 This study evaluates various urban squares and its characteristics through secondary
sources. Trivandrum has so many urban spaces. This study restricts itself to studying
Martyrs’ Square alone. Further it only evaluates the current performance of the delineated
space of Martyrs’ Square, it does not analyse the reasons for the various developments
around the Square.
 The study only covers the analysis and evaluation of an urban square with respect to
various parameters identified from the different urban theories studied. There are different
types of urban spaces, however this study focuses only on Urban Squares.

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PERCEPTION OF AN URBAN PUBLIC PLACE: A CASE STUDY OF MATRYRS’ SQUARE, TRIVANDRUM

1.7 Limitations

 The pandemic situation prevalent in India from March 2020 onwards posed a lot of
challenges and restrictions. This study to a certain extent has been affected due to the same.
 Logistical issues and restrictions to gather at public spaces posed a major limitation. Hence
most of the user interviews had to be undertaken through online medium.
 Further capturing the live usage of spaces during a public gathering was difficult to a large
extent. Hence it had to be understood through verbal descriptions of regular users and
surrounding shopkeepers.

1.8 Methodology

Fig. 1 Methodology
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PERCEPTION OF AN URBAN PUBLIC PLACE: A CASE STUDY OF MATRYRS’ SQUARE, TRIVANDRUM

CHAPTER 2

HISTORY OF
URBAN SQUARES
AND ITS
FUNCTIONS
An introduction to urban places
and its typologies.

Details on the history and

Source: Illustration on Behance evolution of urban squares, its
characteristics and its different
forms.

Identification of various
parameters from urban theories
seen in urban squares

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PERCEPTION OF AN URBAN PUBLIC PLACE: A CASE STUDY OF MATRYRS’ SQUARE, TRIVANDRUM

2.1 Introduction

What is an urban place? 2Rob Krier characterizes urban place as the “external space”, “all types
of space between buildings in towns and other localities.” The concept of urban space needs to
take into consideration the physical, social and symbolic aspects at the same time. Urban spaces
are important segment of daily lives (Francis, 1987, p. 23). Such activities of daily life take place
both in public spheres and private spheres

An urban place is an area where many people live and work together. It is the exact opposite of
rural which consist of farms and nature. Urban place includes the towns and cities. Urban spaces
are those spaces between buildings in towns and other localities which is geometrically bounded
by a variety of elevations. It is only the clear legibility of its geometrical characteristics and its
aesthetic quality which allow us consciously perceive external space as urban space. (Rob Krier,
1979).
Urban places are public spaces which can be open spaces or semi open spaces. They are usually
framed by building within an urban settlement. They create an image of a city which remains in
the minds of a person visiting the city. The image of an urban space is a result of not only its built
form (massing, form, facades, character of the buildings etc…) and enclosed space but also the
activities that are held in that space. But most of today's urban spaces in cities do not convey a
sense of place, have poorer visual and aesthetics quality, they lack of strong architectural
character, with which they can be associated. There are different urban area definitions for each
country.
The definition of an urban place mostly depend on how populated the country is and the definition
shows a true percentage of how urbanized the country is. For example, in Poland an urban area is
any place that has the status of a town, whereas in China it is any district, city, or town with a
population density higher than 1500 people per square kilometre. The urban population definition
for 3Canadian and Scandinavian countries depends on density. If there is a house every 200 meters
it is classified as urban. For the Census of India 2011, the definition of urban area is a place having
a minimum population of 5,000 of density 400 persons per square kilometre (1,000/sq. mi) or
higher, and 75% plus of the male working population employed in non-agricultural activities.

2
Importance of Urban Squares as Public Space in Social Life- Master Thesis in Sustainable Urban Planning by Armin
Abbasian

3
Urbanization by Hannah Ritchie and Max Roser
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PERCEPTION OF AN URBAN PUBLIC PLACE: A CASE STUDY OF MATRYRS’ SQUARE, TRIVANDRUM

Places administered by a municipal corporation, cantonment board or notified town area

committee are automatically considered urban areas.
Many studies states that urban places can be seen as a reflection of different cultural and social
values of a particular area. Different people see the urban space in a different way, which is
affected by many factors. The different public spaces can act as an identity of a city which exhibits
the “image of the city”. They can be of any dimension, structure, forms and for various different
uses. Public places have a dynamic relation with the public life. Most public places need to be
flexible in its terms of use and performance. Public places at different times or era was different
in terms of its usage or its form and other aspects. Due to many reason as evolution occurs in a
place changes occurs and all these have affected the performance, positions and form of different
public spaces. In today’s world the typology of public places vary from place to place and it is
mostly shaped by the people using it and in turn public places also affect the people using it.

2.2 Urban Square

According to Lynch, an urban square is the “activity focus” in the centre of dense urban areas. He
states that “. . . it will be paved, enclosed by high density structures, and surrounded by streets, or
in contact with them. It contains features meant to attract groups of people and to facilitate
meetings” (Lynch, 1981, p. 443)4

Urban Square is an open public space used for community gatherings. The first urban formations
appeared 6000 years ago. City squares were established at the cross roads of important trade
routes. Major places of worship were placed on squares, also used as markets. They also served
as an opportunity to exercise the power of rulers with military processions and parades. Public
squares are one of the significant public spaces in an urban environment. Urban squares are open
public spaces which reflect the city’s identity and the community’s cultural background. They are
where people of the community gather and “urban life” takes place since the ancient times. As the
fundamental component of the city structure, urban squares contribute to the image and prestige
of the city.

4
Importance of Urban Squares as Public Space in Social Life- Master Thesis in Sustainable Urban Planning by Armin
Abbasian
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PERCEPTION OF AN URBAN PUBLIC PLACE: A CASE STUDY OF MATRYRS’ SQUARE, TRIVANDRUM

Fig. 2 People’s Square, Shanghai, China

Source: Visit our China

The main difference between a public park and a public square is that “on a square, citizens are
not connected to manifestations of nature, but to the heart of urban culture, history and memory”.
In the last few decades, many urban squares have lost their function and role due to the changes
in use of public spaces. Hence, designing urban squares as both public and open spaces now
require more importance and attention. Designing urban squares should be a part of urban design.
Otherwise they might become disconnected and meaningless, rather than being an integral part of
the city.

2.3 History of Urban Squares

5
The first city formations appeared 6000 years
ago and city squares were established at the
crossroads of important trade routes. A well-
known earliest example of today’s public squares
is Greek’s “Agora”. Democracy played an
important role in shaping Greek cities. The Agora
was an open place in the city center where
political, social and economic activities took
Fig. 3 Evolution of Urban Squares
place. Greek agoras were public spaces for all
Source: Designing Urban Squares by Murat Z.
Memluk kinds of gatherings; such as political meetings,

5
Designing Urban Squares, Advances in Landscape Architecture by Murat Z. Memluk
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athletic and musical games, theatre performances and commercial activities. The geometrical form
of the agora was usually square or rectangle.

Similarly, the Roman Forum was a large open space where people gather for political, economic
and social activities .According to Lewis Mumford (1961) the Roman forum was the combination
of agora and acropolis since it included more activities (such as shrines, temples, the hall of justice
and the council houses) with more formal order. Especially, during the republican period, the
forum was the heart of the city. In the last years of the Roman Empire the Roman Forum lost its
importance and was used less by the public.

Following the collapse of Roman Empire,

basilicas were transformed into churches and
both cathedrals and churches became the
focus of daily life in the middle ages. Most of
the open public spaces were shaped around
religious buildings. During this period
commercial activities took place also in Fig. 4 Romans Forum Reconstruction

public spaces. Therefore in middle ages, open public Souce: Designing Urban Squares by
Murat Z. Memluk
spaces were used mainly for religious ceremonies, and as
marketplaces. In some European countries civic squares and piazzas emerged during this period.

Fig. 4 Romans Forum Reconstruction

In the neo-classical period (the Renaissance and Baroque period), there were some apparent
changes in city morphology. With the changing economic, political and philosophical
perspectives, approaches to planning and design of the towns shifted with the influence of
rationalization during the Renaissance. Formal designs and plans were very common in this
period. Symmetry and order were the essential principles in design of the squares. Italian piazzas
are the very well-known examples of the Renaissance public squares. Monuments and fountains
were added to the design to create aesthetically pleasant environments.

Axial order, balance and hierarchy became main design principles during the Baroque period. In
this period, open spaces were designed to create visual and ceremonial effects. Piazza Del
Campidoglio, designed by Michelangelo, is one of the earliest examples of Baroques style open
spaces. According to Hava Zeka, the Baroque concept of “dynamic motion in space” was
introduced in Piazza Del Campidoglio.

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In 19th century, industrial revolution caused a

dramatic changes in urban design and planning.
The establishment of broad railway networks
leaded to population increase in urban areas which
stimulated growth of cities. New industrial areas
were developed near cities and labour class began
to move into cities to dwell. As the bourgeoisie
Fig. 5 Piazza Del Campidoglio
raised, women became more participant in the city
Source: By Archeoroma
life. The emerge of shopping arcades, shopping
streets, bazaars and department stores created a
new form of public space, especially for women . The changing social, economic and political
structure of the city also affected city morphology. Increased population meant more needs, more
services and more waste. The city structure began to deteriorate. At the end of 19th century,
concerns for environmental deterioration and community well-being triggered the parks
movement. Instead of streets and squares, huge green areas emerged as new public places.
Population increase in urban areas continued during 20th century and cities become more and
more expanded, heterogeneous, and fragmented. Private automobile ownership showed a rapid
increase and cities become motor vehicle dominant environments. As a result pedestrian
movement and freedom were limited. In the second half of the 20th century, many urban squares
turned into crossroads especially in developing countries. New consumer habits and trends also
caused decline in open public space use. Shopping malls have become new leisure centers. At the
end of the 20th century, following the spread of internet use, virtual environments appeared as
new “social platforms”.

In Islamic countries, religion has had an important influence on development and use of open
public spaces. The mosque has been the center of the social life and examples of the western style
of urban squares cannot be seen in Islamic countries. Similarly throughout the history of Turkish
settlements, the squares were formed around the mosques. Since markets and commercial regions
were also located around mosques, these squares were where the social life took place, especially
in Ottoman Empire period. Although one can easily find the traces of Roman/Byzantine influence
in İstanbul’s current city structure, still urban squares are located near mosques and other religious
buildings. For instance, today’s Sultanahmet square which was once known as hippodrome of
Constantinople is surrounded by religious buildings such as Sultanahmet Mosque and Hagia Sofia
Museum. In relatively smaller Anatolian cities, squares have also been used to celebrate wedding
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ceremonies, feasts and festivals. During the early republican period, new urban squares were
established around administrative and government buildings where national ceremonies took
place. After 1950’s, urbanization increased dramatically in Turkey. City centers gradually became
more and more crowded and cramped with people and cars. In metropolitan areas, new city centers
emerged and cities expanded uncontrollably. Political developments also influenced the use of
open public spaces. During 1970s the city squares, especially in Ankara and İstanbul, witnessed
many protests and gatherings of different groups of the society. However after 1980 military coup
in Turkey, urban squares were transformed to “non-political “and more passive places. After
1990’s globalization has a massive impact on both life styles and use of public space. People have
begun to prefer to spend their spare time more indoors, rather than open public spaces. As a result,
Turkish urban squares have lost their importance and functions within the city, like in many other
countries worldwide. Later Urban Squares began to gain importance and started to exhibit the
identity of a place. It was designed to achieve all requirements of the people and function actively.

2.4 Types of Urban Squares

Public spaces have been categorized by 6Paul Zucker (German born architect and historian) based
on visual perspective and dimension as:

2.4.1 7By Form

 The Closed Square

A simple geometric figure, such as square, circle,

triangle or quadrangle is the shape in plan of the
closed square. Its walls are usually defined by
repeated architectural façade of a single building or
many structures. The abutting buildings are thus
designed both for individual use and in conformity
with a spatial concept which the buildings
Fig. 6 Plaza mayor in Madrid
themselves make concrete and visible... the only
Source: Photo by Inspain significant openings would be the streets leading

6
Paul Zucker: Town and Square( New York, Columbia University Press 1959)-pp.8-17

7
Zucker, P. (2003). The square in space and time
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into it and the sky. The interior ground space maybe developed with street furniture, fountains,
soft-scaping etc. the first closed squares appeared in the planned towns of the Greek civilization
and later in the Renaissance and Medieval times. Plaza mayor in Madrid is an open central square,
with access from any of the eight two storey portals that lead to the surrounding streets.

 The Dominated Square

Directs the view to a single building or a group of

buildings or some other physical thing such as a
large sculpture or a spectacular view. In this type
of square, the dominating element visually
controls the space of the square before it. The
dominant feature maybe a church, a palace, a city
Fig. 7 Notre Dame, Paris
hall, or an open vista which acts like a magnet to
Source: Photo by Britannica attract the perspectives of the square, creating a
motion and tension between the open space and the dominating element, hence a resulting
aesthetic cohesion. The visual preponderance might be a result of the dominating elements
size or its location or design relationship to the other elements of the square. Often in such a
dominated square; the church facade getting the concentrated perspective.

 The Nuclear Square

The spatial unity of a public square is not

necessarily dependent upon their architectural or
natural boundaries. Indeed any element is visually
strong and large enough in size to form a focus
within the space of the square by acting as a
nucleus to three-square may result in an artistic
wholeness in direct contrast to the apparent non-
Fig. 8 Trafalgar Square, London
coordination of the surroundings. For example:
Source: Photo by Britannica
London Trafalgar square which is a nuclear
square is not created with merely a statue, obelisk or fountain placed in it. These focal interests
may only contribute to the furnishing of the square while the spatial classifications of the square
is determined by other elements

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 Grouped Squares

In designing of cities, very pleasing results have often been obtained when urban squares were
developed in spatial relationship to each other.
Dynamic contrasts of successive spaces may be
ordered to create a planned sequence of crescendo
and diminuendo in the drama of the urban space.
Grouped squares were axially oriented in Roman and
Baroque times. A less formal non-axial relationship
Fig. 9 The Roman Grouped Squares
in the Renaissance grouped squares was obtained by
Source: Designing Urban Squares by Murat Z.
Memluk the opening of a common side and the intersection at
right angles of the axes. A third type of grouped
squares results when three or more squares are arranged about a common dominant building such
as a palace or cathedral. Lastly squares maybe grouped without direct physical contact through
the use of some linking device such as a street, a church or an arcaded passageway. The specific
method may vary but the goal is to create mentally a relationship between the physically separated
units. There are many means to achieve aesthetic unity between one square and another.

 The Amorphous Square

Is used to describe and classify all those squares

which are Roman aesthetic point of view, formless.
These are to indicate many open spaces that formally
bear the title of a square, even though they are but
crossroads such as New York‘s Times Square,
Boston‘s Scollay Square etc.

In India, public squares are not as such designed for

Fig. 10 New York‘s Times Square
specific purposes but they evolve as a result of the
Source: Samsung Newsroom U.S. movement patterns in different activity zones like

: religious, political, administrative, commercial,

depending upon the culture specific space proxemics.

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Amorphous squares are however much more famous

in India. Many of the cross roads when wide enough
act as public places. Some develop as a result of un-
thought organic planning, while some are pre-
thought and designed, like the chowks of Jaipur, pols
of Gujarat etc.

Fig. 11 Manek Chowk, Ahmedabad

Source: Wikiwand

2.4.2 By Shape

Public Squares has been divided depending upon their shapes by Robert Krier (Urbanist) 8as:-

• Triangular Spaces

They are the most characteristic setting for an open-air market. The shape is flexible and the sides
tend to give bulging or receding curves. Such spaces are seldom planned but develop as a result
of the loose connection of converging streets.

• Rectangular Squares

They are the most common because of the ease of its arrangement. It allows directional axis
towards a specific structure (if present) or provide architectural emphasis towards the public space.

• Circular or Elliptical SpacesAre more common in European countries as designed squares.

In India, they evoke extra urban open circular areas
on which avenues converge.

• L-shaped Squares

Tend to develop as a result of planning and

redevelopment of unplanned cities, which is a Fig. 12 Different shapes of urban squares
combination of two separate adjacent public spaces.
Source: IntechOpen

8
The Journal of Public Place 2017, Vol 2(1)
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It provides a diagonal view of the public structures around. The space fixes a particular view of
the building, an accident of urban development. The corner of the L-shape becomes a critical point
of emphasis for the cohesion of the two spaces.

2.5 Urban Squares in India

9
The cities of India have had a traditional settlement as an urban core, which developed during
the medieval period under the reign of the Hindu and then the Muslim rulers. In the ancient times,
at the beginning of civilization, the Harappa Mohenjo-Daro cities were well planned.

The public square was raised on a mound with

different structures like the Great Bath, Assembly
Hall etc., forming a vitality of public spaces open to
all. But later, when aristocracy came in to the
picture, class differences led to differentiation of
spaces. The people belonging to the Royal patronage

Fig. 13 Great Bath, Harappa civilization and Brahmins would enjoy large open leisure
gardens, geometrically set out, within the palace
Source: Indus Scrolls
boundary. This was not open to the general public.
These spaces were used for formal assembly or performances by dancers, religious rituals etc.
they would be grouped around ornamental elements that served as a symbol of the State at that
time. They sometimes served as parade grounds as well.

For the lower classes, the place of congregation was

the temple courtyard. People of the same faith and
belief would meet and interact. This again was
formal in nature to some extent owing to the sanctity
temple traditions and rules. Also, during the visit of
the King, the space would be closed for the public.
Market places were another place which formed a
Fig. 14 Temples used as gathering spaces
public square. They did not have any definite
Source: Sri Virupaksha temple, Hampi by
Research Gate
character, yet were popular users owing to the users
and the function. These bazaars would line along the

9
PERCEPTION OF URBAN PUBLIC SQUARES IN INDIA Faculty of Architecture, Vaishali Sharma
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streets creating a character of its own. During festive times, these streets were decorated, lighted
up for processions. Hence, the character was mouldable.

The Muslim rule brought about order in the spatial

planning. The un-built spaces were given as much
importance as the built- no distinction between
street and room. There was a grouping of
rectangular pavilions along definite axes and
buildings were organised in progression around it.
The pavilions and open spaces were mostly

Fig. 15 Mughal Garden used as gathering spaces

enclosed by arcades or buildings on the sides and
had defined characteristics that formed an image of
Source: Photo by Udyanotsav
the space, meant solely for leisure Monumental
structures when built had sprawling gardens, spread out in front. Everything was organized
according to this principle-the layout of architectural elements, the hierarchical organization of
decorative symbols, even the practice of gardening. The space would be divided into quadrants
by means of pathways and water channels. Intersection of two pathways would form a nuclear
element like a fountain or statue; hence interest exists throughout the grounds. The pathways
bordered patches of green lawns in between. All were at right angles to each other, so the space
had a number of parallel sight lines and perspective view from different angles. It has been
considered a specific, self-contained entity removed from its context—its surroundings, the city,
and the environment- a religious paradise. By virtue of its newness they have been preserved till
date. But all these had defined complexes. The mosque courtyard was another place meeting
ground, open to all.

With the advent of the British rule, Indian

public places lost its traditional value. Even
with the irregularities of geometric ratios,
the perception of ‘disorder’ was in harmony
with the users. But British, introduced their
own system of public squares based on
Fig. 16 Public Squares used as protest spaces
length and breadth ratios, with large gardens
Source: Colonial India by Induced Info and central features. Though they beautified
the space, they were unpopular as the people it had been built for had no connection to them. The

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crossroads before their government buildings also became squares but failed for the same reason
and their size compared to the population size of that time. These squares became nothing but
meeting and protest grounds for the freedom fighters. The fall of the British rule, came with
urbanisation and industrialisation in India, which changed the nature of public spaces.

India has gone through massive changes in the last two decades. The opening up of the Indian
economy not only resulted in the structural changes in the industrial sector but more importantly
it became a part of the larger global network. There was a formation of the new young urban class
in India. This class is very different from the generic Indian middle class because it is a product
of liberalization. They are both demographically young and urban in location, as well as self-
consciously cosmopolitan in orientation. The networking of societies has led to this new urban
class wanting the best of both worlds- the globalised society of the west and vestiges of our past
refashioned to suit the penchant for the pastiche and a larger cultural fusion.

Urban spaces in India, have witnessed a

transformation. Malls, fly over's, metro, wider
roads, transit hotels, convention centres, café‘s and
such became the focus of development. Malls were
projected as the new public places to be in. Malls are
usually singularly controlled interiorized set-ups,
Fig. 17 India gate, Delhi which are at the same time comparable to the scale
Source: The Financial Express of any bazaar, retailing out a diverse range of
commodities and mostly trying to create a private
space within the public realm.

EXAMPLES:

2.5.1 Manek Chowk, Ahmedabad

The walled city of Ahmedabad has developed on traditional city planning principles centuries
ago and even now it thrives as a vibrant community space, comprising majority of the Hindu
population. The public space is served mainly by the active market places, attracting people and
entrepreneurs from the local community and the city for several centuries. Today it is home to a
diverse community of residents, business owners and vendors from various economic and ethnic
groups.

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Manek Chowk is a collaboration which act as a connecting space, cultural space, open space,
interaction space and commercial space. Manek Chowk is located in the heart of historic walled
city: Ahmedabad, Gujarat. It is situated between two nationally protected monuments, the Tombs
of the King and Queen of Ahmedabad. Manek Chowk is a traditional business centre and also one
of the most important public spaces of the Walled City.

It comprises of formal and informal commercial

activities, religious and cultural sentiments, and a
vibrant public life. The commercial activity in
Manek Chowk is as old as the city of Ahmedabad.
Its central location and easy accessibility are the
main reasons for the commercial activity to flourish.

Fig. 18 Manek Chowk, Ahmedabad

Source: Wikiwand

2.5.2 Connaught Place, Delhi

Connaught Place is one of the largest financial, commercial and business centres in New Delhi. It
is often abbreviated to CP. It was developed as a showpiece of Lutyen’s Delhi with a prominent
Central Business District. Construction work began in 1929 and was completed in

1933. Prior to the construction of Connaught Place,

the area was a ridge, covered with kikar trees and
populated with jackals and wild pigs. Residents of the
Kashmere Gate, Civil Lines area visited during the
weekends for partridge hunting. Headed by W.H.
Nicholls, the chief architect to the Government of
India, the plans featured a central plaza based on the
Fig. 19 Connaught Place, Delhi
European Renaissance and in the Classical style.
Source: Holiday Mango
Completed by Robert Tor Russell Connaught Place's
Georgian architecture is modelled after the Royal
Crescent in Bath. While the Royal Crescent is semi-circular and a three storied residential

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structure, Connaught Place had only two floors, which made almost a complete circle intended to
house commercial establishments on the ground with residential space on the first floor.

2.5.3 Gandhi Nagar, Gujarat

Gandhi Nagar got an identity of its own when the

state of Mumbai was divided into two separate
states of Gujarat and Maharashtra. After
Independence, the territories in India were divided
based on linguistic lines and former Bombay state
was divided into two states, Gujarat and
Fig. 20 Gandhi Nagar, Gujarat
Maharashtra. In the beginning, Ahmedabad - a
Source: Jungle Key commercial hub of Gujarat was chosen as the state
capital and it was proposed that a new capital should
be constructed along the line of other new state capitals, particularly Chandigarh. Therefore two
well-known Indian architects, H.K. Mewada and Prakash M. Apte (who worked as beginner for
the Chandigarh city) designed the new state capital. Named after Mahatma Gandhi the foundation
stone of this city was laid on 1965 and in 1971 the capital was shifted from Ahmedabad to Gandhi
Nagar.

The city has been planned in grid iron method. It is a highly structured city and has ordered street
grid patterns. It was built by taking inspiration from CHANDIGARH,

BHUBANESHWAR. In order to pay a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi’s contribution in the

independence of the country, the capital of the country is named after his name GANDHI
NAGAR.

2.6 Functions of an Urban Square

10
Urban squares have a diversity of roles and functions since they are the important and necessary
forms of public spaces that attract vast number of individuals with a wide assortment of activities.
It is a place where people have positive social interactions, meet each other, have lunch, hold a
friendly chat, watch the world pass by, read something, rest for a while or shop around.

10
Importance of Urban Squares as Public Space in Social Life Thesis Article by Armin Abbasian
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According to Lynch (1992), a public space performs as a place where people can express, confront
difficulties and take risks, all of which may create a condition of tension or relaxation – both of
them needed for metal and psychological wellbeing of humans. They are the places where one can
meet other individuals, experience diverse methods for conduct, or simply put, they are the places
for “social interaction".

 Wide variety of functions

 Promote social interactions
 Should provide physical and mental well-being to the users
 Economic and social surroundings
 Provide shelter against traffic.

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CHAPTER 3

PERFROMANCE
ANALYSIS OF A
GOOD URBAN
SQUARE AND
LITERATURE CASE
STUDY

Understanding the
performance parameters of
Source: City of Vancouver
urban squares.

Literature case study and its

analysis based on the
identified parameters.

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3.1 Performance analysis of a good Urban Square by various Urbanists

3.1.1 Rob Krier was a reknowed architect, sculpture, urban designer and theorist. His book
"Stadtraum In Theorie & Praxis" in 1975, analysing urban space systems, brought him instant
recognition. His main goal was for the establishment of articulated space in cities. He seeked to
reproduce the quality of public life of older cities which he missed in modern cities; and to
rediscover the essence, scale, architectural organisation and geometry of the house in relation to
itself and to the city.

According to Rob Krier11, the performance of an urban square includes:-

 A gathering place for the people.

 Commercial activities as well as cultural activities should happen in a square.
 Establishments such as community halls, youth centers, libraries, theaters, concert halls
etc. should be included.
 Wherever possible (especially in case of central squares) there should the squares should
functions which generate activity twenty four hours a day.
 Residential uses should not be excluded from any urban squares.

3.1.2 Kevin Andrew Lynch12 was an American Urban planner and author. He is well known for
his work on perceptual form of urban environments and mental mapping. Lynch's most famous
work, The Image of the City (1960), is the result of a five-year study on how observers take in
information of the city. Using three American cities as examples (Boston, Jersey City and Los
Angeles), Lynch reported that users understood their surroundings in consistent and predictable
ways, forming mental maps with five elements.

 According to urban planner Kevin Lynch, an urban square includes13:-

 A square groove of trees with scattered benches and walks.
 Includes landscaping and water features.
 Providing them with a shelter against the traffic.
 Represents as a psychological parking place within the civic landscape.

11
Urban Space by Rob Krier

12
Lynch, Kevin (1960). The Image of the City. Cambridge MA: MIT Press

13
The Image of The City by Kevin Lynch
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 A “highly identifiable image, strengthened by the presence of a dominant landmark,”. i.e.;

it creates a city image.14
 The City image and its Elements
According to Kevin Lynch, there is a public image of a city which is created by a series of
certain individual images within the city or each individual keeps certain images of a city
to themselves. These images are important for the individual to find himself within the
space and to interact with his fellow people. Each individual picture is unique and these
helps in the communication process. These are the five elements which are referable to
physical forms. These consists of:-
1. Paths
Paths are along which he observer moves. These may be street,
walkways, railroads, transit lines etc... People observe the city
while the move through these pathways.
2. Edges
Edges are linear elements which are not considered as paths by
the observer. The may be barriers which may or may not be
penetrable which separates one region from another. E.g.
outline of a city by wall or water.
3. Districts

Portions of a city in which an observer feels “inside of” and

which are recognizable by having some common, identifying
character.
4. Nodes

They are intensive foci to and from which an observer is

travelling. Strategic spots in a city on which an observer enters.
E.g.: junctions

14
The Image of The City by Kevin Lynch
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5. Landmarks

They are a point of reference which is external. They are

usually simply defined physical objects such as buildings or
monuments, mountain etc...

Source: Word Press

 Other performance parameters of an urban square includes:-

3.1.3 Accessibility

Access refers to how well a space is linked to its surroundings, physically and visually. These
spaces must not only be connected; easy to get to and around; but also be seen from a distance
(perception). The feel of approaching a public place draws people to the open environment. This
can be brought about by gradual change of the streetscape, lighting, street furniture etc.... An array
or continuous row of shops will serve the same purpose. The most basic quality of a public space
is the freedom for anyone to enter it.

There are three major types of access –

 Physical access – A public space should be

physically accessible to the general public. Any sort of
physical barrier such as gates, fences, hedges or guards as
in the outdoor stores, makes the space inaccessible, hence
not truly public.
Fig. 21 Accessibility Map

Source: Springer Link

 Visual access – Clear visibility of a public space is

important for people to feel free to enter a space and
helps a user ascertain if it is safe and inviting. While
Fig. 22 Visual Access providing free visibility one needs to keep in mind
people‘s need for relaxation and privacy. Hence a
Source: Shutterstock
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balance needs to be struck between security by way of clear visibility and retreat by way
of shelter from direct observation.
 Symbolic access – presence of certain people or design elements often suggests symbolic
access to a public space; that is welcome or not welcome.

These three types of access – physical, visual, and symbolic – frequently interact and can present
a strong or ambiguous picture of who is free to enter a space and who has control over the right
of access. Often the placement of public squares is
seen as an accident as a result of organic planning
more than forethought. However in the newly planned
cities, the choice is often deliberate. Centrality appears
to be the norm for public places, the principle meeting
ground of the city.

Fig. 23 Symbolic Access at Brooklyn’s

prospect Park

Source: NYCgo

3.1.2 Activity

The activities that occur in a public place- friendly interactions, public concerts, community art
shows etc. - are its basic building blocks; he reason why people come in the first place and return.
Activities also make a place special and unique, which in turn also helps generate community
pride.

These activities can be grouped as:

FORMAL IN-FORMAL

- Political - Traffic

- Defence - Leisure

- Religion - Aesthetics

The formal public areas are directly related and dependent upon the land, the adjoining building
use and function of the square. The function of these spaces would change if the factor on which
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they are dependent changes, but not necessary the form. They are formed in front or around
religious buildings, open yards in front of government buildings. Military parades and functions
may be held in large open grounds, with symbolic iconic structures, creating a monumental public
space. While the temples gathered for sacred activities, the formal gardens of government offices
expressed political power and enhanced the arts- dance, music literature-serving as podiums to
honour the Indian spirit as well as commemorative events. Such spaces are mostly restricted to
India. These are known as associative function squares.

Informal public squares are like internal function

squares, where activities for which it has evolved and
has been established take place entirely upon the open
space of the square, without this activity having any
dependency upon the land or building use. Its
function is independent and self-centered. Such
activities include mostly a market place for exchange
and selling of goods in India. This commercial hub
Fig. 24 Informal Activities
attracts majority of the Indian population from
Source: Rethinking the Future
different classes and backgrounds. Original
‘bazaars‘of India had developed at the nodes or junction of two man connecting streets. These
squares, known as ‘chowk‘ became the social hub, and they were often developed to give it an
architectural character to which the population could relate, e.g. - The chowks of Jaipur. These
form arterial node function squares. But today they have reduced to mere traffic nodes where
character and space also does not help in its effective use as a public place, due to increasing
automobiles and busy lives. Areas with an ornamental structure within a park serve for the sole
purpose of beautification and leisure, but again are mouldable to hold functions and concerts from
time to time.

Informal public places are flexible in design, that is, they serve for various purposes during
different times of the day and different seasons.

3.1.3 Spatial Organization

The way open areas are arranged and patterned in a system of spaces is the spatial configuration
of the area. Irregularity is the primary feature of the organic pattern, as it cannot be measured in
geometric properties like rhythm, symmetry, repetition, parallel elements, alignment etc. these
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parameters help to find out ‘order‘; lack of these properties is labelled as ‘disorder‘. A public place
is about the part and the whole, that is, the spatial character.

3.1.4 Image

Comfort and image are the keys to whether a place

will be used. Public places are the centres of
community‘s and they shape the identity of the entire
city. The image of public places or squares is closely
ties to the buildings nearby and structures or elements
that create space around it. The visual complexity of
the space- density and variety of elements- offers for
Fig. 25 Image created by buildings around the passive engagement.
square

Source: Wofford College

3.1.5 Size

15
It is another aspect of urban public square design. It is often thought that public squares must be
large in size. However, the size should be determined according to the location, surrounding uses,
and activities nearby. The most and conventional way of determining size of a square is to
calculate the number of possible users.

3.1.6 Landscaping

Generally, hard surface dominates the landscape of

an urban square. Therefore selection of pavement
materials is great of importance in the design phase
in terms of both visual appearance and functionality.
Various materials (e.g. stone, concrete, brick etc.)
can be used in public square design. Pavement
materials must be durable and aesthetically
Fig. 26 Victoria square, Birmingham, UK
appealing. Durability degree of the materials can
Source: Semantic Scholar
decrease or increase the maintenance costs.

15
Advances in Landscape Architecture by Murat Ozyavuz
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Surrounding architecture and streetscape should also be taken into account to ensure continuity of
the character and coherence. Focal areas can be created by changing the colour, form or texture,
as well as pavement material itself. Similarly, by using the same strategy different uses within a
square (such as seating areas) might be separated. Pavement material should be non-slippery, and
suitable for walking or standing. Reflection of heat and glare should also be noted when selecting
the material. Handicapped or elderly people should not be forgotten in the design phase in terms
of accessibility. Drainage is another factor that should be taken into account to provide comfort in
different weather conditions. Plants might be used in order to create places for relaxation and
resting.

3.1.7 Site Furniture

Seats/benches, outdoor luminaries, trash bins,

direction signs are the most used site furniture items
in open public spaces. Functionality comes first
when selecting or designing the right site furniture.
Fig. 27 Site Furniture
Materials used must be durable to outdoor and
Source: ArchDaily changing climate conditions. Sharp corners or edges
may harm people. The surrounding architectural
character should also be considered when selecting the materials and forms. Designers should
avoid selecting too many different materials for different items. All site furniture should be
harmonious with each other in order to provide integrity in design.

3.1.8 Focal Point Elements

Focal points elements might be useful to attract users

while contributing to the square’s identity and image.
A focal point can be created by using any design
element (e.g. water fountain) or public art works (e.g.
sculptures, monuments). However, placing focal
point elements at the center of the square is not
always necessary.
Fig. 28 A popular square in Copenhagen,
Denmark.

Source: Project for Public Spaces

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Literature Case Studies

3.2 Times Square, New York

Times Square is a major commercial intersection, tourist destination, entertainment center, and
neighbourhood in the Midtown Manhattan section of New York City, at the junction of Broadway
and Seventh Avenue. Brightly lit by numerous billboards and advertisements, it stretches from
West 42nd to West 47th Streets, and is sometimes referred to as "the Crossroads of the World”,
“the Center of the Universe”, “the heart of the Great White Way”, and "the heart of the world”.
One of the world's busiest pedestrian areas, it is also the hub of the Broadway Theater District and
a major center of the world's entertainment industry. Times Square is one of the world's most
visited tourist attractions, drawing an estimated 50 million visitors annually. Approximately
330,000 people pass through Times Square daily, many of them tourists, while over 460,000
pedestrians walk through Times Square on its busiest days. Times Square, New York is basically
an amorphous type of square where crossroads meet. An active area is created here.

Fig. 29 Plan of Times Square, New York

Source: ArchDaily

In the 19th century, the intersection lay at the

heart of the city’s carriage-making district, and was called Longacre Square, after Long Acre
Street in the carriage-making district of London. With no park or plaza, to call it a “square” was
an overstatement that seems to have been made for consistency’s sake, since the small roped-off
medians were simply part of the unpaved streets. Just uptown, Broadway formed Columbus Circle
at Eighth Avenue and public squares at Columbus, Amsterdam, and West End Avenues. But at
Seventh Avenue, Longacre Square had no square.

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The misnomer “Times Square” dates back to 1904, when New York Times owner Adolph Ochs
urged Mayor George B. McClellan, Jr. to rename Longacre Square after his newly built
headquarters at the south end of the intersection. The building’s opening was marked with a
celebration on January 1, 1905, an annual tradition that continues at this location to this day. In
fact, the 25-story Beaux-Arts New York Times Headquarters at 1475 Broadway is still there.
Today it’s vacant, plastered with concrete, covered with electronic signs and, on the anniversary
of its New Year’s Eve opening celebration, topped by an enormous crystal ball.

City’s annual New Year’s celebration, but the Times headquarters marked the introduction of an
invention in 1910 that would define Times Square’s identity to this day: the electronic news ticker.
People would gather by the thousands on the sidewalks and the small medians in front of the
Times Building to get news and play-by-play accounts of sporting events. The electronic
billboards soon followed in 1917. During a big sporting event or New Year’s Eve, the sidewalks
of Times Square would become so flooded with people that the intersection was shut down to
traffic; there was just no place for people in Times
Square.

To accommodate more pedestrian traffic, in 1937 the

City paved the largest parcel at the north end of the
bowtie and created “Duffy Square,” named after
WWI chaplain Father Francis
Fig. 30 Times Square, New York
In 1945, a military recruiting office occupied the
Source: Kaskus
small parcel at the south end of the bowtie sometimes
known as “military island.” The recruiting station is still there, but Father Duffy’s plaza did not
last; in 1973 theatre ticket vendor TKTS opened a ticket booth there that overwhelmed the small
plaza.

With little pedestrian space, Times Square’s congestion problems continued. With over 356,000
pedestrians and 50,000 cars passing through every day, Times Square in 2009 was the most
congested intersection in New York, yet one of Manhattan’s most vibrant public spaces. Despite
this, it hardly had any spaces for people. While there were over seven times as many pedestrians
in Times Square as automobiles, 90% of the space was allocated for cars. Both Broadway and
Seventh Avenue topped the list of deadliest streets for pedestrians for the period 2007-2009.

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The idea was to create a “safer environment for pedestrians, facilitate traffic flow along Seventh
and Sixth Avenues, and create new public plazas.” Initially no more than lawn furniture in the
street, the changes became permanent in early 2010 with the installation of permanent planters,
tables, and chairs. Although the changes never achieved all the traffic reductions promised,
pedestrian fatalities sharply declined, and over an acre of public space was repurposed for
pedestrians on Broadway. While the problem of congestion is far from solved, for the first time in
its history, Times Square is a proper square…a bowtie-shaped square.

Analysis based on performance parameters:

• Accessibility

A very busy area where cross roads meet. It is easily accessible from various sub streets. Times
Square, New York was first designed with vehicular accessibility but due to large number of
accidents occurring here, the vehicular accessibility was later closed and it was made an “only
pedestrian area” in 2009. And thus the density of accidents occurring here due to vehicular
accessibility reduced by 40%.

Fig. 31 Times Square, New York before and

after closing vehicular traffic.

Source:TurtleBoy
 Activity

It is a very busy and crowded urban area. Active throughout the year especially during various
seasons such as New Year’s Eve. Times Square has a large number of commercial buildings and
offices.

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• Spatial Organization

A very narrow spatial arrangement with tall buildings on both sides of the street. The different
spaces are formed by intersection of roads.

• Image

The image of Times Square, New York is created by massive structures and advertisement boards
on both sides if the street.

• Size

It consists of a long street or plaza. Narrow in size.

• Landscaping

There no much importance to landscaping provided here. Much area is a well paved pedestrian
way with buildings on both sides.

• Focal Point Elements

There are very less focal points in this area. Buildings here create focal points.

• Site Furniture

At first there were no seating spaces or any furniture provided here, later after it was made a
permanent “only pedestrian way” permanent furniture’s were added.

3.3 Manek Chowk, Ahmedabad

The walled city of Ahmedabad has developed on traditional city planning principles centuries ago
and even now it thrives as a vibrant community space, comprising majority of the Hindu
population. The public space is served mainly by the active market places, attracting people and
entrepreneurs from the local community and the city for several centuries. Today it is home to a
diverse community.

Manek Chowk is a collaboration which act as a connecting space, cultural space, open space,
interaction space and commercial space. Manek Chowk is located in the heart of historic walled
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city: Ahmedabad, Gujarat. It is situated between two nationally protected monuments, the Tombs
of the King and Queen of Ahmedabad. Manek Chowk is a traditional business centre and also one
of the most important public spaces of the Walled City. It comprises of formal and informal
commercial activities, religious and cultural sentiments, and a vibrant public life. The commercial
activity in Manek Chowk is as old as the city of Ahmedabad. Its central location and easy
accessibility are the main reasons for the commercial activity to flourish.

• Accessibility

Even though traffic movement is one-way, due to lack of segregation between traffic, extension
of shops on to walkways, parking and presence of hawkers, the walkability of the place is reduced.
Pedestrians are forced to negotiate with moving traffic and are vulnerable to accidents .Manek
Chowk is a lively urban space, with several activities and a constant thoroughfare of people
providing a feeling of natural surveillance and safety. The presence of people in the Chowk during
most times of the day and night provide natural security for businesses, residents and visitors. This
is primarily achieved by the relationship of the current built form to the street.

• Activity

Manek Chowk allows for a multiplicity of functions and effective usage of space, with changing
activities from early morning hours to late into the night. It is dynamic and constantly adapts to
changes for its effective use as an urban public place. Manek Chowk provides opportunities for a
variety of activities that change with the time of day. While, Manek Chowk has traditionally been
a commercial center, it also serves as a recreational center because of shopping and eating options.
However other activities such as visiting temples, monuments, involving in rituals and cultural
function also coexist in smaller scale.

 Activity
Manek Chowk allows for a multiplicity of functions and effective usage of space, with
changing activities from early morning hours to late into the night. It is dynamic and
constantly adapts to changes for its effective use as an urban public place. Manek Chowk
provides opportunities for a variety of activities that change with the time of day. While,
Manek Chowk has traditionally been a commercial center, it also serves as a recreational
center because of shopping and eating options. However other activities such as visiting

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temples, monuments, involving in rituals and cultural function also coexist in smaller
scale.
On an average, one person per second enters or exits the chowk during peak business
hours. One third of the visitors are women, and the percentage of children and old people
are very low, 6% and 13% respectively. Cyclists, hand carts, vendors and pedestrians
negotiate the square dodging the vehicles. It is most busy during the peak hours in the
evening time; 6-7pm.3600 pedestrians are recorded to enter Manek Chowk during this
peak hour.10% of the visitors come on bicycles.
 Spatial Organization

The spaces are arranged in a dense manner. The roads

are sided by informal commercial buildings. The
street also becomes very active during night.

 Image

As the Chowk is an important commercial centre,

public space is appropriated for maximum
commercial and vehicular usage; currently, human
comfort is given secondary importance. There are
very few formal seating opportunities for the public in
the present context. People tend to use limited
secondary seating options to rest. Due to the intensity
of commercial activities, the opportunity for
Fig. 32 Plan of Manek Chowk pedestrians to rest along shop fronts and under
Source: Word Press shaded parasols is limited.

People prefer to have interesting sight lines and vistas

while in the public spaces. While Manek Chowk is a
historic precinct with monuments of rich architectural
heritage, the presence of the monuments is not felt
due to lack of clear views. It is observed that in the
present context the views of the Chowkare highly
Fig. 33 Manek Chowk
cluttered and does not reflect the heritage values of
Source: Wikipedia
the place.
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• Size

Manek Chowk is fairly a small public square of about 2500 sq. m. In general, the public spaces of
the Walled City are intimate in scale with a built form of two-storeyed buildings opening on to
public spaces which are narrow and mutually shaded to reduce heat gain in buildings. The public
spaces are of human scale and have been supporting public life through centuries; however, in the
present context they are dominated by vehicles.

• Landscaping

There is no well-designed landscaping in this public square. Trees and shrubs grow at certain
areas.

• Focal Point Elements

There are certain focal points in this square which keep up the identity of the place.

• Site Furniture

Traditionally, buildings in the Walled City have doorway seating spaces called 'otlas', which are
either one or more raised steps at shop or building entrances. These are used as informal seating
spaces, often shared between neighbouring homes/ shops. However, in Manek Chowk the
availability of these is limited and claimed by commercial activities.

3.4 Connaught Place, Delhi

Connaught Place is one of the largest financial, commercial and business centers in New Delhi. It
is often abbreviated to CP. It was developed as a showpiece of Lutyen’s Delhi with a prominent
Central Business District. It is located at the center of the city, near Karol Bagh. The Inner Circle
of Connaught Place is Rajiv Chowk while the Outer Circle became Indira Chowk. Prior to the
construction of Connaught Place, the area was a ridge, covered with kikar trees and populated
with jackals and wild pigs. Residents of the Kashmiri Gate, Civil Lines area visited during the
weekends for partridge hunting.

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Three important nodes enclosed in hexagons of the

same scale India Gate: the hexagon being its physical
boundary. Government House: the hexagon being the
layout of roads around it. Connaught Place: the
hexagon being circumscribed about a circle this circle
being the outer circus of Connaught place. C.P. was
the original commercial center of Delhi. It attracted
Fig. 34 Plan of Connaught Place, Delhi visitors from all corners of Delhi.
Source: Delhi Urban Art Commission

Its circular form makes it stand out from the layout of

the area around. Wide roads were planned in and
around Connaught Place even though they were not
required since the traffic consisted of horses, horse
carts and few cars. This has proved to be a boon for
coping with today’s large traffic volume. The lavish
design of CP provided for large open spaces and have
Fig. 35 Connaught Place, Delhi proved to be valuable public spaces in today's context.
Source: Punjabi Tribune The Grand Scale and architectural character of
Connaught Place makes it stand out amongst the
buildings which surround it. Starting with Barakhamba Road, which connects Connaught Place to
the Mandi House circle, which is the cultural centre with many art galleries.

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CHAPTER 4

MARTYRS’ SQUARE,
TRIVANDRUM, KERALA

Study of Martyr’s Square,

Trivandrum in details through its
history, evolution of the place and
Source: urban Sketchers
its current scenario.

Analysis of the area in accordance

to various aspects

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4.1 Palayam, Trivandrum -History

Fig. 36 Palayam
Source: Urban Design report on Palayam by S8 2016-21 Batch, MCAP
16
Palayam or Cantonment, as it is locally known, one of the busiest localities in
Thiruvananthapuram (also known as Trivandrum), the capital of Kerala State in India. It is home
to many of the administrative, cultural, and educational institutions in Kerala. It gets its name from
the fact that it used to be camp of the royal army and cavalry of the erstwhile kings of Travancore.
It extended from the Cantonment House in the North up to A.K.G. Centre in the South, including
areas now occupied by the University Stadium and Chandrasekharan Nair Stadium. The Army
subsequently moved to Pangode. The cavalry, however, remained at Palayam.

The name "Cantonment" is not much in use for the area, though that name is still associated with
the police station near the Secretariat, "Cantonment Police Station". At present, "Cantonment
House" serves as the official residence of the Leader of the Opposition.

17
• 1700s – 1800s

Balarama Varma Shifted from Padmanabhapuram to the fort area, which initially had the
Padmanabhaswamy Temple. Then a fort was built around it and then the settlement flourished.
The Chalai originated as the marketplace for the temple and its neighbors. Gradually, many
palaces and Agraharams flourished in the Fort area.

• 1800s – 1810s

Veluthampi Dhalava led the Travancore Rebellion against the British East India Company. This
was against increased tax imposition. Taking control over the state administrative and revenue
power making the natives poor.

16
Palayam, Thiruvananthapuram, Article by Ling Fang. org

17
Urban design Studio Report on Palayam, Trivandrum by S8 2016-21 Batch, MCAP
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• 1810s – 1830s

The British came to Thiruvananthapuram to suppress further revolts and to impose direct power
and control. Only 700 soldiers were allotted for the king and they established their settlements in
the high lying areas near East Fort.

• 1850s – 1900s

The Nandavanam Garden hill was selected as the place for their settlement. The garden was then
transformed into a cantonment. They selected a region so as to reduce the airflow from the fort
area and thereby protect from airborne diseases. The cantonment region is located at the widest
and longest hill. Before the 1750s the capital of Travancore was shifted from Padmanabhapuram
to Thiruvananthapuram. Chalai developed as the commercial node and later became Central
Business District. During the 1830s, the British came and established cantonment and recreational
areas around it. The royal palace was then built at Kowdiar hills. Due to further developments, the
cantonment became the node of commerce, transportation, education, religion, health services,
etc. and became the North Central Business District of Thiruvananthapuram.

The present scenarios of Palayam is that it is one the very busy areas in Trivandrum surrounded
by religious, administrative, social and educational buildings. It acts like a city center and has a
very important role in the economic and social development of Trivandrum.

4.2 Martyrs’ Square, Palayam, Trivandrum- An Introduction

Palayam is one of the busiest location in Trivandrum. It is a mixed use place. There are many
cultural, commercial, administrative and educational centers in Palayam. Palayam lies at the
intersection of National Highway and a historic corridor which showcases several mesmerizing
architecture styles like Colonial, Indosarsenic, Islamic, Gothic, Kerala Vernacular, Modern. Post-
Modern-Colloidal style, Gracco-Roman style etc... The unique character of Palayam is marked by
the coexistence of religious centers- Juma Masjid, St Joseph’s Church, Ganapathi Kovil and the
temple inside Connemara Market. These religious centers together in one place stands as a proud
example all around the world, of its religious tolerance and harmony among its citizens. Palayam
can be described as the major commercial district of the city. Also many political events take place
here especially around the Martyr’s Square.

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Martyr’s Square is located at the core

center of Palayam over an under
passage. This space is used for
carrying out political activities as well
as other meetings. It includes the
Martyr’s Column Monument which
stands as a mark for remembering the
heroic patriots who gave their lives in
Fig. 37 Martyrs’ Square, Palayam the struggle for freedom of India. It
Source: Urban Design report on Palayam by S8 2016-21 Batch, was unveiled by Dr. Rajendra Prasad,
MCAP
the then president of India on 14th
August 1957. Now this Monument acts as a major landmark of the Trivandrum City.

4.3 Palayam and Martyrs’ Square, Palayam- Evolution

In the 17th century, Thiruvananthapuram was once a forest known as Ananthan Kadu.The
Palayam region was known as Nandhavanam which means flower garden used for temples.In the
18th century, Maharaja Marthanda Varma was the father of modern Travancore. Travancore-
Dutch war happened during 1739-1753 Balarama Varma (1798- 1810), the weakest ruler of the
dynasty, took over the crown. Veluthampi Dhalava (1799- 1809), was appointed as the diwan. In
the 19th century, under Balarama Varma, British army -cantonment at- Chandrasekharan Nair
Stadium. MM-Church-1806.Juma Masjid Mosque-1813, (Gowri Lakshmi Bhai).University
College- 1834, (Swathi Thirunal) ,Niyamasabha- Mandiram-1868,Kerala- Government
Secretariat- 1869, St. Joseph Cathedral- 1873, (Ayilyam Thirunal) came into existence. During
the post-Independence time, Reserve Bank of India, Thiruvananthapuram-1954, Chandrasekharan
Nair Stadium- 1956 Martyr’s Column 1957 came into existence.

Palayam was a local semi military division where it is governed by local agents of the ruler for
keeping peace and to collect revenues. Palayam is a Tamil word and Palayam system was initially
practiced in Tamil Nadu. Palayam usually consisted of army camps, military offices, residences
for officers, barracks etc…

Palayam is the point of convergence of important road leading from the main parts of the
Trivandrum city like Kowdiar, East Fort, Sasthamangalam, Thampanoor, Kesavadasapuram,
Medical College, Karamana, Manacaud etc… Palayam is located on the prime location of
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Trivandrum city. Palayam being the node to many uses such as educational, historical, cultural
and transportation emerged to be one of the most important commercial / shopping area of
Trivandrum making most economy of the region.

The city of Trivandrum is planned on “seven hills”

like the old city of Rome. Among the seven hills
Palayam mount is the most widest and longest
mount with a flat top like feature, inviting more
development to the area.
Fig. 38 City of Seven Hills

Source: Author

Martyr’s Column was first laid in a single line of

sight to University of Kerala and Kumaranashan
Park. Later by the coming of the under passage
the Martyr’s Column was shifted. This area was
acting like a waste dumping area by the people
and was later renovated around 2000’s.
Fig. 39 Single Line of Site

Source: Google Maps

Fig. 40 Palayam

Source: Article by aanavandi

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Fig. 41 Timeline Evolution of Palayam

Source: Urban Design report S* 2016-21 Batch,

MCAP

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4.4 Current Scenario at Martyr’s Square, Palayam

At present Palayam Martyr’s Square is used as a space for holding political meetings and other
strikes. A crossway is provided in front of Martyr’s Square and many people use it. Martyr’s
Square acts as a central core form the Palayam area. An underground passage goes below the
Martyr’s Square.

ST JOSEPH
CHANDRASESK
CATHEDRAL
HAR NAIR
STADIUM

UNDER BRIDGE
MARTYRS’
SQUARE
JUMA MASJID
GANAPATI
TEMPLE

VJT HALL
CONNEMARA
MARKET

Fig. 42 Plan of Palayam, Trivandrum

Source: Author

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4.5 Context Analysis and Activity Analysis

Fig. 43 Major Landmarks of Palayam

Source: Urban Design Report by S8 2016-21 Batch MCAP

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Palayam is a very busy and important cultural,

administrative, commercial and economical center
of Trivandrum city. Martyr’s Square can be
described as the central portion of Palayam area.
To the immediate context of Martyr’s Square lies a
very busy bus stop, a cathedral, a market, a muslin
Fig. 44 Palayam, Trivandrum
church, a temple and a stadium. All these are major
Source: Trivandrum photos by Trivandrum Indian
focal points of the Palayam area apart from the
Martyr’s Square.

To the east portion of the Martyr’s Square lies the

St Joseph Cathedral, which is 125 years old and is
very popular among Christian followers. The
church is on of an important landmark in
Trivandrum city.

Fig. 45 St Joseph Cathedral

Source: St Joseph Church, Palayam

.

To the south-east also lies the Government

College of Fine Arts

Fig. 46 University College

Source: Trivandrum photos by Trivandrum Indian

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To the south-west side of Martyr’s Square lies

Palayam Juma Masjid and Ganapati Temple. The
mosque is nearly 200 years old and is the
principal mosque of Trivandrum in Kerala,
India. It is a Jama Masjid (Congregational
Mosque).

Fig. 47 Juma Masjid

Source: Trivandrum photos by Trivandrum Indian

Palayam Ganapathi Temple is an important Hindu

place of worship which has a statue of Lord
Ganesha. This temple is visited by people from all
age groups every day, however, hundreds of
.
people converge at the temple on Thursday to
offer their prayers in return of blessings.
Fig. 48 Ganapathi Temple

Source: Trivandrum photos by

Thiruvananthapuram city seekers

To the south-west also lies the V.J.T. Hall, the Victoria Jubilee
Town Hall is a function hall which was built in 1896 as a
Fig. 33 V.J.T Hall
memorial to the coronation of Queen Victoria. It was inaugurated
by Sree Mulam Thirunal Rama Varma and has been associated
with several important events in the past. Even today the hall is a
preferred venue for major exhibitions as well as political and
public.
Fig. 49 V.J.T Hall

Source: Trivandrum photos by

Trivandrum Indian

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PERCEPTION OF AN URBAN PUBLIC PLACE: A CASE STUDY OF MATRYRS’ SQUARE, TRIVANDRUM

Adjacent to V.J.T Hall lies the Kerala University

College which began in the year 1866 under the reign
of Maharaja Swathi Thirunal of the erstwhile
Travancore government. It was affiliated to the
University of Madras and was taken over by the
Government of Kerala in 1957. Today, this college
conducts 20 post graduate, 18 under-graduate programs
Fig. 50 Kerala University College and PhD program for students in various disciplines of
Source: Trivandrum photos by Trivandrum Arts, Sciences and Philosophy.
Indian

To the south-east lies a major commercial portion of

Palayam area which is the Connemara market and
Saphalyam Complex. Connemara market is known as
the "Heritage Market of the City". The famous
Connemara market or Palayam market (as it is locally
known because of its location) with the iconic arch-
gate at its entrance is a household for accessories sold
Fig. 51 Connemara market at cheap price. 18The history of this market dates back
Source: Trivandrum photos by Trip advisor to 1857 when it was created during the rule of King
Uthradom Thirunal of the Travancore dynasty to
provide daily commodities to Sepoy and army members. However, it was much later in 1888 that
the market was named as Connemara, to honor the then
Governor of Madras Presidency who visited the market
to inaugurate the arch-gate. Besides the shops which
sell household goods such as utensils, garments, etc.,
the market is flooded with street vendors selling goods
ranging from meats, fresh fishes, vegetables and fruits.
Fig. 52 Saphalyam Complex Saphalyam Complex is a modern shopping center. It
Source: Saphalyam complex ‘mostly open’ was built by the Trivandrum Development Authority
to disabled, finds study by Deccan Chronicle,
Archana Ravi and is a market complex.

18
Connemara Market, Palayam Article by Travalour
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To the south side is a very busy bus stop. Presence of the bus stop itself makes this area a very
busy place. The bus stop or waiting area is not designed to fulfill the needs of this urban square.

To the west portion lies the Martyr’s Column which

was laid as a tribute for the freedom fighters of India.
It was unveiled by Dr. Rajendra Prasad on August 14,
1957, Martyrs' Column as a tribute to those who laid
down their life for the country's independence. This
important landmark in Palayam is also known as
Raktha Sakshi Mandapam, and is situated within close
Fig. 53 Martyrs’ Square, Palayam proximity to major landmarks of the city.
Source: Trivandrum photos by India Tour

To the north-west portion lies the Martyr’s Column lies

the Chandrashekaran Nair stadium which is a very
prominent stadium in Trivandrum city.

Fig. 54 Chandrashekharan Nair Stadium,

Palayam

Source: Trivandrum photos by Great Events

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CHAPTER 5

PERFORMANCE
ANALYSIS OF MARTYRS,
SQUARE, PALAYAM

Relevance of Martyr’s Square as a

major urban public place.

Analysis based on various

performance parameters.

Comparison of Martyr’s Square

with respect to other urban public
Source: Author
squares.

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5.1 Relevance of Martyr’s Square as a major public place

Martyr’s Square is one of the major public places in Trivandrum. The urban place is surrounded
by a busy economic, religious, administrative and educational centers. Martyr’s Square has a very
important identity as there stands the “Raktha Sakshi Mandapam “which exhibits the immense
respect for the freedom fighters of India. Many political as well as non-political protests and
meetings are held here which also states the importance of the place as an urban square.

In the context of Martyr’s Square, to th south-east, lies the Connemara market which is a very
busy commercial place in Trivandrum city. The market sells every requirements such as food,
clothes, household items etc... for the people. The context also includes various religious centers
next to the Raktha Sakshi Mandapam.

Adjacent to Connemara market lies the Saphalyam Complex which is a multi-commercial center
for shopping. Many shops work inside the complex.

A Christian church, Hindu temple and a Muslim Mosque lies next to each other as an example of
unity and respect for each other religion. This is cited as a perfect example of unity among
religions in various platforms.

The Chandrasekhar Nair stadium which is located to the north-west of Martyrs’ Square also acts
in promoting this place as an urban public place. Many people gather here at times when there is
games going on at the stadium and thus becomes a very busy and crowed place.

Adjacent to this also lies various educational centers

and administrative centers and as a whole all these
promote this place to an urban public place. The place
also consists of an underground passage as well as
many bust sops which is used by many people and so
is a very lively place the place is kept alive and active
Fig. 55 Palayam
by all these different centers and the people using it
Source: Trivandrum photos by Trivandrum
Indian thus it becomes a very active urban public place.

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Fig. 56 Immediate Context of Martyr’s

Square

Source: Author

The bus stops in the context of Martyr’s Square contribute to making this area an active public
place throughout the entire day. Therefore location of the bus stops and vehicular passages are a
main concern regarding an urban public place.

Fig. 57 Nearby Bus stops

Source: Author

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5.2 Martyr’s Square and Urban Square performance Analysis

 Analysing with respect to urban square perspectives

of urban theorist Rob Krier
Analysing according to the shapes of urban squares by
him Martyrs’ Square is a rectangular square. A shape of
a rectangle can be drawn out from the overall view of
this square.
In accordance to the perspective of Rob Krier, an urban
square should provide community gathering spaces,
which is very less seen in Martyrs’ Square.
“Commercial activities as well as cultural activities
Fig. 58 Martyrs’ Square, Palayam should happen in a square. Establishments such as
Source: Author community halls, youth centers, libraries, theaters,
concert halls etc. should be included”. All these are visible at Martyrs’ Square. It is the
social, economic and religious center of the city of Trivandrum. It also includes residential
spaces within the boundary.
 According to urban planner Kevin Lynch, a
squre should be surrounded by trees,
landscaping, water elements etc..
It should have proper furnitures and should also
provide parking spaces. A city image should be
created by the square and should act as a
landmark.
Martyrs’ Square does not consist of all these
requirements. No shelter spaces or seating
spaces are provided as a design element.
Five elements of a city image can be derived by
analyzing Martyrs’ Square with respect to
Martyrs’ Square. All the five elements of a city
image are important in terms of identifying the
Fig. 59 Built Use Map of Palayam
observer within the city and creating a
Source: Urban design Report on Palayam
relationship with each element of the city. by S8 2016-21 Batch MCAP

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Fig. 60 Mental Map of Palayam

Source: Author

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 ACCESSIBITLITY

Access refers to how well a space is linked to its surroundings, physically and visually. These
spaces must not only be connected; easy to get to and around; but also be seen from a distance
(perception). The feel of approaching a public place draws people to the open environment. There
are mainly three types of access which includes physical
access, visual access and symbolic access. All these
contribute to the picture of who is free to enter a space
and who has control over the right of access.

 Physical access

In terms of physical access, Martyr’s Square is

accessible easily by road and is not bounded by any
fence or gates. It is an open public area.

Fig. 61 Physical Access of Martyrs’ Square

 Visibility access
Source: Author

Martyr’s square is visually accessible from very far as it

is an open public area. It is present at the area where
cross roads meet and is visually appealing.

 Symbolic access

The Rakta Sakshi Mandapam at Martyr’s Square acts as

a landmark to provide a symbolic access. Also other
features acting as landmarks include the various
religious centers as well as Chandrasekhar Nair stadium.

Fig. 62 Visual and Symbolic Map

Source: Author

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According to the survey, people fine

Martyrs Square easily accessible.

Fig. 63 Survey Result

Source: Primary User Survey conducted in

May-June 2020 by the Author to understand
performance of Martyrs’ Square

 ACTIVITY AND FUNCTION

The activities that occur in a public place- friendly interactions, public concerts, community art
shows etc. - are its basic building blocks; he reason why people come in the first place and return.
Activities also make a place special and unique, which in turn also helps generate community
pride. Activity can be of two types formal and informal.

Formal activity include political and religious

activities. Many strikes and meetings are held here as it
is an urban center. Political activities are held here as
this is where the landmark “Raktha Sakshi Mandapam”
is situated which stands as a memorial for the freedom
fighters of India. Informal activities include traffic,

Fig. 64 Political activity at Martyr’s Square leisure etc… ACTIVITY CHART

(70 lakh people take part in Human Chain which is very
against CAA)
prominent in
Source: Article by News Click
Martyr’s
Square. Informal activities are more prevailent in this
area as it is used as a pedestrian as well as vehicular FORMAL INFORMAL
ACTIVITIES ACTIVITIES
crossing by the people. Protests and other political Fig. 65 Activity graph

acivities take place here at certain times. Source: Author

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 SPATIAL ORGANIZATION

The way open areas are arranged and patterned in a

system of spaces is the spatial configuration of the area.
The different spaces are arranged in a geometric
pathway but in an organic manner with reference to
elevation and visual aspects.

Fig. 66 Spatial Analysis

The different spaces in this urban place includes for
Source: Author, Urban design Report on
Palayam by S8 2016-21 Batch MCAP
religious, administrative, educational and commercial
activities. Thus it becomes a core center for the
Trivandrum city.
 IMAGE

Public places are the centers of community‘s and they shape the identity of the entire city. The
image of public places or squares is closely ties to the buildings nearby and structures or elements
that create space around it. The image of Martyr’s Square, Palayam is created by the buildings,
roads and landscape features around it. It creates a sense of urbanism to it. A very busy and lively
public place.

VIEW FROM PETROL PUMP NEAR PALAYAM CHURCH VIEW FROM THE ROAD NEAR SAPHALYAM

Fig. 67 Images at Palayam Martyrs’ Square

Source: Author, Urban design Report on Palayam by S8 2016-21 Batch MCAP

 SITE FURNITURE

There are no provisions provided for seating even though it is an urban public place. It is a
very busy urban area and no furniture is provided expect in the bus stop next to Saphalyam
Complex. No space is provided to relax and enjoy the urban area.

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According to the survey, people fine

Martyrs Square to create an image
within each person who visit the place.

Fig. 68 Survey Result

Source: Primary User Survey conducted in May-June 2020 by the Author to

understand performance of Martyrs’ Square

 SIZE

Martyr’s Square is not very large in comparison to its

size. Its location and surroundings contribute to its size.
Its size also make this public place very visually
appealing. It is easily accessible to the public respective
of its size

Fig. 69 Built Height Map of Palayam

Source: Urban Design Report on Palayam

by S8 2016-21 Batch, MCAP

According to the survey, people fine

Martyrs Square to be a very accessible
and small in area compared to size.

Fig. 70 Survey Result

Source: Primary User Survey conducted in May-June 2020 by the Author to

understand performance of Martyrs’ Square

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 LANDSCAPE

There is less landscaping in the area. The landscaping is

done only around the Rakta Sakshi Mandapam as well
as Swadeshabhimani K. Ramakrishna Pilla memorial.
The landscaping includes small grass sheets as well as
flowering plants along 1 m pathways.
Fig. 71 Rakta Sakshi Mandapam at Martyr’s
Square

Source: Trivandrum photos by City seeker

 FOCAL POINTS

The focal points include various statues and religious

centers in the area and they act as identification
points in the area.
Fig. 72 Ramakrishna Pilla Memorial at
Martyr’s Square

Source: Trivandrum photos by City seeker

According to the survey, most people

found the area aesthetically appealing.

Fig. 73 Survey Result

Source: Primary User Survey conducted in May-June 2020 by the Author to

understand performance of Martyrs’ Square

According to the survey, the people

found this urban square active
throughout the day.

Fig. 74 Survey Result

Source: Primary User Survey conducted in May-June 2020 by the Author to

understand performance of Martyrs’ Square

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5.3 Comparison of Urban Squares to understand the performance of Martyrs’ Square

URBAN SQUARE TIMES SQAURE, MANEK CHOWK, CONNAUGHT MARTYRS’ PIE CHART CONCLUSION
NEWYORK AHMEDABAD PLACE, DELHI SQUARE,
PALAYAM

ACCESIBILITY A very busy area where Easily accessible area, Located at the center of Easily accessible to Accessibility of each urban
cross roads meet. It is open to public. Even the city, near Karol Bagh. the public and it lies at square is different. It
easily accessible from though traffic movement Easily accessible to the the heart of the city depends on the culture and
various sub streets. 40 is one-way, due to lack of public as it lies as a center social environment of the
Trivandrum.
percent vehicular area. But people evolve
segregation between of the city. It is a
accessibility and 60 percent Very busy and active themselves to access these
traffic, extension of shops commercial and economic
for pedestrian accessibility. commercial, urban squares in a
on to walkways, parking center and is a very busy
More shopping centered, educational, religious, comfortable way.
and presence of hawkers, and active public place in
commercial and
economic and
economical square. the walkability of the India.
administrative center
place is reduced.
of the city.
Pedestrians are forced to
negotiate with moving High traffic area but
traffic and are vulnerable as compared to
to accidents Connaught Place in
Delhi and Times
Square, New York not
well designed but
corresponds to the
public comfort and
immediate needs or
requirements of a
public square.

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ACTIVITY It is a very busy and Manek Chowk allows for Very active throughout Made active due to the Each square is used in a
crowded urban area. multiple functions and the year. Actively used by presence of the different pattern. It
&FUNCTION
Active throughout the effective usage of space, the public. Shopping, commercial spaces depends on the
year & New Year’s Eve. with changing activities commercial, economic surrounding the area surrounding atmosphere
Times Square has a large from early morning to hub. and also religious and the location of the
number of commercial night. It has been a centers. As this area urban square. Martyrs’
buildings and offices. commercial center, it also lies at the heart of the square is at the city center
serves as a recreational city of Trivandrum, and is one of the
center because of its the place is busy economic, social and
shopping and eating throughout the day religious center of the city.
options. Other activities and is kept lively by
such as visiting temples, public usage as well
monuments, involving in as various political
rituals and cultural and informal activities
function also coexist in happenings in the
smaller area.

SPATIAL A very narrow spatial The spaces are arranged in A circular or radial The center becomes Martyrs’ Square is at the
arrangement with tall a dense manner. The roads geometry can be observed the area where cross city center, surrounded by
ORGANIZATION
buildings on both sides are sided by informal in the whole planning with roads meet and there buildings. Spaces in
of the street. The commercial buildings. radial accessibility for is an underground different squares may be
different spaces are The street also becomes vehicles. passage. The building densely or narrow
formed by intersection of very active during night are not organized in a arranged. It depends on
roads. geometric manner but the function of the area.
an organic form can
be developed visually.

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IMAGE It is a very busy and As the Chowk is an The Grand Scale and Image of the area is Image created by an urban
crowded urban area. important commercial architectural character of created mainly by the square is very important as
Active throughout the center, public space is Connaught Place makes it elevation of the it contributes to build a
year & New Year’s Eve. appropriated for stand out amongst the building. The area as city image. Martyrs’
Times Square has a large maximum commercial buildings which surround such in visual Square is not very
number of commercial and vehicular usage; it. Starting with perspective is not very aesthetically appealing
buildings and offices. human comfort is given Barakhamba Road, which pleasing. compared to other urban
secondary importance. connects Connaught Place squares such as Times
Manek Chowk is a to the Mandi House circle, Square, New York.
historic precinct with which is the cultural
monuments of rich center with many art
architectural heritage, the galleries
presence of the
monuments is not felt due
to lack of clear views.

SIZE Very large commercial A small public square of Large in size and is Small in size Urban squares may be
square. Consists of a about 2500 sq. m. visually appealing. compared to other small or large in size and it
long street or plaza urban public squares contributes to the overall
narrow in size. but in terms of function of the square.
function it is a very
active area.

LANDSCAPING There no much There is no well-designed Well-designed Landscaping is Landscaping according to

importance to landscaping in this public landscaping which provided at areas urban planner Kevin
landscaping provided square. Trees and shrubs includes trees and shrubs where memorial Lynch is an essential part
here. Much area is a well grow at certain areas. at the focal center of the stands. of an urban square. Many
paved pedestrian way radial geometry and at urban squares fulfil this
with buildings on both vehicular pathways. criteria. They help
sides creating a sense of
relaxation to the observer.

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FOCAL ELEMENTS There are very less focal There are certain focal A very central focus is Focal elements Most urban squares
points in this area. points in this square which created as a radial mainly includes the include focal elements
Buildings here create keep up the identity of the geometry is located here statues present in the such as statues to create a
focal points. place. in case of planning of this area and also the center focus within the
urban place. The other religious centers square. Martyrs’ Square
focal elements include the which stands tall and also includes such a
buildings and galleries act as landmark square center focus.
found within this urban
place.

SITE FURNITURE At first there were no Traditionally, buildings in Some seating spaces and There are no seating Site Furniture is very
seating spaces or any the Walled City have other facilities can be spaces provided in the essential in an urban
furniture provided ,later doorway seating spaces found at certain places as area except in the bus square. But in Martyrs’
after it was made a called 'otlas', which are it is a well-designed urban stop next to Square there is no
permanent “only either one or more raised public place Street Saphalyam Complex. particular seating spaces
pedestrian way” steps at building entrances lighting is provided at Street lighting is provided or parking lots.
permanent furniture’s which is used as informal points. provided at intervals.
were added. Street lights seating spaces, often Roofing is provided as
provided. shared between bus stop waiting
neighbouring homes/ sheds.
shops. In Manek Chowk
the availability of these is
limited and claimed by
commercial activities.
Informal lights provided
for public.

Table 5.4.1

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5.4 Identifying potentials for improving the performance of Martyr’s Square

The case studies studied includes Times Square, New York which is a famous urban public place
in New York, a commercial and economic hub of the city. Manek Chowk is a urban place in
Ahmedabad which is a very busy place in India which includes various activities and is very dense
and crowded. Then there is Connaught Place which is a well-designed urban area in Delhi.
Martyr’s Square is an urban area which is developed mainly on its own due to the changes in its
context. In comparison we can understand that in certain areas Martyr’s Square has certain
limitations compared with other urban public squares. These may be in terms of spatial
organization, site features etc… But all these can also contribute to the function of the area as a
whole. The people have adapted themselves to go on with the current context and use the urban
area actively.

But this can be made better by incorporating certain design changes an addition to the existing
scenario of Martyr’s Square. Some changes which can be adapted for better functioning of
Martyr’s Square in terms of its performance are:-

CHANGE EXPLANATIO REPRESENTATION

N

1.Improvemen The buildings and

t of the areas surrounding
surrounding Martyr’s Square
context do not have a
certain form nor
any special
visually appealing
appearance.
Changes can be
Fig. 75 Improving the context
brought in terms
of design to Source: public space in the sky’ by Johnson Pilton
incorporate the Walker
area as a whole
and not restricted
to a particular
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building or area.
A sense of
uniformity can be
created to gain an
aesthetically
appealing
appearance.

2.Adapting The public place

certain does not
measures to contribute to any
create a more comfortable
people friendly features for the
and eco- usage of public.
friendly place Some measures
can be taken to
promote public
activities in the
Fig. 76 Comfortable spaces
area and create
more open spaces Source: Designs on White City by Andrew Czyzewski
for public to
actively use it.
Using eco-
friendly measures
also educate the
people in terms of
saving energy and
recycling.

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3.Provide At present there

adequate are no seating
seating spaces spaces provided
and open for public in
spaces for Martyr’s Square.
public Public settings
can be provided Fig. 77 Improving the context
for public so that
they can sit and Source: Townshend Landscape Architects

enjoy the
activities and
views
surrounding area.
More landscaping
and trees can be
provided to
increase its
natural
perspective.

4.Making the Certain design

area more user changes can be
friendly adopted to make
the urban area
more user
friendly. By
comparison to
other case studies,
Martyrs Square is
less pedestrian Fig. 78 User friendly spaces
friendly. Design
changes can be Source: Urban Sketches

adopted to make it

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a more user
friendly space.

5.Provide Visually
visually appealing areas
appealing can be created by
views adopting design
changes.

Fig. 79 Aesthetically appealing views

Source: Cromwell Square by Peter barber Architects

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CHAPTER 6

STUDY CONCLUSION

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Study Conclusion

Urban places have a major role in the development of a city. By understanding an urban place we
can find many factors affecting it and analyze it in terms of different parameters. Different urban
squares vary in accordance with various aspects. Martyr’s Square is a major urban public place in
Trivandrum City. Martyrs’ Square at Palayam Trivandrum has originally been designed as well
planned Urban Square at the most appropriate position taking in to consideration in Geographical
location based on the various political and other administrative building in the region. It has
always served its purpose of being an Urban Square by facilitating the gathering of people for
various purposes. The eventual elected governments have tried their level best to protect the true
essence of the space. Retaining the Square atop the underground passage is a true testimony to
this. However due to urban development pressures the immediate premises of the Square have
undergone vast changes in the past few decades. The direct and indirect pressures of surrounding
developments, traffic, vehicular movement etc. has definitely affected the spatial quality of
Martyrs’ Square as an urban space. However in spite of all its restrictions, the Square still behaves
as a proper urban space. The people using the place have adapted themselves to use this area as it
is. This area has evolved through various times and has gone through many changes. Had the
surrounding development taken into consideration the worth of such a public space in the location,
certain well planned allowances could have been made. By understanding of this urban place we
can find many different aspects of the area in terms of political, educational, religious and
administrative functions. The area has evolved through time and is a good example of an urban
public square in Trivandrum even though it lacks many features compared to other urban squares
in the country and the world. Taking the historical significance of the Martyrs’ Square and its
value as an urban space and the current development activities happening around it, it is important
that both of them coexist in a well-balanced manner. Even though Martyrs’ Square functionally
works as a decent urban space, theoretically there is scope for a lot of improvement so that the
overall spatial quality of the locality is elevated.

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BIBLIOGRAPHY

Public Squares: An analysis of an urban space form and its functional determinants by
George Michel Peter 1963

Advances in Landscape Architecture by Murat Z. Memluk

Streets As Public Spaces: A case study of Manek Chowk by Ar. Amrita Shukla and Prof.
Neerja Desai Navratra

Perception of urban public squares in India by Vaishali Sharma

Public Spaces: 10 Principles for Connecting People and the Streets by Priscila Pacheco

Good City Form by Kevin Lynch (1995)

Urban Open Spaces in Historical Perspective by Benjamin W. Stanley, Barbara L.Stark

Michel E Smith

The Image of the City by Kevin Lynch (1960)

Finding Lost Space. Theories of Urban Design by Trancik R (1986)

A Pattern Language .towns buildings construction by Alexander .C (1977)Groat, L., & Wang,
D. (2013). Architectural Research Methods. New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons.

Turabin, K. L. (2013). A maual for writers of research paper, Theses, and disseratation.
London: University of Chicago Press.

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PERCEPTION OF AN URBAN PUBLIC PLACE: A CASE STUDY OF MATRYRS’ SQUARE, TRIVANDRUM

APPENDIX 1

Survey questionnaire for Martyr’s Square, Palayam

1. Are you familiar with Palayam Martyr’s Square?

Option 1- yes

Option 2 - no

2. Do you find the area as easily accessible?

Option 1- yes

Option 2 - no

3. Do you find the area to be a very crowded place?

Option 1- yes

Option 2 - no

4. Do you find the place aesthetically appealing and does this place provide all the requirements
of an urban area?

Option 1- yes

Option 2 - no

5. Do you recommend this urban area for others to come and visit?

Option 1- yes

Option 2 – no

5. Do you find this urban square to create an image to the city?

Option 1- yes

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Option 2 – no

6. Which one do you find appealing to you as an urban public place?

a)

Source: Facebook

b)

Source: Wikipedia

c)

Source: Word Press

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d)

Source: Downtown, Wikipedia

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