“Cities have the capability of providing something for everybody, only because, and only when, they are created by everybody.” - Jane Jacobs.

The transformation of Kasturi Nagar Park is guided by the visionary pursuit of building a resilient community and its habitats. This proposal outlines a range of strategic interventions to create spaces that cater to the diverse needs of the community. The objectives include ensuring safe passages for commuters, preserving biodiversity, and fostering a strong sense of place for residents.

Interventions: The proposed interventions for Kasturi Nagar Park are carefully designed to evoke a transformative experience for the visitors. These interventions include:

Community Gathering Spaces: In order to foster social cohesion and encourage community interaction, designated congregation spaces will be established within the park. Inspired by the words of Jan Gehl, “First life, then spaces, then buildings - the other way around never works.” These thoughtfully designed spaces will provide opportunities for people to come together, engage in activities, and strengthen the bonds of the community.

Inclusive Amenities for All Ages: Emphasizing the importance of multi-generational inclusivity, the park will feature amenities catering to the diverse age groups within the community. By providing amenities that cater to the needs and preferences of different age groups, the park will become a vibrant and inclusive gathering space.

Sustainable Water Management: Implementing swales, rain-gardens, and reed-bed systems for surface water treatment and water utilization aligns with the principles of ecological urbanism. This approach, as advocated by Richard T.T. Forman, considers cities as ecosystems and emphasizes the integration of ecological systems within urban design.

The Watchtower: Inspired by the concept of prospect and refuge, the construction of a watchtower will provide panoramic views of the Lake’s wetlands and biodiversity. This intervention, as Richard Sennett suggests, will contribute to the imaginative nature of urban design and allow visitors to have poetic experiences within the park.

The bridge: The footbridge proposed is to help commuters to the Old Madras Road cross over multiple railway tracks without the risk of life. This would also help residents connect with the lake they helped restore and revive.

Through a thoughtful integration of strategic interventions inspired by prominent urban design theorists, the proposal for Kasturi Nagar Park aims to create a vibrant and walkable space that serves as a catalyst for community resilience. By embracing the principles of placemaking, biodiversity enhancement, and community engagement, the proposed interventions seek to breathe new life into the park, fostering a sense of belonging, and inspiring the community to embrace sustainable urban living. In the words of renowned architect and urbanist, Charles Correa, “The city is not a problem, but a solution.” Through the realization of this urban design proposal, Kasturi Nagar Park will emerge as a testament to the transformative power of urban spaces in building resilient communities.