by Naresh V Narasimhan

Better connectivity and space utilization can make Church Street a great urban hangout

Church Street is perhaps one of the most well-connected and accessible roads in Bengaluru. In fact, its name has been derived from the fact that it used to lead directly to St Mark’s Church, which was also visible while walking on the street. This trivia, however, alludes to a time when buildings were much smaller and before the strong axis connecting the street and the church was lost due to replanning. Today’s Church Street is replete with businesses, restaurants, pubs and arcades, and retains most of its road connections.Mahatma Gandhi Road, St Marks Road, Museum Road and Brigade Road surround and flow into this modest street that ensures a continuous flow of people passing by . If one were to look at high streets or shopping streets around the world, one would encounter `accessibility’ as the overriding factor -accessibility with respect to their space utilization and how well connected they are to the surroundings.
An analysis of high streets in London (as per the land use pattern) by Space Syntax would reveal that 80% of retailers have located themselves on the 20% most spatially accessible streets. This revelation seems to be a no-brainer as shops cater to locations frequented by people. The literal meaning of the Greek word Agora is a “gathering place” or an “assembly”. This also highlights the twin function of the well-connected marketplace, as both a po itical and commercial space. The Italian Piazzas are commonly found at the meeting of two or more streets. Several businesses and small shops are located within the Piazzas, which form the leitmotif for the traditional Italian city. The modern shopping street, traditional Agora and Piazza are perfect examples of what a good urban space is like when integrated into its urban setting.Such spaces create an ecosystem that thrives on their diversity.What makes Church Street so special is that it shares characteristics of all three archetypes of a great public space.

Sensitive placemaking through intelligent urban design solutions has given New York its Highline project, Seoul its Cheonggyecheon and Japan its Isezakicho of Yokohama. Why not start with Church Street for Bengaluru? Discontinuing street parking will do its bit to encourage public transport and make room for pedestrians on the footpath. Regulating food and garbage truck movement will ensure pedestrians don’t have to hold their breath while walking around. Street furniture will definitely be convenient for those who shop till they drop. Putting dustbins and planters in place will ensure a clean and green street.

While these solutions may improve the image of Church Street, they fail to address more serious underlying issues. The need of the hour is to call on experts and placemakers who understand the need to relay the underground sewage system in tandem with the existing network.

(The writer is an architect)

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Bengaluru / by Naresh V. Narasimhan / April 02nd, 2015