Swadeshi Market

The brief of G SEN Trophy 2011 spoke about the change in the urban fabric of Indian cities which are a reflection of its multi-ethnic population base and the resulting traditions and cultural practices due to Globalization. 

It asked to chose a site which has complex cultural ties and tangible heritage value but the functional relevance of the building has changed through the years with advancements in technology, science, transport and communication.

The design goal was to preserve the heritage and retain the cultural wealth and diversity of structure  along with ensuring that the world is enriched rather than impoverished by globalization and changing times.

Swadeshi Market - Kalbadevi


Swadeshi market is an old cloth market established in the early 1900's when the textile industry was booming. It is located in the Kalbadevi area which is an old precinct in South Bombay.

DOCUMENTATION, RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS


We documented the entire Kalbadevi area to understand the history and development of the entire precinct and the relationship and linkages of the market to the rest of the precinct.

On comparing the present and past landuses, we realised that there was a huge shift towards commercial land use from a mixed land use. Also, the organic growth of the area is not able to cope up with the pace of the city, losing its character in the process.

Swadeshi Market is one of the 3 main cloth markets in the Kalbadevi precinct but architecturally it is the most iconic. The mode of operation of the market has changed over the years but its physicality has remained unchanged due to its lack of flexibility and the ever changing dynamics of the trade in textiles.

The facade of Swadeshi Market is characteristic of the old core of the city. It is an apt example of Neo-classical style of architecture showing blend of Victorian and Indian elements.

On documenting the various typologies and modules of the shops in the market we realised that initially the shop owners and workers were provided residences on the upper levels of the market itself. As owners moved out of the residences in the market these areas were converted into wholesale shops as well.


DESIGN IDEAS


Respecting and maintaining the aspects of the conduct of trade, there is an attempt made at modifying the spaces with time while making them better functional fits.
We started at the micro level by designing the individual shop modules based on the existing typologies.

A dedicated residential block was designed at the rear side instead of residential units dispersed throughout the market.

This external skin has been left intact for the sole purpose of imagery and sentimental value and all the openings are left as voids to make it completely porous as it filters the activity on the street into the RG of the market without hindering any moment. Once you enter through the old facade you get the glimpse of the actual new building and facade which responds to the built form and function inside.

The RG within the market fulfills the undeniable need of a truly public space in the congested Kalbadevi precinct. Besides this a lot of nooks, corners and spaces have been designed throughout the market building to encourage social interaction in and around the market.

A scheme for phasing while reconstructing has been devised to ensure the rehousing of shops which are under construction within the market itself.


Artboard 15
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