In India’s architectural odyssey, the narrative through the lens of residents of this vast and diverse landscape which it has all from mountain ranges to coral reefs, sets the stage for a profound architectural journey. Through the timeline, from the Harappan Civilization to the present-day smart city mission, the evolving architecture mirrors the trajectory of a developing nation.
As the observer navigates the pages of time, the impact of rapid urbanization becomes a pivotal focus. India’s architectural evolution emerges as a response to the challenges of urban growth, congestion, inadequate infrastructure, and unplanned development. The observer, distant yet immersed in the narrative, unveils the reality of the Rajkot Smart City Project—an architectural marvel positioned to redefine the very essence of urban development.
This is not a mere utopian vision; it’s an unfolding reality, a symbiotic relationship between architecture and the welfare of the citizens. The narrative unfolds, inviting readers to witness the transformative journey of a nation, one architectural marvel at a time.
Background & context:
In navigating the vibrant city of Rajkot in the western state of Gujarat, the narrative unfolds a compelling canvas of rich heritage for architectural exploration and development. The traditional and contemporary structures of the urban fabric, accompanied by vibrant bazaars and colonial buildings reflect the layers of the city’s historical evolution. Transitioning to the present era, Rajkot stands as an entrepreneurial hub, fostering a demand for innovative architectural spaces.
The challenge at hand involves steering toward a sustainable and modern future, with architects assigned to Raiya—the site of the Rajkot Smart City mission, situated 9 km west of Rajkot. The secondary road marks the western edge, and the arterial road defines the northern edge. An existing road facilitates connectivity between the southern and northern edges by intersecting the site. Noteworthy is the site’s slope, running from northeast to southwest, featuring three existing water bodies at the northwestern, southeastern, and southern edges.
Understanding the city’s developmental trajectory, where heritage holds a proud place, the architects of INI Designs emerge as pivotal figures. They play a crucial role in designing an urban community that harmonizes modern amenities with the cultural preferences of the residents. The actual challenge within the Rajkot smart city project lies in the preservation and creation of sustainable, well-planned neighborhoods. These neighborhoods are envisioned to accommodate efficient transport systems, and modernized public spaces, and contribute to the development of smart infrastructures aligned with Rajkot’s aspirations.
Project overview:
In the pursuit of urban transformation, the Rajkot Smart City project at Raiya, shedding light on its strategic utilization of existing water bodies and channels. The project’s visionary goal is to achieve equilibrium, accommodating a substantial population while preserving natural resources. Harsha emphasizes the project’s commitment to fostering a sense of community that appreciates the geographical significance of water resources.
The grand vision extends to molding Rajkot into a modern city that is not only vibrant and diverse but also inclusive, attracting skilled migrants, industries, businesses, and professionals from across the state. The narrative underscores the emphasis on providing top-notch features of urban planning, sustainability, and smart infrastructure. The belief in active governance emerges as a driving force, aiming to create a highly livable, world-class urban ecosystem within the Rajkot smart city
Architectural contributions take center stage in this ambitious endeavor, encompassing various facets such as feasibility studies, programming, master planning, robust smart infrastructure, transportation, social infrastructure, and architecture with a focus on social building concepts. The comprehensive approach includes mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire MEFP engineering, landscape design, project management consultancy (PMC), urban design, district cooling, non-motorized network (NMT), and a steadfast commitment to sustainability and green certification. Facile Maven consultancy and Multi-Media consultancy play pivotal roles in the design, aligning with the Smart City mission and serving the Rajkot Municipal Corporation and Rajkot Smart City Development Limited. Collaborative efforts between urban planners and technology experts ensure well-planned spatial layouts, green spaces, and the seamless integration of IoT devices and connectivity solutions, laying the foundation for the city’s smart functionalities.
Architectural Design and Innovation:
In the expansive realm of the Rajkot Smart City project, spanning 930 acres with dimensions of 2km by 2km, a meticulous zoning strategy unfolds. Water channels, intricately connecting existing water bodies, act as natural dividers, facilitating the allocation of distinct zones. The project comprises nine zones, each designated for specific purposes: recreation districts, conventional halls, hospitals, retail districts, sports/mixed-use districts, city center, culture/mixed-use district, knowledge and institutional district, Northside, the hub, and southside.
Technological integration in architectural design has become a hallmark of the Rajkot Smart City venture. Smart multi-level car parking sensors, ICCC, district cooling systems, rainwater harvesting, ICT-based monitoring systems, smart electricity, 24*7 water supply, rainwater collection networks, and BRTS/cycle tracks with top panels and rooftop panels collectively embody the forward-thinking approach.
The well-being of residents takes center stage, evident in the diverse amenities provided. Convention centers, museums, exhibition centers, incubation spaces with skill development centers, libraries, auditoriums, mixed-use structures (retail+office), healthcare facilities, and schools are thoughtfully incorporated. Housing solutions, including low-cost housing for EWS Housing and LIC Housing, further underscore the commitment to fostering inclusive and accessible living spaces.
A verdant tapestry unfolds across the Rajkot Smart City, featuring the likes of race courses, sports arenas, greenways, plazas, central parks, sports parks, lake rejuvenation, and gardens.
In the canvas of the Rajkot Smart City, the architects’ vision comes to life, offering not just a city but a living experience that combines sustainability, technology, and thoughtful design to create an urban community.
Urban planning & connectivity:
In the context of the Rajkot smart city, the creation of green belts through strategically designed greenways serves as a testament to the expertise of the architects and urban planners. More than 10,000 houses are seamlessly integrated into safe and sustainable social housing, complemented by accessible modes of transport and essential social amenities such as schools, hospitals, institutes, and libraries. The meticulous planning extends to the road network, achieving highly efficient point-to-point connectivity throughout the city.
Covering an expansive 29% of the land area, these greenbelts play a pivotal role in transforming Rajkot into a smart and sustainable urban landscape. The introduction of a second ring road, accessible through a broad 60m-wide boulevard culminating at the central park, serves as a picturesque anchor point. This thoughtful urban planning not only enhances connectivity but also establishes a welcoming focal point for the residents of Rajkot.
The emphasis on sustainability is further highlighted through the intuitive integration of the network, facilitated by Building Information Modeling (BIM). This technological integration translates the smart city concept into a green, polycentric, and efficient reality, aligning with the city’s aspirations for a harmonious and forward-thinking urban environment.
Smart Technologies Integration:
In the realm of urban innovation, the Intelligent Traffic and Integrated Transport Management System at the Rajkot Smart City unfolds as an 18 km road network, ranging from 24 to 60 m in width. This comprehensive system incorporates a 6 km Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS), seamlessly integrating cycle tracks and walkways that connect major roads, foot-over bridges, and iconic smart road junctions. Collectively, these initiatives represent a harmonious fusion of technology and sustainability, serving as a transformative solution for urban mobility to tackle the ever-evolving challenges of modern cities.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Rajkot Smart City project emerged as a complex puzzle with diverse requirements, skillfully pieced together by the commendable work of INI Designs architects and their team. Their meticulous efforts have not only found the right components but also assembled them cohesively, creating opportunities, preserving resources, and offering residents a harmonious blend of tradition and contemporary innovation within a safer urban community environment. The green landscape, coupled with robust connectivity and intelligent traffic management, serves as a testament to Rajkot’s successful transformation into a smart, sustainable, and livable city.
“Applying foresight and integration to sustain the smart in urban fabrics”- INI Designs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Yn9QAoHZVY&t=8s
Credits:
- INI Design (2021) Rajkot smart city, INI Design Studio. Available at: https://www.inidesignstudio.com/portfolio/rajkot-smart-city-masterplan-under-smart-cities-mission-govt-of-india/ (Accessed: 06 January 2024). [website]
- Rajkot smart city (2021). 11 January. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Yn9QAoHZVY&t=8s (Accessed: 06 January 2024).
