Redefining Akhbar Nagar Junction, Wadaj

Akhbar Nagar Junction is one of the three important nodes in the TOZ of Wadaj along the 132’ ring road. Akhbar Nagar is the place where the development of Wadaj was initiated, making it the oldest housing stock in the precinct. Since this housing stock is more than 30 years old, the redevelopment around this area has already begun, providing an opportunity for intervention. The 132’ ring road harbors three important transit stops at the junction, i.e. AMTS, BRTS, and Metro station. Akhbar Nagar area is divided into two-part due to the 132’ ring road, in the left are residential complexes designed by the Gujarat Housing Board and on the right is a development by private owners ranging from mixed-use buildings with small scale retail on the ground floor to single unit bungalows and even chawls and row houses. Due to drastic differences in the urban form, size of plots, and even no access to appropriate road widths, the redevelopment in this area is hindered. Therefore the goal of this project is to redefine the built character near Akhbar Nagar Junction by creating pockets of open space around the public asset to enhance the neighborhood experience.