Bridging Gap: People I Places I River

Waterfronts have been an integral part of the city. River edges through the centuries have been used for many reasons and more recently, they are being designed for the community. In India, the river has religious significance in conjunction with historic and cultural importance. The river, especially in many major cities of India have been left exposed to degradation and for the same reasons have been neglected by communities altogether. Hence, designing these spaces with intricate care and with re-establishment in purview becomes imperative. This project looks at one of such sites in Surat, Gujarat. The eastern embankment of Tapi river has a partially established riverfront connecting eminent historical, cultural and recreation spaces along its 3km long stretch. Surat riverfront walkway connects few historically significant gardens; A historical landmark known as Ovara, and the oldest market ‘Ravivari’ before culminating its stride at the Surat city fort. The walkway here acts like a corridor with every significant place along this stretch as pause points. The project explores in detail one of these pause points along the stretch that is the 'Chopati Garden' and intends to re-imagine and re-establish it as a place that mends the lost connection between people, places and river.