Segmented Transformation of Vadaj

Old Vadaj, also known as Juna Vadaj is one of the oldest and significant areas of Ahmedabad which has witnessed the evolution of the city throughout the years. As much as the area is a part of the recent urban developments it has also played a crucial role with the settlement of migrants throughout the years. The typology of these settlements has made Juna Vadaj a blend of organic and organized settlements. The street networks act as boundaries which divide these settlements. Throughout the years, the organic settlements have turned into slums leading it in becoming a gateway for migrants. The initial settlements in the area were purely residential which later partially transformed into mixed use and commercial due to certain developments which triggered the change in land use. However, this transformation is restricted to certain parts of the area. This study attempts to understand the evolution of the area, the street networks, dominant land use in the area, the reason behind segmented transformation, the effect of stagnant development on the rest of the area and the steps taken by the government to redevelop these areas.