WATER FRONT DEVELOPMENT……..
A Sea view has always been enthralling. The calmness of the rhythmic waves, the limitless gaze of the horizon, the swirls of renewed air, and the sounds of the sea always brings a sense of peace and cheer. Such is the impact of the sea. Blessed is The City of Mumbai which is abutting the Arabian Sea. With its wide network of roadways, flyovers, skyscrapers, metro and bullet trains it still enjoys an expansive sea front.
Throngs of people visit the beaches at any hour of the day. The sea front forms a hub for entertainment. People come alone or assemble in bunches for relaxing, strolling, leisure sea viewing, and star gazing and not to forget snacking. The settling paces of the people, the traffic surrounding it, and their grazing joints all are relevant to the chaos the city’s sea front has to provide. The open spaces adjoining the water front are the only breathing spaces in a rapidly developing city. This water front needs to be recognized for both its ecological preservation as well as for its community enhancement.
This stretch needs to be constructed as well as adorned. It should be developed in such a way that public is spilt as per their need for merriment. Some may want to enjoy the tranquility and some want to relish food. The water front should transition aesthetics and comforts. This not only will adds to the significance of the city’s global outlook.
Many Countries have specially reclaimed land around the water front and included remarkable attractions to enjoy the sea front view. Some countries have gone to the extent of colorful pyrotechnics launched at midnight to celebrate the New Year, By constructing elevated promenades alongside the sea, the urban functions will link the city with its social function, at the same time preserving the pristineness of the waters. The food kiosks can be restricted to these promenades thus preventing plastic waste and food left overs strewn all over. Outdoor activities can be encouraged in the form of cycling and jogging track. Amphitheaters can invigorate art forms. Though we have succeeded in creating the Bandstand, Marine drive or the Bandra Reclamation areas, yet it lacks in basic parking, access woes and recreation.
We should take cues from the Devka Beach development, Sabarmati River and Daman Ganga river front development. The Beautifully lit promenade overlooking the sea, followed by a wide road with adequate parking bays and an elevated promenade with kiosks show distinguished specimen of a water front development.
Since the ancient days, the river Ghats were designed along a water body in such a way that they would be used intermittently as places for social gatherings, religious traditions and other spiritual rituals. In current times too, the most visited places on this planet are the beaches. If the water bodies are of such significance, then it should be catered to. When much effort has been made for coastal road endeavors, cleaning of the beaches, then a strong insight for water front development should be taken as a sequester step to make an impressive city which is globally appreciable. This will advance only with a wide vision and determination.
Ar. Rashmi Phulkar (Practicing Architect, Vile Parle EAST)
