These examples of completed and ongoing urban projects depict the process of Place-Making from conceptualization to completion. These projects in the urban realm examine the synergies between our urban, cultural and architectural heritage. The intention is not to produce architectural objects or urban intrusions, but to create a place, which is rendered meaningful by the people for whom it is meant. This involves a deep understanding of the traditions and the values of the place and its people and it is on these subtle and simplistic sensibilities that these projects are based.
The project, which was completed 15 years ago, has established itself as a benchmark, and is one of India's most successful public spaces built in recent times. This place acts as a hub for the people of Delhi to come and spend their leisure time, and has become a popular tourist destination as well. The project is an urban renewal project built on top of a concrete slab, wherein the site has been reclaimed over a storm water drain.
The brief given was for a crafts market but subsequently it became a food and crafts market. The conception and design of the project began by creating a central open place for the public with the crafts shops and the food stalls on either side of it. The intention was not to have too many shops and to provide a lot of space for people to walk around. The crafts shops are towards the front and the food stalls at the back, keeping in mind how fond the people of Delhi are of eating. If the arrangement had been otherwise it is quite possible that one would not even have made it to the crafts shops!
The Haat always has a festive air about it. It is meant to be a platform for craftsmen from all over the country. They are given the shops for a period of two weeks at a time and this way no one has permanent occupancy. This is the reason for its changing moods; every fortnight the place is different. Furthermore, the place is always animated by people and ongoing activities, which lend to Dilli Haat its effervescent character. The Haat was visualized as a place that would be democratic in character, such that the rich and the poor could both feel comfortable here. It is in achieving this that the project can be considered the most successful.
