A Blue-Green Corridor Concept for Kochi
Our approach envisioned a ‘Blue-Green’ strategy for the commercial capital of Kerala which leverages natural beauty along with innovative contextualized and climate resilient interventions to develop as a ‘water-wise’ pedestrian friendly city attracting investments and ensuring optimal use of existing infrastructure.
To begin with, five wards in approx. 5.5 sq.km of Kochi CBD was visualized as a Blue- Green precinct bound by Kochi Kayal on the west, Railway lines on the East (proposed Green corridor), Pachalam overbridge in the North, and South Railway over-bridge in the South with five Blue-Green spines which connect 4 Metro stations, 4 Water metro jetties, 2 Railway stations and the central Bus stand.
The Blue-Green spines running East-West shall, besides connecting the socio-cultural- economic-institutional hubs of the CBD, facilitate effective drainage of storm water by sensitive renovation of the canal network and ensure protection of Kochi’s natural heritage – its waters, wetlands, its beautiful rain trees, other flora and fauna.
The Blue-Green spines shall connect transit nodes (Metro, Bus, Boat, Train) and form an armature of non-motorized streets and walkways on ground (and elevated wherever required), that shall be fundamental to the urban development paradigm for the area.
Together, these shall create a vibrant urban environment with housing for varied sections of society including social housing, commercial retail, offices, educational institutions, hospitals, sports, recreation and entertainment facilities – all within walking distances.
Along with active participation of private sector investments, Kochi Corporation can consciously work towards densifying the CBD and eventually contribute to limiting urban sprawl.
At least four similar Blue-Green spines can be developed in Kochi CBD area which can potentially absorb an additional future population influx of around 75000 persons to live within the CBD and around 150,000 as visiting population with a healthy, prospering lifestyle - responsible and respectful of their environs and fellow humans.
PROJECT DATA
Location: Kochi, Kerala
Timeline: 2021
Client: Corporation of Kochi, Kerala
Collaborators: Anuj Malhotra, Nalini Nayak, CDD Society
