Weaving the Urban Fabric: Redevelopment of Calico Mill Lands, Ahmedabad | Masters Design Project on Urban Regeneration

Site Context

The Calico Mills site, once a thriving textile hub, is located on the eastern banks of the Sabarmati River, just south of Ahmedabad’s historic city center, nestled between two major bridges: Ambedkar Bridge to the south and Sardar Bridge to the north. Once significant in the city’s economic prosperity, the mills fell into decline, leading to their abandonment and deterioration.

Covering about 350 acres, the site is a mix of decaying industrial buildings, informal housing, and unused land. Its proximity to the Sabarmati River not only adds to its aesthetic appeal but also offers opportunities for waterfront redevelopment. The mills’ decline has left behind a legacy of neglected structures that embody both a sense of loss and the potential for revitalization.

Despite its prime location, the Calico Mills area faces challenges in terms of accessibility. While it is well-served by major roads and public transportation systems such as the BRTS, many parts of the site remain difficult to reach due to underutilized land.

The site’s landscape is marked by notable elevation changes, ranging from 43 meters to 60 meters, offering opportunities for varied topographical features and diverse ecological habitats. The higher elevations could be ideal for developing urban forests, fostering biodiversity, and improving the area’s visual appeal. Additionally, the presence of first- and second-order streams running through the site calls for the creation of sponge zones to effectively manage runoff and reduce flooding risks to nearby neighborhoods.

Design Process

The design process focused on developing a lively urban space that strengthens community connections and identity. Key goals include improving accessibility via a well-connected green street network, preserving historical features to create a distinct urban narrative, and supporting mixed-use developments that encourage social interaction.

Design strategies include rerouting the riverfront road to create central community hubs, establishing pedestrian-friendly networks, and integrating natural landscapes to boost biodiversity. By connecting public and private spaces with pedestrian pathways, the project aims to turn fragmented areas into unified, meaningful environments.

Grounded in Urban Place Theory, the approach highlights the importance of creating spaces that resonate with local communities and promote a strong sense of belonging. Ultimately, the project seeks to create a vibrant urban setting that combines both functionality and cultural value.

Final Outcome

The proposed masterplan thoughtfully distributes amenities across the site to ensure accessibility for all, incorporating recreational spaces, retail areas, and cultural institutions to meet diverse community needs. The planned reduction in building height in both directions is a strategic response to the surrounding urban environment, aiming to create a more integrated city layout.

In the central area, lower buildings promote a human-scale environment, encouraging interaction and accessibility. On the edges, taller structures are planned for commercial zones, optimizing available space to support a variety of retail and business functions.

The layout is designed to encourage active use of public spaces and foster social interactions between residents and visitors. By prioritizing pedestrian connections and incorporating amenities throughout the site, the master plan seeks to transform the Calico Mill area into a vibrant urban hub. The arrangement of open spaces is structured to create a unified and connected environment, with pedestrian pathways as the key links between these areas.

At the top of this structure are large public squares and parks, which act as central points for community events and gatherings. These are supported by smaller neighborhood parks and green corridors, offering accessible recreational spaces. The pedestrian pathways not only facilitate movement but also enrich the experience, promoting spontaneous interactions and activities.

The design of the buildings seamlessly connects with surrounding open spaces, improving both their function and visual appeal. Each structure makes use of nearby open areas for recreation and offers expansive views from inside. This integration promotes interaction and helps alleviate the dense urban environment, offering a sense of openness and relief.

The proposed urban forest at the Calico Mill site will be a lush, vibrant ecosystem located at one of the site’s highest points. It is designed to manage water runoff by using its tree cover to absorb rainwater and reduce flooding risks. The forest will feature a variety of native tree species, boosting biodiversity and providing a habitat for local wildlife.

The Calico Skill Development Center, a privately owned public space, will serve as both a community resource and a revenue-generating hub. Its adaptable design will support various activities, catering to the community’s needs throughout the day and year, while honoring the historical legacy of the Calico Mill site.

The Central Boulevard Space is envisioned as a key urban area connecting East and West Ahmedabad, designed to be flexible and vibrant. It incorporates a mix of amenities and institutions to meet the community’s diverse needs while promoting social interaction and economic development.

A pedestrian bridge is included to improve connectivity, enabling easy movement between the two areas. Beyond its practical function, the bridge symbolizes the unification of cultural and economic divides, fostering interaction between residents. The design of the space emphasizes versatility, accommodating different activities throughout the day.

The mobility maps showcase important transportation hubs, pedestrian routes, and transit corridors connecting the eastern and western parts of Ahmedabad. They aim to facilitate efficient navigation for residents and visitors while encouraging the use of sustainable transport options. 

Urban design guidelines, along with specific standards for various building types, are essential for fostering a cohesive and functional cityscape. These guidelines ensure new developments blend seamlessly with existing structures and public spaces. Tailored standards for residential, commercial, and institutional buildings address their unique needs, such as safety, accessibility, and community interaction.

The design incorporates low-rise institutional buildings with larger footprints at the center, fostering a welcoming environment for community engagement. In contrast, high-rise commercial structures with extensive street frontages are positioned along main thoroughfares, maximizing retail and business opportunities while efficiently utilizing the gross Floor Space Index (FSI) of 3.

Conclusion: Overall, the project creates a vibrant urban space that enhances community engagement, connects public spaces to the riverfront, and preserves historical monuments. By incorporating a green street network, pedestrian pathways, and natural landscapes, the project improves accessibility and biodiversity and fosters a strong sense of identity and belonging.

[This Academic Project has been published with text and images submitted by the student]