CHANESAR HALT: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECT
Urban Open Space Design
Nov-2018
Karachi, Pakistan
This project proposal aimed to create a community development plan for Chanesar Goth, an informal settlement in the city of Karachi, Pakistan. The idea was to represent public space in a theoretical, social and experiential point of view. An in-depth analysis of the community was conducted in-terms of planning and policy, with emphasis on public space and housing. Ultimately, the report proposed alternatives and recommendations for housing and public space in Chanesar Goth. The area of interest of this study is a dense, mainly residential, urban settlement with small multiple family homes that have a tendency to expand vertically as the family grows.
Three key areas of concern were identified during the site analysis:
1. Housing and streets – Issues relating to the quality, layout, and conditions of residential units and the adjoining street network.
2. Open Space Adjacent to the Railway Track – Challenges concerning the underutilization, accessibility, and potential hazards associated with the open land located alongside the railway corridor.
3. Safety in relation to railway crossings – Concerns about the risks faced by residents when crossing the railway track, highlighting the need for improved safety measures and infrastructure.
The project’s vision was to create harmony between the rail and the social dynamics of the place. The research revealed that the community wanted to have a permanent presence on the site through a public intervention specifically designed for them.
Goal 1: Imrpove insanitary living conditions- improve streets to encourange social gatherings
Goal 2: Provide alternate housing for users while maintaining a fixed ROW from the railway- vertical housing with rooftops acting as public spaces
Goal 3: Provide a buffer between railway and the residences- providing an aternate pedestrian acess and creating a buffer for noise