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Perception of Nodes As A Public Space -A Case of Mysore

Article in International Journal of Engineering Research and · June 2022

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Irum Safir
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Published by : International Journal of Engineering Research & Technology (IJERT)
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Vol. 11 Issue 05, May-2022

Perception of Nodes As A Public Space - A Case

of Mysore
Sayeda Irum Safir Ar. Madhumati P
IX SEM B.Arch. Associate Professor
Siddaganga Institute of Technology Siddaganga Institute of Technology
Tumkur-572103 Tumkur-572103

Abstract- Urban design has the greatest impact on a city’s physical environment and quality of life. It is the three-dimensional
combination of forms and spaces as seen in time and over time that defines the character of any urban area. Public realm consists of
those places to which everybody has access, although this access may be controlled at times. This includes outdoor spaces such as streets,
squares, nodes, parks. Etc. Urban streets and nodes being the main links and junctions for Movement of motorized traffic, multifold as
public spaces by Structuring numerous aspects such as mobility of the inhabitants their interactions as well as conduction of diverse
array of activities. Under the impact of rampant urbanization, our streets and nodes are failing to function as public spaces due to
several reasons, one of the primary reasons being lack of much required attention to micro details with respect to various amenities in
the design of street scape navigated by the urban dweller. This research deals with the implications of nodes as a public space of the city
in response to its built fabric and planning, and how these nodes still attempt to function as public space in context of Mysore city. It is
accomplished by studying 5 nodes in the city and determining the impact of its built fabric and activities. The paper, therefore aspires
to establish that nodes can still be perceived as a public space.

KEYWORDS- NODE; URBAN STREETS; PUBLIC SPACE; TRANSITIONAL; BUILT FABRIC; FUNCTIONS; URBAN ELEMENTS

I. INTRODUCTION
This research deals with the implications of nodes as a public space of the city in response to its built fabric and planning. The
paper through documentary and evidence gathered also attempts to reveal new perspectives on the influence of social, historical
and symbolical values on the architecture on these nodes in the city and define the intrinsic relationship between transitional
spaces and the built environment of the city. The intention of this research is to contemplate the present condition of these nodes
in the city. Along with the colorful gardens and aesthetically designed buildings, these nodes also contribute significantly in
enhancing elegance of Mysore city, one of the important measures taken to design this was to make circles or nodes as major
intersections of the roads. They were not just structures of solid materials, built for an effective traffic management in the past,
but also represented the oriental culture for which the city was well known even at global level. These nodes are of varied sizes,
with a well laid open spaces and a lamp post or a monument erected in the middle. Each Circle or nodes, as a tribute, used to be
named after a philanthropist or a historical personality who had made a significant contribution to the progress of the city.

The Intention of this paper is to discuss, elaborate and quantify on how Node’s act as public space, that changes or induces certain
physical behavioral patterns among the people and the factors of a nodes which allows it to be used most effectively as public
space.

II. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This research is carried out in two stages. First a comprehensive study is done from literature reviews and internet sources and
the second stage is the study and analysis of the physical aspects on these nodes done under primary survey.

2.1 RESEARCH BY LITERATURE REVIEW

Stage one, the literature review, is carried out with reference to relevant publications by architects and planners within western
and Indian urban contexts as per the research topic, which focuses on public spaces, people and their activities that which makes
nodes and streets important within a city and the local context to function.

2.2 RESEARCH BY PRIMARY SURVEY

The survey was done in the urban core of Mysore, to study what are the various factors and elements that form nodes and to
recognizes the true function and character of these nodes and how these spaces are able to mold to public behavior for the effective
use of the nodes in Mysore?

The method of this research will be to study the physical behavioral patterns among the people and the factors of a nodes which
allows it to be used most effectively.

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Parameters to study Based on

1. Built typology
2. Edge conditions
3. Functions and activity pattern
4. Facades of building
5. Urban elements

III. LITERATURE REVIEW

A node is a centralized hub in the city. It’s where there’s activity and the infrastructure to support it, such as residential, commercial
and retail buildings, usually alongside public transport options.
Our impressions of a city are formed mainly by the quality of public spaces. If they are not pleasant and preserved, or if they
transmit a sense of insecurity, we will seldom return. Good planning of these spaces should be the rule, not the exception. In the
series “Public Spaces,” originally published in Portuguese by The City Fix Brazil, we explore different aspects related to public
spaces that determine our daily experience in cities. Among city buildings, there is a network of spaces that create and
strengthen connections at different levels of influence. In a book, they would be between the lines: the implicit meaning between
concrete. Public spaces, which fill the urban gaps with life, are directly associated with the construction of what we call a city and
influence the relationships that are created within them. “When we refer to the streets and other public spaces of a city, we are
actually talking about the city’s own identity. It is in these spaces that human exchanges and relationships, the diversity of use
and the vocation of each place and the conflicts and contradictions of society are manifested,” explains Lara Caccia, Urban
Development Specialist at WRI Brasil Cidades Sustentáveis, in her dissertation cities. Urban designers and architects have used
the term “character” or “sense of place” since the early days of urban design. But what defines the character of a place and what
impacts it? According to Kevin Lynch, neighbourhood character is determined by its history, cultural identity, landscape, and
architecture. Character also means that the urban area is remarkable and coherent in a way that serves as a basis for pride, affection,
and a sense of community. The character of a place is influenced by many factors, including:

• The built environment including building bulk and the height

• The relationship of built form to topography, geography, and the natural features around which the settlement has grown
• A mix of uses
• The quality and pattern of open spaces and streets
• The hierarchy and relationship between the public and private realms
• The streetscape, landscape, building materials, and views
• The historic elements such as culturally significant buildings and historic fabric
• Source: Lynch, Banerjee, and Southworth 1990

IV. RESEARCH ANALYSIS FINDINGS

4.1 NODE 1
KR CIRCLE
This node is a commercial and transformational zone surrounded by building like commercial Bus terminals and a lot of pedestrian
and vehicular influx accommodating hawker activity around the sidewalks

Fig.1 Plan of KR Circle Source: author

1. Built Typology: This node is surrounded by building like Visveswaraya corporation building which house retail outlets
and office spaces, KSRTC bus terminus accommodate eateries and various office and training spaces. The other two
complexes are private properties with luxurious shopping materials

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2. Edge Condition: This street and node edges have well designed sidewalks which 3m wide accommodating hawkers
along the edges of the building and streets selling various goods ranging from fruits and vegetables to other accessories.
The street and the sidewalk have defined stone parapet barricade.
3. Functions and Activity Patterns: this node is occupied by shoppers and commuters in both buildings and streets around
the node since most of the people come to the bus stop or Devaraj Market and the commercial shopping complex
4. Facade: the buildings around this node very designed in 1955, in Indo Saracenic style of architecture The Indo Saracenic
buildings of Mysore city is led by Amba Vilas Palace. Mixtures of Hindu and Islamic characteristics of architecture are
found in all these buildings
5. Urban Elements: the center of the node has magnificent structure housing the statue of Krishnaraja Wadiyar Statue
under beautiful kiosk design in Indo Saracenic style of architecture with a big bulbous dome in the centre and in the
corners of the structure on their roof level. And with exemplary colonnades on the edges. This node is embellished by
elegant light poles around it.

Fig.2 Sectional Analysis of Nodes and edge conditions Source: author

Fig.3 Photo Documentation of KR Circle Source: author

4.2 NODE 2
CHAMARAJA CIRCLE
This node is adjacent to the temple complex hence is surrounded mostly with vegetation and has temple and a lot tourist-based
activities like chariot rides and eatery joints, the parks surrounding this node provide a clear vantage towards the palace.

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Fig.4 Plan of Chamaraja Circle Source: author

1. Built Typology: This node is surrounded by parks like Dr Rajkumar Park, Dr Vishnu Vardhan dhyana Vana, Curzon
Park in all three directions and mostly open space with lawns and trees the only built structure in the immediate context
is Kotte Anjaneya temple.
2. Edge Condition: This street and node edges have well designed sidewalks which 3m wide or more accommodating
hawkers along the edges of the streets, with a lot tourist-based activity, with vegetation along the street and the sidewalks
have defined stone parapet barricade.
3. Functions and Activity Patterns: this node is occupied by tourist-based activity such as chariot riding, eateries and due
to the presence of Kotte Anjaneya temple, temple activities are also seen near the palace complex
4. Urban Elements: The Statue of Maharaja Chamarajendra Wodeyar is one of Mysore's most iconic landmarks. It is
strategically placed at the intersection of Ashoka Road and Albert Victor Road. Under beautiful kiosk design in Indo
Saracenic style of architecture with a big bulbous dome in the centre and in the corners of the structure on their roof
level. And with exemplary colonnades on the edges. This node is embellished by elegant light poles around it.

Fig.5 Sectional Analysis of Nodes and edge conditions Source: author

Fig.6 Photo Documentation of Chamaraja Circle Source: author

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4.3 NODE 3
DODA GADIYARA CIRCLE
This node is adjacent to the town hall complex surrounded by commercial complex on other sides, this node is predominant with
vehicular influx and informal vending activity on the street edge and priority given to both pedestrian and vehicular pathway,
hence this node is mere roundabout.

Fig.7 Plan of Doda gadiyara Circle Source: author Source: author

1. Built Typology: This node is surrounded by townhall complex and commercial retail outlets the building around is both
Indo-Saracenic style of architecture and new modern materials giving it a contrast.
2. Edge Condition: This street and node edges have well designed sidewalks which 3m wide or more accommodating
hawkers along the edges of the streets, with vegetation along the street and the sidewalks have defined stone parapet
barricade.
3. Functions and Activity Patterns: the functions are mostly vehicles passing around and hawker activity and people
accessing
4. Facade: The facade of both modern aluminum paneling without any specific response to the context.
5. Urban Elements: the node has a clock tower in the centre with landscape around it and adorned with street light around
with the barricade of the town hall complex acting as seating at the edge.

Fig.8 Sectional Analysis of Nodes and edge conditions Source: author

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Fig.9 Photo Documentation of Doda gadiyara Circle Source: author

Fig.10 Photo Documentation of Doda gadiyara Circle Source: author

4.4 NODE 4
GANDHI SQUARE
This Node is a dominated commercial activity such home appliance, utensils etc. This node was designed to commemorate
Gandhi’s visit to Mysore, this node is huge with parking at the edges and roundabout works smoothly without any congestion.

Fig.11 Plan of Gandhi Square Source: author

1. Built Typology: This node is surrounded new and old buildings with commercial activity onto the street edge
2. Edge Condition: This street and node edges have well designed sidewalks which 3m wide or more accommodating
hawkers along the edges of the streets, with well-defined street parking with vegetation along the street and the sidewalks.
3. Functions and Activity Patterns: this node has both pedestrian and vehicular activity with shoppers and commuters
passing by this round about
4. Facade: the facades in this node do not have a defined architectural character to it
5. Urban Elements: The Statue of Gandhi adorned with landscape around it and street lighting

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Fig.12 Sectional Analysis of Nodes and edge conditions Source: author

Fig.13 Photo Documentation of Gandhi Square Source: author

4.5 NODE 5
HARDINGE CIRCLE
This Node The circle was originally called Hardings Circle. The locals preferred to call it Aru Gate because six gates converged
in the circle leading to six main roads of the city. The western road leading to the Mysore palace and city bus station is called
the Albert Victor Road. The two northern roads are called Bangalore Nigiri Road as they are both one-way-twins leading
to Bangalore. The southern road is called Nilgiris Road which goes to Ooty. The eastern road is called Mirza Road and it goes
to Postal Training Centre in the south-eastern road is called Lokarjan Mahal road and it goes to the Mysuru Zoo and Karanji

Fig.14 Plan of Hardinge Circle Source: author

1. Built Typology: This node is surrounded by few older buildings.

2. Edge Condition: This street and node edges have well designed sidewalks which 3m wide or more accommodating
hawkers along the edges of the streets, with bus stop points and landscaped zones as a buffer to the built around
3. Functions and Activity Patterns: this node has both pedestrian and vehicular activity with commuters passing by this
round about

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4. Urban Elements: Has Park around with seating facility and edges of the nurserymen co-operative society used a waiting
area for the bus stop

Fig.15 Sectional Analysis of Nodes and edge conditions Source: author

Fig.16 Photo Documentation of Hardinge Circle Source: author

V. CONCLUSION
Nodes play a very important role in participatory public spaces and lot various ancillary activities play a significant role in defining
this space. In present day these nodes of Mysore act as public space, with the combination of these and street, hence these spaces
become livable for people and their activities, the research findings have led to a discussion of how transitional round about and
these nodes set an example to other nodes and streets with their functions and physical features of how nodes can be perceives as
public spaces. Today as public spaces decline, concerns for the vitality and liveability of the cities increase. People are the main
ingredients of the city and without public spaces it is impossible to establish a physical and mental connection between public and
urban environment. As one of the significant open public spaces, nodes can become fundamental city elements in democratic and
liveable cities. Besides the physical dimension of design process, where Urban public places Create identity, sense of place and
contribute to the overall city image, promote public use and participation, encourage social activities, communication and social
integration, Enhance the character of the environment, create a public square which is legible, enjoyable and long-lasting, create
both physically and socially accessible environments, Promote art, cultural activities and entertainment. Nodes are more than just
physical spaces; they have symbolic meaning for people. They are vibrant, active and interesting places. Most of the nodes involve
a historical value or importance for the community, as well as for the tourists and visitors. What should be called a ― Node often
functions as crossroads and is occupied by vehicle traffic. Although traditional nodes in Indian cities differ from western examples,
they still have a cultural and social importance in public life. Hence, it is urgently needed to develop design and management
strategies for urban nodes in order to prevent losing a vital part of the city and the community.

VI. REFERENCES
[1] https://starofmysore.com/
[2] https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjJ16P8yuD0AhVa-
WEKHY6oD_sQFnoECAQQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FHardinge_Circle&usg=AOvVaw1aW1eB308lzvRE-
7JBGeJB
[3] https://jag.journalagent.com/itujfa/pdfs/ITUJFA-36349-DOSSIER_ARTICLES-DAMAYANTI.pdf
[4] http://www.ijmer.com/papers/vol2_issue2/X022139143.pdf

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[5] https://www.ijser.org/researchpaper/Urban-streets-and-nodes-A-case-of-Bangalore.pdf
[6] https://www.ijrte.org/wp-content/uploads/papers/v8i6/F7977038620.pdf
[7] https://1library.net/document/zx9984vz-exploring-urban-design-elements-refurbish-identity-mysore-city.html
[8] https://thecityfix.com/blog/public-spaces-10-principles-for-connecting-people-and-the-streets-priscila-pacheco/
[9] https://www.academia.edu/21059625/PERCEPTION_OF_URBAN_PUBLIC_SQUARES_IN_INDIA_Faculty_of_Architecture

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