The site is located in the coastal city of Visakhapatnam (also known as 'Vizag') in the state of Andhra Pradesh (India). It lies nestled between the serene hills of the Eastern Ghats and the coast of Bay of Bengal.While the remaining areas of beach are developed substantially,this stretch has sewage discharge points and is not maintained. This project deals with the Excess of land and water resource that lies on the beach unused. The main idea is to explore the possibilities of developing strategies to turn this eyesore of a place to an experiential public destination for all things fun.
The Visakhapatnam beachfront and city were devastated by Hud Hud Cyclone in 2014. As the city recovers, the vision is to redevelop the beach in a way that it ensures a development resilient to future hazards and redevelop and expand the recreational, social and economic benefits that the beachfront can offer. The regional growth framework aims to maximize the potential of one of Vizag’s “unique selling points:” its coastline. The coastal development strategy covers the entire oceanfront, from the port in the south to Bheemilipatnam in the north. As context for the planning framework for Rushikonda, the diagram below and associated text identify the future positioning and character of the different segments that make up the coastline. The contract among the different segments is intentional, and is central to the successful development of the coastline. The Coastal Development Strategy aims to facilitate the delivery of public and private sector investments along the oceanfront, and support integrated development opportunities.
The following maps aid in understanding the context of the city.
The following projects are good examples of strategies or interventions that can be a part of the projectBeach(front) Please! will be. These examples will guide the development of the project and be references for the public to better understand the proposal.
1.With the opening of the Harbor Bath, the inner-city waterfront of Faaborg has finally opened for bathing and recreation / public activity. This new public space on the water adds a new dimension of re-creational activity to the beautiful South Funen Archipelago. The Harbour Bath is designed to tie a closer link between the city and the sea. The Harbour Bath allows for serene views in close proximity to the water. The sounds, smell and sight of the water stimulates inexplainable joy in the users. The materials used are tacticle and give a good feel to the barefoot user. The undulating heights allow for different experiences in the same project. The materials used are entirely birodegradable. The design is simple yet attracts people of all ages.
2.Perth’s Scarborough Beach redevelopment has become one of Australia’s most iconic urban beach experiences, transforming a previously disconnected and carpark-dominated beachfront. Delivered by the Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority in partnership with the City of Stirling and Designed by a TCL and UDLA-led consortium, the project is defined by two main pedestrian promenades that provide clear circulation and frame new amenities and recreational opportunities along the beachfront. The upper promenade connects to retail and food and beverage outlets, civic plazas and new development zones, while the lower promenade provides opportunities for jogging, cycling and other active uses.
3.Kiosks with stainless steel canopies and a towering glass and chrome sculpture are among the recent enhancements made to Chicago's Navy Pier, one of the largest public piers in the world.Called Pierscape, the project was designed by James Corner Field Operations, the landscape studio behind Manhattan's High Line, with architectural elements by nArchitects.The architectural components of Pierscape are intended to strengthen the city's connection to the lake through "framing, integrating or reflecting" the environment, said nArchitects.The centrepiece is the Wave Wall, which consists of a curvilinear wall sheathed in louvres that merges with a grand, sculpted staircase overlooking Lake Michigan.
The project proposal began with the model of the site. The major issue of the waste water run-off is solved with a pebble purifier bed which also serves as an element of landscaping. A pier is designed to make people feel closer to the water. The beach is made accessible with the construction of boardwalks and decks. Vegetation makes the beach look inviting and aesthetic.
