Life On Bridges: Treating Bridges As a Place | Architecture Thesis on Urban Revitalization

Site Context

The 258 km long, non-perennial river Vaigai splits Madurai into its north and south, with five causeway bridges and five flyover bridges connecting them. The Albert Victor bridge is one of the oldest because it was built more than a century ago and continues to be a major source of traffic in the city. As the primary route connecting Madurai’s Old and New Cities, the Albert Victor Bridge is one of the city’s most significant landmarks.

The area is traditionally used for religious processions and rituals, play areas, car washing, animal grazing, and marginal fishing. Clothes washing and drying are also common activities here. The bridge is 330 metres long and 15 metres wide, and it is supported by 15 arches made of stone. Its two ramps, one 260 metres long from the northern edge and the other 130 metres long from the southern, both reach the flat portion at 3.30 metres above road level.

This bridge is well-known for its architectural significance in colonial architecture and has been cited as an example of British technical excellence. The Vaigai River is being restored, and historic bridges are being preserved, as part of the smart city mission. In the annual Chithirai festival, the Bridge is a significant part of the ceremony wherein Lord Azhagar descends on the Vaigai River. From these bridges, countless thousands of people witness this spectacle.

Therefore, this heritage structure was determined to be the most relevant site for exploring the multidimensional functional layer of the bridge by taking into account current government proposals regarding the context and daily usage, the bridge’s structural stability, the community’s connection, and usage during festivals.

Design Process

Unloading the Bridge: Due to its significant impact on the Madurai traffic system, unloading the Albert Victor Bridge is a difficult task. To reduce traffic, a new alternative bridge is proposed to connect the same edges, divert vehicle flow, and convert it into a pedestrianised elevated corridor. This alternate network will address traffic problems and improve the overall traffic flow in the area.

Socio – Economical Tourist Walk at Heritage Bridge: Based on usage, the design primarily targets three user groups: the neighbourhood community, Madurai localities, and tourists. These user groups can be further classified into three major activities: social, economic, and tourism.

The proposed design includes social areas like parks, play areas, and recreational areas to draw visitors. Commercial entities include small shopping areas, farmers markets, restaurants, and kiosks. A vantage point offers a view of the Vaigai River and Madurai city. A gallery, visitors centre, and exhibition centre educate tourists about the city’s cultural heritage. Other facilities include parking, public restrooms, and fire extinguishers.

Sequencing of Activities: The city is divided in half by the bridge, with primary visitors from the north due to transportation options. The southern part is densely populated with residences and commercial shops. The proposed bridge design, starting in the north and working its way south, serves as a landmark and recreational area for the local population. The zoning is divided into four sections, with intersections serving as transitional spaces.

Final Outcome

While keeping the 130-year-old structure’s grandeur and historical significance intact, the design is subtle and simple, highlighting the Old Bridge. Two perspectives were adopted in the design of the Heritage Bridge. While locals enjoy the bridge from South to North, tourists can enjoy it from North to South. The spaces that cascade from one zone to another were carefully designed.

Green areas with native plants are used for landscaping, providing beauty and vitality. These areas serve as a deterrent to the traffic on the bridge for cars as well. The Heritage Bridge was made with evening and night traffic in mind, with lighting provided near walkways, seating areas, etc. ensuring safety of visitors.

The structures above the bridge are made of sturdy, lightweight materials. Stone cladding complements the exteriors of the existing buildings. Views of the Meenakshi Amman temple, the Vaigai River, and the expanse of the city are available from the viewing decks.

The Chithirai festival in Madurai is a unique event with ephemeral features. Devotees can watch the festival in designated areas, with security measures in place. Shop modules have been modified to include a first aid room, public restrooms, and a lost and found centre. VIPs and media recording have separate allocated areas. Confusion and chaos in the area are decreased by specifically designating spaces for each activity. Additionally, this design allows riverfront development, contributing to the preservation of the river’s purity.

Conclusion: The proposed design attempts to influence the environment, the city, and the people at all scales. The project serves as a model and provides architectural solutions for in-use, aged structures by proposing minimal intervention in the context and once again breathing life into said structures and giving them new meaning.

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