THE CALCUTTA RIVERSIDE, BATANAGAR

Along the Calcutta Riverside, was land that was owned by the Bata Factory – India’s largest shoe manufacturing factory, incorporated in 1931. As a result, various families and households were dedicated to working towards the process of manufacturing shoes; with most living in Batanagar – becoming a major source of income for the surrounding areas. 

The land was appropriated for mixed-used development by the Hiland Group to incorporate rehabilitation of residential and commercial buildings, and creating recreational, and non-polluting employment opportunities. The studio was brought on board to evaluate and take forward the master plan that had been previously designed. It was essential that the Master Plan allowed for cost effective infrastructure development, vehicular and pedestrian mobility, and an efficient use of the existent water bodies, and resources. 

The commission was an exercise in ensuring a master plan that was able to allow for growth, flexibility, and retaining the sense of identity that the community had carried forward for many years – while demonstrating ideas of collaboration, and dialogue between a multitude of philosophies and ideas.