Research & Practice
Shilaj Lake (conceptual proposal)
Team: Sahir Patel, Mansi Shah, Jugal Patel, Elangkumaran
Shilaj Lake is a vast 54 acre natural ensemble in Ahmedabad. It has a huge catchment and is home to several species. The run-off from the abutting roads and the site feed into the lake, which can hold up to 1422059 cubic m (Kaun Tejwans Surinder). The site was selected for development by AMC. The proposal met much resistance from the locals, who contested the project and demanded an ecological approach to protecting waterways, tree cover and habitat. To address these concerns, PUC and Metabolic office proposed a conceptual plan focusing on on-site conservation and restoring the original plantation. The proposal is based on 4 key ideas 1. Retain (existing ecological), Revive (Productive infills), Rejuvenate (Social and cultural spaces) and Remodel (utilitarian facilities).
Aerial imagery showing the disruptions around the lake and its edge
Conceptual proposal in line with ecology and recovery of the landscape
The key strategies includes- Retain (Existing Ecological), Revive (through functional and productive landscapes), Rejuvenate (to add minimal social and cultural facilities) and remodel (common shared areas around the lake)
