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BLR-206
41-Kottegepalya
Area / Length:
290 m
Main access road:
Sumanahalli Flyover
Nominee:
Freelancing Individual
Firm / Company
Partner:
Activities:
None of the above, as the space is defunct
Issues:
Unsafe, Garbage dumping, In-accessible, Crime hotspot, No maintenance / dirty
Importance of the site
The leftover spaces under the Sumanahalli flyover are currently underutilized, often neglected, and in some cases even misused. Yet, they hold immense potential to be transformed into safe, vibrant, and functional public spaces that benefit everyone in the neighborhood.
For us and our community, this space is important because:
1. It's in the heart of everyday movement. People pass through here regularly—commuters, pedestrians, vendors. Making it usable and safe directly improves daily life for hundreds of people.
2. It can serve multiple needs. Right now, it's just an in-between zone. But with the right design, it could host shaded seating, greenery, play zones, small markets, or even community activities. It can become a space where people pause, gather, and connect.
3. It represents equity. Many neighborhoods don't have access to good-quality public space. Reclaiming such leftover areas is a chance to create inclusive, accessible environments—especially for those who can’t afford private recreation or transport.
4. It can change perception. Spaces under flyovers are often seen as dirty, unsafe, or ignored. But when we develop them thoughtfully, they can become symbols of urban renewal and community strength.
Proposed idea / vision:
My Vision for the Leftover Spaces Under the Sumanahalli Flyover
I imagine the space under the Sumanahalli flyover transforming into a thriving, safe, and inclusive public realm—one that reflects the needs and aspirations of the people living around it.
Potential Interventions and Uses:
1. Shaded Seating & Gathering Zones - Install well-designed benches, shaded pavilions, and low-maintenance landscaping to encourage people to rest, socialize, or host informal gatherings.
2. Children’s Play Area & Active Zones - Safe, colorful play installations for kids, plus open spaces for yoga, walking, or exercise—especially for elderly residents and youth.
3. Community Market Spaces - Designated zones for local vendors, pop-up markets, and women-led microbusinesses to promote local livelihoods and support the informal economy.
4. Art, Identity & Storytelling - Use walls and columns for community murals, student art, or historical storytelling—making the space expressive and rooted in the local identity.
5. Green Pockets & Urban Biodiversity - Planters, vertical gardens, and native tree belts can reduce dust, cool the space, and support pollinators—reviving ecology even under a flyover.
6. Lighting & Safety Infrastructure - Solar-powered lighting, clear sightlines, and smart CCTV poles to ensure women, children, and all residents feel safe using the space day and night.
Potential Impact:
Inclusion: A space like this invites people of all ages, genders, incomes, and abilities to participate equally in public life. It becomes a space for all, not just a few.
Environment: Reviving a dusty, neglected patch into a green, shaded zone can significantly reduce the urban heat island effect, dust levels, and improve air quality.
Public Health: With cleaner air, space for walking or play, and reduced stress through contact with nature and community, the site promotes both mental and physical well-being.
Safety: “Eyes on the street,” lighting, and activity deter antisocial use. A designed space becomes a claimed space—reducing fear, especially for women and children.
Urban Value: It sets a precedent for reimagining leftover infrastructure spaces—not as voids, but as valuable opportunities for connection, care, and creativity.
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