International Journal of Landscape Planning and Architecture
Re-Designing Spaces Under Elevated Roads
Department of Architecture, VIVA School of Architecture,Mumbai University, Kandivali, Mumbai, India
Abstract
The rapid expansion of elevated road networks in Indian metropolitan cities has significantly improved urban mobility while simultaneously creating extensive underutilized spaces beneath flyovers and elevated corridors. In Mumbai, these under-elevated spaces frequently remain neglected, poorly illuminated, and socially disconnected, often becoming locations for debris dumping, illegal parking, informal encroachments, and unsafe activities. Despite several beautification initiatives, including landscaped gardens, public art installations, and pedestrian walkways, many interventions fail to attract sustained public use due to inadequate functional programming, poor environmental quality, limited accessibility, insufficient maintenance, and the absence of inclusive, human-centric design strategies. This research investigates under-elevated road spaces as valuable yet overlooked components of the urban public realm and explores their potential to contribute to sustainable urban regeneration in Mumbai. Adopting a qualitative research methodology, the study evaluates spatial characteristics, existing land-use patterns, environmental conditions, and socio-economic challenges through site observations, photographic documentation, secondary literature review, comparative case studies, and user behaviour analysis. Key evaluation parameters include safety, environmental performance, adaptability, accessibility, spatial efficiency, social inclusivity, and long-term usability. The findings reveal that successful revitalization of these neglected urban spaces requires multifunctional programming, enhanced daylight availability, improved environmental comfort, active public participation, and continuous passive surveillance. Based on the analysis, a research-driven design framework is proposed, incorporating modular hybrid work pods, green pockets, community-oriented activity zones, and sustainable daylighting solutions such as vertical light pipe systems. These interventions aim to improve safety, reduce dependence on artificial lighting, encourage social interaction, and activate underutilized urban land. The study concludes that strategically reimagined under-elevated road spaces can evolve into productive, inclusive, resilient, and environmentally sustainable public assets, contributing meaningfully to Mumbai's evolving urban landscape while providing a replicable framework for sustainable urban redevelopment in other densely populated metropolitan cities.
Key Words: Urban Regeneration, Under-Flyover Spaces, Adaptive Reuse, Hybrid Co-Working Pods, Sustainable Streetscape Design
References (1)
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