Reconnaissance Survey for the 'Revitalization of Besant Road and its precincts' conducted by the School of Architecture of KL Deemed-to-be University
Reconnaissance Survey for the "Revitalization of Besant Road and its precincts" conducted by the School of Architecture of KL Deemed-to-be University

As a part of the Urban Revitalizing Project, 37 students from KL School of Architecture are conducting a widespread, tech-enabled survey to explore the feasibility of improving 2 Sq Km of Besant Road and its precincts. Data from the survey with a sample size of 830stakeholders will help shape to a schematic designplanto guide development in the area which could not meet the needs of current scenario.

The study will cover a detailed explanation of the modifications required in the study area as opined by pedestrians, sellers, and other stakeholders. The students will then propose Urban Design solutions to bring back the glory of the place with the upliftment of Design standards of Besant Road. The students have developed a QRcode to the survey questionnaire, which can be scanned by Besant Road users to answer at their convenience. This is not only user-friendly but is also compliance with COVID safety norms to ensure no direct contact between them and the sample.Post survey and analysis, the talent of KL University will submit their suggestions on revitalization solutions to the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC) and the Commissioner is expected to attend the final presentation of the proposals by the 2nd week of December.

"Vijayawada carries its own glory in the archives of Indian History, especially in South India. Besant road is the economic soul of Vijayawada and is a part of the culture of the city. In the course of time and changes in city lifestyles, the road has been losing its charm in attracting people. It is upon us to revive these areas back to life. KL School of Architecture, as part of its curriculum, is going against all odds to take up challenging projects like these" , said Dr. G.P. Saradhi Varma, In-Charge Vice Chancellor, KL Deemed to be University.

“We are excited to partner with VMC and take inputs from other stakeholderslike Hawkers union, Merchants etc to enhance our involvement with those living there. This effort aligns with our goal to improve quality of life for all those in the neighborhoods. Through our urban development projects, we can help rebuild Besant Road area up to the modern urban standards and beyond”, said Ar. Selvaraj, Prof. Architecture, Principal, KL College of Architecture.

KL School of Architecture was noted for its brilliant execution of transformational projects recently. The students have earlier worked on a village named Sunabeda, Odisha. They have presented a detailed documentation of the settlement and have provided architectural and infrastructural solutions to the settlement. Similarly, the current urban study on Enhancement of Besant road is guided by 4 faculty members – Ar. S.Sravani, Ar. B. Kiran Kumar, Ar. K. Harshitha and Ar. P. Senthil Kumar.

Questionnaire

The questions in the survey target the scope of development in and around Besant Road and the experience of users in study areas. The study area covers 2 Sq. km in area, with museum road on East, Gopalachari road on the West, Eluru road on North, and MG Road on South as the boundaries. The survey assumed a random sample and detailed interviews were conducted in the study area.

Analysis& Results

The results and the methodology of development of the Study will be disclosed in December 2021.