1. BKC Enhancement and Placemaking Works

Urban Design Division has been actively involved in the enhancement of public spaces within the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), with several initiatives aimed at improving the quality of urban life and creating memorable spaces for the public. The following projects have been successfully executed / completed

• Development of Public Plazas under W.E.H Flyover, Bandra (E): This project transformed the underutilized spaces under Western Express Highway Flyover into vibrant public plazas. The space under the Western Express Highway flyover now serves as a welcoming space for residents and visitors alike. These public plazas are developed with various design elements such as safer and covered pedestrian through fare spine, landscape to minimize noise and smoke from adjacent heavy vehicular traffic, alternating parklets on the edges, adequate lighting for the wee hours etc. The development of this plazas is completed in March 2022.

Public Plazas under W.E.H Flyover

• Development of Traffic Island Plaza at W.E.H, Bandra (E): This traffic island plaza contributes to the urban landscape while acting as a refuge space and providing areas for relaxation and interaction. It consists of seating spaces, softscapes planted with shrubs and flowering trees, way finding signages for better orientation, ramps for easy accessibility etc. This traffic island plaza provides improved safety with reduced junction area, smooth dispersal of pedestrians to BKC and Govt Colony, sufficient holding space which acts as a perfect pause point for pedestrians. The development of this plaza is completed in March 2022

Traffic Island Plaza at W.E.H

• Development of BKC Entrance Plaza, BKC, Bandra (E): A project that revitalized the entrance area of BKC, providing a recreational space for the public and enhancing the overall experience of the city. BKC Entrance Plaza is part of MMRDA’s wider project of Revitalization of Kalanagar Junction Master Plan, which includes micro level designing and planning of urban spaces. The vision was to create a vibrant public open space at the entrance of Mumbai’s premium commercial hub- Bandra Kurla Complex which will attract the local residents and office goers. The Design involves installation of light art sculpture, water fountains, seating spaces, aesthetics lighting, vibrant artwork on flyover pillars and softscapes planted with different varieties of shade loving shrubs. The plaza is spread across 2828 sq.m under the flyover and is developed with an Urban Design Intervention. It’s an attempt to convert the left-over space under flyover into a public recreational and functional area which will in turn uplift the imageability of the node. The development of this plaza is completed in March 2022.

BKC Entrance Plaza, BKC, Bandra (E)

• Installation of Signages for G-20 Summit in BKC: This division installed welcome signages at key locations in BKC to mark the G-20 Summit in the year 2023, ensuring a visually cohesive and welcoming experience for the visitors.

The following projects are under execution in BKC:

• Development of BKC Art Plaza, Bandra (E): Serving as a creative hub, the BKC Art Plaza is designed to be a congregation space or a meeting point for cultural exchange. It will feature an amphitheatre, mini-stage area, fragrant gardens, mobile food trucks, food area, exhibition spaces, walkways, parking spaces, built in benches and seating spaces, toilets, aesthetic lighting, way finding signages etc. The BKC Art Plaza is designed to not only function as a space for public interaction but also to showcase local and international talent during festival seasons. This multi-use concept will help the plaza become a hub for culture, art, and social activities, creating a unique urban environment for people to enjoy year-round. The development of this plaza is underway and will be completed by June 2025.

BKC Art Plaza

• Development of Recreation Grounds, Traffic Islands with Installation of Sculptures: Enhancing the public realm within Bandra Kurla Complex, this project focuses on improving the neglected Recreation Grounds / open spaces / soft verges, traffic islands, integrating art installations like sculptures at various branding / placemaking locations to uplift the aesthetic appeal of the business district. The development of these project will commence soon.

Development of RG in ‘G’ Block of BKC

The neglected Recreation Ground between Laxmi Tower and Kotak Mahindra bank building in ‘G’ Block of BKC is proposed to be developed into a vibrant public space. It consists of various design elements such as mini-amphitheatre, pedestrian walkway, landscape greenery and flowerbeds with plantation of flowering shrubs and trees to enhance the visual appeal.

Installation of Diamond Sculpture adjacent to BDB

A diamond sculpture is proposed to be installed near the Bharat Diamond Bourse building in ‘G’ Block of BKC, to enhance the area's visual appeal and symbolizing its significance in the diamond industry.

Installation of Spherical Strips Sculpture adjacent to BDB

A spherical strips sculpture is proposed to be installed adjacent to the Bharat Diamond Bourse building in ‘G’ Block of BKC, which will add a unique artistic touch to the area while complementing its surroundings.

Installation of Abstract Sculpture in Soft verge adjacent to Indian Newspaper Services Building

An abstract sculpture is proposed to be installed in the soft verge adjacent to the Indian Newspaper Services Building in ‘G’ Block of BKC, enhancing the area's aesthetic appeal with its modern and artistic design.

Creative welcoming sculptures are proposed to be installed at the MTNL junction, serving as an inviting landmark while entering and exiting BKC and enhancing the area’s visual appeal with their artistic design.

Development of RGs in ‘G’ Block of BKC

The proposed development of these 2 nos. of RGs stretching from SEBI Building to Canara Bank Building in ‘G’ Block of BKC is focused on improving the public open spaces by providing a seamless pedestrian throughfare along the landscaped greenery for an enjoyable experience for the nearby office goers and visitors with several key elements to ensure a functional, pleasant, and sustainable pathway with adequate lighting and easy accessibility.

2. Mumbai Metro Lines and Metro Station Upgrading Works

The Urban Design Division has played a significant role in the aesthetic upgrading of the city's metro rail infrastructure. Following are the key areas wherein this division has contributed to enhancing the metro experience while improving the city's overall visual appeal :-

• Metro Line Pillars and Viaduct Paintings: The primary goal of the Metro Pillar Paintings is to beautify the structural pillars that support the metro viaducts, creating a more visually stimulating and engaging urban environment. These pillars, often seen as mundane and utilitarian, are now transformed into abstractly designed canvases with artistic expression. Designs have been developed to improve the visual appeal of metro pillars and viaducts. The painting works are currently under execution across all metro lines.

Metro Pillars and Viaduct Paintings

• Metro Stations Elevation and Façade Treatment: This division has prepared detail design options for the elevation and façade treatment of metro rail stations, which is currently being implemented across all metro stations to enhance their visual appeal and for integrating it seamlessly into the surrounding urban environment. The façade enhancement works are currently under execution across certain metro lines.
• Metro Line 2B – Bollywood Theme Development in the Median Below the Viaduct: Celebrating Mumbai's cultural identity as the hub of Bollywood, this project aims to develop immersive spaces below the metro viaduct. The Bollywood theme is adapted considering Bandra as the “hub of Bollywood” and representing the cultural identity of Mumbai. This project aims to transform these spaces (under metro viaduct) into immersive environments and captivate commuters and visitors, fostering a deeper connection with a city while creating lasting memories. Initially 04 median Bays are being executed on pilot basis. The project is being executed on a pilot basis, with development of four median bays currently in progress

Bollywood Themed - Median Bays Development