Reimagine unused subways
To The Executive Engineer, Road Infrastructure, and Engineer-in-Chief BBMP
Dear Sirs:
*Subject: Repurposing Unused Subways for Heritage and Community Engagement*
We propose a creative solution to repurpose the unused, forgotten, and redundant subways across Bangalore. This initiative aims to optimize expensive infrastructure, increase knowledge and love for the city, and foster community engagement.
*Background:*
Bangalore's subways have been plagued by neglect, poor maintenance, and lack of utility. Despite being built to facilitate pedestrian movement, many subways have become dens for anti-social elements, dumping grounds, and are often filthy and smelly (TOI, 2020; Deccan Herald, 2020). It's time to reimagine these spaces.
*Objectives:*
1. *Heritage Preservation:* Showcase Bangalore's rich cultural heritage through photographs, paintings, and QR codes linking to prominent landmarks.
2. *Community Engagement:* Provide a platform for students, groups, and artists to display their work, promoting creativity and civic pride.
3. *Tourism Development:* Enhance guided walks and tourism experiences by utilizing subways as information hubs.
*Pilot Project: Chalukya Subways*
We recommend starting with the two subways at Chalukya, which have remained unused for 12 years. This location is ideal due to its proximity to schools, Basava Samithi Trust, Raj Bhavan, and the planetarium.
*Key Features:*
1. *Improved Signage and Lighting:* Enhance visibility and safety.
2. *Access Improvements:* Ensure easy entry and exit points.
3. *Heritage Displays:* Showcase Bangalore's iconic landmarks, historical events, and cultural significance.
4. *QR Codes:* Provide additional information and interactive experiences.
5. *Community Showcase:* Allocate space for students, groups, and artists to display their work.
*Benefits:*
1. Optimizes Unused Infrastructure
2. Fosters Community Engagement and Civic Pride
3. Enhances Tourism Experiences
4. Promotes Heritage Preservation
5. Encourages Creativity and Innovation
*Implementation:*
1. Collaborate with local architects, artists, and community groups to reimagine and revitalize the subways.
2. Improve signage, lighting, and access.
3. Install heritage displays and QR codes.
4. Allocate space for community showcases.
*Conclusion:*
We believe this project requires minimal investment and can have a significant impact on the city's heritage and community engagement.
We look forward to discussing this initiative further.
Sincerely,
Priya Chetty-Rajagopal
:options:
Links:
- Bangalore Mirror: "Underground stink ways" (2017)
- The Hindu: "Why is our money stuck in subways?" (2017)
- Bangalore Mirror: "Pedestrians aim for skies" (2020)
- The Hindu: "Pedestrian subways in Bengaluru filthy, smelly and unsafe" (2020)
- Deccan Herald: "Bengaluru: Subways, BBMP's No. 1 shame" (2020)
- Times of India: "Bengaluru: 7 CBD subways turn dens for anti-social elements, dumps" (2020)
Research
The Seoripul Gallery
The Seoripul Gallery was originally an underpass that was developed in 1989 and that had been unattended after 2000 when the crosswalks were installed above ground. It was remodeled as an exhibition space for local residents and young artists in 2018. This remodeling case won a silver award at the 2019 Awards for Innovation in Government Event
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