Visakhapatnam Beach Front Redevelopment

The ‘Andhra Pradesh Disaster Recovery Programme' called for the ‘Visakhapatnam Beach Front Redevelopment' masterplan, which was funded by a World Bank loan, in response to a shoreline devastated by cyclone Hud-Hud in 2014. The goal of INI's design proposal for a 30-kilometre stretch of Visakhapatnam’s unique coastline was to rebuild a resilient, non-eroding shore that offered an active urban interface for people. This included restoration/redevelopment of existing public spaces while building vibrant new ones, maintaining local habitats and indigenous fishing communities, and developing resilient intervention structures to tackle potential erosion. The planning process was forestalled after several rounds of meetings with the state, a non-state, pressure group, and community groups. Stakeholder engagement in this public initiative was assured by declared displays of the draft masterplan welcoming the public's feedback.
Restoration and reconstruction of the retaining walls, as well as public plazas, street furniture, stairs and ramps leading down to the ocean, and a well-defined cycling/pedestrian track, are two main urban design features that harmoniously incorporate the vast linear stretch. To provide adequate sustenance, relevant measures were rendered for the unique needs of each of nine distinct areas across the beach.
Local pockets of flora have been strengthened to support spawning turtle colonies; boat parking areas, drying platforms, and markets have been refurbished with infrastructure for local fishing communities. Citizens' contact with their surroundings is improved by views of special natural elements such as the Red Sand Hills, valuable forest and beach views, boardwalks, and trails incorporated in the plan.
Inclusiveness was also decided by maintaining wheelchair mobility all the way to the water's edge. The INI Design Team was ecstatic to have the chance to explore our humanist ideals by designing for people who are actively engaged in their neighbourhoods, cities, and landscapes.
Location: Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India
.
.
#INIdesignstudio #inidesignarchictecture #disasterrecoveryprogram #visakhapatnambeach