Trichy Corporation Launches National Design Competition for Rockfort Teppakulam Area
Following the successful clearance of encroachments around the historic Rockfort Teppakulam near the Main Guard Gate, the Trichy Corporation has taken a significant step forward by declaring the area a no-vending zone. In a move to revitalize this culturally significant location, the corporation has now floated a national-level competition to solicit innovative design ideas for developing a sustainable public space.
Comprehensive Redevelopment Plan
Organized in collaboration with Archtrust and the Indian Institute of Architects, this competition aims to receive comprehensive land-use designs for redeveloping approximately 30 acres of highly commercialized area surrounding the Teppakulam. The scope extends beyond this core area, with plans to draft sustainable solutions for about 85 acres surrounding the 30-acre zone.
The proposed sustainable solutions include:
- Rainwater harvesting (RWH) structures
- Pedestrian-friendly zones
- Civic plazas for community gatherings
- Protective canopies
- Urban forests to enhance green cover
Competition Details and Timeline
The design competition will be executed with an outlay of Rs 18 lakh over a three-month period between February and April. Architecture students have already begun collecting data and mapping the focus areas in preparation for the contest. The corporation has committed to providing proper statistics and administrative support to facilitate accurate surveying and the generation of design models.
Soon, workshops will be conducted involving the local body, stakeholders, and the general public to discuss and establish themes and directions for the competition. This participatory approach ensures community involvement in shaping the future of their public spaces.
Heritage and Environmental Focus
S Vijayakumar, architect and chairman of Archtrust in Trichy, emphasized the competition's purpose: "The goal is to restore the Teppakulam tank as a cultural symbol of the city. We will conduct heritage walks to suggest holistic water management solutions and measures to avoid digging the roads and pavements."
The study will cover the tank's catchment areas to implement effective rainwater harvesting systems, ensuring that collected rainwater can be stored in the tank for sustainable use. This initiative draws inspiration from the successful reimagining of Chennai's Buckingham Canal design contest.
Areas Targeted for Redevelopment
The redevelopment plan encompasses several key locations:
- NSB Road
- Teppakulam tank bunds
- Vaanapattarai Street
- Main Guard Gate
- Our Lady of Lourdes Church
- Rockfort area
Selection Process and Future Implementation
A distinguished jury comprising experts from across the country will evaluate submissions and select five outstanding models. For each selected design, a lite version of detailed project reports (DPRs) will be submitted to the corporation. These reports will be crucial for securing necessary funds and commencing restoration work based on the most viable and practical design.
This ambitious project represents a significant investment in Trichy's urban infrastructure, blending heritage conservation with modern sustainable development principles to create public spaces that serve both current and future generations.
