Architects: Studio Saar
Year: 2022
Location: Udaipur, India
Photographs: Ankit Jain
A Transformational Journey
Lead Architects: Ananya Singhal, Jonny Buckland
Structural Engineering: AMI Engineers
Main Contractors: Sisodiya Engineering Works, SK Construction
Project Management: Secure Meters Ltd.
In the heart of Udaipur, Rajasthan, Studio Saar, an international architecture firm, has breathed new life into Udaan Park, a community park overlooking Swaroop Sagar. Commissioned by Dharohar, a not-for-profit organization, the park’s metamorphosis reflects a commitment to creating accessible and inclusive public spaces. Udaan Park stands as the inaugural completion in Dharohar’s ’10 Lakh Vriksh’ initiative, aiming to rejuvenate various parks and gardens throughout the city.
Pioneering Urban Greenery
Originally marred by neglect and underutilization, Udaan Park lacked accessibility and visibility, fostering undesirable activities. Studio Saar envisioned a reinvigorated park that seamlessly connects with the lakeside, fostering a sense of adventure and community wonder.
Designing a Wholesome Experience
Over two years of meticulous redesign, Udaan Park evolved into a vibrant destination. Studio Saar harmonized the park’s layout, guiding visitors on a cohesive journey from street level to the lakeside. Leveraging the region’s natural topography and distinctive bedrock formations, the landscape design transformed the park into an engaging and interactive space.
Nature-Inspired Features
Udaan Park boasts locally sourced native plantings, a maze shaped by flowering plants and medicinal herbs, and a children’s playground utilizing recycled materials. A captivating shading canopy, inspired by starling murmurations, takes center stage. Comprising 34,000 life-sized birds crafted from recyclable plastic, the canopy provides both a visual spectacle and shade for the seating and games area beneath.
Sustainable Innovations
The park embodies a sustainable ethos, utilizing reclaimed materials found on-site. Discarded tires find new life as planters, swings, play tunnels, and entrance mazes. Recycled saree fabrics contribute to swing ropes in the children’s play area. Notably, non-structural metalwork, including gates, fences, and parts of the park’s canopy, utilizes repurposed steel reinforcement bars.
Fostering Community Engagement
Udaan Park has become a sanctuary for all ages, transforming from a neglected space into a venue for birthday celebrations. Local youth, once potential vandals, now actively participate in the park’s upkeep. This project sets a precedent for inventive material reuse across the city.
A Green Vision for Udaipur’s Future
Ananya Singhal of Studio Saar emphasizes the broader impact, stating, “With Udaipur undergoing rapid urbanization, the city is at a severe risk of depleting its green cover… We believe we can ignite a movement to reshape the city with open green spaces developed and maintained by the community.” Udaan Park stands not only as a physical oasis but as a catalyst for positive change in Udaipur’s urban landscape.
