Reimagining Mumbai's Heritage: The Kala Ghoda Urban Plaza
We are proposing a bold redesign to transform 3.3 acres of Kala Ghoda from a parking zone into a vibrant, pedestrian-only public plaza, reclaiming the heart of old Mumbai for its people.
Our proposal graphic for a new urban square at Kala Ghoda, highlighting the 3.3 acres of new pedestrian-only space. We aim to create a vibrant plaza that serves as a 24/7 destination for citizens and tourists alike.
A detailed diagram showing our urban planning strategy for the Kala Ghoda precinct. The top view maps the area, while the cross-section reveals our proposal for basement parking to create a tree-lined pedestrian street.
An axonometric drawing of our Kala Ghoda redesign, showing the proposed pedestrianized zone in context with the surrounding heritage buildings. Our plan respects the area's history while introducing modern urban solutions.
A map of the Kala Ghoda area with a legend identifying key historical and cultural landmarks. Our design is deeply integrated with the existing urban fabric, enhancing connectivity between these important sites.
A newspaper clipping from The Times of India detailing the approval for the Kala Ghoda revamp. We are thrilled to see our initiative, which includes underground parking and pedestrianization, moving forward with support from the city.
A social media post showcasing our collaborative proposal for the Kala Ghoda urban square. This project is a testament to our belief in working with local authorities and communities to effect meaningful change.
Another view of our social media announcement for the Kala Ghoda project. Our vision is to create a true pedestrian haven, enriched with public sculptures and art installations.
A screenshot of our Instagram post detailing the Kala Ghoda redesign. We use every platform to advocate for our vision of a more people-friendly Mumbai, showing how parking can be moved underground to free up space for life.
A map of the Kala Ghoda precinct, showing the location of key institutions. Our plan aims to better connect these cultural hubs by creating a safe and pleasant walking environment.
About Reimagining Mumbai's Heritage: The Kala Ghoda Project
The core of our Kala Ghoda proposal is a structural shift: moving heavy vehicular parking into a dedicated underground facility. This is not just about traffic flow, it is about reclaiming the surface level to build a 3.3-acre pedestrian plaza where heritage facades meet public life, not parked cars.
At Abraham John Architects, we believe urban planning is the highest form of architecture. The Kala Ghoda precinct is a treasure trove of Mumbai’s history, yet it has become fragmented by traffic and surface parking. Our strategy for this site was to look at the 'voids'—the spaces between the iconic buildings—and treat them with as much reverence as the structures themselves.
Our proposal focuses on seamless integration. By burying the parking, we do not just eliminate congestion; we unlock a new public realm. We integrate universal design principles, ensuring that the new plaza is accessible for everyone, from elderly heritage enthusiasts to children exploring the city. We specify durable, local materials like Shahabad stone and rough-cut Basalt, ensuring the new interventions age gracefully alongside the heritage buildings.
This project reflects our broader philosophy: urban revitalization requires patience and collaboration. We actively engage with the BMC and local heritage committees, recognizing that meaningful change in a city as dense as Mumbai requires shared effort. Whether it is creating safe pedestrian crossings or designating zones for public art, our work is about designing for the human scale, proving that old cities can be reimagined for modern life without losing their soul.
Abraham John Architects
We are Alan and Anca. We do not just design buildings; we look at the city as a canvas that needs breathing room. Kala Ghoda is special to us because it is where history meets the future, and we are fighting to make it a place where people actually want to walk, sit, and linger.
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