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Reimagining Neighbourhood Parks through Urban Renewal

byReading GroundsVisit Studio at Jayanagar, BengaluruStarts from6 per sq ftView full gallery

We move beyond standard park templates to create open, accessible public spaces. Our focus is on reclaiming neighbourhood parks as dynamic hubs for community interaction, play, and quiet reflection.

A feature on our Indiranagar public park project in the LA Journal. The article discusses our approach to rethinking the traditional park template to create a more inclusive and community-oriented public space.

The site plan for the Indiranagar park shows a variety of zones, including walking paths, play areas, seating nooks, and open lawns. The design aims to create a balance between active and passive programs for all members of the community.

This video shows our revitalized neighborhood park in action. It captures the new water features, pathways, and play areas being enjoyed by the community, realizing our goal of creating a vibrant public space.

About The Story of a Thousand Parks: Urban Renewal

A park should not be a static enclosure. When we revitalize a neighbourhood park, we do not start with a rigid layout. Instead, we map existing tree clusters and hydrological channels to define the space. We prioritize flexible, open grounds that adapt to how residents actually use the area, shifting the focus from a pass-through zone to a neighbourhood living room where people can gather, play, and linger.

Our 'Story of a Thousand Parks' initiative stems from the belief that most urban green spaces in Bengaluru are underutilized because they follow a one-size-fits-all model. We treat every park as a unique ecological and social project.

In our work, such as the Indiranagar park revitalization, we focus on several key layers:

  • Observation-led Planning: Before drawing, we observe who uses the space—kids, elders, fitness enthusiasts. We map these needs to create distinct zones, from active play areas and cricket pitches to quiet seating nooks for reflection.
  • Ecological Integration: We incorporate bioswales and rain gardens to manage stormwater while using native planting strategies. This supports local biodiversity and reduces long-term maintenance.
  • Materiality: We use local stone and practical hardscape patterns that withstand heavy foot traffic while remaining visually pleasing. We avoid cookie-cutter designs, opting for custom layouts that feel grounded in the site's history.

By blending 'maidan' style flexibility with structured landscape architecture, we create public realms that belong to the community. We are not just planting trees; we are designing for the daily rhythm of the neighbourhood. Whether you are looking to revitalize a small pocket park or plan a larger community plaza, our approach ensures the final space is resilient, inclusive, and deeply connected to its surroundings.

Award-winning urban park renewal in BengaluruApproved by the tribe
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Reading Grounds

Visit Studio at Jayanagar, BengaluruStarts from 6 per sq ft

We are a Bengaluru-based collective that treats design as a form of storytelling. We don't just build parks; we observe how people live and adapt our designs to fit those natural rhythms.

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