--- title: "Architecture in the Public Realm: Urban Design by Thirdspace" description: "Explore public architecture and urban design by Thirdspace. We create functional infrastructure like pedestrian bridges and institutional arenas that connect people." canonical: https://mytribe.in/studio_thirdspace/architectural-design/architecture-in-the-public-realm last_updated: 2025-09-02 --- # Architecture in the Public Realm: Designing for Urban Connection Tribe Verified · Practicing architecture since 2002. By [Thirdspace](https://mytribe.in/studio_thirdspace) · Studios in Pune & Belagavi; Projects across India · ₹200 ₹ per sq. ft. of Built-up Area (estimate) Part of [Architectural Design](https://mytribe.in/studio_thirdspace/architectural-design). [View full gallery](https://mytribe.in/studio_thirdspace/architectural-design/gallery) We view architecture as a tool for shaping public life. Our projects focus on creating structures that seamlessly integrate with their surroundings while fostering community interaction. ## Photos and videos - [Video: This video captures athletes interacting with the bold, vermilion-red interior and exterior spaces of the "Figured Ground" sports arena, showcasing the project's dynamic and photogenic qualities.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/35901ef5-fe19-48e5-a898-e94557235d37) - ![A render of the interior of a proposed pedestrian footbridge. The design uses a deformed tube form to create a complex, light-filled structure that makes the simple act of crossing a highway a unique spatial experience.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/59b250ff-3141-4014-bdce-ace4366713cf) - ![This render shows the pedestrian footbridge at sunset. The sculptural form of the bridge is designed to be a landmark, an piece of urban art that is also a functional piece of infrastructure.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/26d72289-a636-4a23-b790-703625fa00bb) - ![The dynamic, angular form of the footbridge creates a dramatic silhouette against the sky. The structure is designed to be experienced from multiple viewpoints, both by pedestrians and by drivers passing below.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/30e0774b-a547-4e22-aca0-522421238d33) - ![An aerial view of the pedestrian footbridge concept, showing how it spans a major highway. The design provides a safe and engaging crossing for pedestrians, connecting two sides of the city.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/313dc518-e09f-4e1c-b04e-98486882a074) - ![The entrance to the footbridge is designed to be welcoming and accessible, with the structure lifting off the ground to create a sheltered gathering space.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/576f1d33-6fda-4fa8-85ec-5762b71111c9) - ![The bridge's form is a result of a unified strategy that responds to various performance parameters, including structural efficiency and pedestrian experience.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/69e098c5-1794-4192-b907-5ba859656c7b) - ![The interior of the footbridge is a tunnel of light and shadow, with the structural frame creating a rhythmic pattern. Openings provide views out to the surrounding landscape.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/74a71d49-f9e6-4620-947e-d85debb49514) - ![The bridge is conceived as a piece of functional sculpture that enhances the public realm and creates a new urban landmark.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/9aff1dac-375e-403e-8d33-30d3ad18d5d4) - ![The infinity pool on the rooftop of "The Treehouse" apartments offers stunning panoramic views of the Bengaluru cityscape. This amenity provides residents with a resort-like escape in the heart of the city.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/eddf8055-1964-49d6-890d-ece99f5d68c2) ## About Architecture in the Public Realm When we design public infrastructure like footbridges, we look beyond simple utility. Our process involves deforming standard geometric forms to create light-filled, rhythmic shelters that prioritize pedestrian safety and comfort, turning the daily commute into a distinct spatial experience. ### Designing the Urban Interface For us, architecture in the public realm is an exercise in negotiation. We examine how a structure, such as a pedestrian bridge or a university arena, can harmonize with existing urban patterns rather than disrupt them. Our methodology is rooted in structural research, often utilizing physical models and 3D geometric studies to solve issues of density, circulation, and climate response. ### The Pedestrian Bridge Concept Currently, we are exploring the potential of pedestrian footbridges as pieces of functional sculpture. By applying performative parameters to standard tube forms, we allow the geometry to gently deform, creating a shelter that responds to the flow of movement. These structures are not merely crossing points. They are landmarks designed to enhance the public realm, providing safe, sheltered, and visually engaging spaces for commuters while acting as urban art. ### Figured Ground: The Sports Arena In our institutional work, such as the Figured Ground project, we apply a similar rigor to sports environments. Here, the architecture is defined by a bold, vermilion-red interior that interacts dynamically with the athletes. The design is not just about the footprint of the building. It is about how the light, shadow, and angular forms create a rhythmic, active atmosphere that encourages movement and community usage. ### Institutional Methodology Every project starts with a deep dive into the site context. Whether we are planning a university master plan or a hovering office extension, we prioritize: * Human Scale: Ensuring large structures do not feel overwhelming to the individual. * Rhythm and Proportion: Using structural patterns to create order in complex urban sites. * Environmental Sensitivity: Integrating green roofs, passive cooling strategies, and circulation paths that invite people to gather. ## About Thirdspace I'm Praveen, working alongside Namrata. Since 2002, we’ve sketched out ideas in Koregaon Park, driven by the belief that buildings should act as extensions of their environment. Whether it's a sports arena or a city footbridge, we’re obsessed with the rhythm, proportion, and human scale of our interventions. [See all of Thirdspace's services](https://mytribe.in/studio_thirdspace) ## More from Architectural Design by Thirdspace - [Featured](https://mytribe.in/studio_thirdspace/architectural-design/featured) - [Homes & Communities](https://mytribe.in/studio_thirdspace/architectural-design/homes-communities) - [Public & Work Environments](https://mytribe.in/studio_thirdspace/architectural-design/public-work-environments) - [Reimagining Heritage](https://mytribe.in/studio_thirdspace/architectural-design/reimagining-heritage) - [From Idea to Form](https://mytribe.in/studio_thirdspace/architectural-design/from-idea-to-form) - [The Art of the Interior](https://mytribe.in/studio_thirdspace/architectural-design/the-art-of-the-interior) - [Explorations & Unbuilt Ideas](https://mytribe.in/studio_thirdspace/architectural-design/explorations-unbuilt-ideas) ## More services by Thirdspace - [Urban Design & Master Planning](https://mytribe.in/studio_thirdspace/urban-design-master-planning) - [Interior Design](https://mytribe.in/studio_thirdspace/interior-design) - [Heritage Restoration & Adaptive Reuse](https://mytribe.in/studio_thirdspace/heritage-restoration-adaptive-reuse) ## Similar work from other experts - [Public and Community Spaces Design](https://mytribe.in/compartment_s4/architectural-design/public-community-spaces) by Compartment S4 · Architectural Design · Studios in Ahmedabad & Bengaluru; Architectural projects across India - [Public & Community Spaces: Design and Urban Revitalization](https://mytribe.in/greenspacealliance/landscape-architecture/public-community-spaces) by Green Space Alliance · Landscape Architecture · Takes projects across India & Edmonton; Offices in Pune & Canada - [Spaces for People: Democratic Public Hubs and Social Architecture](https://mytribe.in/architects_mathewghosh/urban-design-master-planning/spaces-for-people-public-parks-social-hubs) by Mathew and Ghosh · Urban Design & Master Planning · Visit Studio in Koramangala; Projects across Bengaluru & India - [Urban Master Planning & Community Hubs](https://mytribe.in/architecturedialogue/urban-design-master-planning/urban-master-planning-community-hubs) by Architecture Dialogue · Urban Design & Master Planning · Studios in Bengaluru & Hyderabad; Master planning across India - [Urban Community Hubs and Landscape Design](https://mytribe.in/svamitva.architecture.studio/landscape-urban-design/urban-community-hubs) by Svamitva Architecture Studio · Landscape & Urban Design · Based in Bengaluru; Projects in Pune, Solapur & North Karnataka - [People-First Urban Design and Community Spaces](https://mytribe.in/team3_design/urban-design-master-planning/people-first-planning-pedestrian-community-spaces) by Team3 · Urban Design & Master Planning · Takes projects across India; Visit studio in Lado Sarai, New Delhi ## Book To book Thirdspace, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Hi%2C%20I%20saw%20your%20work%20on%20Architecture%20in%20the%20Public%20Realm%20and%20would%20like%20to%20discuss%20a%20potential%20project.)