Urban Masterplanning and Mixed-Use Development
Urban planning requires looking beyond site boundaries. My approach to projects like CBD 79 focuses on blending retail, offices, and public zones into a single, cohesive ecosystem where business and community life can thrive together.
This video illustrates the form development process for the CBD 79 project. It shows how the design evolved from a basic plot outline to a complex, multi-layered commercial district with integrated landscaping and defined vehicular access.
The Welcome Court serves as the grand entrance to the entire development. Its design incorporates lush greenery, prominent signage, and water curtains that not only enhance the aesthetic but also help cool the microclimate.
At the core of the project is The Central Plaza, a vibrant public space designed for social synergy. It features a central water rivulet, shaded seating areas, and building facades that act as a landscape, blending the built and natural environments.
Celebration Lane is a bustling commercial spine designed for lively public commerce. This space functions as a high-end retail arcade and a flexible flea market, with shaded seating and open views that create a perfect balance between dynamic activity and tranquil relaxation.
The Agora is a modern marketplace designed for human experience. It hosts eclectic flea markets and features dynamic flooring that adapts to different activities, while clear signage and comfortable seating ensure a positive and engaging visitor experience.
The amphitheater is a versatile venue at the heart of the CBD. This concept drawing shows it configured for a product launch, demonstrating its flexibility as a key asset for commercial events and brand activations.
Here, the same amphitheater is envisioned as a hub for community engagement, hosting a live screening of a cricket match. This highlights my focus on creating spaces that can evolve with the city's cultural calendar.
About this collection
We treat basements as premium space, not utility dumping grounds. By designing tapered skylights and integrating indoor vegetation, we bring natural light and air circulation into lower levels, turning typically dark areas into vibrant, usable parts of your commercial hub.
Urban masterplanning is about creating social synergy. In projects like the Central Business District 79, my focus is on how pedestrian flow, retail placement, and public spaces interact to form a lively, self-sustaining ecosystem.
The Architecture of Experience
Instead of treating a commercial zone as a collection of isolated buildings, I design for connectivity. This includes:
- Pedestrian-First Planning: Creating spines like the Celebration Lane where retail frontages and open views encourage movement and engagement.
- Dynamic Public Spaces: Designing amphitheaters and plazas that adapt to different needs, from product launches to weekend markets or community screenings.
- Micro-Climate Control: Using water curtains and strategic tree placement to improve the comfort level of the entire district, making the space attractive to visitors year-round.
Technical Execution
My firm handles the entire lifecycle, from concept to GFC drawings. This includes:
- FSI Efficiency: Balancing built-up areas with required circulation to ensure the project remains financially viable for developers.
- Facade & Materiality: Using glazing and louvers that not only look professional but also serve functional purposes like heat reduction.
- Infrastructure Integration: Planning for HVAC, MEP, and parking layouts early in the masterplan to avoid costly changes during construction.
Whether you are developing a retail arcade, a corporate office park, or a mixed-use township, my goal is to create a landmark that adds real value to the city fabric.
VMA Architects
We are VMA Architects, a multi-disciplinary firm operating out of Gurugram and Mumbai. We believe thoughtful design is the foundation of any successful project, from urban masterplans to individual commercial interiors. We do not just build; we create environments that foster community and business growth.
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