Twelfth International Conference on The Constructed Environment

Abstract

In the Indian subcontinent, Tamil Nadu is one of the southernmost states. Chennai (earlier known as Madras), the capital city of Tamil Nadu is the 36th largest urban area by population (at 1,09,71,108) in the world. Urbanization and population explosion are causes for the same giving rise to consequences like land shortage and city’s outgrowth. Thiagaraya Nagar covering an area of 4.5 sq.km. forms the heart of Chennai. The population growth of Madras during the 1900s created a demand to develop houses for people for which T Nagar was planned. A neighborhood planned for residential community, rose into a commerce hub for the city and the state as well. This change was influenced by transportation options, all goods at one stop at a cheaper price and film and music stars residing here increased the land price constituting the slow change of T Nagar. It affected the entire city in terms of traffic, pollution, and congestion though it constitutes about 70% of the state’s economy. The major population of T Nagar is the residences which is overpowered by the commercial activities creating discomfort to the residents. This research investigates the present conditions of the locality, the behavior of the users of T Nagar, the advantages and disadvantages of the coexisting factors and arrive at an architectural and urban model to resolve the situation and develop a quality livable situation to reduce the impact of the overflowing people movement in T Nagar to the nearby areas and hence the city.