Situated on the edge of the city of Mumbai is one of Juhu’s most peaceful public spaces, the Birla Park. Close to the Juhu beach on one side and adjacent to the populous metropolis on the other it has a dual context of simultaneous serenity and chaos. It has been managed by the pioneers of civic activism, JCWG (Juhu Citizens Welfare Group) for the last 20 years. Having been through seasons of sunshine and storms in its 2-decade long existence, the park needed to be brought back to its original splendor. In 2021, the Inner Wheel Club of Bombay Airport, a Women’s Voluntary Service Organization whose recent chapter includes 121 dedicated members, took it under their yearly endeavor to commission this public place.
A public space like a park can cater to people of all age groups, a space for playful shouts of the children as well as the gentle murmurs of the aged. Unfortunately, the quality of this park receded over time making it less appealing to the locals and visitors alike. Due to the lack of adequate systems at place, the beach waste was accumulated and dumped into the park. The foul smell and disarray drove people away, leaving the park an unfunctional piece of land. Determined to revive it, the Inner Wheel Club partnered with Mumbai's Architectural Design firm, Atelier ARBO, ready to tap into the park’s dormant potential.
The intention was crystal clear, as any city park this one had to be transformed into an appealing and engaging hub for the community to come together and experience a delightful time. As designers the challenges faced by the team included getting rid of the existing foul smell, debris, and pests; as well as tackling the natural problems arising from high velocity speed and salty sea breeze. The design approach became simple enough, to solve the existing problems efficiently for restoration and then incorporating design elements to make for an interactive space.
Strategic zoning of the space was needed to rid the park of the foul smell and pests. It was achieved by thoughtful placement of the trees, seating arrangement and a rainwater harvesting zone, which discouraged people from dumping waste into the park. Furthermore, a designated zone for vermicomposting also helped to achieve the objective with an added benefit of organic manure supply for the park.
Striking a balance between the softscape and the hardscape became an important part of the design method for an easy, barrier free movement. A central open green space was provided for the active and carefree movement of children. The pathways were incorporated with recessed seating which allowed the joggers track to be uninterrupted while other people could sit and talk freely with optimized view. An angular entrance designed for the open garden provided wider spatial perception creating a welcoming entrance foyer. Since the focus group included all ages, hence to make the park user-friendly and accessible the design considered ramps wherever necessary.
Refurbishment of an old rusty shed which originally was used for catering services and yoga practices, was undertaken. It was rebuilt to a steel and tensile structure which was sandblasted to withstand the corrosion due to the sea breeze. The park also had a performance stage which was not functional due to its neglected maintenance and planning which resulted in uneven surfaces and difficulty in access. The team at Atelier ARBO used this opportunity to restore its utility by adding appropriate steps and ramps making it accessible and easy for people to practice performing arts. It becomes an homage to the rich history of artists of the Prithvi Theatre, Mumbai’s oldest theatre located in the park’s vicinity.
Meticulous selection of plants became necessary considering the effects of high velocity wind and salty sea breeze on the plantations. The Christina Ficus plant was selected as a filtration device for strong, salty breeze while being lush green with foliage all-round the year. Other plants like Kamini, Bougainvillea, Musanda, Pandanus and Dracaena were strategically chosen to enhance the park’s sensorial experience. They create an elated mood with their fragrant and visually stunning impact. Instead of uprooting and discarding the existing plants on site which defied the vision of the design, they were relocated to another location to grow unhindered.
The new Birla Park provides its users with an array of possible experiences. Whether someone seeks solace from the city’s hustle and bustle, or they seek a space to be part of a vibrant group to exchange thoughts and ideas, this park is the place to be. After being in the dead for so many years, it attracts everyone, from playful children chasing butterflies to the bookworms curled up under shady trees. The park hums with life now. Birla Park is not just a beautification project but serves as a catalyst, inspiring citizens to advocate for improved conditions in other public open spaces across the city.