Public Space for People

Context: Central Vista redevelopment plan should be driven by a democratic approach of recognizing the importance of public space over government buildings.

Issues in Central Vista redevelopment plan

• Lack of focus on public spaces: that have higher public utility (like India Gate hexagon).
• Emphasis on the western side (Raisina hill into a museum) of the Vista Avenue by converting imperial space to a democratic building usage but neglect of the eastern side dominated by India Gate.

Way Forward

• Eastern side land parcels (Princely houses plots and territorial army lands): should be used for public and semi-public facilities.
• Western side land parcels (Sena Bhawan, barracks off Dalhousie road, and Rajaji road) should be used for developing public spaces. 
• Development of public buildings like the National Library, a National Gem and Jewellery Museum, a Museum of Indian Arts and Crafts 
• Demolish barracks and restore Patiala and Baroda house building to its original intent. 
• Demolish barracks (in Bikaner and Jodhpur house) and use the land for a real public function like a museum.

Conclusion: Central Vista redevelopment plan, must transform the imperial design mindset into a democratic one by ensuring that public spaces are meant for the people and not for the government.