As part of WRI’s ‘Suraksha 75’ initiative—identifying 75 high-risk junctions in Bengaluru for redesign—we intervened at the Racecourse Junction in Gandhinagar, one of the city’s busiest intersections. Our design addressed two zones: a wide footpath and an adjacent traffic island. By reconfiguring the geometry of both, we eased vehicular flow and created safer pedestrian crossings. At the heart of the island, we designed a rest space defined by three continuous wooden forms that rise and fall to create archways and shaded seating. These spiral structures invite people to pause, sit, or walk through—framing the city inwards and outwards, and transforming into a glowing monument by evening.
Along the footpath, the design language continues more linearly. A sequence of arch-like frames lines the walkway, some forming seats, others left open to walk through. Trees overhead provide shade, making it usable through the day. A key intervention was organising the previously chaotic parking strip between the footpath and building edge, ensuring better pedestrian movement and access to adjacent spaces. With a surface of stonecrete and interspersed grass, and structures crafted in metal and engineered wood, the project reclaims urban residual spaces to create a thoughtful, responsive public realm in a fast-evolving city.
Supported by Sustainable Mobility Network
Technical inputs: WRI India, Thirty Cross Collective
Implementation partners: BBMP
Photography Credits (After) - Atik Bheda
Photography Credits (Before Drone shot) : WRI India
