Revitalizing Community Spirit: Udaan Park Redevelopment

Transformative Vision for Udaan Park

Situated on the banks of Swaroop Sagar, one of Udaipur’s historic lakes, Udaan Park underwent a remarkable metamorphosis thanks to the visionary redevelopment by Studio Saar. Initiated by Dharohar, a not-for-profit organization, the park’s transformation is a pivotal project within the larger ’10 Lakh Vriksh’ initiative. This city-wide, community-led effort aims to breathe new life into parks and gardens, providing much-needed green spaces for the city’s residents.

A Neglected Oasis Reimagined

Originally marred by neglect, Udaan Park presented challenges with its lack of accessibility and visibility, contributing to issues of substance abuse. Studio Saar’s intervention sought to reimagine the space as a vibrant and interactive landscape, fostering adventure, exploration, and community engagement.

Coherent Design Amidst Natural Beauty

Over the course of two years, Studio Saar meticulously redesigned the park, leveraging the natural topography and distinctive bedrock formations inherent to the Rajasthan region. The reconfigured layout creates a seamless journey from street level to the lakeside, offering an engaging experience for visitors.

Nature-Inspired Features and Inclusive Design

Udaan Park now boasts locally sourced native planting, an accessible maze adorned with flowering plants and medicinal herbs, and a children’s playground utilizing recycled materials. At its core, a captivating shading canopy, inspired by starling murmurations, provides both an aesthetic focal point and shelter for the seating and gaming area below.

Sustainable and Engaging Community Space

The park’s transformation extends beyond aesthetics, becoming a haven for various age groups. Embraced by the local youth, the park has witnessed a shift from neglect to voluntary caretaking. Resourceful reuse defines the project, with reclaimed tires serving multiple purposes, recycled saree fabrics incorporated into play areas, and non-structural metalwork crafted from repurposed steel reinforcement bars.

A Movement for Green Spaces

Ananya Singhal of Studio Saar emphasized the critical need for green spaces in the face of Udaipur’s rapid urbanization. With only 2m² of publicly available green space per capita, well below WHO standards, the initiative with Dharohar aspires to reshape the city, creating open green spaces developed and maintained by the community. Udaan Park stands not just as a renovated landscape but as a symbol of community-driven change in the heart of Udaipur.