PERCEPTION OF BROWNFILEDS REDEVELOPMENT

IN RAILWAYS
Architectural perception on derelict railways
(A case of Ernakulum old railway)

NASLA\RLAREBC027
ABSTRACT

How to deal with abandoned railways that have been rendered useless or redundant by the process of rapid urbanization and
technological advancements in rail transportation has been a pressing issue in the process of urban planning. Evaluate
different alternatives of brownfields, these integrated ecological, social, political, economic, recreational, accessibility, and
brownfield site-based indicators. The reuse of abandoned railways gives us a way to rebuild urban public transport system
based on traditional tracks, as well as a way to transform the city center into an urban regeneration corridor. The study
revealed that the principles are the basic parts and simple recommendations that may be employed in various circumstances
when the goal is to establish a sustainable and green system. However, because the local environment is so different, we
cannot just repeat an example. Instead, the local potential, such as the historical and cultural background, should be
completely used. The transformation should not be isolated, but should always be linked to its surroundings.
RESEARCH QUESTION
How does reviving the brownfield railway contribute to sustainable
development? And how the greenway idea and its operating principles
might be used to the redevelopment of a abandoned railway.
`
AIM
The goal of the study is to figure out how retrieval reconstructs the
public space by developing a strong pattern of greenway and
sustainable development
HYPOTHESIS
Brownfield redevelopment has a good impact on the environment and
the community
OBJECTIVES
1. Identifying and comprehending possible development concepts that
can assist in the long-term regeneration of brownfields
2. To investigate how retrieval helps to reconstruct the public realm by
establishing a strong pattern of sustainable development and a
greenway approach.
3. To investigate a variety of variables, primarily environmental and
social aspects of this railway.
4. .To make recommendations for brownfield railway development
initiatives.
5. Suggest appropriate land use and landform solutions for the railway
brownfield.
• Brownfield is a word used in urban planning to describe land that has previously been used but is now empty or unused. This
land could have been contaminated by industrial waste or hazardous waste, or it could have been contaminated with oil.
• Brownfield places are typically found in urban areas and have previously been used for industrial or commercial applications.
Because the land has already been built on, this location may be ideal for housing and redevelopment, and planning permission
should be easier to obtain.
• Characteristics of a brownfield site Real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the
presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant.
• It is more sustainable because it makes use of existing developed land. Because the site is already within the city, city expansion
is limited; this prevents the loss of countryside and reduces travel times because the city is more compact. Redevelopment of a
Brownfield site not only benefits the economy by creating jobs and increasing property values, but it also benefits the
environment and creates a safer, healthier environment. Repurposing a Brownfield site reduces traffic by preventing "urban
sprawl.“
• Brownfield redevelopment can be less expensive because vital infrastructure (such as drainage, electricity, roads, and
transportation networks) already exists.Using abandoned urban land preserves green, rural areas.Planning permission should be
simple to obtain because it is easier to obtain on land that has already been built on than on land that has not.
ADVANTAGES OF DEVELOPING BROWN FIELDS
Cons:
• Brownfield sites are typically made up of derelict and/or unused structures that
are located in undesirable, economically depressed areas of our towns and
cities.
• The clean-up required to remove any contamination from previous industrial
use, such as pollution from hazardous wastes, can make a Brownfield site more
expensive to build on.
• There may be wildlife in these areas if they have been abandoned for a long
time. Despite the fact that brownfield sites are prioritized for development,
wildlife and animals must be protected.
• Some lenders may be hesitant to lend on brownfield sites.
• Because there is less space to build a large number of properties, gardens and
houses are typically smaller and closer together.
Pros:
• Redevelopment of a Brownfield site not only benefits the economy by creating
jobs and increasing property values, but it also benefits the environment and
creates a safer, healthier environment.
• Repurposing a Brownfield site reduces traffic by preventing "urban sprawl.
• "Brownfield redevelopment can be less expensive because vital infrastructure
(such as drainage, electricity, roads, and transportation networks) already exists.
• Using abandoned urban land preserves green, rural areas.
• Planning permission should be simple to obtain because it is easier to obtain on
land that has already been built on than on land that has not.
Brownfield land is classified into four types:
• Vacant.
• Derelict.
• Contaminated.
• Partially occupied or used.
Brownfield development
• Greenfield developments are structures built on previously undeveloped land.
• Brownfield developments are structures built on previously utilized industrial or commercial sites. Brownfield sites may have
pre-existing systems in certain cases
• The density of freight and passengers transported by railways all over Europe decreased significantly in the 2nd half of the
twentieth century. As a result, huge freight terminals in major cities were no longer expected. Most of these regions were
used for future urban and city development, but many are still unutilized and may be referred to as railway brownfield sites.

• Converting the railway into new rail transit systems, renovating the urban land surrounding them for economic and leisure
purposes, and building new public space systems for the city are three common options for utilizing railways. It has been
demonstrated that different reuse tactics will have diverse positive benefits on urban space, such as improved traffic
patterns,
OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES FOR ABANDONED RAILWAYS

• ,
lack of maintenance and meticulous planning, they eventually became a place concealing dirt and dust, as well
as a roadblock and a blind angle of waste, developing as a negative space of the city
• They degrade the city's landscape image
• They have an impact on people's lives
• They harm community safety: The abandoned railways, which are frequently frequented by rangers, scavengers,
and drug users, and are full of illegal constructions or shantytowns created along them, have a negative impact
on the urban image and have become high-crime areas
LITERATURE REVIEW
A huge amount of literature on urban regeneration analyzed the regeneration of residential neighborhoods in
China from the 1990s to the beginning of the 20th century. According to reviewed research, there are three
types of reuse modes for disused railways: traffic facilities, tourist and commercial attractions, and public areas
for people. The railway transportation research aspects that lead to urban regeneration. (Syms P (2000) Urban
regeneration: a handbook. Reg Stud 34:896–897)
The Retrieve of an Unused Railway as an Urban Public Environment
• how the reuse result encourages the quality of community life
for people. to convert abandoned railways into multifunctional
paths for walking, cycling, horse riding, ice skating, and other
similar activities. has transferred many vacant railways into
parkways.
• Both agreed that the greenway intends to create a positive converter
of urban important function nodes that promotes economic growth
and improves urban public life, and also includes a lot of economic,
environmental, and social factors.

Reusing Abandoned Railways for Tourism and Commercial Development

• It was recommended that in the situation of the Hijaz Rail system in

the Middle East, reduce and recycle plans must take advantage of
both the historical importance and the linear benefits that are
available inherent in railway lines.
•
Vacant Railways as Traffic Facilities: A Regeneration Approach

• It is sometimes proposed that derelict railways be converted into

urban railway networks, such as light rail, urban tram lines, suburban
trains, or urban motorways with a mix of present transportation
systems. Tianjin City's newly built districts.
 CASE STUDIES
1. Planning Greenway along the Abandoned Railway in Gwangju City, Korea
2. Nanjing Western Railway Station in Xiaguan District, China
3.Newyork city high line park.
 Case study I Nanjing Western Railway Station in Xiaguan District

• This review concentrates on the transition of an abandoned railway area using the greenway concept, connects
back to the rest of the city. identified six guiding principles: linearity, connectivity, accessibility, multi-function, non-
motorization, and sustainability.
• Xiaguan is a historical district in Nanjing that was previously a transit hub for both waterways and railways.

Xiaguan, on the other hand, has an excellent position because it is near to the Yangtze River, and the Huimin River.
Design Proposal

• 1. Reuse and remodel the abandoned linear train route, making full use of the local history and culture.
• 2. Improve linkages in this district and build a greenway system, making it more accessible to pedestrians,
bicycles, and public transportation.
• 3. Integrate different purposes in the changed railway area, as well as increase the mixed-use purposes of
the surrounding region;
• 4. Enhance the quality of life in the surrounding area and build a livable and sustainable community.
• 5. Making this place one of the tourist attractions in Xiaguan, Nanjing.
 The Advantages of Greenways
• (1) Ecological benefits
• (2) Recreational/Social benefits
• (3) Cultural benefits
• (4) Economic benefits.

Green Areas
• the natural landscape along the rail system should first be revived with some natural vegetation or wild species, and
then more plantings for every season and much more fruit trees.
• Some lawn areas in this region can serve as gathering places for people to enjoy the view of the river and the
sunshine.
• recreational trails and bridges should make walking or biking through the green space more enjoyable.

Environmental Purpose

for people to experience the biological scenery. The vegetation is mostly natural and native. The majority of this
linear park is reserved for landscaping, but the upper one at the corners is more like a public park with people
strolling, running, and cycling in it.
• Recreational Function
functioning as a bridge over the river, sometimes becoming the sidewalk, and sometimes becoming an
elevated bridge over a major road. rail trail with routes shared by both pedestrians and bikes for daily
transition.
• Historical and Cultural function
old railway station as a railway museum. people will be able to record and memorize. storage warehouses are
reused for a creative art space.
• Sustainable Neighborhood and life
Mixed-use buildings combine residential and commercial or office space on separate levels of a same
structure, saving urban space. These new structures with community courtyards on the interior will give more
green space, which will enhance living quality while also improving communication between people, perhaps
creating a sustainable and peaceful neighborhood.
• Non-motorization
Cars are only permitted in areas where they are absolutely necessary, namely in mixed-use and residential
areas.
Case study 2:The High Line

The High Line is a public park created on an old freight rail line - New York Central Railroad raised above
Manhattan's West Side streets.
Linearity
The concrete
planking deck
interlaced
with greenery
wood benches
peeling up
from the
ground

• hard pavement and soft plant. making the linear space -appealing with the constantly changing surface
shapes.
Connectivity and accessibility —
• privately held property that connects them as an elevated corridor. many of the warehouses and factories
- transformed - galleries, design studios, and homes.
Multi-function
• seeing, moving, and gathering.
• Fig.2-26 The 26th Street Viewing Spur with a
framework to view the cityscape

• Fig.2-27 The Wildflower Field with both native

species and new species that ensure bloom
throughout the growing seasons

• Fig.2-28 The 10th Avenue Square with steps and

ramps allow visitors to inhabit this structure and
enjoy the midtown views
 Case study3: Xiamen Railway Culture Park
ancient railway of Xiamen Island in China.

Connectivity and Accessibility -connectivity of the surrounding road network ,making it more accessible, convenient,
and comfortable for residents along the railway.
The route will not only benefit the neighboring communities, but it will also draw people for recreation and fitness.

The surrounding traffic of the Xiamen Railway Park The trail passing through some old residential areas
The trail built on the preserved railway tracks for walking under the shadow, have fun between the tracks or sitting aside

Dimensions of Sustainable Development

Inference
• Historical importance in various areas can be convinced by
their multiple benefits, and greenways can assist make towns
more active and welcoming places to live. As it can assist
residents living in communities in ensuring that their areas
are safe to live in, allowing them to escape the city's heavy
traffic and save time to spend with their family and friends,
and youngsters can safely walk or bike to a park, school, or a
neighbor's home.
• Local craft culture in Paris and railway culture in Xiamen both
demonstrate respect for local culture and history, giving
opportunity for future generations to learn from and
maintain them.
• Local craft culture in Paris and railway culture in Xiamen both
demonstrate respect for local culture and history, giving
opportunity for future generations to learn from and
maintain them.
• The High Line also includes a number of cultural aspects,
such as retaining and maintaining portions of the historic
train tracks, akin to Xiamen Railway Park.
• so that a greenway can truly play its role and achieve its goals
with the additional help of a smart design method. More
specifically, the structure of transforming the abandoned
railway into a greenway, focusing on the overall ecological
benefits of the city,
• Consider that if the greenway idea is effectively used in the
abandoned railway region, the terrible condition, such as
pollution and traffic congestion, may be much improved and
replaced by completely new livable neighborhoods.
 HISTORIC OLD RAILWAY STATION IN KOCHI

• Ernakulam Terminus (Station Code:ERG) is an

abandoned railway station in Kochi, India. It was
erected by Maharaja Rama Varma XV of Kochi as
the city's first railway station.
• This site lies at the heart of the cochin city. It is
called the lung of Kochi. its present situation is
worse.
• railway station terminal that lies very close to the
bird sanctuary

Mangalavanam bird sanctuary

The Old railway station Kochi (47 acres)
• The railway station in Ernakulum is 110 years old and is located near the High Court.
It has been in a damaged state for about six decades. The following research will
serve as the foundation for converting this ruin into an art and heritage interpretive
Centre.
Criteria for building selection:
• The railway station is 110 years old and is located near the high court in
ernakulam.it has been in the dilapidated state since almost 6 decades.
• Built during British era. has rich cultural significance and historic evidences linked to
the building which
• Makes it a potential property for conservation and reuse.
• continuous maintenance necessary hence it should be converted into something
which has regular activity taking place in it.
History
• History says that Rama Varma, the then Maharaja of Kochi (1895-1914), took the
initiative in establishing the rail line.
• Because of its closeness to the Ernakulum market, the Ernakulum railway station
was originally built there. Inland water channels connected the market to other
portions of the city. As a result, it aided in the movement of commodities, and
trade boomed. There were also boat jetties and ferries at the station to transport
people and cargo to nearby locations.
• In addition, the canals have been converted into conveyor belts that transport
garbage from the city to the backwaters. The property next to the railway station
was left undisturbed since it was hard to carry out construction in marshy areas in
those days.
CHALLENGES
• Some of them have been severely damaged over time, while others have remained
untouched. The railway does not manage the land at all, and plants have taken over
everything
• Waste poured onto the site by locals significantly pollutes the environment.
• The property has the potential to be left as an organically growing urban green
area.
 The railway station in Ernakulam is 110 years old and is located near the High Court.

Significance of structure
Among those who arrived at the station were Mahatma Gandhi, Lal Bahadur Sastri, Lord Irwin and the Archbishop
Joseph Attipetty. It was built in bricks and since there was no electricity then, the platform was lit using `petromax'
lamps.
Decline of railway
The Ernakulum South station was set up in 1929 and the Harbor Terminus in 1943. Thus, the Ernakulum Terminus station
began to lose its prominence.
The current situation
The train station is currently in ruins, The railway property has been unlawfully encroached upon by 21 households. The
train station is in disrepair, and the tracks are overgrown with weeds.
Limitation
• drug
Waste dumping
• Rehabilitation of 21 families is the major challenge posed while rebuilding the old railway station.
SUGGESTIONS
• Create better connections for this district and establish a greenway system, making it more accessible for
pedestrian and cyclists and also public transport.
• Integrate multiple functions in the transformed railway area and improve the mixed use functions of the
surrounding area;
• as a public space, as a transportation hub, and as a business. As a location for commercial and tourism
revitalization,
• Environmental Purpose-leisure route , cycle track, leisure zone
• Green Spaces
• Recreational space
• like benches, steps, and platforms , sitting, reading, watching, and sunbathing to picture-taking, chatting,
walking, and playing.
• The warehouse coffee shop, exhibition or museum, a narrow streets pavilion can be create.
• Urban hub- features commercial outlets, amphitheaters, tables, reading area and seating.
• to transform the structures, landscape, tourist facilities, food services, and parking lots and also to build
nighttime accommodations, local products- stores selling local crafts, and athletic facilities.
•Putting up installations depicting the cultural significance
•Benches using peel up technology
•Shaded spaces
•Provision of library and art café
•Building itself turns into a masterpiece and historic
artefact,
•strolling, running, and cycling tracks
•recreational facilities
•seating, pavilions for peoples
•reading areas
•community garden
CONCLUSION

• Brownfields are present more over the world, there are many
brownfield sites that are kept unused and harmful to the
environment. the main challenges of this site are which
require clean-up having more expensive. these abandoned
areas harm the community's safety ( scavengers, rangers, and
drug users).
• The abandoned railway area in the city is a negative space that
has many deleterious impacts on the surrounding areas.
However, cities' needs are constantly changing, and this is a
very common scenario. When the railway no longer serves its
original purpose, reusing the abandoned line can revitalize the
urban area.
• We can also plan for the city's future growth. Three basic
methods for repurposing railways include transforming them
into new public transportation, renovating the urban land
around with them for business and tourism uses, and
designing new city public space infrastructures.
• It has been demonstrated that various reuse methods will have
varying positive impact on urban space, such as improved traffic
conditions, possibilities for land development, increased tourism
revenue, and so on.
• The greenway can effectively be used in abandoned railway
regions, it can decrease pollution and traffic congestion. Greenway
plays an active role in connecting people with the environment.it
provides social, ecological, environmental benefits, which are
more beneficial to users, help them to spend their time with their
beloved ones.
• In the case of old railway station need more development, which
is kept abandoned till 32 years, there is much structure having
damaged, this structure has historical importance and can be
reused for many purposes.
• This site has a green corridor and in these areas is harmful to
people's safety were surrounded by drug users etc. there many
untreated wastes are dumped in this area. the old station is a
historically important site, which reflects our history and culture.
so this area can be repurpose to a green and good environment
where people can connect it with their life
Thank you