Located along the western coast of India, Daman lies in the Indian union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. The town of Daman is bisected by the river Daman Ganga into Moti Daman and Nani Daman. The district boasts of 5 Km of popular seafront, architectural heritage, and diverse industries.Â
With growing urban stress, the seafront was facing issues of pollution, lack of quality public realm, unorganised parking, poor street design, and dilapidation of existing public spaces. Moreover, since flooding of vulnerable areas and erosion were a constant threat, the city also needed protection from erratic tidal conditions at the beach.Â
The Daman Seafront Development Project addresses the needs of the town and provides protection from high tide conditions while also creating quality public realm for tourists and residents of the town. The project constitutes robust public spaces at the three popular spots – Chhapli Beach, Jampore Beach, and Devka Beach and integrates the seafront along a comprehensively designed street. Â
The street design – with one side open towards the sea – is dotted with proper street furniture, lighting, dustbins, and vista points towards the scenic landscape. These points take inspiration from the Portuguese architectural heritage of the area and frame the landscape in segmented arches. Â
The redevelopment also uplifts existing public spaces such as Devka Garden and Moti Daman Fort front and integrates them with the seafront to expand public access and optimise the utility of these spaces. At Jampore Beach, a public plaza with organised vending kiosks and seating areas creates additional spaces for tourists and residents of the town.Â
The Daman Seafront Development Project demonstrates how seafronts with challenging natural conditions can be redeveloped to create protection from tides, integrate existing heritage and public spaces, and add valuable public realm to small coastal towns.Â
Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu
Start Year: 2011
Located along the western coast of India, Daman lies in the Indian union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. The town of Daman is bisected by the river Daman Ganga into Moti Daman and Nani Daman. The district boasts of 5 Km of popular seafront, architectural heritage, and diverse industries.Â
With growing urban stress, the seafront was facing issues of pollution, lack of quality public realm, unorganised parking, poor street design, and dilapidation of existing public spaces. Moreover, since flooding of vulnerable areas and erosion were a constant threat, the city also needed protection from erratic tidal conditions at the beach.Â
The Daman Seafront Development Project addresses the needs of the town and provides protection from high tide conditions while also creating quality public realm for tourists and residents of the town. The project constitutes robust public spaces at the three popular spots – Chhapli Beach, Jampore Beach, and Devka Beach and integrates the seafront along a comprehensively designed street. Â
The street design – with one side open towards the sea – is dotted with proper street furniture, lighting, dustbins, and vista points towards the scenic landscape. These points take inspiration from the Portuguese architectural heritage of the area and frame the landscape in segmented arches. Â
The redevelopment also uplifts existing public spaces such as Devka Garden and Moti Daman Fort front and integrates them with the seafront to expand public access and optimise the utility of these spaces. At Jampore Beach, a public plaza with organised vending kiosks and seating areas creates additional spaces for tourists and residents of the town.Â
The Daman Seafront Development Project demonstrates how seafronts with challenging natural conditions can be redeveloped to create protection from tides, integrate existing heritage and public spaces, and add valuable public realm to small coastal towns.Â