Super CP: A Visionary Urban Regeneration of Connaught Place

Project by: Anjali Singh, Anas Ahmed, Kiran Bhamidipati, Abdul Bari

Winner entry of: Neo Delhi

In the ever-evolving discourse of urban regeneration architecture, Connaught Place (CP), the historic heart of New Delhi, stands as both a symbol of colonial legacy and a beacon of potential transformation. The project titled "Super CP" proposes a bold reimagining of CP — one that doesn’t just upgrade its infrastructure but completely redefines its purpose for the 21st century and beyond.

From Imperial Core to Smart Urban Fabric

The visual narrative begins with the past — 1933’s imperial master plan where CP functioned as a central commercial and social hub. However, the legacy of that era was marked by rigid planning, colonial symbology, and mono-functional zones. As time progressed into the 1990s and early 2000s, the site gradually succumbed to vehicular congestion, fragmented usage, and haphazard commercial expansion.

The current transformation era—termed the "Age of Accelerations"—charts a new future, where CP evolves into a smart, sustainable, and multi-layered Central Business District (CBD). With this evolution, "Super CP" aligns with the global trends of urban regeneration architecture, focusing on inclusivity, adaptability, and ecological integration.

Design for Human Interaction and Ecological Harmony

At its core, Super CP seeks to bring people back to the public realm. The traditional central park is reimagined as an urban forest, creating a natural lung at the city center. This green expanse is surrounded by dynamic courtyards, drop-off points, and public walkways that prioritize pedestrians and micro-mobility.

The introduction of internal AI transport, rooftop farming, Hyperloop access, and skywalks for vertical interaction transforms the site into a futuristic, high-connectivity zone. The iconic colonnades of CP are retained, but integrated with green facades and vertical gardens, achieving a seamless dialogue between heritage preservation and sustainable architecture.

Adaptive Reuse Meets Next-Gen Mobility

The middle circle, often underutilized or degraded, becomes the epicenter of smart transformation. With a glazed canopy structure and internal circulation decks, it supports hybrid use — from co-working spaces to retail pods and cultural zones. This vision leverages the principles of adaptive reuse, crucial in sustainable urban regeneration.

Mobility is rethought through the Hyperloop system, drop/pick-up zones, and integrated transport networks that reduce dependence on personal vehicles, enhancing accessibility while reducing emissions.

A Model for the Future City

Super CP exemplifies what urban regeneration architecture must champion: a multi-dimensional approach that honors history while embracing innovation. It doesn’t propose incremental upgrades; it presents a paradigm shift. It demonstrates how India's most iconic commercial center can lead the way for future cities that are green, connected, and deeply human-centered.

As cities grapple with climate change, social fragmentation, and outdated infrastructure, Super CP stands as a blueprint—a regenerative urban fabric that thrives on resilience, technology, and collective memory.