Delhi Eye – Reimagining Connaught Place Through Sustainable Urban Architecture

Reclaiming Connaught Place Through Sustainable Architecture

Connaught Place—New Delhi’s historic commercial core and one of India’s most recognisable urban districts—has long served as both a cultural magnet and a commercial hub. Yet, over the years, increasing congestion, unplanned pedestrian movement, parking shortages, inadequate cultural spaces, and competition from new malls have placed immense pressure on its timeless architecture and urban character.

The proposal Delhi Eye, designed by Swati Gupta and Nikita Jain, aims to address these deep-rooted concerns through a holistic architectural and urban design strategy rooted in sustainable urban architecture—our chosen high‑ranking SEO keyword for strong visibility. This transformative vision seeks not only to preserve CP’s architectural heritage but also to enhance its civic life, pedestrian experience, and cultural vibrancy.

By introducing a landmark attraction—the Delhi Eye—combined with pedestrian‑only zones, integrated transit pathways, new gathering spaces, and revitalised retail corridors, the proposal imagines Connaught Place as a future‑ready public realm while keeping its identity intact.

Understanding the Site: Challenges Within a Historic Urban Fabric

Connaught Place operates as the Central Business District of India’s capital and remains one of the busiest public spaces in the country. The site analysis highlights three key rings—inner circle, middle circle, and outer circle—each playing a distinct role in movement and commercial activity.

Key Existing Issues

1. Severe pedestrian congestion in the inner circle.
2. Insufficient parking space, pushing vehicles inward.
3. Declining visibility for local artisans and craftsmen due to rising commercial competition.
4. Structural strain from continuous heavy footfall.
5. Lack of cultural and recreational programming.
6. Extreme seasonal conditions diminishing the outdoor shopping experience.

The site sits strategically between major civic anchors—Rajpath, India Gate Complex, and Rashtrapati Bhawan—forming a key node in New Delhi’s urban constellation.

Design Intent: A Holistic Architectural Strategy

The proposal approaches Connaught Place with a comprehensive architectural vision that balances heritage preservation, public experience, and future‑centric development.

Core Objectives

1. Pedestrianise the inner circle—making it a no‑vehicular zone to reduce congestion by up to 70% while allowing people to walk, gather, and shop freely.
2. Redirect vehicular movement to the outer circle, with designated drop‑off points in the middle circle.
3. Introduce E‑rickshaw mobility to ensure accessibility for elderly and differently‑abled visitors.
4. Create a new structure within Central Park, incorporating an exhibition centre, shaded arcades, and an elevated journey to the Delhi Eye.
5. Establish the Delhi Eye—a national landmark comparable to the London Eye—integrating culture, tourism, and panoramic urban experience.
6. Reimagine the inner circle with landscaped zones, shaded walkways, and metro‑connected lanes for smooth pedestrian flow.
7. Retrofit all existing structures, preserving architectural essence while upgrading functional performance.

The Delhi Eye: A New Cultural and Civic Landmark

At the heart of the proposal stands the Delhi Eye, envisioned as a symbolic representation of the Chakra from the Indian flag—an identity marker for both Delhi and India.

Programme of the Proposed Complex

The circular commercial and cultural hub features:

• Outer Promenade: A continuous pedestrian walkway.
• Retail Shops: Wider corridors, improved visual exposure, and curated retail experiences.
• Restaurants and Food Courts: Located toward the inner ring with views into an open plaza.
• Exhibition Galleries: Spaces for showcasing Indian crafts, contemporary design, and cultural narratives.
• Central Amphitheatre: A flexible venue for performances, festivals, and civic gatherings.
• Lift Lobbies: Providing vertical access to the Delhi Eye for elevated city views.
• Entrepreneur Spaces: Display zones supporting artisans, craftsmen, and small businesses.

Architectural Expression and Spatial Qualities

Sectional Perspective Features

• Panoramic Cabins offer sweeping, uninterrupted views of Delhi.
• Lift Wells integrated into the sculptural structure for easy boarding.
• Façade Punctures allow natural light to reach the enclosed amphitheatre and public spaces.
• Retail and Craft Zones situated around the base, activating the public edge.
• Enclosed Open‑Air Theatre (OAT) functions as a gathering and cultural hub.

Day and Night Experience

• During the day, the OAT receives filtered natural light, emphasising the architectural texture.
• At night, integrated LED strips illuminate the stepped seating, transforming the space into a glowing civic amphitheatre.

Urban Impact: Reviving Connaught Place Through Sustainable Architecture

The proposal’s focus on sustainable urban architecture directly addresses the challenges facing CP today:

1. Reclaiming Public Space

By removing vehicles from the inner circle, the project restores CP as a pedestrian‑centric destination.

2. Enhancing Connectivity

Walkable loops, E‑rickshaw access, and metro‑integrated pathways allow seamless movement across all rings.

3. Boosting Cultural Life

The amphitheatre, exhibition spaces, and Delhi Eye anchor a renewed cultural economy within CP.

4. Supporting Local Artisans

Dedicated vendor zones near Palika Bazar and retail display areas help revive traditional craftsmanship.

5. Strengthening Environmental Comfort

Shaded green spaces, improved ventilation, and structured walkways mitigate extreme climatic challenges.

6. Preserving Heritage While Upgrading Infrastructure

Retrofitting maintains the architectural legacy while integrating modern systems, new public amenities, and sustainable mobility.

A Vision for Delhi’s Future

The Delhi Eye proposal is more than an architectural intervention—it is a vision to reshape Connaught Place as a sustainable, inclusive, and culturally vibrant urban space. By balancing heritage and innovation, the project reinterprets CP’s symbolic identity and civic importance for future generations.

With its commitment to sustainable urban architecture and community-centric design, the project by Swati Gupta and Nikita Jain reflects a bold reimagining of how India’s most iconic public space can evolve—with sensitivity, foresight, and architectural excellence.