From CP with Love: A Vision for Circular Urban Architecture in New Delhi
A circular vision for Connaught Place—where regenerative design meets sustainable, inclusive, and future-ready urban architecture.
Honorable Mention entry of Neo Delhi
By Sumanth S Rao, Kushal Shah, Rahul Dewan, Sahil Kanekar, Alankrita Sarkar
In the heart of Delhi, Connaught Place (CP) has long stood as a commercial and cultural hub. But what if this historic center could evolve into a blueprint for the cities of tomorrow? The project titled "From CP with Love" reimagines Connaught Place as a prototype for circular urban architecture, transitioning from a traditional linear model of consumption to a closed-loop urban ecosystem rooted in sustainability, inclusivity, and resilience.
The Shift from CBD to CID: Towards a Circular Innovation District
The proposal introduces a transformation of CP from a Central Business District (CBD) to a Central Innovation District (CID) by the year 2070. Drawing from principles of circularity, the district is envisioned as a self-sustained, energy-efficient, and socially inclusive space. It integrates six urban pillars: Governance, Energy, Built Environment, Resource Management, Mobility, and Goods & Products.
Circularity as the Core Design Principle
Circular urban architecture hinges on keeping resources in use for as long as possible—through reusing, repairing, remanufacturing, and recycling. CP’s transition to CID envisions modular buildings, adaptable public spaces, and renewable energy grids, all designed with end-of-life reuse in mind. This model not only reduces environmental impact but also fosters innovation in spatial adaptability, urban farming, and energy generation.
Spatial Adaptation Through Modular Infrastructure
A significant feature of the transformation lies in the spatial restructuring of CP’s inner blocks. Existing structures will be retrofitted using urban mining and modular systems to expand vertically and horizontally. This enables flexibility and multi-utility usage—such as shared office spaces by day and community kitchens by evening—thus maximizing spatial efficiency without additional land use.
Mobility Reimagined
The project proposes a radical shift in transportation, promoting circular mobility that reduces personal vehicle dependency. With an emphasis on shared public transport, pedestrian-friendly pathways, and reduced surface parking, the plan repurposes parking zones into vibrant public spaces. A roundabout transformation of CP, supported by intermediate public transport and multi-level parking facilities, complements this vision.
Governance & Public Participation
The CID is conceptualized as a collaborative governance platform that involves stakeholders across scales—from hawkers to institutions. A co-op model ensures equitable access and responsibility in managing public resources, supported by networks for funding and spatial organization. Rent models are restructured to promote participation in community-driven initiatives such as waste segregation, urban farming, and solar energy.
Economic and Ecological Regeneration
Circular business models incentivize modular product design, renewable materials, and low-carbon infrastructure. The CID promotes localized economies through decentralized production and distribution, allowing CP to become a living lab for urban sustainability. Public areas are designed as awareness zones, where civic learning, digital education, and environmental consciousness thrive together.
Built Environment & Landscape Integration
The built environment around CP will evolve into an ecosystem of high-performance architecture. Interactive green zones, urban forests, hawker streets, and community farms coalesce to create a responsive landscape that supports biodiversity and promotes wellness. Urban design is interlaced with geo-textile technologies to aid water retention and ground water recharge.
Conclusion: CP as a Model for Circular Urban Architecture
"From CP with Love" is more than a vision—it is a manifesto for the urban future. By placing circular urban architecture at the forefront of redevelopment, this proposal not only honors the legacy of Connaught Place but transforms it into a regenerative urban core. It envisions a Delhi that is sustainable, inclusive, and thriving—where architecture is not just built, but grown through cycles of care, participation, and innovation.
