The Under Space Revival – Transforming Urban Voids in Surat

Reimagining Urban Infrastructure

In the bustling city of Surat, where urban density meets entrepreneurial energy, an overlooked space beneath a busy flyover has been re-envisioned as a vibrant hub for community life. The Under Space Revival by Aangan Collaborative LLP transforms a residual urban void into an inclusive, multi-functional sports and public space that invites play, pause, and connection.

Activating the Flyover Under Space

Previously underutilized, the flyover underbelly—situated at one of Surat's busiest junctions and surrounded by schools, residential blocks, malls, and markets—has been activated as a high-performance sports facility accessible to all. Commissioned by the Surat Municipal Corporation, the project demonstrates how underused infrastructure can be repurposed to serve civic needs while promoting urban equity.

The design rethinks public access in dense neighborhoods, emphasizing inclusivity over exclusivity. Marginal entry fees, open hours, and non-membership policies make the space welcoming for children, teens, working adults, and senior citizens alike, reflecting a commitment to democratic urban design.

Design Concept and Spatial Experience

The intervention unfolds along a fluid pedestrian spine, surfaced with textured stone chips that guide movement while ensuring anti-skid safety. Along this path, enclosed micro-cement courts provide durable, high-performance surfaces suitable for a variety of sports.

Encased in a lightweight structure of aluminum mesh and polycarbonate, the facility balances visual openness with acoustic insulation, offering users a sense of enclosure and security amid the traffic bustle above. The project embodies adaptive reuse of flyover spaces, turning overlooked infrastructure into functional, safe, and aesthetically engaging environments.

A Catalyst for Community and Urban Cohesion

More than a sports venue, The Under Space Revival serves as a civic catalyst, bridging gaps in dense neighborhoods that lack open public spaces. By transforming infrastructure into opportunity rather than obstruction, it sets a precedent for Indian cities seeking to enhance public space utilization, accessibility, and community interaction.

The design celebrates human-centered urbanism: layered, open-ended, and welcoming. In a time when cities are increasingly privatized and experiences gated, this project demonstrates that every corner of an urban environment has potential to foster activity, vitality, and a sense of belonging.

All Photographs are works of Vreidarch studio – Ar. Shivam Vasava