Students: Luca Pestalozzi, Matthias Stücheli
Location: Group work in Kolkata
Date: November, 2008
Type: Research project, student work, Park Street to Park Circus

Background
The Park Street, especially its Western section, has historically been the center of social life in Kolkata. Some of the best restaurants in town, a five-star hotel, as well as some clubs and bars are located on the street. Many of the buildings are impressive colonial constructions, partially being well restored, partially in a very problematic state. The area is also home to one of the most traditional gentleman’s clubs and even the oldest polo clubs in the world. In more recent years though, social life has shifted from Park Street towards newer locations in shopping malls, Salt Lake City and more affluent residential neighborhoods in the south of Kolkata. Moving along Park Street towards East, ending in Park Circus, the street exhibits a strong drop in income level, social structure and quality of urban fabric. The area around Park Circus has been described as a low income area, or even as a slum, inhabited mostly by a Muslim population.

Themes
Park Street therefore could be seen literally as a section through Kolkata society, its physical urban fabric, cutting through different income levels, religious groups and social structures. Along the length of the street, conflicts of social disparities, Hindi- and Muslim antagonisms and the difficulties and contradictions of the preservations of colonial heritage can be witnessed and physically manifest themselves. The street is also exemplary for a general urban condition found in Kolkata: many levels and sectors of society live in closest proximity to each other with only very few boundaries, gates and partitions existing. This proximity is distinctly noticeable on Park Street.

Project
Map the whole length of Park Street according to various parameters, such as income level, religion, education, language, social and cultural institutions, conditions of buildings and access to civic services. Chart the history of the street throughout the colonial period and the time of independence. What are the ongoing projects on Park Street? How does the street react to the withdrawal of higher income functions? Can you sketch out various scenarios for its destiny and possible future developments? Does Park Street still represent a cross section through Kolkatan society, or is this balance shifting? Document specific case studies along which the various conflicts and disparities existing on the street can be exhibited.