Rankala is a picturesque lake in the Kolhapur District in Maharashtra in western India. It is a famous spot for residents of Kolhapur to spend their holidays and weekends. This lake was constructed by the Chhatrapatis of Kolhapur, it is surrounded by chowpati, gardens and pathways. Prior to 8th century this historical place was just a stone quarry. In the earthquake which took place sometime in 9th century some natural structural change took place in the quarry. Water started accumulating due to opening of an underground source. This accumulated water is today’s famous Rankala Lake. This historic lake has a Temple called “Sandhyamath” with a very big Nandi. Towards the north side of this lake is the “Shalani Palace” and towards north-east “Padmaraje Garden” that makes the scene of this lake enchanting.
The proposal explores some important junctions along the narrative of the lake.
A. Sandhyamath
The isolated sandhyamat temple is connected to the city with an organic path and pavilion. The organic path starts from a ghat that is designed for people around the old city to spend their time in the evening around the floating temple and it also creates opportunities for artists and painters in the town to explore their ideas on the canvas around the temple and the old city.
B. Entry point
The entry point is located on the axis of the Mahalaxmi temple which adopts a visual connection between the lake and the temple.
F. Chowpaty
Seating steps are carved into the walkway in the chowpaty creating spaces for people to sit and enjoy the chowpatty delicacies.
H. Eco walk
The long straight walkway is broken into fragments of mounds, plazas, jetty and seating pockets along a curvilinear spine.
K. Memorial plaza
The memorial plaza designed with hard and soft scape interlocking into one another. The hard surfaces are spaces where one can commemorate the Maharajs of Kolhapur by building their statues.