SHUJAU.H

Next, we focused on the group site model at a scale of 1:500. To begin, the site area was printed on A4 sheets and tiled together to verify the overall dimensions and ensure alignment accuracy before cutting them from foam boards.

Moving on.

The objective next was to produce a scaled, tangible model of the city’s current urban blocks, which will later be compared with the proposed masterplan interventions.

The process began by cleaning and organizing the base Rhino file, originally developed by Semester 6 students in 2023. This step involved removing redundant geometry, correcting alignment issues, and preparing the file for printing.

Next, major landmarks and key buildings were updated to reflect their most recent floor heights, ensuring that the printed model represents the current city profile with greater accuracy.

Once updated, the overall model was divided into printable sections compatible with the 3D printer’s bed size (25 cm × 25 cm). Additionally, three of our group’s masterplan zones were separated using the same dimensions, allowing us to print both the existing and proposed masterplan areas for side-by-side analysis.

The cuts

Next we started test prints

Dominated by cargo operations and industrial sprawl, the T-Jetty area has long been cut off from the city’s public life. Our masterplan aims to change that. By introducing a new marina and transforming the waterfront, we’re reimagining this area as an inclusive, connected destination. Guided by the principles of Play, Pause, Connect, Prosper, and Restore, our vision shifts the focus from industry to people by creating space for community, wellness, and balanced urban growth.

CONCEPT

Marina as the key response element from site

25m x 25m blocks are arranged in relation to the marina, with shifts introduced to enhance natural light and ventilation.

Blocks are combined and subtracted to form dynamic compositions, creating multiple views and spatial experiences.

Blocks are broken apart to form multiple view corridors, allowing visual connections from the rear buildings to the marina.

Blocks are curved to soften the building edges, creating a smoother and more organic form. PROGRAM ALLOCATION

This table outlines the program allocation for the masterplan, categorizing spaces into institutional and commercial zones.

Table below presents the spatial distribution and capacity analysis of the masterplan, detailing the area allocation for residential and non-residential zones. It also outlines the number of apartments within each block and the estimated population capacity

MASTERPLAN

Our masterplan proposal along with the interventions in the urban dense area to reduce congestion and make Male' City more livable. We introduced green spaces, markets communal spaces etc to the claimed plots. The population number from these claimed plots will be relocated to the proposed masterplan area.

Jogging and bicycle paths are planned along the marina, connecting to the existing tracks at Rasfannu Beach. The marina will serve the residents of Male' with a green waterfront escape from the dense urban area.

Regenerative Interventions

K - Alirasgefaanu Ziyaarai (Memorial Park)

Q - Bioswale Park

S - Multi-Purpose Community Pavilion

N - Cafeteria

Masterplan Visualizations

Kids Play Area - Center Node

Art Installation & Exhibition Space

Elevated Pathways

MASTERPLAN SECTIONS

PROPOSED NEW ROAD NETWORKS

These road networks align with the broader master plan, which proposes a metro line, tram line, and reduced vehicle usage. As a result, internal roads will serve light traffic, supported by alternatives like battery cycles. Primary roads will accommodate goods transportation, public transit, and other public vehicles.

Existing & Proposed Road Section of Light Traffic Road

Proposed

Existing

The proposed road section will feature wider sidewalks and primarily accommodate light vehicular traffic. However, it will also be designed to allow occasional access for garbage collection trucks and emergency vehicles such as fire trucks when required.

What if Malé could breathe again? What if its narrow streets could once more belong to people — not cars? This exercise dares to imagine a rebalanced city, where clutter is replaced by clarity, and the island’s lungs are reopened through thoughtful redistribution.

Building on prior research and reflections, students are invited to speculate on a regenerative masterplan that reconnects Malé’s fragmented parts. By merging careful preservation of its organically evolved fabric with a visionary redevelopment of adjacent underused lands, the task challenges teams to propose a future where density, livability, and heritage coexist.

Greater Male’ Site Analysis

🔻 Group work

Male’ is a unique city with much historical and cultural significance. The city has gone through various stages of rapid transformations - nothing short of impressive. Even with key changes to connection of Male’ with Hulhumale’, and the ongoing ambitious inter-linking of Vilingili, Gulhi falhu, Thilafushi and Giraavaru Falhu with bridges and causeways, Male’ still remains uniquely important. The sheer historical and sentimental values as well as and the weight of its stake to many makes a regenerative attempt a worthwhile one.

The site analysis stage is the foundation of the students' design journey. It is where they carefully observe, document, and interpret the greater Male’ region, its history, culture, density, open spaces, land uses, demographics, and movement patterns. By layering maps, models, and narratives, students sets the groundwork for imagining a more livable, sustainable, and culturally rooted city.

The exercise is expected to help harvest the knowledge and sensitivity needed to design responsibly, guiding to make informed choices for the Exercise to regenerate some selected areas in the Male' land area.

Popular Books such as: urban revitalisation, streets and patterns, soft city, responsible environments, Mumbai cas study, life between buildings, public spaces urban spaces, delirious New York, Perth Area study 2009, A pattern language, happy city, cities without ground as well as few others were reviewed and presented in the session...