Written by Deyasini Das | Edited by Sophiya Islam
Place is an inseparable aspect of daily life and is intimately linked to our life experiences. Place is the intersection between human behaviour and physical surroundings. 'Place' refers to a meaningful location that includes human scale, social relationships, cultural characteristics, history, landmarks and built environment. Place is created by human experiences, acts and everyday interactions. Users adapt spaces to new purposes, plant trees, meet friends, watch life and more.
Hogg Market Plaza, Kolkata © Indranil Bhoumik | Mint
Hogg Market Plaza
The 'Hogg Market' plaza is also a space that transformed over the years to form a prominent place in the city of Kolkata.
Formerly known as the Simpark Plaza in 1905, the plaza was an empty space in front of the Hogg Market. In 1945, the space came to be occupied with parking for private motor vehicles. During the fire on 13th December 1985, many shops in the 'Hogg Market' were destroyed. These were later reconstructed and formed the ‘New Market’.
Hogg Market Plaza in 1905 & 1945 © Indranil Bhoumik | Mint
In 2005, an underground parking was built and soon several temporary shops and stalls occupied the plaza. In 2012, seating areas were provided for the people and soon seasonal fairs started in the Plaza. Today, the Hogg Market Plaza is a vibrant place with stalls, people walking, sitting, chatting, selling, buying and bargaining throughout the day. This plaza is now a popular destination for the people of Kolkata.
New Market © www.expedia.co.in
Primarily situated above an underground parking lot, this plaza hosts the entry to both Hogg Market and Simpark mall. This Plaza is a leap of breath separating the busy Hogg Market and Lindsay street. It is utilised by the tourist, transport, squatters, hawkers and even shoppers to relax. There is a steady flow of people, peaking at 6pm. Even on Sundays when the markets are closed people flock to the street vendors.
Hogg Market Plaza © Nick Woodford
Conclusion
The Hogg Market Plaza is a leap of breath separating the busy Hogg Market and Lindsay street. This public realm is utilised by the tourist, transport, squatters, hawkers and even shoppers to relax their feet. Primarily above an underground parking lot, this area is also the overview of residents living in quarters above the Hogg Market.
There is a steady rush of people throughout the day, peaking at 6pm. Even on Sundays when the markets are closed people flock the street vendors. These vendors surround the plaza along with several shops, offices and hotels. This Hogg Market plaza has transformed over many years into a place that every Calcuttan is attached to.
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