Dumas Sea Face Masterplan: Revitalizing Surat's Coastal Urban Landscape
INI Design Studio transforms a fragmented Indian coastline into a resilient public realm.
1Project Scope and Vision
The Dumas Sea Face Masterplan covers a massive area of 1,020,618 square meters along the historic Indian coastline. INI Design Studio led the project, aiming to transform a previously neglected and underutilized waterfront into a cohesive public realm. This initiative seeks to reconnect the rapidly growing city of Surat with the Arabian Sea.
2Addressing Urban Fragmentation
For decades, the Dumas shoreline suffered from disjointed development and limited public accessibility. The masterplan stitches these disparate segments together into a continuous, unified experience for residents. By creating a cohesive vision, the design team effectively mitigates the lack of connectivity that previously constrained the potential of this significant coastal recreational zone.
3Multidisciplinary Engineering Approach
The project utilized a complex team structure involving INI Infrastructure & Engineering for MEP, lighting, and structural consulting. Global Marine provided specialized structural expertise, while Integrated Flow tech Pvt. Ltd. managed irrigation systems. This technical collaboration ensured that the large-scale landscape architecture could support both ecological resilience and high-density civic usage.
4Construction and Material Integration
General contractor M. P. Babaria Construction, in a joint venture with Unique Construction, executed the build. The project features a diverse array of high-quality materials from manufacturers like Legrand, Saint Gobain India, and Tata Steel. These components support the infrastructure, ranging from advanced lighting systems to durable structural steel and ceramic elements.
5Ecological and Civic Convergence
The design prioritizes the intersection of ecology and civic life to foster a resilient urban identity. By integrating public open spaces with natural coastal features, the masterplan addresses the urgent demand for quality environments in Surat. This approach ensures that the waterfront serves as a functional, sustainable asset for the city's future.
6Leadership and Design Team
Lead architects Harsh Goel, Jayesh Hariyani, and Pathik Gandhi directed the extensive design process. They were supported by a large team including Amit Mehta, Priyank Bhavsar, and several others who focused on landscape architecture and urban planning. Their collective effort was essential in navigating the complex regulatory and environmental challenges of the site.
7Technological and Material Specifications
The project incorporates specialized products such as Jet Fans, System air, and newturn automation to manage infrastructure efficiency. Brands like Philips, Honeywell, and D-link provided the necessary technical hardware for modern facility management. These selections reflect a commitment to integrating smart technology within a large-scale public landscape to ensure long-term operational viability.
8Impact on Urban Growth
Completed in 2026, the Dumas Sea Face Masterplan serves as a model for coastal urban renewal in India. By transforming a fragmented edge into a living landscape, the project sets a precedent for how rapidly expanding cities can reclaim their natural assets. It provides a blueprint for balancing civic needs with environmental resilience.