The Fisherman
- Client:Private Client
- Location:Daman
- Delivery:Design & Build
- Design Team:Anu Chauhan
Prashant Chauhan
Nirali
- Photographer:Pulkit Sehgal
Urban Revival in Daman | Landmark Traffic Island Redevelopment
As part of Daman’s urban revival initiative, the administration undertook the rejuvenation of key junctions and public spaces, beginning with the refurbishment of landmark traffic islands. The first phase was executed as part of multiple corporate CSR activities, with ZERO9 awarded the redesign of four significant junctions in Daman.
One of the most notable sites was the Bhenslore Traffic Island, strategically located on the Coastal Highway at the intersection of Moti Daman–Udwada and Vapi–Devka roads. The landmark design aimed to pay tribute to the region’s vibrant fishing community, which forms the cultural and economic backbone of Daman.
At the heart of the island stands an 8.5-foot-tall bronze fisherman sculpture with a brass-wire net cast mid-air, symbolizing pride in work, cultural heritage, and a prosperous future. The life-size statue was meticulously crafted in a two-stage process: first, a ‘nude’ model to perfect the anatomy, followed by the addition of clothing details to create fluidity and movement.
Weighing over 300 kg, the sculpture took three months to complete and was proudly installed on 26th January 2019, marking a milestone in Daman’s urban design journey.
Between the Lines
Q1. What was the intent behind the Daman Urban Revival initiative?
The project aimed to revitalize key public junctions in Daman by transforming them into meaningful urban landmarks. Through thoughtful design and public art, the initiative sought to celebrate local culture, community pride, and civic identity.
Q2. What was ZERO9’s role in the project?
ZERO9 was entrusted with the redesign of four major traffic islands, each representing a distinct aspect of Daman’s heritage. The firm’s approach combined urban design, art, and storytelling — turning utilitarian spaces into cultural destinations.
Q3. What makes the Bhenslore Traffic Island design so special?
Located at a strategic coastal junction, Bhenslore Traffic Island became the symbolic centerpiece of the initiative. It celebrates Daman’s vibrant fishing community, the lifeline of its economy and identity, through a monumental art installation.
Q4. What is the significance of the fisherman sculpture?
The 8.5-foot bronze fisherman holding a brass-wire net mid-air is an emblem of dignity in labor, resilience, and cultural pride. It captures the spirit of the sea and honors the generations of fishermen who shaped Daman’s livelihood and traditions.
Q5. How was the sculpture conceptualized and executed?
The artwork was created in a two-stage process — beginning with a nude anatomical model to perfect proportions and posture, followed by the addition of clothing and detailing to bring fluidity and realism to the final form. The result is a sculpture that feels both alive and timeless.
Q6. What materials and techniques were used in the sculpture?
The statue was cast in bronze with a brass-wire net, chosen for their durability, craftsmanship, and symbolic warmth. The materials reflect strength, endurance, and prosperity, qualities intrinsic to the community it represents.
Q7. What challenges were faced during the execution?
The primary challenge was balancing scale, proportion, and durability in an outdoor coastal environment. Every detail — from the statue’s anatomy to the net’s tension — was carefully engineered to withstand wind, weather, and time without losing artistic finesse.
Q8. How does the installation contribute to Daman’s urban identity?
It transforms a functional traffic junction into a cultural landmark. The sculpture not only beautifies the space but also anchors collective memory, creating a visual dialogue between heritage and progress. It’s a point of pride for locals and a marker for visitors.
Q9. When was the project completed and inaugurated?
The Bhenslore Traffic Island was completed and inaugurated on 26th January 2019, symbolically aligning with Republic Day — a celebration of national pride and collective spirit, perfectly mirroring the project’s purpose.
Q10. In one line, how would you describe the Daman Urban Revival project?
A public design movement that turns everyday spaces into expressions of culture, pride, and timeless craftsmanship.
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