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Conservation Strategies for the Historic Port Town of Machilipatnam
No full textMachilipatnam is a port on the East coast of India, situated to the north of the mouth of the river Krishna. Machilipatnam has a rich history shaped by centuries of trade. Its location on the Bay of Bengal made it a key center for trade with Europe, Southeast Asia, and beyond. This trade fostered a unique cultural exchange, reflected in the town's art, cuisine, and architecture.
The town was once a major producer of textiles, particularly muslin and Kalamkari. Machilipatnam's architectural heritage reflects these influences, with remnants of Persian, Dutch, French, and English styles alongside local traditions.
However, Machilipatnam's historic character is threatened by neglect and development. The thesis argues for the importance of preserving Machilipatnam's architectural heritage. This preservation can not only honor the town's past but also boost its future economy by attracting tourism which can help and rejuvenate the traditional arts and crafts of Machilipatnam. The project suggests involving the local community to ensure the success of these efforts.
The thesis deals with the architectural and cultural heritage of the trade center which flourished for several centuries. The study identifies the remnants of built fabric that testify to the trading heritage of Machilipatnam and the various influences it brought in. The study sheds light on the crumbling heritage that needs to be preserved along with the memory of lost heritage. The recommendations and guidelines aim to preserve the architectural, cultural, and natural heritage for posterity
Conservation of The Traditional Constructions Practices of Ara Hoises Along The Meenachail River, Kerla
No full textThe traditional domestic built forms of Ara houses had emerged during the historical context of developments in mode of production, agricultural and trade in Kerala. The Meenachil river, one among the forty four major rivers of Kerala, had human settlements right from the headwaters till its mouth emptying to Vembanadu lake. Clusters of Ara built forms were believed to be established on the banks of the Meenachil river in Kottayam district (regions under. Thekkkumkur, Poonjar and later Travancore) of Kerala till the 19th century.
The layout of these residences are rectilinear with Ara as the central space with the living areas surrounding it and a verandah in front being the main activity area. There are special underground storage spaces right under the Ara to keep stored goods inside the Ara from moisture and decay. The height of these structures are restricted to the first floor with attic space with variations in the usage of space depending on the number of floors of the building.
Unique in its geographical setting with rich socio-cultural and historical background, many Ara buildings identified along the Meenachil river still remain in good condition. But with changes in land use pattern, ownership, materials and functional utility, the distinctive built form is losing its heritage identity. The unsustainable developments and uncontrolled growth pattern within these historic areas pose rising threats to these historic built fabric, cultural assets, essence and character of the place it belongs.
The basic aim of the study is to prepare conservation proposals for the traditional construction practices of Ara houses along the Meenachil river basin of Central Travancore, Kerala. The other objectives include suggesting a methodology for sampling, identifying and mapping of these houses by understanding the historic, cultural, socio-economic and climatic influences that shaped the evolution of different residential built forms; understanding the traditional knowledge system comprising material, construction techniques, practices and skills associated with these Ara houses; identifying, documenting and analysing the historical, social, ecological and technological challenges/threats faced by the traditional built heritage in specific building/area contexts. The study also aims in proposing area/building specific guidelines for the maintenance, protection and conservation of Ara houses along the Meenachil river basin.
Conservation of the Traditional Construction Practices of Ara Houses Along Meenachil River Kerala xii
The influence of historical, social, economic and climatic aspects on the architectural design of the Ara built forms in the Meenachil basin are evaluated through extensive literature study and archival research. The Ara houses along the Meenachil river basin were stratified into those in highland, midland and lowland and a total of forty samples of the built heritage were identified and mapped. Three different study areas of Thazhathangadi (in lowland), Kidangoor (in Midland) and Poonjar (in highland) based on the historic, cultural, socio-economic and geographical significance were delineated. Base maps were prepared for these three areas to understand the historical evolution of the place, topography, spatial planning, hierarchy of the built heritage, systems involving rivers, roads, sacred places, etc., material mapping and transformations that shaped the area. The sense of interdependency between the built and the neighbourhood is further analysed and their association with traditional knowledge systems with regard to construction techniques, materials, skill etc form the theoretical framework for research and study. A set of five Ara houses were selected from each of the selected areas for detailed documentation. The built heritage in the regional and building context were studied by measured drawings, documenting the joinery details, construction techniques, material mapping and changes/transformation occurred within the buildings. A detailed analytical framework is followed for assessing the built heritage using the parameters including location, proximity to the river, occupation, number of floors, orientation, spatial layout, architectural elements, joinery details, construction materials, and elements of the building for understanding the evolution, continuity and transformation that occurred within all the three selected areas. Inferences were drawn based on the regional similarities and variations in construction techniques. The risk assessment matrix was also formulated for potential risk and threats the area is facing. Based on the pilot study in Area 3 (Thazhathangady), proposals and guidelines for the conservation of the Ara houses were formulated.
The detailed documentation of various structures in each identified area of this study will contribute towards greater understanding of the unique construction system, craftsmanship, practices involved, material pallet, joinery details, ornamentations, of the built forms along the Meenachil river basin of Kerala. The study also brings out the technique, craft and skill involved in constructing these Ara houses in the region. The information and knowledge of the wood construction system and the ornamentation of wooden walls, rafters, ceilings, etc
Conservation of the Traditional Construction Practices of Ara Houses Along Meenachil River Kerala xiii
form a repository of traditional knowledge of wooden craftsmanship of the region. The socio-political, economic history of traditional houses are reflected through the similarities and variations in form, scale, size, materials, ornamentations and construction practices.
The study creates awareness of the heritage value, need for protection and maintenance of these traditional built forms and will contribute to the existing traditional knowledge system of construction techniques in Kerala. Awareness of the fast disappearing built structures of significance and value will hopefully follow appropriate action to conserve them before being transformed completely or lost. This study is a step towards reviving and conserving the climate responsive knowledge system of traditional construction practices with cultural identity.
Further the study provides proposals for construction manual for traditional Ara houses as well as conservation, protection and maintenance of identified residential typologies along Meenachil riverbanks
263 Students get degree at 11th SPA-Bhopal Convocation
No full textThe 11th Convocation Ceremony of SPA will be held today, with the Chief Guest being Professor Kishore Kumar Basa, the Chairman of the National Monuments Authority. On this occasion, degrees were conferred upon 263 students, including 129 undergraduates and 9 PhD candidates
a Case of Ayodhya
No full textReligious tourism, traditionally viewed as a journey aimed at spiritual enlightenment and inner peace, has witnessed a significant surge in participation in India over the past few decades. This increase can be attributed to various factors such as the accessibility of modern transportation methods like roads, railways, and air travel, as well as the expansion of accommodation options. Ayodhya is one of the major focuses for the government due to the introduction of the "Ram temple". Holding a place among India's seven holy cities, it is envisaged to become a global tourist hub.
The recent influx of tourists has been substantial, with numbers growing from 1.57 crore in 2021 to 2.39 crore in 2022, representing a 63% growth. Projections suggest that this figure will further increase to 4 crores by 2031. This research aims to investigate the impact of religious tourism on the physical infrastructure of the Ayodhya municipal corporation area, specifically focusing on route connectivity and tourist waste management. The variables are assessed from the existing literature, analysis of physical infrastructure and interviews from the people focusing on their needs. And suggesting solutions for tackling the issue of massgathering and mass- movement in these pilgrim sites due to increasing urban sprawl with the passing time and at the peak time where these issues increase more that are due to lack of resources, facilities, accommodation for tourist. The challenges and opportunities presented by its growing religious tourism significance. Spatial analysis techniques are utilized to identify areas requiring development to optimize the visitor experience and ensure sustainable growth. The outcome focuses on the alternate road network for the study area for decongestion in the area using the Space syntax tool combining with the footfall data of the tourist destination for better understanding and tourist waste management in the study area
Mayong: A Cultural Landscape in Assam
No full textThis thesis explores Mayong, a
region in Assam, India, renowned for its deep
rooted association with magic and mysticism, to analyze its status as a cultural
landscape. By examining its geographical features, historical context, and the
local community's intangible heritage, the research seeks to demonstrate how
Mayong functions as more than just a physical space. Instead, it is a dynamic
cultural landscape shaped by centuries of beliefs, rituals, and social practices.
The study employs a multidisciplinary approach, combining ethnographic
resea rch, historical analysis, and landscape theory, to understand how the
natural environment and human activity are intertwined in Mayong. It also
explores how the village's association with magic has shaped its spatial identity,
influencing land use, settlem ent patterns, and local architecture. Oral traditions,
folk practices, and community festivals are analyzed to reveal their role in
maintaining and transmitting the region’s cultural values across generations.
Through this investigation, the thesis argues
that Mayong is a living cultural
landscape where the interaction between people and the environment has
fostered a unique identity. This analysis contributes to the broader understanding
of cultural landscapes and their importance in preserving intangible heritage and
fostering cultural continuity in rural settings like Mayong
एसपीए भोपाल में सतत जीवन शैली पर राष्ट्रीय सम्मेलन, 7-8 नवंबर 2024 ( National Conference on Sustainable Lifestyle at SPA Bhopal, November 7-8, 2024 )
No full textThe National Conference on Sustainable Lifestyle and Climate-Resilient Urban Planning will be held on November 7-8, 2024 at SPA Bhopal. Focused on HARIT (Holistic Action for Rejuvenating Indigenous Traditions) the conference will explore climate-responsive urban planning and construction. Key themes include resource conservation, environmental psychology, innovation, and challenges in traditional materials, aiming to integrate indigenous knowledge with modern sustainable solutions
स्कूली बच्चो से मिल किया सर्वे, फिर बनाया गेमिंग एप / ( Schooli bachon se mil kiya survey, phir banaya gaming app)
No full textSPA's student Ruchi raj tiwari created a gaming aap that reflects a Environmental friendly activities
बड़े तालाब को जैव विविधता विरासत घोषित करने की मांग ( Demand to declare Big Pond as biodiversity heritage)
No full text
Landscape Management Plan for the Cultural and Ecological Revival of a Historic Reservoir: a case of Hauz-i-Shamsi Reservoir, Mehrauli, Delhi
No full textThe last century and a half have witnessed a dramatic transformation of urban
environments resulting in significant changes to local ecology and the urban
biosphere. The environmental consequences of urbanization underscore the
intricate interplay between the human populace and the natural world. One
emblematic case of this transformation is Hauz-i-Shamsi, a historical reservoir
situated on the outskirts of Mehrauli, originally constructed in 1229 CE during the
reign of Shamsuddin Iltutmish. Once revered as sacred, the reservoir, sprawling
over 100 hectares, has seen a gradual reduction in its water body, now marred by
contamination and neglect.Neglecting this issue threatens to transform the
reservoir into arid land.
This study aims to rejuvenate the cultural and ecological significance of
Hauz-i-Shamsi by addressing contemporary challenges such as waste dumping,
Siltation, habitat loss, and the critical issue of declining water levels. To achieve
this, the project will involve understanding the reservoir's present historical
significance through studying its social form and ecological condition. Drawing
from comparative case studies and employing interdisciplinary approaches, the
aim is to develop a comprehensive framework for the reservoir's rehabilitation.
This framework will encompass key facets of ecological restoration, urban water
management, historical preservation, community engagement, and heritage
tourism.
The intended outcome of this research is the revival of Hauz-i-Shamsi,
transforming it into a vibrant urban space that honors its Cultural and Ecological
significance. By focusing on reviving the reservoir's ecosystem, the project seeks
to achieve a two-fold objective: safeguarding the local environment and
celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Hauz-i-Shamsi presents a unique opportunity for targeted conservation and
development. The project proposes rejuvenating a specific section within the
larger area, with a focus on preserving both tangible and intangible natural and
cultural heritage. Ultimately, the goal is to revive Hauz-i-Shamsi in a way that
ensures social and environmental sustainability for the future