Tag: Heritage GM

The Community-centric Livelihood Hub

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Author: Parindra Sur
Site Location: Shantiniketan, West Bengal
Institute: Techno India University
Advisor: Sayan Chatterjee

Description

This thesis investigates the potential of architecture to serve as a catalyst for socio-economic development in rural India through the creation of a Community-centric Livelihood Hub in Shantiniketan, West Bengal. The study addresses the challenges faced by rural artisans—particularly in infrastructure, visibility, and sustainable livelihood—by proposing an architectural intervention that integrates traditional knowledge systems with contemporary sustainable design principles.

A mixed-method research approach was employed, combining site observations, stakeholder interviews, and literature review. Comparative case studies of Auroville (India) and METI School (Bangladesh) informed the design philosophy, highlighting models of participatory, environmentally responsive, and culturally rooted architecture.

The final design comprises multifunctional spaces including training centers, market areas, artisan residences, and community halls—organized around vernacular spatial principles and constructed using local, climate-resilient materials. Emphasis is placed on passive design strategies, community engagement, and the preservation of the local Baul and artisan culture.

By contextualizing architectural design within the framework of rural development and cultural continuity, this project contributes to a replicable model for sustainable rural transformation. It demonstrates how architecture can bridge the gap between tradition and innovation while empowering local communities.

Drawings

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From Abandoned Mill Ruins to Civic Catalyst: A Case of Connecting DBR Mills to Hussain Sagar Lake as an Equitable Third-Place for Hyderabad

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Author: T Tanishka
Site Location: Hyderabad, Telangana
Institute: Sri Venkateshwara College of Architecture
Advisor: Krishna Priya

Description

“Transforming abandoned mills into inclusive third places of memory, dialogue, and belonging.”
As cities become denser, faster, and increasingly privatized, the everyday citizen is left with few places to simply pause, gather, or belong. This thesis explores the necessity, relevance, and architectural possibilities of Third Spaces in contemporary Indian cities. This architectural inquiry seeks to go beyond conventional redevelopment strategies and envisions brownfield regeneration as a catalytic process, where architecture serves as a medium for, reconnecting, and re- imagining.
Once alive with the hum of looms and the pulse of workers, DBR Mills, Hyderabad now lies silent—its walls weathered, its gates locked, its presence reduced to a forgotten void in the heart of the city. Yet within its ruins rests an unrealized potential, Memory, character, and identity waiting to be reimagined. This thesis proposes re-imagining DBR Mills as a multidisciplinary hub and equitable “third place,” while connecting it to Hussain Sagar Lake where the city can pause, gather, celebrate, and belong. Rooted to where it stands and grounded in character and memory, while introducing new spatial narratives, the proposal reclaims DBR Mills as a regenerative common—open, inclusive, flexible, and ever-adaptive that caters to the ever-changing needs of the city.

Drawings

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A Cultural Centre for the Migrants of Champaner

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Author: Aishwarya Ramesh Kale
Site Location: Palghar, Maharashtra
Institute: Pillai HOC College of Architecture
Advisor: Ar. Amit Mhatre

Description

“Before their legacy fades into silence, let architecture become the voice that safeguards a vanishing community.” Cultural centres act as inclusive platforms where people gather, interact, and share ideas bridging gaps between generations, communities, and backgrounds. These spaces become cultural landmarks that not only serve the local population but also attract visitors, offering a glimpse into the unique history, traditions, and values of the region. By enabling dialogue and collective engagement, such places nurture a sense of belonging and strengthen the social fabric of urban life.

This thesis centers around the Marathi-speaking Panchal community, aiming to recognize and preserve their craftsmanship, engineering achievements, and traditional wisdom passed down through generations. Despite their excellence in craftsmanship such as die-making and carpentry, the community’s identity remains largely confined to local business circles and neighbourhoods. Their historical journey, especially after migrating from Gujarat to Maharashtra, deserves broader acknowledgment and celebration.

Today, as lifestyles evolve and technology advances, younger generations are becoming increasingly disconnected from their heritage. Many are unaware of their ancestral professions, struggles, and cultural practices, leading to a gradual fading of community knowledge, pride and forgetting their roots. By integrating cultural identity with evolving architectural and economic contexts, this initiative ensures traditional craftsmanship not only survive but thrive—contributing meaningfully to India’s cultural and global economy.

Drawings

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A Garden of Stories: Placemaking in Three Acts

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Author: Shruti Jayaraman
Site Location: Imphal, Manipur
Institute: RV College of Architecture
Advisor: Anup Naik, Mehul Patel, Nagaraj Vastarey, U S Maiya

Description

In the everlasting essence of society, there is the oppressor and oppressee. Their ways of negotiating with each other are limited to space. This space then becomes contested and a memory etched into us for generation to come. Having seen both the oppressor and oppressee, space is still excluded from the conversations of powerplay, ethnic and religious multiplicity.
As long as space is treated as a neutral spectator (instead of as an active participant), she will always be subjected to forms of violence, dissent and be vulnerable to the acts of a power hungry man.
Space that is designed to account for the narratives of all, can facilitate and create agency for treating the past as memory(not as active dissent). In this thesis, Space tells the story of the tribals, women and children in the contested capital of Manipur – Imphal.

This explorative thesis claims the need to perceive space as an active participant and a custodian of legacy to make place for the oppressed in society. As architects we must place-make for them. This project is in the contested capital of Imphal and challenges the city’s current spatial quality, materiality, and design as oppressive forces.

Drawings

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Re-imagining Sardar Patel Stadium: A Community Recreation and Multi-sports Hub

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Author: Patel Upal Rajendrakumar
Site Location: Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Institute: The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda (MSU)
Advisor: Ar. Rahul Dalvi

Description

We delve into the fascinating world of adaptive reuse, where old structures find new life in innovative and functional ways. Historical structures aren’t just buildings; they’re an experience. The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Stadium, despite past demolition plans, stands as a testament to ongoing preservation efforts. Organizations like the World Monuments Fund and the Getty Foundation have been actively involved in its conservation, even funding studies on the stadium’s potential for repurposing. A key proposal for its future is to conserve the site and enhance its value as a vital green space for the local community to enjoy. To maintain its World Heritage City status, Ahmedabad must continue to prioritize such conservation initiatives.
The revitalization of the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Stadium has a profound impact on the community. It transforms from a single-sport venue into a dynamic multi-sport and community recreation hub, enhancing cultural, recreational, and social engagement. This revitalization not only preserves the stadium’s historical and architectural significance but also creates a sustainable and valued public space for generations to come. It fosters a strong sense of community, promotes physical and mental well-being, and contributes significantly to the overall development of the city.

Drawings

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Ritual and Right: Water as a Democratic Urban Experience

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Author: Aleena Paulson
Site Location: Kochi, Kerala
Institute: SEED – APJ Abdul Kalam School of Environmental Design
Advisor: Ar. Jills Philip

Description

This architectural thesis explores the democratization of water in urban spaces by reimagining water infrastructure as an inclusive public realm. It emphasizes equitable access for all users, regardless of gender, age, or physical ability, while reviving the cultural significance of communal bathing—once central to social interaction, well-being, and collective identity. The project addresses the disappearance of shared water bodies due to urbanization and privatization, positioning water as not only a utility but also a spatial, social, and emotional connector.
The chosen site at Kakkanad, Kochi, located along the Seaport–Airport Road, provides excellent connectivity through road, metro, and Water Metro links. Its sloped terrain and natural water reserve create opportunities for layered spatial experiences, where water becomes both symbolic and functional, mediating between the dense urban fabric and the surrounding landscape.
Conceptually, the design begins with a simple mass divided into public, semi-public, and private zones. A cross-through access organizes movement, while addition and subtraction of volumes shape a dynamic composition of open and enclosed spaces. Envisioned as an “oasis in the city,” the project ensures physical, social, experiential, ecological, and urban equity through universal accessibility, inclusive water interactions, affordability, diverse modes of engagement, and preservation of natural resources.

Drawings

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Wari The Ephemeral Permanence

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Author: Mrunmai Sujit Patil
Site Location: Pandharpur Wari, Maharashtra
Institute: D Y Patil School of Architecture
Advisor: Anita Shyam

Description

The project explores equitable design interventions along the Pandharpur Wari, focusing on temporary settlements, transitional villages, and urban streets. Typology A addresses rural temporary villages, creating modular clusters that provide uniform accommodation, shared resources, and sanitation facilities for pilgrims while minimizing permanent impact on the land. Typology B intervenes in semi-developed villages like Sansar, where the design balances the seasonal influx of pilgrims with the needs of local residents, enhancing community facilities, circulation, and economic opportunities post-Wari. Typology C focuses on urban areas, transforming streets and open spaces into safe, accessible, and multi-use zones that support both daily city life and the pilgrimage. Across all typologies, design decisions prioritize inclusivity, accessibility, and adaptability, ensuring that diverse user groups—including women, children, the elderly, and differently-abled—are accommodated with dignity. Sustainable materials like sugarcrete and temporary infrastructure strategies are employed to reinforce the principles of circularity and minimal environmental impact. By integrating cultural practices, social behaviors, and ecological sensitivity, the project seeks to preserve the inherent equitability of the Wari while providing contemporary, functional, and context-responsive interventions.

Drawings

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Architecture for a Culture – A Case of Bonda Tribe

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Author: Sugyani Sahu
Site Location: Majhiguda, Odisha
Institute: Faculty of Architecture – Sri Sri University
Advisor: Ar. Rishab Ray

description

Introducing the Eco Tribal Village, an architectural thesis project that embraces vernacular, sustainability, and climate-responsible designs. This project is centered around the Bonda tribe, as they are the heart and soul of the endeavor. By meticulously considering their needs and preserving their rich heritage, we aim to create a harmonious space for both the tribe and tourists The design seeks to foster cultural exchange by providing designated areas for tourists to engage with the Bonda tribe, promoting understanding and appreciation.
By creating community areas for traditional activities and crafts, tourists can engage with the Bonda tribe and gain a deeper understanding of their way of life. Emphasizing responsible tourism practices, such as waste management and ecological conservation, will further contribute to the long-term preservation of the region’s natural beauty.
Through this project, the hope is to create a sustainable and inclusive community that respects the environment and preserves the cultural identity of the Bonda tribe. Hence, by building a vibrant and eco-friendly haven that honours tradition while embracing the future.

drawings

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Muquish: An Innovative Hub for Exploration and Preservation of Kutch Textile Craft

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Author: Vandana K
Site Location: Bhuj, Gujarat
Institute: School of Architecture, REVA University
Advisor: Ar. Neeraja Jayan

description

Kutch is the Largest district in India, which is well known for it’s rich cultural heritage, diverse communities and fine handicrafts. Inspite of having rich art and culture within the region due to several socio-economical reasons art especially textile art within this region have been on the verge of extinction.

There is a high need of another art resource center within the region because right now there is only one coherent body that works to provide a platform to acknowledge and revive dying art within kutch. So, there’s definitely a need and scope for another resource center within the region.

Muquish is a textile art resource center in Kutch that works up on the initative to preserve and uplift certain dying textile art forms and their art communities in Kutch. It mainly focuses on 4 textile art forms they are – Namda, Rogan art, Ajrakh block printing, Bela printing.

This as an architectural built form bridges the gap between two distinct design communities, they are the craftsmen and the designer. By seamlessly integrating traditional building techniques with modern functionality, the centre not only pays tribute to the rich architectural heritage of the region but also serves as a testament to the harmonious co-existence of human creativity and environmental responsibility.

drawings

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Rejuvenation of Dakshinpat Satra, Majuli Assam

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Author: Bibhuti Bikash Bora
Site Location: Majuli, Assam
Institute: Acharya’s NRV School of Architecture
Advisor: Ar. Gracy H. David

description

Dakshinpat Satra, located in the state of Assam in India, is a significant cultural and religious site. It is one of the most visited places in Assam, attracting a large number of tourists every year. However, despite its cultural importance and the increasing number of visitors, the satra lacks proper accommodation for tourists and advanced educational facilities for students of majuli . Moreover, there is a need for exhibition and workshop spaces to showcase the rich art and craft of the region. This thesis aims to propose a design solution for the development of Dakshinpat Satra by adding accommodation for tourists, school facilities, and exhibition and workshop spaces.
So the main aims is to enhance the cultural heritage of the region by providing proper accommodation facilities for tourists, school facilities for students, and exhibition and workshop spaces for artists and craftsmen. promoting local craftsmanship and reducing the carbon footprint. Also it will provide a unique experience for tourists, enhance the knowledge of students, and provide a platform for artists and craftsmen to display their work.

drawings

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Disaster Resilient Housing – Prototype for Himachal Pradesh

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Author: Ichchha Vijayendra Singham
Site Location: Himachal Pradesh
Institute: Pillai HOC College of Architecture
Advisor: Ar. Ashwathy Rajagopal

description

Himachal Pradesh- a north Indian state with difficult terrain and was often seen as in isolation from the modern and western influences of the world, untouched by the modern and western influences of the world. Over the past few years, Himachal has been frequently affected by ominous flash flooding resulting in landslides due to washing away of soil. The idea of the project is to form a prototype for housing in Himachal with disaster resistant techniques of construction. The design responds to the cold temperate climate of the Himalayan mountains, remoteness of the site as well as aims for resilience to earthquakes and landslides. The building is designed with heavy stone filled gabion retaining walls at the bottom and a light wooden structure on top covered with wattle and daub panels as an infill material. Undressed stone in gabion walls is used because it can be picked up from waste and also it reduces the labour. It is crafted with a balance between local knowledge and modern construction techniques aiming to encourage community participation and ownership. the idea was to not just provide a structure but system from start to end where users take part in it and have better understanding of their impact.

drawings

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INNOVATIONINTRADITION-Rural Livelihood Creation in Handicraft Sector of Thar

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Author: Darshan Sukhadiya
Site Location: Thar, Rajasthan
Institute: Institute of Design, Planning & Technology (IDPT)-SCET
Advisor: Prof. Saloni Shah

description

Craft has a profound impact on society by shaping cultural values, stimulating economic growth, fostering creativity, promoting social harmony, and introducing community identity.

As time changes, the appreciation and preservation of traditional crafts hold a special significance. As contemporary society seeks to reconnect with its cultural roots while embracing modernity, redefining the importance of traditional crafts became a captivating endeavour. It involves the delicate balance of honouring timeless techniques, cultural heritage, and artistic expression while infusing these crafts with a fresh and relevant appeal that resonates with the tastes and sensibilities of today.

Traditional crafts are not relics of the past, they are living traditions with rich stories and craftsmanship. Thus, this project reimagines their value for contemporary society. It attempts to bridge the gap between the past and the present, uniting generations and cultures under the banner of creativity and innovation.

The project examines native handicraft groups and the role of craft in their day-to-day life. It critiques the nature of the existing craft networks and their interdependency and attempts to rethink rural infrastructure by looking at planning methods, using conventional beliefs that can provide a socio-ecological manner of creating an environment – Using the local knowledge to make architecture as a catalyst for managing traditional knowledge within the present.

It invites craftsmen to explore the boundless possibilities of blending old and new.

This proposal understands the existing complexities and challenges and works towards an integrated solution. By looking at the craft community as a reflection of a combination of events, activities, and thought objects, this project aims to celebrate the craft by amalgamating innovation with tradition.

drawings

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Abhudaya Centre “Socio-cultural Hub” in Abhaneri “Heritage Village”

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Author: Shivam Singh
Site Location: Dausa, Rajasthan
Institute: Chandigarh College of Architecture
Advisor: Prof. Sujay Sengupta

description

A nation’s cultural heritage and natural history are precious and unique. The value of cultural heritage isn’t in cultural manifestation itself. But in the wealth of experience and skills passed down from generation to generation. Abhaneri village near Jaipur has a great diversity of craftsmanship and broad culture which is disappearing as the country is heading towards development. The purpose is to provide a platform for the people to show their skills and spread their knowledge of culture and craftsmanship. A museum that will preserve the remains of Harshad Mata temple which is presently kept inside Chand Baori and other historical elements that represent the people and their culture. Rejuvenation of water level in Abhaneri village by our site.

drawings

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Reviving Fabric of Empowerment – Khadi Weaving Village at Jalgaon

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Author: Pradnya Mahajan
Site Location: Pune, Maharashtra
Institute: Singhad College of Architecture
Advisor: Ar. Kavita Patil

description

The proposal focuses on resolving  the crisis in Khadi weaving industry by providing empowerment sources to the weavers to generate economical opportunities. Site is located in Jalgaon, comes under one of the extreme hot and dry climatic region of Khandesh in Maharashtra. It will be an Iconic Identity of the city with exploration of various passive strategies to deal with the climatic conditions of the place. It aims to analyze the weavers issues and providing a robust platform to Khadi weavers who weave for their livelihood in rural area. Project is envisioned as  khadi weaving village with extensive facilities for promoting khadi as empowerment source for weavers and adopting these Khadi fabric crafts to preserve Rich Textile Heritage of India. the proposal comes with number of innovative strategies exploring the applications of traditional building practices and climate responsive strategies gives the thought to climate  responsiveness in hot and dry  region. 

Spatial planning thought is given to spaces and clusters that goes and accessed by central axis and spaces that are grouped by proximity  reflecting path space relationship by adding functional  spaces between built forms. Integrating the flexible paths that leads to floating platforms for creating Microclimatic spaces merged with nature surrounded by the spaces based on Village layout concept.

drawings

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Belaku – The Hampi Interpretation Center

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Author: Harshit V Shastry
Site Location: Hampi, Karnataka
Institute: SJB School of Architecture & Planning, Bengaluru
Advisor: Ar. Sachin Shetty

description

The Genesis of an idea took place at the UNESCO World Heritage Site at the historic town of Hampi, Karnataka,India. The Ancient Capital of the Vijayanagara Empire that Hampi once was was renowned for its finesse and intricacy in multiple facets of engineering and design, in terms of Town Planning, Architectural Detailing and Sculpting. In recent times, the heritage structures within the historic site have been prone to desecration both by Natural and Manmade means. Thus, the Government of Karnataka and the Archaeological Survey of India under the guidance of UNESCO have come up with a proposal for an Interpretation Centre that can increase awareness and knowledge amongst people and prevent further desecration of heritage property.

From an Architectural point of view, Hampi provides abundant knowledge with respect to Cultural Nodes , Landmarks and the Series of Spatial Transitions between them, the Interplay between light, shadow and structure and how the combination of these features gives rise to a New Typology of Space making and an Ambience that deeply affects the psyche of the Viewer. The proposal for the Interpretation Centre positively opens up multiple possibilities to further explore these features and interpret them in a Modern Architectural Dialect.

drawings

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‘Assam Art & Craft Village’, Guwahati

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Author: Ankita Sen Deka Choudhury
Site Location: Guwahati, Assam
Institute: Manipal School of Architecture & Planning
Advisor: Dr. Vishal Chettry

description

Shilpanilaya, the Assam Art and Craft Village is a centre for the promotion of the indigenous arts and crafts of the state of Assam. The aim was to design training, exhibition, retail and recreational spaces that reflect the heritage and culture of the state while being responsive to the local climatic conditions. The chosen site is located in the suburbs of the city of Guwahati in close proximity to the national highway that allows easy access for artisans travelling from the various parts of the state. Seven major local crafts, viz. pottery, bell metal, wood carving, handloom, mask masking, jewellery, and cane & bamboo. The planning is inspired from the local settlement patterns while the forms and proportions are derived from the local architecture of the region. Further, spaces have been designed as a mix of enclosed and open areas as per the requirements of the various crafts considering the lighting and shading requirements.

drawings

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An Archaeological Experiential Museum, Vadnagar

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Author: Ravi Modi
Site Location: Vadnagar, Mehsana district, Gujarat
Institute: MS University, Baroda
Advisor: Prof. Percy Adil Pithawala, Ar. Ashish Amin, Ar. Niketa Moghe, Ar. Mitesh Panchal

description

The objective of this thesis is to raise awareness about the rich history of Vadnagar and evoke a sense of pride and belonging amongst the younger generation through cultural heritage. The challenge is to provide a solution for new intervention without disturbing the foundations of the existing and future ruins which remain yet to be excavated.

Hence the project has tried evolving to an appropriate system of construction which provides inherent flexibility for ease of construction and adaptability to emerging conditions at site during assembly and erection.

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Lost Spaces of our Cities

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Author: Safiya Rehman
Site Location: Shahgunj, Aurangabad
Institute: School of Planning and Architecture, Bhopal
Advisor: Mr. Vikram Kohli

description

The aim is to understand the tangibles and intangibles that make a community and their well-being, improve their quality of life, create new economic opportunities by enhancing the existing functions and programs on-site in Shahgunj, Aurangabad.

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The Chiguru Project

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Author: Mandira Pai Maroor
Site Location: Car Street, Mangalore, Karnataka
Institute: Manipal School of Architecture, Manipale
Advisor: Prof. Sarmistha Chatterjee

description

The Chiguru Project is an urban regeneration project that focuses on the economic & cultural growth of the community through the revival of built heritage characters of Car Street. It intends to not only revive the economic well being of the area but also re-establish vanishing bonds between culture and community. It uses a ‘heritage-led-design’ approach to reimagine traditional structures into innovative cultural spaces that will increase the outreach of the community and the heritage of the site.

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Reviving the Forgotten Legacies of Agra

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Author: Radhika Sharma
Site Location: Jeoni Mandi, Agra, Uttar Pradesh
Institute: Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi
Advisor: Ar. Madiha Rahman.

description

The project approached the site with the intention of celebrating the people and other significant moments past in the city, such as the heritage industries, concept and culture of bazaars, significance of the Yamuna and the colonial heritage of the city. The design would create an opportunity to promote the local crafts communities by developing the site into an urban anchor to scatter tourism across the city.

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