The worldwide demand of today or we can say, the trend of the world is urbanization. Almost every country is focusing on modernizing their cities by using new technologies and constructing skyscrapers. But have you ever considered that heritage is falling behind in the race of rapid urbanization? Isn’t our culture and ancient architecture and art significant anymore? Answers to these fundamental yet critical problems and elements must be found. Historic art and architecture are the treasures of a nation and its culture. Heritage structures are not just symbols or corroboration of historic records and tales, rather they are the storytellers of preceding events. Modernization cannot be unraveled but preservation and conservation of historic structures could be integrated from the very foundation that is the urban design.
The Diminishing Prominence of Heritage
Does a heritage stone edifice standing in the middle of a modern metropolis feel like anachronism? Historic events and infrastructure have carved an identity and character to cities. They are the tangible linkages to the chronicles and narratives of history. Cities are identified more from their cultural characteristics, historic marvels, and applaudable pieces of architecture than today’s urban skyline of skyscrapers. India, being the most ancient known civilization is identified for its extensive and significant history and culture. Each state has its own distinct identity supported by its architecture. The currency notes of India too have eminent structures embossed on them that portray India’s age-old heritage without the need for words.
There can be no disdain for any historic structure and has proved worthy of treasuring and admiration. Cities across the world have been plagued by a conflict between historic and urban. Similarly, the not-so-old beautifully designed and constructed Wadas have been demolished leaving behind the ruins and remnants that remind us of the Bygones. It does not seem plausible to bring back and replicate the true essence of a place.
Change in Times: From Integration of Modernism into Historic Setting to Heritage into Contemporary
Post the time of the industrial revolution, modernity encompassed the notions of growth and power eroding the traditional relevancy and creating a paucity of heritage buildings. Over time, modernity seized and bleak concrete and steel boxes became the new normal. Conservation and preservation of crucial structures is the need of the hour. Architects need to step ahead, take initiative, and make attempts to integrate history into the contemporary. Urban Design is an extensive process that uncovers countless layers of planning. The architects’ motives and contributions shall be of preserving and conservating the old and dilapidated past and creating a harmonious blend with the urban design.
There was a time when the notion of modernism was fully absorbed and embarrassed into the now-historic setting and its fabric. Historic towns have been adapted by the contemporary to meet modern needs. This shall be achieved by preserving the archival information and shreds of evidence like the existing structural elements, whilst maintaining its authenticity.
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Historic Preservations May Promote the Urban Growth
While guarding the legacy has become a crucial factor in urban planning, it also necessitates regaling local communities to maintain its pertinence for all. Preserving the historic structures may serve in benefiting the nation. The presence of historic structures attests to the evolution and progression in a certain location that can be beneficial for the study of urban design and its planning. The urbanization of a city and concomitantly, keeping alive the historic spirit can be challenging. Integration of heritage into the urban fabric goes beyond establishing museums and monument structures. Wary use of adaptive functions of spaces and a sustainable approach is vital. Not only the tangible but also the intangible setups keep a city or a community chained to its heritage. Beyond the basic idea of merely restoring a structure and preserving its ruins, historical conservation can make greater benefits. Communities must reach greater lengths to protect valuable finite assets.
There are myriad ways to conserve and balance the heritage without stymieing the urbanization process yet bounding the massive expansion shall be adopted in urban design and planning by the experts. The colossal surge of globalization has rusted the cultural identity of a place creating the homogeneousness in the urban fabric.
Heritage architecture was a response to the climatic circumstances of that particular place minimizing the impact on the environment with ingenious adaptation of local materials and minimal use of artificial light and ventilation techniques. The strategically planned and beautifully articulated design embodies generational values and beliefs. Retrofitting and adapting alternate uses of such spaces shall contribute to sustainability and the tourism sector resulting in greater tourist footfall and flooding the revenues.
As urban planners these days increasingly focus on contextual aspects and sustainability, heritage conservation should be the capstone of urban design. Heritage has benefits to offer in abundance, be it social or economic. Reconfiguration of our cities with the inclusion of historic setups creates an equilibrium between heritage and modernity and enlivens places attracting communities.
References:
- www.leekuanyewworldcityprize.gov.sg. (n.d.). Planning to preserve — keeping heritage relevant in cities. [online] Available at: https://www.leekuanyewworldcityprize.gov.sg/resources/features/planning-to-preserve/#:~:text=Planning%20to%20preserve%20%E2%80%94%20keeping%20heritage%20relevant%20in [Accessed 24 Jul. 2023].
- MEED. (2021). Heritage preservation can enhance urban development. [online] Available at: https://www.meed.com/heritage-preservation-can-enhance-urban-development.
- Kigadye, F.S. (2014). Architectural Conservation in Rapidly Urbanising Cities: The Case of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Les Cahiers d’Afrique de lEst, (49), pp.29–54. doi:https://doi.org/10.4000/eastafrica.342.
