Architecture and Cultural Preservation

“Architecture belongs to culture, not to Civilization.”- Alvar Aalto

Architecture and Culture go hand in hand. From the start, humans have been interdependent, and there emerges a connection between them. This connection between humans forms communities, the building block of Culture. It is considered the identity of the community through the traditions, values and objects that are unique. One of the cultural elements is Architecture, which plays an impactful role in this feat as it serves the people, the culture formers.

Architecture and Culture

Culture is a source of the identity of the Community. It is demonstrated in various historical events and traditional symbols. It is composed of several expressive elements such as music, art, dance, rituals, beliefs, food recipes, items of clothing, innovations and Architecture. Its elements are the representation of it as well as its story that contributes to its uniqueness. It can serve as a guideline for language, behaviour and values keeping its Story alive. A culture can be considered one’s acceptable conduct in society, a medium through which one can be part of the people around them.

Culture drives architecture. From the beginning, architecture has been designed to serve societies. Architecture recognizes society’s cultural requirements and ideals. The influence of the shape, form, and components of the architecture is by Cultural Individuality. Thus, architecture brings about a representation of the Culture through built form. Architecture is considered an expressive aspect that identifies culture, which is possible through the direct correlation between the elements of the culture and Architecture.

Many cultures are slipping away in modern times, yet architecture can serve as a means of experiencing those traditions through the spaces. The demarcated places of historical landmarks and living Heritage serve as a means of learning about the Culture. Heritage architectural components can also be used in modern constructions. Architecture serves the Community and its needs Though as time changes, so do the needs of communities. This need, in turn, paves the path for the emergence of several different styles in Architecture governed by it. Culture manifests and expresses itself through architecture.

Architectural Heritage and its Conservation

Heritage Architecture is the cultural mirror of the past representation in built forms. Heritage preservation can be associated with restoring, conserving and managing changes in association with certain cultures. The Preservation of Heritage is important so that future generations can benefit from their physical presence around them. This practice of preserving them enables us to learn from our past cultures. Learning from the past paves the way for the future, which would not be conceivable without it. Depending upon the regional context, there might be several indigenous methods involved in conservation.

Proper conservation methods are essential since they can provide an in-depth look into the past ways of the Culture and its contributions to recorded history. It gives a view of the World that existed before us. The in-depth study of Architectural elements, spaces and buildings allows us to learn from them and to employ these values of architecture in modern-day architecture. For the representation of a Culture worldwide, this could serve as a  tourist attraction. The iconic architectural structures commemorate the vernacular heritage and culture of a region.

Restoration and Adaptive Re-Use of Architectural Heritage

Restoration of Heritage is the process of making changes to the buildings to make them look as they used to be when it was first completed. This process brings the building to its original style with minimum changes to the original form of the structure. This procedure forces the people involved to mimic the styles and construction techniques used at the time of construction of the building. As a result, the past is relived and the culture of that time emerges that allows for the involvement of the artisans who inherited the knowledge from their ancestors who might have helped build the structures.

The repurposing of Heritage by making it new through major structural changes in it is called Adaptive Reuse. It gives the structure fresh vitality by using a Modern Architectural approach. This saves the culture of the Architectural Heritage by giving a new purpose to the spaces that are useful to the community. It is a newborn methodology that is nowadays seen as an approach to cultural preservation through architecture.

Ganga Mahal, Varanasi

(A Case of Stabilization and Restoration)

The Ganga Mahal is situated on the ghats of Varanasi and was constructed in 1865 by Maharaj Jiyajirao Scindia. Currently, the building is owned by the Scndia Devasthan Trust of the Royal Family of Gujrat.INTACH was approached to take up the conservation and restoration project after the Heavy Rains in July 2011. Phase 1 of the work was initiated in 2012 and lasted up to 2014 for the strengthening of the structure. Currently, Phase 2 is Underway since 2019, and it is expected to be completed very soon. In this phase, the riverside facade is being treated, and other collapsed areas are being tended to.

Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad

(A Case of Conservation and Adaptive Re-Use)

Princess Esra Jah, the former wife of eight Nizams of Hyderabad, decided to take on the burden of transforming the Falaknuma and Chowmahalla Palaces into a Heritage Hotel. With the Taj Group, she worked together to restore and revitalize the palaces. In her support, Rahul Mehlotra Architects were commissioned with the whole process along with them. 

To summarize, Architecture and Culture are inseparable and inter dependable. Culture impacts architecture in several ways just like in the same way as Architecture does. Methodologies such as Conservation and restoration are paving the way to the revival of the culture. An adaptive Re-Use is a different approach to turning the structure into a self-sustaining unit. Architecture has the impact and power to shape and preserve culture since it is the cultural expressive form that directly benefits the community’s people. Architecture has a direct interaction with people and plays a vital role in sustaining culture.

“The future of Architecture is Culture”-Philip Johnson

Reference List:

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