The ruins are often an overlooked topic in historic preservation. The typical method of treatment is either full restoration or demolition. However, some ruins have gained significance in their own right and this thesis explores appropriate treatment and recognition for these structures. Ruins typically represent a historical trend toward downsizing that would not be otherwise visible and are therefore eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places under criterion A, though criterion C may also be applicable as the aesthetics of ruins are often much admired and become the primary reason for local and even national interest in the site. Especially significant ruins can be stabilized to preserve them for future generations, though this changes the use of the site. Other ruins may be left to further deteriorate where appropriate, provided public safety is ensured.
Participant Name: Sanhita Vartak
University: KRVIA
Country: India
The forts present us with a rich and romantic diversity of site, function, history , architecture style and cultural heritage each with a wide range . They unfold the process of evolution of fortification techniques of medieval secular architecture .history of forts is the story of many battles.
If well maintained can prove to be magnificent tourist attractions. Apart from being tourist attractions, these forts can also prove to be silent educators for the young generation, about our rich heritage. The enormity of these structures can also serve as a reminder as to how capable our ancestors were in terms of planning and engineering of these structures. Adaptive reuse of our forts means reusing an old site or building for a purpose other than which it was built or designed for.
The forts within the Mumbai metropolitan region extend from Arnala in north to Alibaug in south. Urbanisation has engulfed all historical heritage sites but being away from the main metro city has kept some sites away from urbanisation and in a condition to preserve .
One of such important site is Bassein fort (vasai fort) situated not more than 50 km away from the main Mumbai city. It is the remarkable for places of antiquity and for the loveliness of its scenery. One feels irresistibility drawn away from the dust and noise of our crowded city of Mumbai to the pure air of vasai, to enjoy a walk on a palm fringed sands or to ramble among the ruins of churches and old Portuguese fort of bassein.
