LEARNING FROM CITIES
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BECOME A CUSTODIAN TO YOUR CITY
The heritage of a city is its legacy, its personality. And while cherishing the past is important, it’s just as necessary to preserve it from decay. Thus, restoration is an integral part of urban design. There are never enough attempts made to restore ancient structures, and often, not in time. So, here is a success story to inspire. The Chowmahal Complex, a 250 year old Nizami palace and an example of European Neoclassical architecture, was reduced to shambles with time, due to neglect. Thus in the year 2000, the herculean task of restoration was taken up by RMA architects, who worked in tandem with INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage), local practitioners and activists. The project involved a detailed survey of the
existing urban fabric and understanding of the land use pattern. This was followed by the stabilization of the structures and the actual restoration using traditional techniques to maintain the integrity of the structures. Today, the salvaged Chowmahal palace is re-adapted as a cultural centre and museum open to the public. The different sections of the complex now contain rooms for craftsmen and artisans to work and display their products, and other sections have been converted into a Nizami museum. This is a success story not only in reintegrating the complex with the adjoining urban fabric, but also bringing the heritage to the people.
Restoration work undertaken by RMA Architects. Image credit : RMA Architects. http://rmaarchitects.com/architecture/ restoration-of-the-chowmahalla-palace-complex/
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CITY OBSERVER | June 2016