SHRI GIJUBHAI CHHAGANBHAI PATEL INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTURE,

INTERIOR DESIGN & FINE ARTS

PRESERVING ARCHITECTECTURAL HERITAGE ELEMENTS

SUBMITTED BY- MAITRI GAJERA

BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE
BATCH- 1 YEAR- 5

GUIDED BY:
AR. NIRAV SHAH
AR. BIRVA GANDHI
Chapter 1 Introduction
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Aim
1.3 Objectives
1.4 Scope
1.5 Methodology
Chapter 2 What is a Heritage ?
2.1 Introduction of Heritage
2.2 Introduction of Heritage Architecture
2.2.2 Heritage and Tourism
2.2.3 Culture
Chapter 3 Importance of Heritage and Culture and its Sustainability
3.1 India and Its Heritage value according to UNESCO
3.2 The Heritage City – Ahmedabad (India’s First World Heritage City)
3.2.1 Architecture
3.2.2 Pol
3.2.3 Derasar (Water Harvesting System)
Chapter 4 Role of Theory on Architectural Heritage
4.1 History and Relationship of Theories
4.2 The Modern Movement as cultural heritage
Chapter 5 Architectural elements
5.1 Identifying the overall visual aspects
5.2 Identifying the visual character at close range
5.3 Identifying the visual character of the interior spaces, features and finishes
Chapter 6 Evaluation and Analysis
6.1 Case Study Analysis (Jaipur)
Chapter 7
7.1 Select any Heritage building in Ahmedabad
7.2 Heritage elements in this building
7.3 Comperative analysis with case study
Chapter 8 Conclusion
 Abstract

Modernity and heritage preservation are sometimes regarded as opposite ideas; however, the two concepts are inseparably linked throughout the 20th
century. Preserving existing buildings for new functions has caused huge debates within the architectural community. While some argue that replacing certain
buildings with commercial ones is a better approach, since they can generate money and thus benefit to a country’s economy. Others however, claim that
these heritage sites should be preserved, as they are part of a country’s cultural identity. But how important is it to maintain old buildings . And should history
prevent artistic progress. Modern Matters The time between a building’s creation, protection and conservation has never been as complicated as it is for the
heritage of the Modern era. Despite early efforts to protect and conserve the most iconic places of the Modern era, it was not until the 1990s that the
conservation of modern heritage emerged as a distinct area of practice. It was within that decade where there was an intense activity by a growing group of
practitioners to address conservation of twentieth- century heritage.
The architectural heritage of the second half of the 20th century in countries of the former Eastern Bloc, including Poland, that inherentl accompanied
by the cold war speectr of the Iron Curtain was until recently treated as a „dissonant" heritage of Communism. The increasing time distance allows an
objective look at this architecture of so-called Cold War Modernism in the European or even global perspective, and to reject of the political connotations
allowed its value to be identified.
Interest in sites built during that period is on the rise and the discussion of the need to undertake actions protecting such sites against demolition is
very timely.
The process of conservatory protection of this architectural heritage is very difficult and complex, particularly if it concerns individual residential
houses of those times. Currently, such sites, remaining in the hands of private owners, undergo uncontrollable transformations and often incorrect upgrades,
leading to their irreversible deformation and to a loss of their architectural and stylistic values.
Keywords
Architectural heritage, Architectural elements, Historical Precedent, Preservation, Theory
1.2 AIM
To research on the various parameters of re-architecture in buildings with focus on elements of heritage

1.3 Objective
To investigate the relationship between new and old in the adapted and reused buildings as applied to the surrounding society. To demonstrate the
understanding of the original function, formal organization of site, use of materials and sustainability of old buildings of various typologies.
To explore the aspects of the trending techniques in 21st century architecture. To understand the potential of adaptive reuse as a sustainable
development option an alternative to demolition and replacement. Cultural Heritage in the broader scope can be defined as an expression of living for
societies, which they have developed over time and passed from one generation to the next by the customs and practices they have. Furthermore, it can
include places, artefacts, architectural objects, artistic expressions and values. Therefore, cultural heritage can be both tangible and intangible, and It
can produce tangible representations of intangible values for the people.
1.4 Scope and Objective

The objective of the studies is to supplement the current knowledge regarding architectural heritage of detached residential houses from the
second half of the 20th century, as well as to develop a conservatory guidelines model. This objective includes several aspects, which may be
defined as detailed objectives: a research-cognitive objective, a methodological objective, an application and promotion objective.
• The research-cognitive objective is to supplement and order the knowledge regarding Polish architectural heritage of detached
residential sites from the second half of the 20th century.
• The methodological objective assumes development of conservatory study methodology and formulation of recommendations related
to said heritage.
• The application objective is to use the results of the studies in conservatory and practical activities by creating a proposed, model
conservatory process for individual residential houses as historical sites of modernism of the second half of the 20th century.
• The promotion objective is to popularise knowledge of cultural heritage and to raise social awareness of said heritage. It is an important
factor supporting heritage protection.
The following research areas have been accepted for thus defined objectives:
• The material and time scope. The subject of the study includes existing residential houses, individually designed and built during the
1956-1989 period. The arbitrary end of the socrealism period in architecture was accepted as the starting point of the time scope. The end
point is 1989, when political and economic transformation of the country began. Contrary to the stereotypical opinion, the post-war detached
houses are not just the so-called “Polish cubes” built according to a copied, typical design, but also very modern residential buildings
constructed according to global and European, modern trends, characterised by interesting spatial designs and avant-garde forms.
1.4 Methodology
The method analytical review from previous researchers related to the elements in assessing the architectural characteristics of heritage
buildings that had been assessed in different ways. The reviews of these researchers are very important for on-going research in determining
the variables or criteria that should be considered when involving architectural characteristics of heritage buildings. Through this analysis, the
issues related to the study have been defined.
The main limitation of this methodology is that the review of other researchers is bounded and constraint by time. In order to facilitate
and make do with the time constraints of the research, only several areas are focused. All of the findings were obtained through selected
research selected as to find out the elements that been used in assessing the architectural characteristics. Studies that have been selected are
the study focuses on the heritage buildings. At the end of this paper, the criteria weight for each measure that been identified will be derived
as it later helps in other future research; which will continue for the case study selected
Each factor is evaluated on its importance with respect to another by applying Saaty’s (1980) major scale for pairwise comparison.
Scores are given to the cells of a square matrix on one side of the diagonal, and the main diagonal remains 1 (equal importance). On the other
hand, the score is filled by reciprocal of the initial value. Consequently, only the upper triangle of the square matrix needs to be completed.
Then, normalize the eigenvectors to obtain each of the elements relative weight. The final stage of the AHP is to calculate the consistency of
the scores in order to measure the consistency level judgment derived from the expertise. This research only involved eight (8) decision-maker
based on the eight selected study that related to the area of research based on the four (4) criteria that have been determined from literature
reviews. One of the critical steps of the AHP is to estimate bias and inconsistency of the ratings by the decision-maker.
2.1 Introduction of Heritage
Heritage is a version of the past received through objects and display, representations and engagements, spectacular locations and events,
memories and commemorations, and the preparation of places for cultural purposes and consumption. Collectively, these ‘things’ and
practices have played a central role in structuring and defining the way heritage is understood within academic debate, public policy and,
subsequently, how it has been formalized as a focus of research over the last 30 years or so. Across this timeframe, the emphasis has undoubtedly
changed from a concern with objects themselves — their classification, conservation and interpretation — to the ways in which they are consumed and
expressed as notions of culture, identity and politics. More recently, heritage scholars have also started to concern themselves with processes of
engagement and the construction of meaning, so that a post-post-structural, or more-than-representational, labyrinth of individuated, affective,
experiential and embodied themes has started to emerge. As a consequence of these theoretical developments, the relatively long period of
conceptual stability surrounding even critical notions of heritage is now starting to slip and disintegrate, with debates that we might have thought were
finished now being revivified. ‘Authenticity’, ‘memory’, ‘place’, ‘representation’, ‘dissonance’ and ‘identity’, examples of the sorts of concepts that have
been challenged or refreshed as new modes of thinking, drawn and applied from the wider social sciences, have started to stimulate new theoretical
speculation.
 2.1 Introduction of Heritage Architecture
Heritage is to be understood and conceptualized as something created in social processes. There is a well-established academic distinction between on
the one hand a heritage record and on the other hand what is done with it but the precise processes by which the heritage record is negotiated and
transformed into something useful and used have only begun to be explored. The various strategies are going from unconscious ignorance or a
conscious effort to forget, to full attention and an active awareness of what has happened.
Culture on the other hand is a set of distinctive spiritual, material, intellectual and emotional features of the society or a social group. It encompasses
art, literature, lifestyles, values systems, traditions, beliefs and ways of living together.
Being an Indian, Strong cultural heritage is a matter of pride. India is home to many of the finest cultural symbols of the world which includes temples,
churches, mosques, forts, performing arts, classical dances, sculptures, paintings, architecture, literature etc., Some of the prestigious and spectacular
World Heritage Sites in India are the Hampi, Khajuraho, caves of Ajanta and Ellora, Konark Sun Temple, Taj Mahal, and Brihadeswara Temple in
Tanjore.The culture of India is one of the oldest in the world which is rich and diverse.
The question of discussing the past at historic sites benefit our society has recurrently been discussed over the years within heritage studies and
heritage practices, and suggested answers are many (Smith, 2006). In economic scholarly literature, the interface between culture heritage and
economy is argued.
Importance of Heritage and Culture and its Sustainability
 It is the spirit of accommodation that accounts for the continuity of Indian culture. As Pratt aptly remarks, Hinduism tends to absorb its
children and the urge felt by its rebelling children to fall back into the family fold has been illustrated many times in Indian history. The
process is going on today.‖ This has been the rock-bottom basis of Indian culture. Humayun Kabir is correct in remarking that today
whatever is Indian, whether it be an idea, a word, a form of art, a political institution or social custom, is a blend of many different strains
and elementsa peculiar type of culture and civilization, utterly different from any other type in theworld, has been evolved among the
diverse peoples.
 The much debated definition of heritage and its many associated terms have led to academics becoming frustrated with the lack of an
accepted theoretical framework from which to advance (Hewison, 1987; Lowenthal, 1991; Brett, 1996; Edson, 2004; Jamal & Kim, 2005;
Papayannis& Howard, 2007).
 Whether they are tangible or intangible (Ahmed, 2006), cultural or natural (Lowenthal, 2005), authentic or inauthentic (Hall, 2007), the
many distinctions explored, highlight the complex and contested nature of heritage.
 It is suggested here, that in order to develop understandings of heritage, and to gain insights into its value and relevance for society, the
focus ought, to be on how individuals perceive heritage in their own terms. Looking specifically, at the importance people place on
heritage and the benefits they gain from engaging with heritage as they view it
 3.1 India and Its Heritage value according to UNESCO

UNESCO (The United Nations Education, and Scientific and Cultural Organization), having a purpose to contribute to peace and security by promoting
international collaboration through education, scientific and cultural reform in order to increase universal respect for culture heritage and ethical
values has given heritage value to many places in India. 27 cultural heritage 7 natural heritage and 1 mixed world heritage are assigned by UNESCO to
India.
3.2 The Heritage city – Ahmedabad (India’s First World Heritage City)
In July 2017, in recognition of its universal value‘, Ahmedabad became the first Indian city to be designated as a UNESCO World Heritage City. Prime
Minister Narendra Modi, Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani and citizens alike wasted no time in expressing their pride and joy.
Ahmedabad is endowed with numerous heritage cultural values. It possesses places like Jami Masjid, pols, mints, derasar and hawelis, all constructed
with, Ahmedabad dynasty, vernacular architecture and Indoislamic architectural style which believed in following the notion, by the people, for the
people and of the people.
We did heritage walk to study the heritage city, Ahmedabad.The residents were also found to be cooperative in the route and made efforts to keep the
route clean and restored.Heritage Walk - as the name suggests, behaves as an effective tool whereby the inner areas of the city shall be explored in
terms of the architectural heritage, cultural heritage and the craft heritage. A heritage cell has been established by the AMC to look after heritage
activities and policies. A separate budget of Rs. 50 lakhs was allocated, as a start up fund. The areas that were visited by us are explained in brief as
follows.
 3.2.1 Architecture

Everything that was constructed back in time was constructed and designed with morals ethics and scientific value kept in consideration. The idea of entering

the masjid or temple were composed of lintels that were lower in heights which did tend people to bend in order to enter the area, this was a way of bending

people in front of the lord in order to appear humble in front of the lord that people worshiped. It includes of Masjid, Pols, Haweli, Derasar, and other areas

which have been designed and constructed beautifully and in a very attractive manner.
3.2.2 Pol

With regard to pols, it can be considered as an area where people lived under different shelters yet as one whole huge family, like a chawl. The

moral values that people held while living in pol was incredible, not only did they live like a family but also kept in mind the well-being of animals

living around.

Pols used to possess and even do possess areas like chabutra and parrot holes and squirrel holes where all the families had a practice of feeding the
birds and animals regularly, they like ancient saints kept aside a part of their meals to be served to the birds and dogs and cows. Chabutra was

made in such a way that birds could be able to resemble its appearance to that of a tree having a tall structure and having shelter within it

where food grains and water was kept, every family had a separate fresh water feeding vessels out of their home gates to let birds and animals

drink water when thirsty.

The intelligence and intensity of applied knowledge used in the building of pols was high tech since that time itself. The stair cases were made of
teakwood and oak in order to preside over the security needs of that time. Any intruder if happened to arrive, the loud sound of walking through
the staircase was loud enough to make the entire family alert of the situation which was further facilitated with secret doors and pathways within
houses in order to escape in case of emergencies.
3.2.3 Derasar (Water Harvesting System)
The method of water harvesting system which is certainly very efficient method of preservation of water is out of practice at present, however

we do have certain efficient techniques for preserving water but rain water harvesting system could be considered as most efficient and

judicious method of preserving rain water.

The rain water harvesting system was so well-defined and well managed that one cannot manage so easily at present. The rain water pipe led
to the tank through inlet pipe, water tank consisted of copper dome shaped cover, man hole, steps, walls of tank were lined with limestone,
guggal, jaggery, moong paste, cement, which is considered as so good for ionization of water, and even when water was preserved for 100
years WHO and ISI had proved water to be bacteria free, clear water, ph neutral fluorides okay, chlorides okay, TDS (total dissolved salts) okay,
nitrates okay, hardness checked, dirt, bad shell, algae, microbes (harmful).
Cultural heritage and its value
In her book ‘Uses of Heritage’, Smith states that there is no such thing as heritage and heritage had to be experienced for it to be heritage.
Even though this statement might seem assertive, it is true that heritage only stays alive if it is performed and practised, and there is a
perception which innates that cultural value of the heritage is tied to time depth, monumentality, expert knowledge and aesthetics. According to
the survey implemented by the Polish Ministry of Culture and National Heritage Department regarding the perception of Polish people on cultural
heritage in 2012, the participants of the study identified cultural heritage as both material and spiritual achievements of a particular social group,
and a part of the past, which is a testimony to people’s identity, mostly associating the concept with historical monuments. As Goral states,
examples given by the participants were primarily architectural objects of great importance to the history and cultural identity of the nation. This
perception is not limited to Polish society, and most people tend to relate heritage with monumental architectural objects. Therefore, this
perception establishes a misunderstanding in societies, and it results in people not giving cultural heritage the importance that it deserves in
many cases. One of the leading characteristics of heritage is that it is a carrier rather than a solid concept, and it only endures when it has been
used daily and perceived by society itself. Over the centuries, the concept and the treatment of heritage and approaches to conservation of it
changed as values changed. One of the first people who tried to work on different values of cultural heritage is Riegl, who wrote a study to define
the theoretical aspects of the work.
4.1 The Modern Movement as cultural heritage
According to Gusevich , the Modern Movement was based on the elimination from the illiterate society of the bourgeois culture that applied
pretentious ornament and kitsch to architecture, which took the form of eclecticism. Therefore, the usage of decorative elements and
ornaments from different architectural periods in an eclectic approach motivated the architects of the time to work towards a new
architectural language which would be applicable all around the world.
However, creating an international style required making changes in the existing language of architecture which had been in use for centuries.
According to Zevi, the classical language in architecture contained numerous variables such as symmetry, perspective and proportion.
However, the language of the Modern Movement was based on variables, and even if the function was the same, it was possible to express
the characteristics of the same function in various ways. Therefore, the new architectural language which was established in this period was
formed by the creation of an inventory which helped to produce free mass, free surface and free plans. Le Corbusier, one of the pioneers and
the creators of the language of the Modern Movement, explains in his book ‘Towards a New Architecture’ that architects should be given
three reminders when using the language of architecture. These reminders are; mass, surface and plan. According to Le Corbusier, the
interaction between these three elements establishes the architectural object.
As he states, mass and surface are the elements that architecture itself manifests, and the plan determines these two elements. However,
when the interaction between the plan and surface is analysed in the language of the Modern Movement, it is possible to state that even
though the plan is functional for the users, in most cases the surfaces are not as functional as the plan. Furthermore, most of them do not
reflect or represent culture or memento for the people even though they are the elements where people have their first interactions with the
structures.
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