Significance of Architecture and Conservation Today, for a better Future
Keywords:
Architecture, Heritage, Conservation, Urban form, Indian TemplesAbstract
Architecture is a continuous process of evolution that keeps changing and evolving through time and gives rise to various design solutions based on the purpose of change and present function of the space. This evolution in design has been happening since time immemorial and hence a variety of climate-responsive, context-responsive, and human-responsive developments in habitats are witnessed. India has been one of the hot spots for conservation of heritage and architecture. Buildings ranging from Indus-valley civilization to modern contemporary dwellings have all evolved in one or the other way. Various historical sites such as Hampi in Karnataka, Taj Mahal in Agra and various temples in Southern India are identified and preserved under Archeological Survey of India. The main objective of such preservation is to help in protecting, preserving, and keeping it intact for future. Study of such heritage rich buildings and building techniques help us in understanding the psychology, lifestyle, and the socio-cultural impacts it had on the complete urban fabric that developed in a region. It also gives an insight about the occupation, economic status and religious beliefs that gave rise to a pattern in urban form which was more inclusive and appropriate as per the need of the users. Today’s generation draws various inspirations from history with respect to space planning, building services such as lighting, ventilation and sanitation systems and elevation treatments. It is important to know and understand the importance of certain urban planning techniques used to develop ancient towns or cities in a radial pattern, square pattern or checkered pattern depending on the need of the administrative set-up of the respective town or city. It is believed that every element of design undergoes evolution, and it is important for a designer to know, respect and develop the same for the future so as to acknowledge and conserve every aspect of heritage that has been a backbone in urban form generation even today. Hampi in Karnataka state of India is a very good example of how the monuments and dwellings from 14th Century still stand strong. Temples from North India such as Kedarnath Temple survived heavy floods because of its building techniques. Such building materials and construction techniques are to be revived and reused for a better perspective towards space planning in urbanized cities.