HERITAGE LED REGENERATION OF RAM PYARI ROAD, GUJRAT
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Date
2019
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UMT, Lahore
Abstract
The Heritage buildings of a city have a significant role in the regeneration and revitalization of its urban fabric. These buildings not only strengthen the sense of urban identity and belonging of a place, but also add vibrancy and life into the surrounding areas. Preservation of these architectural marvels is crucial in order to sustain its traditional and cultural relationship to its surroundings. The history of preservation of the traditional heritage and regeneration of the urban fabric goes back a long way. It is molded by the concern of rejuvenating the urban environment and preserving and rehabilitating its traditional heritage.
Movements in the past have mostly emphasized on the conservation of individual heritage structures, but in present days efforts are being made for the revitalization of historic buildings as well as development of integrated initiatives to improve the urban environment of the surrounding areas. This approach is called heritage led regenerations which not only preserves the building itself but also improves the public places around the building and develops the area into becoming a source of continuous social, cultural, traditional and economic activities. Heritage led regeneration is presently the most recognized approach being practices all over the world for the preservation of deteriorating heritage structures and revitalization of the surrounding areas, consequently providing us with policies and solutions that are culturally and historically sensitive.
In the context of Pakistan which is still a developing country, many cities have remarkable traditional heritage embodied in its urban environment. However, these cities are presently facing urban deterioration and loss of urban character due to modernization, urbanization and rapid population growth. Gujrat is one such city which has a remarkable connection to history, culture and traditions but is quickly losing its identity sense of belonging due to dilapidated historic structures and deteriorating urban environment.
The research in this dissertation is based on a comprehensive study and understanding of the factors that make a heritage led regeneration project successful and to devise strategies and policies to revitalize the dying architectural, traditional and cultural essence of the historic buildings on Ram Pyari Road, Gujrat. It is crucial to preserve the historic core of the city to provide a sense of identity to the coming generations. This research reveals the lost grandeur of the city’s core and emphasizes on its potential to become a vibrant and lively place once again which would consequently aid the local community, authorities, developers and stakeholders to move towards a more sustainable revitalizing strategy and support in preserving and sustaining the city’s heritage architecture as a symbolic sense of pride.