Living collages

Abstract

Vohravaads of Siddhpur, tells the tales of a very small community of Gujarat. These are evidences of their lifestyles, culture, belief and growth in the society and how they made a unique identity of themselves. These Vohravaads which are inspired by Christian ethos, built by Hindu craftsmen were perfect for Islamic way of life of Vohras. Lying abandoned unable to fulfill the purpose they did at some point in history they seek help. They are structures whose purpose and importance in one society are made obsolete by the customs of another. Now, these structures that have lost their significance in time could be resurrected from obscurity to posterity with contemporary means which reflect the glory and loss of that time period without imitating it. Allowing past to co-inhabit the spaces of present without erasure or recriminations. This thesis aim to revitalize the lifeless nature of these vohravaads which at one time flourish with life. This neighborhood is endowed with a huge unused and unproductive capital which seeks a better use as per todays context and needs. When modern intentions and functionality inhabiting the traditional fabric with the idea of resurrecting the precinct not for present but planting a seed of life which is going to prosper more in upcoming future. Through the project, The Najampura Precinct is going to see a new rise with its new identity and become a one of a kind leisure and entertainment destination blending very subtly with the traditions of past and whispering its story as a living museum. With a great variety in program which strengthens the viability of the project and ensure smooth and phase wised development. The design is a blend of adaptive reuse of existing fabric, some urban inserts and urban pockets as well curation at the master plan level.