Reinforcing the genius loci of goan town: a case of Margao town

Abstract

This thesis is an attempt to understand our cities and its transformation, and how the new development is impacting the genius loci of the place. This above inquiry has been examined taking a case study of a Goan town, Margao. Goans towns have a unique character which is a mix of European as well as local influence and the Genius loci of Goan town revolve around urban spaces such as the religious structures like church square, market area ( Tinto), Town square ,neighborhood spaces like chapels or cross and the verandah or Balcao of the house. The diverse activities along with meaning and place attachment to this area add to the genius of the place. In recent times, the Goan towns are undergoing rapid urbanizing due to migration, out Migration, tourism, and other non tourist development. The non continuity of some of the prevailing activities along with the current development which is not responding to traditional architectural character of built form have resulted in disrupting the genius loci of the place. To address this issue is vital, otherwise it would result the Goan towns to lose its essence in terms of its character, quality of life and people which is extremely local and sustainable. Therefore, these study focuses on the need ‗to reinforce such Genius loci by strengthening the different dimension of genius loci such as the physical setting, activities and meaning which give diversity as much as life, to society at large. From the Theoretical framework related to genius loci, character of Goan town, and more specific to character and genius loci of Margao town, a analytical frame work was developed to carry out the documentation and analyze the different layers require for the study. The documentation included studying the different tangible and intangible aspects relate to Genius loci. The study also involved a survey of interviewers to understand the perception of people .From the documentation and analysis certain inferences and issues were observed. The findings included issues related to physical form, activities and place attachment. To address these issues certain strategies were adopted at site level and then certain strategies along with guidelines were proposed for existing and new upcoming development at detail level. Of the many proposed interventions the church area precinct was then selected for the detail design intervention.