Reviving hampis cultural heritage: an interpretation and experience centre/

Abstract

In heritage destinations, efforts often prioritize preserving tangible elements like monuments and architectural structures, while intangible aspects such as knowledge systems, cultural expressions, and local practices are overlooked. This imbalance leads to the erosion of living cultural heritage, which gives meaning to physical sites. Without intangible heritage, the historical context and cultural depth of these destinations are diminished, leaving them as static relics rather than vibrant expressions of cultural identity. Hampi, the former capital of the Vijayanagara Empire and a UNESCO World Heritage Site—often referred to as an ‘open-air museum’—reflects this challenge. In response, this thesis proposes a Cultural Heritage Interpretation Centre at a key tourist junction, acting as a gateway to Hampi’s heritage zone without disrupting protected areas. The centre includes performance venues, intimate craft workshops, galleries, audio-visual rooms, a handicraft bazaar, and flexible public spaces for cultural exchange. Multiple live and literature-based case studies were conducted to understand these requirements. Drawing inspiration from Vijayanagara’s layered history and spatial planning, the final design blends historical resonance with modern needs, aiming to enhance visitor experience and transform Hampi into a living, evolving cultural landscape rather than a static archaeological site. Keywords: Hampi, Intangible Cultural Heritage, Interpretation Centre, Visitor Experience