Abstract:
The Pols of Ahmedabad, with their intricate architecture and communal urban fabric, reflect the city's layered cultural evolution. Once vibrant centres of artisan life, these neighbourhoods now face neglect amidst rapid modernization, specifically along the fringe areas. These spaces remain underutilized, leaving behind a built environment in search of renewed meaning. This thesis envisions the revival of one such ward, Shahpur ni khadki, with a Heritage Walk that enriches the visitor experience while safeguarding the precinct’s architectural and cultural fabric. Drawing from case studies such as the Deewanji ni Haveli and the existing Heritage Walk in Ahmedabad and several other studies like Meherangah Fort Visitor’s Centre in Jaipur, this thesis aims to design sensitive urban inserts and adaptive reuse measures along the precinct and around it to revitalise a typically residential neighbourhood. The curated walk will highlight the craftsmanship, historical landmarks, and intangible narratives embedded in the everyday life of the Pols and will also identify points that can be further adapted to house boutique stays, promoting tourism and ensuring a deeper connection between the past and present. The proposal also aims to rejuvenate the precinct by designing a Cultural Centre as an urban insert that provides artisans with a dedicated space to practice, showcase and sustain their crafts. This part of the design is a proposed project in SRFD schemes and will be entertained as per stated requirements. This intervention will not only revitalize Shahpur but also empower the local community by fostering heritage tourism and economic opportunities. The design approach is aimed to provide green pockets and open community spaces in contrast to the typical old city fabric, with the use of similar material palette to establish the connection with the old city architecture. Through sensitive urban inserts and design approaches, Shahpur is reimagined not as a relic, but as a living museum, a space where tradition and modernity co-exist, generating long-term cultural and economic value.
Keywords: Pols, Heritage Precinct, Urban Insert, Adaptive Reuse, Urban Renewal, Community Engagement, Heritage Tourism.
