Museum for energy: redefining sustainability through redevelopment of Rajghat thermal power plant New Delhi/

Abstract

As global priorities shift toward sustainability, adaptive reuse has emerged as a critical architectural approach, bridging heritage conservation with contemporary needs. This thesis explores the transformation of the decommissioned Rajghat Thermal Power Plant in Delhi into a Renewable Energy Museum—an effort that preserves industrial heritage while promoting environmental awareness and education. Rooted in the principles of Agenda 21 for Culture, which recognizes culture as the fourth pillar of sustainable development, the project aspires to revitalize an obsolete energy landmark into a socially and environmentally meaningful public space. Drawing from case studies like the Tate Modern in London and the Ruhr region in Germany, the research examines how adaptive reuse can foster sensory-rich, immersive experiences rather than limiting engagement to mere visual appreciation. The proposed design aims to retain authentic architectural elements while reprogramming the structure to meet current and future needs through interpretive exhibits, community zones, and sustainable interventions. In doing so, the thesis positions architecture as a “third skin”—shaping human experience, enabling interaction, and carrying memory forward. Keywords: Adaptive Reuse, Industrial Heritage, Renewable Energy, Experiential Design, Cultural Sustainability, Urban Regeneration