(CS4.3) Reimaging Preservation: Bridging Cultural Narratives in Post-Colonial Indian Architecture

"Reimagining Preservation”, a graduate thesis from the University of Pennsylvania proposes a comprehensive framework for a National Designation to recognize the cultural and social significance of post-colonial buildings in India, constructed after gaining independence from British rule. The thesis addresses the challenges faced in integrating democratic, secular, economic, and social voices into Indian architecture following independence (1947) from the British Rule. While first-generation architects successfully adapted Modernism to the local context, preservation efforts have been hindered by Westernized frameworks that fail to account for India's unique social and cultural challenges. This lack of recognition and appreciation has led to the neglect and rapid deterioration of these historic structures. The thesis highlights the need for a tailored preservation narrative that considers the specific cultural context of India, moving away from a solely monumental approach to conservation. The study employed the Madrid-New Delhi document (2017), a non-regulatory guideline for conserving 'modern' heritage and supplemented it with the Burra Charter (2013) to structure the assessment of values-based narrative, shifting focus towards establishing cultural significance. However, this combination lacked understanding in the Indian post-colonial context. To address this gap, Warm Modernity’s (2016) framework, which identifies methods to translate political ideas into built fabric, was utilized. Emphasizing the interdependence of frameworks, the research aspires to go beyond aesthetics and develop preservation tools that identify intangibles reflected in the built fabric. The derived framework is then applied to a case example in Mumbai, MAFCO Wholesale market, designed by Anant Raje (1929-2009, a first-generation architect), functioning as a wholesale market for fresh produce. Raje, mentored by Louis Kahn, studied and collaborated with him in Philadelphia from 1964 to 1969. Upon returning to India, MAFCO Market became Raje’s independent project. Notably, MAFCO Market was pioneering as a wholesale market model, making it an intriguing case study for examining the rationalistic adaptation of the international style of Modernism.
The derived framework facilitated the identification of direct translations of the notions of Independence into architectural language. It also addressed broader questions regarding the ongoing cultural significance of the place, adapting to the evolving contemporary needs of society. The application of the derived frameworks has facilitated the development of a symbiotic approach. In this approach, owners, facilitators, management, and governing bodies actively participate in the decision-making process. This collaborative model aims to foster a more sustainable and sensitive future for sites of architectural and cultural significance. Consequently, it promotes inclusivity, moving away from the perception of preservation as an exclusive concern of the elite.
This study promotes a symbiotic approach, acknowledging the limitations of Westernized documents. It underscores the necessity for revitalized preservation tools customized for Southeast Asia, bridging the gap between material and intangible aspects of heritage.