Assessing the transformation of a Heritage precinct; The case of Khotachiwadi, Mumbai

Abstract

Fascinated with the different era’s the city of Mumbai has gone through and the architecture that reflected it, the question was, how does all of this architecture reflect in how the city has shaped over all these years and its transition from Bombay to Mumbai? Mumbai has functioned as a hub for trade and business for many years. The old urban centers of the cities have been left in despair and abandonment while their peripheries have continued to grow. Due to poor living conditions, encroachments, unplanned development, an increase in commercial operations, traffic issues, and a wave of high-rise construction, these cores are currently experiencing problems and undergoing changes that have altered the built environment and reduced the amount of breathable open space. While the majority of the city’s physical environment is made up of buildings, the lived in neighborhoods that have ornamentation and other features with historical and cultural significance are often neglected. If it is restored, it will give a huge opportunity for growth and a redefining of the community’s lost identity. The historic precincts of Mumbai is also witnessing one such transition phase. Considering the rapid population growth and the relative demands, there is a need to analyze the transformation of the precinct and emphasis on conserving the character of the precinct. The transformation will be studied through on-site study and drawings, photographic recordings and stakeholder analysis. The recommendations shall primarily focus on enhancing the urban character of the Khotachiwadi precinct as a pilot study. Khotachiwadi is one of the few areas in the urban core in which the architecture and ambiance is largely consistent with the original settlement.Keywords: Influence, Portuguese, Mumbai, Precinct, Assessment, Transformation