Where the City Negotiates Itself

Written by Haaryaa Sharma

Walking Through Layers of Time

Moving around in the chaotic environment of Chandni Chowk feels like going back in time. There are traces of numerous epochs under the hustle and bustle of bazaars, amidst the smell of fresh food and crowds. Facades of old structures dominate atop bustling marketplaces, and ruins of balcony structures overlook crowded streets and buildings that have stood the test of decades, if not centuries.

Such sites are characterised not by their ruinous state alone; rather, it is the presence of life along with decay that makes them interesting to visit.

Streets bustle with activities; life goes on uninterrupted, while there are several old buildings that become concealed under this activity. People tend to often overlook the grandeur of the site since it has become part of their everyday environment.

Nature reclaiming the structural remains of an abandoned heritage building © Pexels

Probably, one of the major dangers associated with heritage is being overlooked.

When Growth Demands Erasure

In the case of cities like Delhi, the development process appears inseparable from that of demolition.

The old structures are often perceived as outdated, inefficient, and economically less viable than contemporary developments. As cities expand, heritage often becomes integrated into the spaces of everyday urban activity rather than surviving in isolated and disconnected pockets. However, such buildings still hold cultural significance and connections that may be difficult to replicate in new development projects.

Is it necessary that city growth happens at the expense of urban heritage?

Perhaps not.

Breathing New Life into Old Structures

Adaptive reuse is an approach that can help in preserving structures in modern times, involving adaptation of the old structures to new uses without compromising their character. In Old Delhi, there have been many examples of old structures such as havelis being transformed into hotels and coffee houses, among others. The effectiveness of the approach is easily visible, as heritage can be revived and can get different dimensions by adapting to its new use.

Dharampura Haveli, Chandni Chowk © Author

More Than Conservation

For continuity in the process of habitation, a framework is needed that allows heritage to evolve while retaining its cultural significance. The adaptive reuse of havelis as hotels and cultural spaces not only preserves historic structures but also creates opportunities for interaction between different generations. In a rapidly changing world, history can no longer remain a subject of passive observation; it must be experienced, interpreted, and connected to contemporary life to remain relevant.

Adaptive reuse should not be interpreted as a justification for converting all historic sites into spaces for commercial use. Instead, it illustrates how heritage conservation and contemporary development can be integrated through context-sensitive interventions. Such an approach ensures the continued relevance and usability of historic structures without compromising their cultural, historical, or architectural significance.

The Memory Embedded in Cities

But, unfortunately, adaptive reuse seems to be highly underestimated in India. While conservation practices often prioritise iconic monuments, numerous heritage buildings remain overlooked, resulting in their gradual decline and loss of identity.

However, what defines any city is not merely its architectural landmarks; it is the relation of individuals to their surroundings – the interconnection between tiny streets, historical courtyards, elaborate windows, and recognisable façades, all of which form a significant part of the emotional memory of the city.

This emotional bond of the local population with such places is important.

The historic Nizamuddin Baoli nestled within the dense urban settlement. © The Hindu

Even though one could consider the city as an infrastructure system, development, and construction process, it cannot overlook its nature as a place of forming experiences and memories. Despite the excitement of contemplating new architectural developments, people are usually attached to something old and familiar. Here is when heritage plays its role of keeping this continuity. Maybe, for this reason, the modern approach to conservation should not limit itself to mere "conservation of old buildings” but explore ways to preserve historical places as a vital part of today’s life.

Progressing by Remembering

In light of removing so much of their history, perhaps cities also end up removing parts of themselves.

Perhaps the solution for future urban planners is not found in the decision between opting for either modernity or preservation. Rather, it lies in trying to incorporate the two together. The means to do this would be adaptive reuse, which clearly shows that places laden with memory can serve their purpose within modern society as well.

The future of cities lies not in choosing between memory and progress, but in learning to advance through remembrance.