Conservation and adaptive Reuse of Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, Amritsar

In 2013, the Punjab Urban Development Authority (PUDA) initiated the effort to conserve and re-use the hospital Complex and appointed A.H for planning, designing and supervision of site. Restoring the complex as an Urban Haat and Heritage Hotel was most appropriate use given the large scale of structure and complex. Urban Haat on the northern front of the site occupies nearly 4.6 acres of the total 9.70 land and includes various functions such as Craft stall, Food stalls, Crafts demonstration and appreciation centre, State Emporiums and exhibition hall, Dormitories for artisans, etc. It is an ongoing project in concluding phase.

Restoration of Laxminath Temple, Jolpa, Jhalawar district, Rajasthan

The collaboration between the villagers and A.H is one of the most significant initiatives of recent years where in the villagers signed an MoU with INTACH and agreed to match funds with INTACH for the restoration of 600 years old Shri Laxminath temple. Thakur Ranveer Singh, INTACH Kota convener played a major role in the entire process and facilitated the work. The work on site was commenced on 25th February 2015 with restoration of Mandapa By January 2016, the stone framework of the Mandapa was ready with the pillars, beams and the frame for domes in Work on the displaced Shikhar of Garbhagriha is anticipated which would complete the restoration of the temple.

Conserving Portuguese Heritage in Diu

A.H is presently undertaking a number of conservation projects in Diu as an outcome of the Integrated Heritage Development Plan commissioned by Daman and Diu Administration

Following are the details:

St. Francis Assisi’s Church and the Convent built in 1592 is one of the surviving Portuguese church buildings in Diu. The church has been serving as a hospital for more than 100 years with several additions and alterations. A.H prepared a proposal of restoration of the church and its reuse as museum. As part of the ongoing works, removal of the damaged loose plaster from the external facade of rear wall and bell tower is ongoing followed by re-plastering and lime wash.

St. Thomas Church is a nearly 400 year old building serving as Diu Museum since last few years. The building was found to be in deteriorated condition with several additions on the layout, severe dampness, damaged plaster etc. Along with restoration A.H has proposed to reuse the building as art gallery to showcase and promote the arts, crafts, heritage and culture of Diu. As part of the ongoing works, presently the front façade is being restored.

The Pani Bai School is a perfect example of vernacular architecture with blend of Portugal influence and architecture from the beginning of the 20th Century. It is the first Girl’s school in Diu. Since last few years, the building has been left abandoned leading to major vegetation growth and structural problems. As part of the ongoing works, vegetation from the structure is being carefully removed including dismantling and rebuilding of damaged walls and collapsed roofs in original form using traditional method of construction. The garden with elements like railings, paving, fountains are also being restored. The building is proposed to be reused as vocational Training Centre.

The Fortress of Pani Kotha built by Malik Aiyaz, Governor of Diu before the Portuguese took over in 16th century went through various unsympathetic additions and alterations in last few years. The main objective of A.H initiative is to conserve and restore the building in its original form and enhance its visual character. Major works like removal of cement plaster from the facades, relaying of stone flooring is ongoing. The deteriorated ornamental plaster work on the first floor is also being restored.

Naida Caves Development Naida Caves outside the city walls of Diu, is a series of caves formed by the quarrying done over the years, creating a labyrinth of eroded and rugged spaces where the quarrying outlets now serve as skylights. The direct and diffused light creates a magical effect on the interior spaces. This is one of the must see places of Diu in tourist’s itinerary, however, there is a complete lack of public amenities and interpretation of the site. INTACH has prepared a project report including proposals for creating tourists conveniences, amphitheatre and performance area, light and sound show etc.

Heritage Conservation Projects In Jharkhand

The Department of Culture, Govt. of Jharkhand has identified 27 heritage sites for conservation and INTACH has submitted detailed project reports for all sites and work. In the conservation work of more than 150 years old Audrey House, Ranchi, all insensitive later additions and alterations have been removed, damaged areas are repaired, brick walls are being stabilized and strengthened and restoration of sloping roof is in progress.

Other significant sites include Navratangarh in Gumla (built by the Nagvanshi rulers and located in the picturesque setting of nature), Palamu Group of Forts and Shahpur Fort in Latehar (built by the most famous Chero ruler, Medini Ray) and Old Birsa Munda jail where the freedom fighter Birsa Munda was kept imprisoned and later breathed his last breath, in Ranchi.

Conservation Projects In Odisha

Funded by the 13th Financial Commission, Govt. of India, the Architectural Heritage division in collaboration with the INTACH Odisha chapter and the Odisha Conservation Center (ICCI) submitted Detailed Project reports (DPRs) of 24 sites entrusted by the Department of Culture, Govt. of Odisha. Temples representing ‘Kalingan’ style of architecture belong to 10th – 13th century A.D. Seeing the significance and the need of the temple sites, a very sensitive and sympathetic approach for the conservation work, the necessary consolidation, stabilization work and appropriate development of the immediate surroundings has been adopted.

Some of the significant sites are Kapileshwar Temple-Bhubneshwar, Gopinatha Temple-Puri, Radhadamadora Temple-Ganjam, Madhavananda Temple-Cuttack.