Abstract
Cities are progressive as they grow to meet the demands of people. The nucleus of the city is identified as the oldest part demonstrating its evolution and history. The city core is typified by traditional architecture, unique social culture and traditions, and opportunities for an economic generation. Due to heavy urbanization, the city core faces the threat of negligence. In the process of urban growth, the city core slides back physically and economically. As these city cores have been the places of culture, life, economy, vitality, etc. there is an urgent need to revitalize them. The old city of Banaras is said to be one of the continuously inhabited cities in the world. Dashashwamedh ghat, lying at the center of the old city, is considered to be the most important and busiest among 84 ghats. Dashashwamedh Ghat and the nearby area are the predominant for visitation to temples, rituals, cultural activities, and visitor attractions. The road leading from Godowlia Chowk to Dashashwamedh Ghat is the main approach road and also one of the main commercial spines of the city. The area has undergone maximum misuse and transformation due to the lack of building regulations. Demographic pressure, obsolete infrastructure, deterioration of historic structures, burgeoning commercial activity, etc. are a few of the problems which are leading to the loss of the heritage environments and vitality in the area. Having importance in history and culture, it is thus imperative to revitalize the area to improve the quality of life resulting in several economic and socio-cultural benefits too. The study employs the mixed-method approach to understand the site context, specific urban qualities, needs and behaviour of the users of the space, and aspects of activity, etc. Through observations, surveys, mapping, qualitative interviews of various users visiting the stretch; challenges, issues, and requirements were identified. Lack of infrastructure, lack of public amenities, abandonment of built and cultural heritage, traffic congestion, encroachment, inappropriate use of buildings, etc. were a few of the major issues of the area. The study area was also analyzed in three parts which were complementary to each other (i) Moughtin’s SWOT matrix (Moughtin, et al., 1999) (ii) Doratli’s matrix (Doratli, et al., 2004) (iii) Original SWOT analysis for external appraisal. The overall synthesis showed that the area has a high place asset value and has the potential to be a more tourist-friendly place. Infrastructure should be improved and adequately maintained by local authorities to minimize functional obsolescence. Refurbishment and restoration of historic and old buildings and many other initiatives should be taken up to improve physical obsolescence. The economic status of the area can be improved by the strategic approach of functional regeneration. Physical revitalization as a short-term strategy was proposed to improve the infrastructure and condition of the buildings in the area leading to economic revitalization in the long term. Time-bound restrictions on the movement of the vehicles, provision of organized paid parking lots on an hourly basis, building control regulations for the future development of the area, urban design guidelines for the old city core, etc. were few of the major recommendations given at a broader level to revitalize the old city core. The demonstration of these strategies was detailed out as design interventions for Godowlia Street. References Moughtin, C., Cuesta, R., Sarris, C. & Signoretta, P., 1999. Urban Design: Method and Techniques. Oxford: Butterworth Architectural. Doratli, N., Hoskara, S. O. & Fasli, M., 2004. An analytical methodology for revitalization strategies in historic urban quarters: a case study of the Walled City of Nicosia, North Cyprus. Cities, 21(4), pp. 329-348.
