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the-south-asian.com October 2004 |
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October
2004 Heritage
Books Between
Heaven and Hell
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2004 ASIA-PACIFIC HERITAGE CONSERVATION AWARDS
The UNESCO 2004 Asia-Pacific Heritage Awards were announced last month. The Award of Excellence was given to the Baltit Fort in Karimabad village in the Hunza region of northern Pakistan. One of the three Awards of Distinction went to The Lakhpat Gurudwara in Kuchch district of Gujarat, India. Three South Asian projects received an Award of Merit: Dadabhai Naoroji Road Heritage Streetscape Project (Mumbai, India), Dorje Chenmo Temple (Shey Village, Ladakh, India), and St Thomas Cathedral (Mumbai, India). Elphinstone College (Mumbai, India), and Namuna Ghar (Bhaktapur, Nepal) received Honourable Mention. Of the thirty-seven entries received this year, five of the South Asian entries won acclaim, including the highest - Award of Excellence. The UNESCO Asia Pacific Heritage Awards were instituted in 2001 to recognise the efforts of private individuals and organisations in the restoration and conservation of structures of heritage value. The annual Heritage Awards programme promotes conservation of heritage structures that may otherwise be threatened by neglect, and inappropriate reuse. A total of 37 entries were received this year from twelve countries and administrative areas in the Asia-Pacific region. A variety of types of projects were submitted for the Awards, including: seven religious buildings, fourteen institutions, eight residential buildings, three commercial projects, three urban conservation programmes, and two cultural landscapes. A panel of international conservation experts in architecture, urban planning, heritage conservation and landscape design conducted the selection process. The jury panel noted that the range of proposals received this year point to the increasing momentum and level of conservation in the Asia-Pacific region. All winning entries demonstrated sound understanding of the issues of conservation in relation to the cultural, social, historical, and architectural significance of the building or complex. In addition, all award-winning entries had an important impact in terms of stimulating further conservation works and all made a contribution to cultural continuity in their respective communities.
Award of Excellence Baltit Fort, Karimabad, Hunza Valley, Pakistan
The restoration of the majestic 700-year-old Baltit Fort exemplifies excellence in conservation practice applied to large-scale monuments. This challenging project was the first of its kind in northern Hunza. By demonstrating that historic structures can be saved, restored and recycled for continued use in the community, the Baltit Fort project is a model for the revitalization of historic structures throughout the northern regions of Pakistan. In this project, the historic wood and masonry structure was carefully repaired using a combination of traditional local knowledge and state-of-the-art conservation techniques. The fort's restoration has fostered the local revival of traditional building trades, while an associated handicrafts project provides improved livelihood opportunities in the area. In its new use as a cultural centre and museum, the Baltit Fort attracts thousands of visitors to the province and has contributed to reinvigorating the local community's pride in their heritage.
Award of Distinction Lakhpat Gurudwara, Lakhpat Village, Kuchchh District, Gujarat, India
The restoration of this Sikh house of worship demonstrates a sophisticated holistic understanding of both the technical and social aspects of conservation process and practice. Careful attention to detail and sensitive repair work have ensured the retention of the building's historic character. Most significantly, the emphasis on involving and empowering the community ensures the long-term survival of the historic building and its associated cultural traditions. Training given to local youth in correct conservation methods emphasizing traditional construction techniques has revitalized local craft skills and revived the use of indigenous materials. The restoration of the gurudwara returns it to its place of pride in the Lakhpat community, showcasing the distinctiveness of their Sikh heritage both locally as well as nationally.
Three of the five Awards of Merit went to: Dadabhai Naoroji Road Heritage Streetscape Project (Mumbai, India) The first of its kind in India, this ambitious streetscape project has revived the historic ambience of Dadabhai Naoroji Road of Mumbai through the restoration of shop fronts, signage and street furniture to reflect the area’s Victorian Era commercial heritage. Starting with grass-roots advocacy, and continuing through stakeholder consensus, the project has succeeded in gaining commitment from the municipal government to adopt urban design guidelines for the entire historic precinct, setting an important precedent. Through its influence on urban policy and contribution to the commercial vitality of the neighbourhood, this project sets the standard for future urban streetscape revitalization throughout India. Dorje Chenmo Temple (Shey Village, Ladakh, India) The restoration of Dorje Chenmo Temple and its superb wall paintings demonstrates the value of an integrated and inclusive conservation approach to preserving cultural heritage. A key catalytic role in the project was played by the village Oracle, who, working with the project management team, encouraged extensive involvement by the residents of Shey in the conservation work, resulting in the reintegration of the temple into community life and the renewal of an appreciation for traditional construction techniques and decorative arts as appropriate to the continuity of local heritage. This project is an exemplary model for best practice in the conservation of the extensive religious heritage of Ladakh. St Thomas Cathedral (Mumbai, India) The restoration of St. Thomas Cathedral has rescued one of Mumbai’s most important landmark buildings and has contributed to revitalizing the built heritage of the city’s historic centre. The thorough documentation, the removal of incongruent elements and the restrained repair work display a sound understanding of conservation theory and methodology. The creative adaptive reuse of some buildings within the complex has reinforced the function of the cathedral as a place of community learning, while demonstrating the modern-day socio-economic viability of historic structures. Two of the eight projects given Honourable Mention are: Elphinstone College (Mumbai, India) The restoration of the façade of the Victorian landmark, Elphinstone College, was undertaken as a result of a community-led campaign and demonstrates best practice in collaborative private-public conservation. Setting the standard for conservation work on the Victorian buildings of Mumbai, the project’s cautious and methodical conservation approach and in particular, its use of non-invasive techniques, have ensured the preservation of the building’s fragile, historic fabric. Namuna Ghar (Bhaktapur, Nepal) The restoration and revitalization of this archetypal Newari village farmhouse has successfully preserved a fundamental building type central to the traditional architectural vocabulary of the Kathmandu Valley. In the process, public awareness has been raised about the viability and affordability for modern use of such traditional vernacular structures. Text and photos courtesy: www.unescobkk.org
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