Six zones identified for best possible adaptive reuse
Making palace top tourist destination one of key priorities
Mohinder Verma
JAMMU, Mar 11: In the Master Plan which was approved by the Governor few days back thrust has been laid on developing historic Mubarak Mandi Complex as major Cultural Centre of Jammu and Kashmir by devising different means after speedy conservation of all its structures by strictly adhering to its authenticity and integrity. Now, the onus is on the Government, Mubarak Mandi Heritage Society and Archaeological Survey of India for strict implementation of the vision document so as to revitalize the soul of this crumbling architectural feat.
The Master Plan, which was the long pending requirement, was discussed in the 8th governing body meeting of the Mubarak Mandi Jammu Heritage Society few days back and accordingly it was approved by the Governor Satya Pal Malik. The Master Plan offers a platform to develop a holistic vision for Mubarak Mandi as a heritage and cultural destination through strategic planning approaches and identification of program-based initiatives centered on heritage without compromising authenticity of the complex, official sources told EXCELSIOR.
“It is aimed at revitalizing the soul of Mubarak Mandi through sustainable development of the site inclusive of its cultural and natural resources, by safe-guarding the built heritage, enhancing its interpretation and visitation, capacity building for its management and maintenance and projecting Mubarak Mandi as cultural identity”, they further said.
The key objectives of the Master Plan include conserving, managing, safeguarding and reusing the opulent cultural assets of this heritage site for present and future generations; raising it among the top tourist destinations of the State while at the same time establishing itself as a reference destination for socio-economic development to the region; to ensure effective and sustainable development of the site and involving national and international organizations in various research and cultural alliances to acknowledge and acclaim the uniqueness and significance of Mubarak Mandi complex.
Pointing towards the recommendations vis-a-vis conservation of heritage structures, sources said, “in the Master Plan thrust has been laid on conserving the built heritage in its entirety along with its geographical and socio-cultural morphology”, adding “this conservation approach will thus outline policies and prioritize activities while developing the conservation management plan that will preserve and improve the identified values of the palace complex by addressing both the tangible and intangible heritage of the site in totality”.
As far as adaptive reuse is concerned, sources said, “this aspect is aimed at developing Mubarak Mandi complex as a cultural centre by devising means of creative and cultural production innovations”, adding “the reuse of the complex will be done under six key zones—Central Courtyard, Knowledge Centre, Interpretation and Collection Galleries, Lifestyle, Experiential Space and Crafts Centre.”
In the Master Plan, Central Courtyard has been projected as focal point for the visitors with sound and light shows. It has laid thrust on creation of Knowledge Centre within the complex to stimulate learning and education processes by the recognition of the best practices, highlighting and disseminating relevant work in the cultural field. Moreover, enough stress has been laid on using some areas of the complex for Interpretation and Collection Galleries.
“The palatial buildings which surround the Central Courtyard will house enhanced visitor experience which will be achieved through interactive museum design. It will highlight the cultural landscape of the city with enhanced interactive medium and virtual experiences. It will also serve as a Visitor Interpretation Centre for better understanding of the site and various activities associated and histories attached to it”, sources said.
The Master Plan also suggests creation of Lifestyle Zone which will be people oriented not object centered. This zone will focus on intangible expressions such as value and identifies of people of various regions of the State, oral traditions, some practices, rituals and festivals. The architectural significant spaces in Gol Ghar will be shown as series of architectural experiences. “The theme would present the significant Gol Ghar spaces and its architectural features with their spatial and experimental character on display and not through collections”, sources said.
Moreover, there will be a Craft Centre for unique cultural facets from folk and contemporary traditions in arts, craft, music, dance, theatre, literature etc. “The space will celebrate the people of Jammu and Kashmir who continue to embrace creativity and have carved a niche of excellence”, sources said, adding “it will act as an activity hub with artists’ workshops and the performers”.
The adaptive reuse of Mubarak Mandi Complex as public buildings will be cost effective and will help rejuvenate the economic base of the site and its surroundings generating both income and employment as well as tapping into increasingly important tourism flow, sources said quoting the Master Plan.
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