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Punorojibita

A Story of shared conservation with reminiscence

AUDA_B06_G03

Ankita Mallick, SPA Delhi I Tanuvi Hedge, RV College of Architecture, Bangalore I Sayantani Roy, Piloo Modi College of Architecture, Orissa I Purva Goel, Vastu Kala Academy College of Architecture, New Delhi I Maria Regina Andonie Gracia, Universidad de Monterrey, Santa Catarina, Mexico

Located in the midst of a densely populated neighbourhood in Kolkata, the Scottish Cemetery was established in 1820 during the British Raj. Tens and thousands of Scots are buried here. However, after independence, it stood in a state of neglect and dilapidation and was appropriated by the growing informal settlements as a space for trash disposal or unlawful recreational activities. The Kolkata Scottish Heritage Trust was established to renovate and restore the site to its former glory. However, it was soon realised that the community's disinterest and cultural dissociation with the conservation project would soon return the cemetery to a state of dereliction.

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In addition to the conservation efforts to creating an urban green space; karaya, acre road and the cemetery are considered as points of intervention. The proposal seeks to engage the community and sensitize the public towards the history and heritage of the cemetery by fostering an environment of learning, growth and inclusivity.

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In order to engage the community, we propose to construct a community space inside the cemetery. Small elevated pavilions are scattered around to be used by the locals for workshops, events, and general awareness programs. Small footlights dot the entire cemetery at night. The streetscape has been redesigned to include a raised footpath with varying widths to accommodate parked vehicles, hawkers, and rest points. The cemetery edge is dotted with kiosks and makes for an interactive edge. Colourful banners displaying information and illustrations of the Scottish history in Kolkata hang from solar-powered street lights that light up the roads and increase safety. In addition to this, acre road is made car-free on Sundays for a bazaar. By promoting small scale businesses and the well-being of the locals, the proposal seeks to rediscover Kolkata's heritage and evoke a sense ownership and community by active participation.

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