Divyanshi Tulsian

IR3596

UBD20265

Semiotic conservation for adaptive reuse of Dawoodi Bohra mansions preserves their cultural, historical, and social meanings, ensuring new functions respect their identity. By analyzing interiors through Saussure, Peirce, Barthes, Baudrillard, and Lotman, it prevents erasure of symbolic meanings, like paradise or purdah. This informs context-sensitive design, enhancing relevance for visitors seeking authentic heritage. It sustains cultural continuity, preventing commodification, as warned by Baudrillard, and maintains the mansions as dynamic texts in Lotman’s semiosphere. 

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The semiosphere

Structural Analysis (Saussure): Map the signifiers (objects, layout) and signifieds (meanings) in the space. Identify the underlying “language” of design it operates within.

Interpretive Dynamics (Peirce): Classify the signs as icons, indices, or symbols. Consider how different interpretants emerge based on user context.

An understanding of residential spaces of Dawoodi Bohras

analysis 1

analysis 2

analysis 3

Cultural Decoding (Barthes): Move from denotation to connotation to uncover embedded myths. De-structuring the ideological narratives the space perpetuates.

Postmodern Critique (Baudrillard): Assess the degree of simulation and hyper reality in the space. Evaluate its role in consumer culture and detachment from authentic meaning.