Gayathri S

CR4006

In the realm of architecture and urban development, the essence of a place is deeply tied to its people. The project titled 'Empowering Heritage Through Collective Identity: Revitalising Baneswar temple precinct' seeks to transform Kolkata’s sacred and living streets through contemporary interventions. A 200 years old neglected temple which is a testament to Bengal's terracotta temple building legacy is envisioned to reclaim its prominence as a monument of cultural and urban significance. This religious structure holds the potential to act as a catalyst for the precinct's revitalization, through the funds it could attract and by fostering renewed community engagement. Key stakeholders, such as the Kumartulli potters and the residents of the area are integral to this historic ecosystem. By involving the local community, this heritage site can drive social and economic progress for all its stakeholders. It is a living symbol of cultural significance, whose heritage value encompasses not only its physical structure but the people and practices that surround it. Urban heritage conservation can be intertwined with social and economic development. This approach recognizes that heritage extends beyond individual monuments, encompassing the broader human environment, both tangible and intangible.