Jainee Mahendra Gusain

History as an Active Element of Design - Adaptive Reuse and Revivalism

Ahmedabad Municipality of the city became, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation in 1950 and emerged as the first people’s representative council or democratic body in India. Ahmedabad has set an example of an autonomous body administrating the city during the British rule for the first time. This institution was unique and rich with its diversity since its inception. This Administrative building of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation which was built during British era was earlier known as Rippon building. Later the building has been renamed in honour of Sardar Patel, who was the president of the Municipality from 9th February 1924 to 28th April 1928. He was the chief architect of the unification of Princely States to the Union of India, who more than anyone else in post- independence India, realized the crucial role that civil services play in administering a country, in not merely maintaining law and order, but running the institutions that provide the binding cement to a society. He was fully aware of the needs of a sound, stable administrative structure as the lynchpin of a functioning polity. The present-day all-India administrative services owe their origin to the man’s sagacity and thus he is regarded as Father of modern All India Services. Post-independence, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation was established on 1st July 1950. Sardar Patel Bhavan – A block predates the establishment of corporation. AMC & AWHCT has decided to establish this historic building as a Heritage centre for the City of Ahmedabad. Located in heart of the city along with modern establishment of AMC offices, this building is a proud reminder of bygone era. This road facing colonial structure has a potential to become a flagship destination for all the matters related heritage & culture of this 600 year old city. As a tribute to the urban heritage, the centre should be a combination of architectural aesthetics and public utilitarian requirements. It would serve as a place for people to preserve the city heritage in collaboration administrative set up. It is also envisaged as a centre for exhibition of record of administrative history, with present activities and future development of Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation.