Approach to Documentation

APPROACH TO DOCUMENTATION

THE IDEA LAB

Published by MRS. GEETANJALI HIRAY

APPROACH TO

DOCUMENTATION

THE IDEA LAB

Dr. Baliram Hiray College of Architecture

THE IDEA LAB

Distributed and Published by: Dr. Baliram Hiray College of Architecture, Bandra (East), Mumbai.-400 0051 Tel: +91-22-26570986/3181, +91 9920-976995 Email: theidealabbombay@gmail.com , : principalhiray@gmail.com : www.hiray.org.in Text and Photographs by:

MENTORS

Abhishek Mehta

Ar. Abhishek Kadam

Ayushi Motiwalla

Ar. Samir Naik

Bhaumik Shah

Ar. Tanay Ambavane

Dhruval Shah

Aditya Soman

Gajendra Mandrekar Gargi Mhatre

The Idea Lab

Gitanshu Saboo Kaushal Bagdekar

Drawings and architectural graphics Š The Idea Lab

Kavina Parikh

Unless otherwise noted

Krina Shah Manan Gajjar

All rights reserved under copyright conventions. No

Manjiri Sane

part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted

Mit Sheth

in any form or by any means, electronic or

Nikhil Murkar

mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any other information storage and retrieval system, without prior permission in writing from the The

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AWARD OF EXCELLENCE, INDIA: Dr. Baliram Hiray College of Architecture, Mumbai For Documentation of .

Shree Dev Laxminarayan Temple, Walawal, Sindhudurg

Frontispiece: The intimacy of the spaces is arranged in the axis of the plan.

COUNCIL OF ARCHITECTURE

HERITAGE AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE IN DOCUMENTATION 2016

REVIEW

“

Legibility and providing clear ideas upon which new ideas can be framed is the utmost requirement of any documentation process. This publication with its two components ‘Approach to Documentation’ and ‘Preserving P¬¬¬atterns’ does fulfil the requirement and more importantly it fulfils the need of creating a benchmark and a reference guide of graphical representation for future exercises.

Documentation, when completed serves the duties as elaborated in ‘Approach to Documentation’; and on the other hand the process fulfils interesting academic requirements as well. It allows one to feel and to question the proportions, the volume, and the usability. Academic exercises seldom get expressed in real dimensions. Though documentation is exactly opposite in process when compared with designing; the process of documenting and creating drawings allows one to feel the space, both physically and diagrammatically. It expands the vocabulary of experiences. It tries to fulfil the gap and allows us to make progress on designing front. It provides the opportunity to think about the setting and its components, how they fit together and how it has coped up till date. It provides us the opportunity to have closer look at the various materials and their characteristics and how they have performed in time. It allows one to study the details used and what happens to them while facing ever changing conditions. It gives us the opportunity to ponder and foresee; and to make conscious decisions while designing.

‘Preserving patterns’ underlines the importance of working together and delivering results of highest standards, both collectively and individually; which has been an area of concern for some time. This will create a lasting impact on the progress and the process of producing academic work. It provided hopes that the gaps can be filled and the legacy can be continued.

“

I will borrow the title ‘Preserving patterns’ to underline the importance of creating and preserving a framework, a pattern with which we can create work of highest standards.

Ar. Amol Patil M.Arch (Urban Conservation)

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We are grateful to Ar.Swapna Khade (Principal I.C.), Dr. Baliram Hiray College of Architecture, Bandra, Mumbai for encouraging us to pursue the documentation of cultural heritage.

We would like to offer our heartfelt gratitude to Mrs. Geetanjali Hiray, for publishing the book.

We wouldn't be able to complete our research without the valuable inputs of our college faculties, Ar. Shantanu Khandkar and Ar. Anagha Kadam-Naik.

Ar. Abhishek Kadam, Mentor Ar. Samir Naik, Mentor Ar. Tanay Ambavane, Mentor This project was conceived and carried out in its entirety by our college faculties, Ar. Abhishek Kadam, Ar. Samir Naik and Ar. Tanay Ambavane.

They remained constantly involved in the progress of the documentation process. Their involvement and enthusiasm motivated the students to work harder towards the vision of the project.

Documenting the temple was a unique learning experience which enlightened us about the different approaches and processes, especially when technology was not an option. The temple represented an architectural style that went hand-in-hand with the climate of Walawal. It had historical roots but the additions were made according to the present requirements, hence making the result a hybrid. We could not have gotten a better living example of a culturally important heritage. Living within the temple and amongst the people, made our observations stronger and experience better.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We are grateful to Ar.Swapna Khade (Principal I.C.), Dr. Baliram Hiray College of Architecture, Bandra, Mumbai for encouraging us to pursue the documentation of cultural heritage.

We would like to offer our heartfelt gratitude to Mrs. Geetanjali Hiray, for publishing the book.

We wouldn't be able to complete our research without the valuable inputs of our college faculties, Ar. Shantanu Khandkar and Ar. Anagha Kadam-Naik.

Ar. Abhishek Kadam, Mentor Ar. Samir Naik, Mentor Ar. Tanay Ambavane, Mentor This project was conceived and carried out in its entirety by our college faculties, Ar. Abhishek Kadam, Ar. Samir Naik and Ar. Tanay Ambavane.

They remained constantly involved in the progress of the documentation process. Their involvement and enthusiasm motivated the students to work harder towards the vision of the project.

Documenting the temple was a unique learning experience which enlightened us about the different approaches and processes, especially when technology was not an option. The temple represented an architectural style that went hand-in-hand with the climate of Walawal. It had historical roots but the additions were made according to the present requirements, hence making the result a hybrid. We could not have gotten a better living example of a culturally important heritage. Living within the temple and amongst the people, made our observations stronger and experience better.

CONTENTS

REVIEW ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS PREFACE

08

INTRODUCTION

11

CULTURAL HERITAGE

12

MEANING OF DOCUMENTATION

16

PRINCIPLES OF DOCUMENTATION

21

HINDRANCES

23

PREFACE Who is this book for ? “Approach To Documentation� is for all those who are managing cultural heritage. It is meant to be particularly useful to architecture students, amateurs and decision makers, who are developing documentation and information management strategies for territories, sites, groups of buildings, or single monuments, or who feel the need to improve current policies and standards by reviewing and more effectively integrating them into the conservation process. It is also for all those inside or outside the conservation profession who have a particular interest in heritage places and wish to learn more about best practices in making sure that information is produced and made available. It is hoped that this publication and its companion volume will be a valuable tool for those responsible for the safeguarding of our cultural heritage.

The focus of the book is documentation driven. Readers will ďŹ nd up-to-date information on how to document structures, and make it a powerful tool for decision making and planning. Valid reasons for investing in recording and documentation activities will be explored.

Today the world is losing its architectural and archaeological cultural heritage faster than it can be documented. Human caused disasters, such as war and uncontrolled development, are major culprits. Natural disasters, neglect, and inappropriate conservation are also among the reasons that this heritage is vanishing. Although we should strive to preserve as much as possible of our architectural and archaeological cultural heritage, we cannot save everything. One of the options available to architects, heritage consultants and decision makers are to document this heritage before it is lost.

In 2016, the responsible students from 3rd year Architecture (Academic Year of 2015-16) of Dr. Baliram Hiray College of Architecture, Mumbai wished to explore ways to strengthen the documentation component of built heritage conservation through the development tools. This group; working together identiďŹ ed a series of issues, resulting in an urgent need for a publication on principles and guidelines for documenting cultural heritage. The Team undertook the task of addressing this need.

Without the constant hard work of these students and associate mentor Ar. Samir Naik and Ar. Tanay Ambavane this publication would not be possible. The result of their effort is this book.

This publication provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamental principles and guidelines for documenting cultural heritage. It seeks to aid architecture students and any layman in understanding their roles and responsibilities towards this essential activity. It acknowledges the work by international organizations such as ICOMOS, INTACH and UNESCO in this ďŹ eld, and adds to their efforts by offering arguments and a framework for integrating documentation. The glossary and annotated selected bibliography will help the reader to further explore this important subject.

It is hoped that this publication and its companion volume will be a valuable tool for those, responsible for the safeguarding of our cultural heritage.

Ar. Abhishek Kadam Mentor

“

If we lose our culture and heritage, we lose our identity. When we appreciate culture and design, we appreciate life.

“

-Ar. Esa Mohamed

INTRODUCTION

The blend of cultural, aesthetical, educational and economical legacies is what makes the fabric of a country.

India is consecrated with a rich, diverse history that is carved in its values and traditions, the signiďŹ cance of which lies in the conservation of the same.

''Approach to

Documentation'' deluges the reader with conducts to facilitate the preservation of an esteemed legacy. The reader is guided through a deep insight on the process of documentation.

The reader is well assisted through ''Approach to Documentation'' regarding the qualms that would otherwise slower the process. The curiousity of budding architects has been the prime inspiration to prioritize an elaboration on this topic.

Harsiddhi Temple, Ujjain Temple Complex, Madhya Pradesh The temple was reconstructed during the Maratha Period and has two pillars adorned with lamps, being the special features of Maratha Art.

11

CULTURAL HERITAGE 'Heritage' can be deďŹ ned as 'property that is or may be inherited; an

Heritage is something that can be passed from one generation to the

inheritance', 'valued things such as historic buildings that have been

next, something that can be conserved or inherited, and has historic

passed down from previous generations', and 'relating to things of historic

or cultural value. Heritage might be understood to be a physical

or cultural value that are worthy of preservation'. The emphasis on

'object': a piece of property, a building or a place that is able to be

inheritance and conservation is important here, as is the focus on

'owned' and 'passed on' to someone else.

'property', or 'buildings'.

Having at one time referred exclusively to the monumental remains of cultures, cultural heritage as a concept has gradually come to include new categories. Today, we ďŹ nd that heritage is not only manifested through tangible forms such as artefacts, buildings or landscapes but also through intangible forms.

Intangible heritage includes voices, values, traditions and oral history.

Traditionally, this is perceived through cuisine, clothing and forms of shelter, traditional skills and technologies, religious ceremonies, performing arts, storytelling. Today, we consider the tangible heritage inextricably bound up with the intangible heritage. In conservation projects we aim to preserve both the tangible as well as the intangible heritage.

Gwalior Fort Madhya Pradesh This fort has been a witness to many battles in the turbulent times as well as festivals in the peace time. The rulers have imparted justice from the fort which has seen the improsenment of many.

12

In addition to these physical objects and places of heritage there are also

The historian and geographer David Lowenthal has written

various practices of heritage that are conserved or handed down from one

extensively on the important distinction between heritage and

generation to the next. Language is an important aspect of who we

history. For many people, the word 'heritage' is probably synonymous

understand ourselves to be, and it is learned and passed from adult to

with 'history'. However, historians have criticized the many instances

child, from generation to generation. These invisible or 'intangible'

of recreation of the past in the image of the present which occur in

practices of heritage, such as language, culture, popular song, literature

museums, historic houses and heritage sites throughout the world,

or dress, are as important in helping us to understand who we are as the

and have sought to distance themselves from what they might

physical objects and buildings that we are more used to thinking of as

characterise as 'bad' history. As Lowenthal points out in The Heritage

'heritage'.

Crusade and the Spoils of History, heritage is not history at all: 'it is not an inquiry into the past, but a celebration of it ... a profession of

Objects of heritage are embedded in an experience created by various

faith in a past tailored to present-day purposes' (Lowenthal, 1997).

kinds of users and the people who attempt to manage this experience. For

Heritage must be seen as separate from the pursuit of history, as it is

every object of tangible heritage there is also an intangible heritage that

concerned with the re-packaging of the past for some purpose in the

'wraps' around it; for example, the language we use to describe it, or its

present. These purposes may be nationalistic ones, or operate at the

place in social practice or religion. An analogous situation exists in the art

local level.

world in understanding aesthetics.

There are many other forms of official categorisation that can be applied to heritage sites at the national or state level throughout the world. Indeed, heritage as a field of practice seems to be full of lists.

The impulse within heritage to categorise is an important aspect of its character. The moment a place receives official recognition as a heritage 'site', its relationship with the landscape in which it exists and with the people who use it immediately changes. It somehow becomes a place, object or practice 'outside' the everyday. It is special, and set apart from the realm of daily life. Even where places are not officially recognised as heritage, the way in which they are set apart and used in the production of collective memory serves to define them as heritage.

Sarkhej Roza Stepwell, Ahmedabad Is an example of the early Islamic architectural culture of the region, which fused Islamic stylistic influences from Persia with indigenous Hindu and Jain features to form a composite Ïndo Saracenic”architectural style.

13

NJOYING, FROM E

COM ES A

TH IRS TT O

UN DE RS

ART EF AC

N

RE

NG INTA IBLE

CULTURE

BY CARING,

BUILT

HERITAGE

TANGIBLE

IT WILL HEL P

TS

DERSTANDING,

BY UN

PEOPL E EN JOY

ND TA

E NC A D

THE Y W ILL

AL UR AT

LITE R AT U IT

VA L U EI T

BY VALUING,

THEY W I LL W A N TT O

CA RE F O R 14

CRITERIA FOR LISTING OF HERITAGE BUILDINGS

METHODOLOGY OF LISTING

There are three key concepts that need to be understood to determine

Listing work comprises of two phases.

whether a property is worthy of listing.

1. Background research 2. Field work

• HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE Historic significance is the importance of a property to the history,

1. BACKGROUND RESEARCH

architecture, archaeology, engineering or culture of a community, region

Before commencing the actual field work, the basic information is

or nation.

gathered from various sources including gazetteers, travel books, and several other specialized books on the history of the area to be listed.

• HISTORIC INTEGRITY

Many of the museums established by the goverenment or privately

Historic integrity is the authenticity of a property's historic identity,

can provide interesting information. In a given area, local experts,

evidenced by the survival of physical characteristics that existed during

professionals and scholars could also provide the required guidance

the property's historic period.

and help. Background research essentially helps in identifying historic developments in the area, important persons who may have shaped

Historic integrity enables a property to illustrate significant aspects of its

historical, cultural developments, and similar features that may be

past. Not only must a property resemble the historic appearance but it

unique to the area.

must also retain physical materials, design features and aspects of construction dating from the period when

2. FIELD WORK

it attained significance.

Before launching into field work, a reliable map of the area should be collected. Survey of India maps and those available with the state

• HISTORIC CONTEXT

department of town and country planning should prove useful.

Historic context is information about historic trends and properties

However, at the field level, ward maps available with the municipal/

grouped by an important theme in the history of a community, region or

cantonment/ panchayat authorities may be of greater help. Field

nation during a particular period of time. A knowledge of historic context

work requires lot of work to scan the heritage properties and

enables listers to understand a historic property as a product of

recording information for each property in the prescribed format.

its time.

This comprises of physically inspecting the property as well as meeting local people such as owners of the property, talking to other residents and local ward or panchayat members, and knowledgeable residents and representatives of institutions. Photography is an important component of the listing. A photograph freezes the building and its setting to the time when it is taken. In this context, old photographs, if available, can constitute a very important record in the listing. A comparison would show the changes that have occurred over time to the building and, in particular, to its embellishments.

15

DOCUMENTATION

An aspect of these practices of heritage is the ways in which we go about

Documentation is the process of compilation or capturing of

conserving things - the choices we make about what to conserve from the

information, both graphic and written records that explains and

past and what to discard: which memories to keep, and which to forget;

illustrates the significant characteristics, physical configuration and

which memorials to maintain, and which to allow to be demolished;

condition of a historic building, site, structure, or object. It is

which buildings to save, and which ones to allow to be built over.

sometimes also called recording in certain contexts.

Practices of heritage are customs and habits which, although intangible,

[Identification and Documentaion of Built Heritage in India, Divay

inform who we are as collectives, and help to create our collective social

Gupta]

memory. We use objects of heritage (artefacts, buildings, sites, landscapes) alongside practices of heritage (languages, music, community

The documented material becomes a useful resource for its creators

commemorations, conservation and preservation of objects or memories

as well as others interested in carrying out similar activities.

from the past) to shape our ideas about our past, present and future.

[John A. Joseph]

Page 17: Holkar Wada, Chandwad, Maharashtra.

16

Built in 10th Century, the structure is renamed as Rangmahal considering the colourful paintings displayed at Grand Hall.

Its famous for its magnificent wooden carvings that give glimpses of the cultural richness of the era.

17

NEED India is a country with a very rich heritage and learning objectives bound in

Documentation is facilitated using multiple mediums that include

its history. A lot of questions have been unanswered due to the lack of

photography, videography, measured drawings and sketches, reviews,

such records pertaining to the aspects of heritage in India. The richness of

interviews and articles.

this available heritage needs to be recorded in order to preserve them. To maintain such records a method that fits well for understanding the

Documentation should be taken up before, during and after any

structures and its condition, a thorough documentation must be carried

conservation intervention, repairs, alteration, reuse or other

out of the same. Documentation is a vital tool that helps answer those

intervention to the historic building. It should also be undertaken

questions and broadens the prospect of understanding the significance of

when the heritage is at risk of damage from human or natural causes,

the heritage. The documentation can be used as an inference for

during or following accidental or unforeseen disturbances which

conserving such old structures and their significance.

damage the cultural heritage. Documentation can also be undertaken when a change of management occurs. However, it

In the further topics covered under the book we will have a look at the

should adopt 'value based approach' where conservation and

methodology/process of how to do documentation of such properties.

documentation requirements are prioritised based on the 'cultural

The results of such documentation records can throw some light at the

value' of the heritage asset being conserved or documented.

conservation of such historic projects along with divulging various angles of learning.

As the documentation of cultural heritage is a complex task, the

For any conservation intervention it is important to first fully understand

knowledge and awareness of the associated tasks. This may require

process requires the involvement of skilled individuals with the structure or site, thus documentation helps in ensuring that the

training programme to achieve this. As most of the documentation

maintenance and conservation of heritage is sensitive to its physical form,

process, especially for developing conservation strategies, requires

its materials, construction and its historical, architectural and cultural

multi-tasking, the documentation will involve individuals working in

significance.

co-ordination, such as surveyors, architects, engineers, historians, archaeologists and other heritage consultants. The individuals

A fundamental principle of documentation is that historic structures

involved should be responsible for ensuring that documentation

cannot be recorded and explained adequately by words alone. The

principles are followed adequately and accurately document the

graphic content is thus integral to record the history of the built

historic building or the site.

environment. Documentation is a disciplined system of recording the

18

heritage, culture, architecture and it includes various steps to achieve the

The three main stages for a documentation project which are

result.

significant for the fulfillment of the project are: a)

Desktop Research

b)

Field Survey

c)

Analysis and Conclusion

DESKTOP RESEARCH Desktop research is the initial stage before one starts documenting the

These have to be backed with various sketches that have been made

structure. A first hand, in-depth research involving the various aspects

on site as proof drawings in order to align all the sets with each other.

and resources available about the project must be exercised. The desktop

Photographs and videos play a vital role in assisting with digitalized

analysis must be carried out before visiting the site. Information must be

versions of the features in various perspectives. In order to make the

collected with respect to the history and present conditions of the site

above mentioned set of drawings the methods can be physically

and structure to be documented. The collected data assists in

documented i.e. taking measured drawing on tracing papers and by

maneuvering the start of the project. For example, if the structure is of

digitalizing them on the personal computers on site.

a specific architectural style which is influenced by the climatic conditions of the region or the political influences in the past, it helps in

Interviews and surveys account as testimonials from the people

deciding the exact lens in which the structure can be documented and

attached with the site, either directly or indirectly. Such surveys

further conserved.

introduce the first hand use and relation of the site with the people along with information from the eras that are left undocumented.

With the knowledge of climatic conditions one can suggest an alternate material for the structural repairs in case of absence of the original

The method of documentation should be determined by the nature

material. The new material can restore the structure without affecting its

of heritage to be documented, along with the purpose, the

authenticity.

availability of technology and human skills, the cultural context, funding

and

other

resources

available.

Documentation

FIELD SURVEY

methodologies should in most cases use non-intrusive techniques

The field survey is a vast amalgamation using almost every medium of

causing no damage to the structure being documented. The various

documentation. It involves a collection of photographs, videos, sketches

techniques for documentation may vary from traditional sketches,

and measured drawings, interviews and surveys.

measured drawings, written descriptions to more sophisticated

Measured drawings cover an intricate process in order to acquire the set

equipment of photography, geo physical surveys, maps, replicas, to

goals:

high-tech modern technologies of rectified and stereo photo

a) Setting out of the site and structure

grammetry, True Ortho-photo laser scan .

b) Plans (Floor plans, structural plans, roof plans) c) Elevations d) Sections e) Details

19

ANALYSIS AND CONCLUSION The analysis of the structure and site includes an in-depth study of every

The tourism desk is often benefitted from such sites because of its

resource and factor related to the same. Any documentation project can

function and the history engaged with it. Such structures prove to be

be entitled as incomplete if the analysis is missing, this is the part that

impactful in the present conditions as well and lead to development

portrays the learning as a satisfactory outcome.

around it. Assembling of such matter forms the base of the analysis, streamlining the process in the desired direction.

An analytical study can be divided into the following stages: a) Data collection

INFERENCES

b) Inferences

Inference can be explained as a conclusion that one reaches after a certain amount reasoning and evidences.

DATA COLLECTION

The data collected can be denoted as a fact-file, the information in

It is very essential to be aware of the basic pre-recorded information

this fact-file forms the basis to analyze the significance of the

available about the site. This stage links with the desktop analysis done at

structure or site. Inferences prepared from these observations and

the beginning of the project which includes the information about the

facts, which may have been made on or off the site, assist in placing

site, covering; location, climatology, demographical information,

the structure in its history and hence it's deciphering the style and

statistics from various sources.

materials used.

The function of the structure, the history engaged with the same, the importance and impact of the structure in the present day conditions, the growth of the structure and the development of the surroundings influenced by the presence of the historical structure often add to various benefits on the tourism desk and records for the structure.

CONSISTS OF BRIDGING THE GAPS RESEARCH

GIS

INVENTORIES INITIAL STUDIES

SURVEYING, GPS

CONSERVATION PLANNING PROJECT MANAEMENT MAINTENANCE

MONITORING

20

3-D MODELLING

BY WORKING TOWARDS SHARED KNOWLEDGE , TRANSFERRING SKILLS AND INTEGRATING RECORDIM ACTIVITES

GEOPHYSICAL PROSPECTION 3-D LASER SCANNING PHOTOGRAMMETRY

PHOTOGRAPHY

SO AS TO RAISE THE LEVEL OF CONSERVATION PRACTICES

PRINCIPLES Documentation projects must abide with certain principles that have

PRINCIPLE 3 - ACCESSIBILITY:

been evolved over time to meet a convinced level and accuracy.

The documentation should be produced on mediums which can be

These principles are the footsteps to attain success and accuracy.

duplicated easily and be of archival quality. A back up copy should be stored in a separate safe location. The documentation should be

PRINCIPLE 1 - ILLUSTRATING SIGNIFICANCE:

made accessible to statutory authorities, to concerned professionals

Includes content and requires documentation to adequately illustrate

and to the public, for the purpose of research, development

what is significant or valuable about the historic building, site and

controls, conservation and other administrative and legal processes

structure or object that is being documented. The documentation should

where appropriate. A report of the main results of any

demonstrate the historical development of the site and wherever

documentation should also be disseminated, published and

possible, explain the phases of the development of the structure. The

interpreted on site wherever appropriate.

historical, architectural, engineering or cultural values together determine the level and methodology of the documentation process.

PRINCIPLE 4 - CLARITY: The documentation and accompanying supporting materials should PRINCIPLE 2 - QUALITY AND ACCURACY:

be legible, clear and concise. They should bear identification of the

Documentation must aim at accuracy that can be used for further

structure, scale on graphic materials, location references, and all

research and for conservation activities and interventions. The

sources of information indicated and acknowledged when not

information should be collected from reliable sources with limitations

obtained directly from the building, site or object that is being

clearly stated to permit independent verification of the information.

documented.

21

SKILLS FOR DOCUMENTATION

SELECTION OF SITE

Documenting a project is a very intricate subject. Anyone involved must

Documentation projects often look at unexplored sites that regulate

be aware of the multiple particulars that are merged to make the

a detailed study of topics that facilitate an ideal learning experience.

multi-faceted subject.

Selecting a site accounts to one of the most critical factors to begin

Basic knowledge of certain fields is an essential to carry out a smooth

with the documentation.

project.

The historical significance of the site or structure must be recognized a) History of architecture: justified understanding of the significance of the

while selecting the site for any documentation project. A basis of the

building and site is only possible if one is aware of its placement in the

function of the site must also be taken in order to add to the

history of architecture and has basic knowledge to reason the same

significance of the structure. The style of architecture and its evolution can be further linked using other examples of the same

b) Building construction: in order to comprehend the construction system

style or historic era.

and technicalities.

The site must also be selected keeping in mind the availability of c) Architectural terminology: without which one cannot be accurate with the drawings or text that make up the project.

resources and time management. A very big site cannot be documented by a meager number of 4 or 5 people as it would reduce the precision of the process. The number of days available to work

d) Mediums of use: have to be well rooted in the people carrying out a

should also be kept in mind while selecting the extent of the site.

documentation project to result in a rather smooth process, without which the quality and accuracy of the results would be at stake.

The climatic zones also facilitate the selection of the site. Different climatic conditions lead to the development of different architectural styles and material palette subject to availability of the materials

22

HINDRANCES Being such a detailed subject, documentation comes with its own drawbacks. One of the hindrances faced at the threshold of the project could be related to permissions. Since most historical sites are well protected, it may require a strenuous procedure to acquire the permissions to use the site, assuring the safety and integrity of the site.

The topography of the site may also add to a limitation. For instance, the site may be surrounded with high mountains or valleys that may incur accessibility issues. Another form of passable denial could be with relation to parts of the site that may be established with restricted entry over the course of time for security reasons.

The location of the site with regards to the climatic zone should also be studied. Extreme weather conditions at a particular site may restrict period of visit.

Lack of resources such as efďŹ cient tools and equipment may create a discrepancy in the efďŹ ciency of the project. A choice of traditional methods must be made in the absence of such equipment which may hold a chance of errors.

23

REVIEW

“

On the onset, I would like to compliment you all to have initiated reviving the loss tradition of documentation and measure drawings which were the part of the circular during the conception of Architectural Studies in India.

Batley’s Portfolio and Jaipur Portfolio by Swinton Jacob are some pioneering examples. Since 1970’s this subject just vanished. Though L.I.K. Trophy introduced in NASA, still kept the umbilical link.

I am sure the students who worked on it, also got a first-hand experience of feeling and touching the site and

REVIEW

appreciating its historicity and setting. The site chosen is also an interesting one with good antiquity and undisturbed setting.

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As the book states it is divided into two parts: a) Methodology of Documentation and b) The illustrated examples of drawing. Here there seems to be a bit of overlap in part a) i.e. Methodology, where other issues issues of cultural On the onset, I would like to compliment you all to have initiated reviving the loss tradition of documentation and significance and integrity and historic context find their references slightly deviating from the actual issue of measure drawings which were the part of the circular during the conception of Architectural Studies in India. documentation, i.e., Cultural Heritage. It would have been wonderful if the proces of documentation including Batley’s Portfolio and Jaipur Portfolio by Swinton Jacob are some pioneering examples. Since 1970’s this subject rough hand drawn sketches on graph paper were also included to show the entire process. The part ‘A’ ends just vanished. Though L.I.K. Trophy introduced in NASA, still kept the umbilical link. hindrances abruptly and it would be worthwhile if some light was thrown on conjecture done asnot all things are measured with help of ladder and scaffold.

I am sure the students who worked on it, also got a first-hand experience of feeling and touching the site and appreciating its historicity and setting. The site chosen is also an interesting one with good antiquity and undisturbed Part B: The drawing and representation is exceptional good. However, its sequencing needs improvement. The setting. historical analysis needs cross checking with inputs of architectural historian or a local historian. Sections cut, should ideally indicate the materials as a purpose of documentation is used is it as base reference for future As the book states it is divided into two parts: a) Methodology of Documentation and b) The illustrated examples of interventions. The impact part does not really gel with measure drawings and is too basic. drawing. Here there seems to be a bit of overlap in part a) i.e. Methodology, where other issues issues of cultural significance and integrity and historic context find their references slightly deviating from the actual issue of As an attempt to monograph and document undocumented wealth of a built heritage, the book is an encouraging documentation, i.e., Cultural Heritage. It would have been wonderful if the proces of documentation including step and compliments to the insitute’s management for reviving this study for and to the enthusiastic students and rough hand drawn sketches on graph paper were also included to show the entire process. The part ‘A’ ends mentors for recording it and sharing it as a book. hindrances abruptly and it would be worthwhile if some light was thrown on conjecture done asnot all things are measured with help of ladder and scaffold.

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Ar. Vikas Dilawari Conservation Architect

Part B: The drawing and representation is exceptional good. However, its sequencing needs improvement. The historical analysis needs cross checking with inputs of architectural historian or a local historian. Sections cut, should ideally indicate the materials as a purpose of documentation is used is it as base reference for future interventions. The impact part does not really gel with measure drawings and is too basic.

As an attempt to monograph and document undocumented wealth of a built heritage, the book is an encouraging

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step and compliments to the insitute’s management for reviving this study for and to the enthusiastic students and mentors for recording it and sharing it as a book.

Ar. Vikas Dilawari Conservation Architect