Viewscape Conservation of the Meenakshi Sundareshwara Temple, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India

ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL DESIGN WORKSHOP VIEWSCAPE CONSERVATION OF THE MEENAKSHI SUNDARESHWARA TEMPLE, MADURAI, TAMIL NADU

AKHIL RAJKUMAR ANU PREETHI S DHRUV D SHAH GANESH KUMAR M GOWTHAM GOWTHAMA ARAVINTHAN NIRMAL B PILLAI PYNTAMEZHAN SA S JOY GLORIA SHAJITHA G SHRAVYA Y SIVANESAN M SNEHAL NAGRAS T SRINIVAS SARATH VENKATLAKSHMI

DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, TIRUCHIRAPPALLI - 620015 TAMIL NADU - INDIA

CONTENT Acknowledgement Chapters Introduction

1

Abstract

1

Background

2

Literature review

3

Methodology

5

Case study -Building markers -Access roads -Land use pattern -View map -View Assesment Framework -Comparative Assessment -Survey

6 7 8 8 9 10 13

Design Guidelines

16

Conclusion

18

Appendix 1

19

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT “It is not possible to prepare a project report without the assistance and encouragement of other people. This one is certainly no exception.�

On the very outset of this report, we would like to extend our sincere and heartfelt obligation towards all the personages who have helped us in this endeavor.

Without their active guidance, help, cooperation and encouragement, we would not have made headway in this project.

We are ineffably indebted to Dr. A Meenatchi Sundaram, The then-Head of Department, Department of Architecture, for his conscientious guidance and encouragement to accomplish this assignment.

We are extremely thankful and pay our gratitude to our faculty, Prof. P. Gopalakrishnan, for his valuable guidance and support on completion of this project in its presently.

We extend our gratitude to our director, Dr. Mini Shaji Thomas, and our college, National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli, for giving us this opportunity.

We also acknowledge, with a deep sense of reverence, our gratitude towards our parents and family, who have always supported us morally as well as economically.

Last but not the least, gratitude goes to the team and all the team members, who have put in their undying effort and made this project report, what it is, today.

Any omission in this brief acknowledgement doesnt mean any lack of gratitude.

Thank you.

CHAPTERS CHAPTER 1- Introduction Brief introduction about the project CHAPTER 2- Abstract and Background Brief discussion about the scope of the project.

CHAPTER 3- Literature review Literature Studies related with the project and its history.

CHAPTER 4- Methodology Quantitative analysisMarking Access points Marking View Points and View Corridors Land use mapping Comparative studies Qualitative surveys CHAPTER 5- Case study Brief Introduction about study area Reporting issues related with study Analysis of the issues - added photos as evidence CHAPTER 6- Recommendations Guidelines / design proposals CHAPTER 7- Conclusions APPENDIX 1- Sample questionnaire used for the survey

INTRODUCTION A viewscape is a visual connection that occurs between a person and the spatial arrangement of urban and landscape features.

This is usually including and around a building or structure of significant interest and are visible from a variety of locations.

Sacred monuments and places of religious worship are amongst the most impressive and permanent buildings built by humanity, shaping the image and identity of towns and cities built around them.

The Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple is one such monument in South India, in the temple town of Madurai.

It is located in the heart of the city, about a kilometer south of the Vaigai River.

The Gopurams themselves are treated as individual objects of worship to be observed from afar and near alike.

The temple has four Rajagopurams or majestic towers, there are five towers on top of the sanctum sanctorum of the Lord, three on top of the sanctum sanctorum of the Goddess and two golden towers or gopurams, all which have been exquisitely designed and sculptured.

All fourteen towers have been segregated based on the stages they are in.

A study was conducted with the above context in mind, to analyse the various viewpoints and viewpaths towards the temple, assessing the viewpaths that require protection.

An understanding of the various factors creating disturbances and hindrances to the view was collected and compiled, along with suitable measures to preserve and improve the existing viewscape.

ABSTRACT The historical cities of South India, take utmost pride in the rich cultural history they possess where in religion was the central dominion in all aspects of life. The administration of the city and it’s architecture & planning both revolved only around the aforementioned force.

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The following study takes into consideration the city of Madurai’s Meenakshi Amman Temple, to analyze the views to it’s main cardinal Gopurams which were the objects that established the temple and it’s might to the entire city around. These Gopurams are now in danger of losing their visual dominance due to various reasons analyzed in this study. The prime goal of this study is to suggest a suitable set of guidelines and frameworks for the authorities of the city of Madurai to refer to for the restoration of the visual corridors to the temple Gopurams.

The suggested guidelines and the study are based on a detailed analysis of the various views to the temple using a visual assessment framework, and supporting studies of the urban form and public surveys to compile a database for reference.

BACKGROUND The temple town of Madurai is renowned for it’s Meenakshi Amman Temple which is the symbol of the city. A center of extreme importance is Hinduism, this temple is not only visited by the pilgrims from around the country but by foreign nationals too. The primary thing that identifies the temple and calls it into recollection to either tourists or pilgrims are it’s Gopurams. The Gopurams were built primarily to act as gateways to the temple complex. But, their magnanimous size enforced a sense of worship and belief in the minds of the people towards their Gods. People from far and wide have come and settled around the temple complex and lived for generations just to be able to see the temple and stay beside their God’s abode. The view of the Gopurams has over generations become a norm to the inhabitants of the city, giving them a sense of belonging and comfort.

But, as the generations have rolled by, the importance of these views has diminished manifold.

The encroaching urban developments have crept up and reduced the dominance of the Gopurams exponentially. Their dominance in a wider visual setting has completely disappeared and is in danger of disappointment in an immediate visual setting too.

Guidelines must be created and enforced by the authorities to protect the last remaining visual corridors to these towering structures. Hence, the study suggests various guidelines and measures to preserve the existing viewscapes and also control and create new vistas to these Gopurams.

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LITERATURE REVIEW Visual impact studies have now become part of urban design and planning process. Several cities throughout world conduct similar studies related to viewscape analysis and view protection.

Some of the studies which we focused on, for our project are-

1. IMPACTS OF PROJECTS ON SKYLINE OF ISTANBUL OBJECTIVE- Analysis of impacts of prestige projects on the Istanbul skyline.

METHODOLOGY- GIS and entropy mathematical computational methods are coordinated to validate measurability of skyline.

CONCLUSION- Symbolic skylines are threatened due to urban development and globalization.

INFERENCE- Skyline are measurable and contribute to visual problems in urban environment.

SOURCE- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/289620770_The_impacts_of_prestige_ projects_on_the_skyline_of_Istanbul

2. IMPACTS OF OIL AND GAS DRILLING ON VIEWSCAPES OBJECTIVE- Studying the indirect impact created by oil and gas drilling to the viewscape.

METHODOLOGY- Marking of topographic and architectural features using graphical methods of field recording and compass.

CONCLUSION- Third level survey to be added to account for the indirect impacts made by the plants on the view and soundscape.

INFERENCE- The initial acts passed by the government did not include the indirect effects on view and soundscape.

SOURCE- https://www.archaeologysouthwest.org/wp-content/uploads/Pierres-ViewscapeSoundscape-Report-Van-Dyke.pdf

3. LOSS OF DRAVIDIAN IDENTITY IN THE CITY OF KANCHEEPURAM OBJECTIVE- Study and analysis of reasons for loss of Dravidian identity in Kancheepuram.

METHODOLOGY- Identifying extent of Urbanization and Modern Development; SEZs CONCLUSION- Protecting the city as a whole by regulating services and increasing awareness.

INFERENCE- Understanding support systems, services and development patterns for a reference to growth of cities.

SOURCE- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/305670096_Conserve_Preserve_and_ Rejuvenate_Architectural_Aspects_of_Kanchipuram 3

4. CONSERVATION AND REVITALIZATION OF KYOTO LANDSCAPE OBJECTIVE- To study and list out methods to conserve Kyoto’s landscape.

METHODOLOGY- Survey.

CONCLUSION- Listing out guidelines for various heights in and around the landscape area.

INFERENCE- Controlling destruction of streetscape by controlling building heights alone.

SOURCE- https://www.city.kyoto.lg.jp/tokei/cmsfiles/contents/0000057/57538/3shou.pdf

5. IMPORTANCE OF RURAL LANDSCAPE IN THE SETTING OF BATH IN A WORLD HERITAGE SITE OBJECTIVE- Studying the not-so-recognised landscape setting around the outstanding architectural city of Bath.

METHODOLOGY- Survey and reviewing previous character appraisals.

CONCLUSION- The landscape area around the city has been talen for granted.

INFERENCE- Listing out guidelines to protect the landscape area around the city.

SOURCE- https://www.bathworldheritage.org.uk/sites/world_heritage_site/files/heritage/ Setting%20Study%20part%201.pdf

6. CASE STUDY AND RESEARCH AGENDA FOR SOUTH AFRICA’S NATIONAL PARKS OBJECTIVE- Studying the effects on viewsheds and the SoP (Sense of Place) at Garden Route National Park, South Africa, due to presence of Non-native Invasive plant species.

METHODOLOGY- Survey and graphical methods of field recording.

CONCLUSION- Proposing a conceptual model and research agenda.

INFERENCE- Promote the use of viewsheds and SoP in the management of national parks.

SOURCE- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/305882421_Viewshed_and_sense_of_ place_as_conservation_features_A_case_study_and_research_agenda_for_South_Africa’s_ national_parks

7. CONSERVATION OF SCENIC LANDSCAPES VIEWED FROM HIGHWAYS OBJECTIVE- Studying scenic viewscapes existing abundantly in the Prince Edwards Island Roads METHODOLOGY- Landscape impact analysis.

CONCLUSION- Strip Development of houses, resorts etc. on island highways.

INFERENCE- New development complementing the landscape.

SOURCE- http://www.scenic.org/issues/scenic-easements-a-view-protection/strategies-forprotecting-scenic-views-and-vistas 4

METHODOLOGY The method used in this study involves the following stages: STAGE 1- Selection of site (The Meenakshi Sundareshwara Temple, Madurai, Tamil Nadu STAGE 2- Mapping of building heights around the temple premises at a 500m radius and marking buildings violating the 9m height restriction imposed by the government.

STAGE 3- Marking access roads based on (a) Accessibility to main services (b) Type of access (c) Frequency of usage STAGE 4- Marking Land use pattern around the temple premises.

STAGE 5- Visits to the museum and library to collect existing view photographs and archived old photographs for comparative study.

STAGE 6- Photographs taken and a View Map is prepared by showing the locational relationship between the Assessment View Points, annotated to show the viewing orientation towards the monument and View corridors, showing the kinetic nature of the view.

STAGE 7- View assessment framework is developed for analyzing the views and the viewing place. It contains the following attributes for viewscape: (a) Visibility of the Gopuram: High (visiblity of the structure is more than 90%, with no obstructions), Moderate (visibitiy range 70% - 90%, with few obstructions), Average (visibility range 50% -70%, with more obstructions), Poor (obstucted by permanent objects, partial visbility, visibility range less than 50%) (b) Classification of View: Immediate Views (within 500m from view amenity), Intermediate Views (betweenn 500m to 1000m from view amenity) and, Distant Views ( more than 1000m from view amenity) (c) Viewing Place: View from paths and streets, View from public parks & open grounds, View from semi-public places etc. (d) Types of view: Visual corridor, Panoramic, Serial views, Framed Views and Street-end views (e) Dominance in skyline: The impact of silhoute of the monument in the skyline (High, Marginal and Low) (f) Obstructions types: Buildings, Signages, Communication & Utility Lines, Vegetation, Hoardings, Temporary hatched and trussed roofs (pandal), etc. Background and Foreground of the View Plane.

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STAGE 8- A comparative study done between archived photos and present photos and a photo monatge is created by removing obstructions from present views.

STAGE 9- A natives and tourists survey* is conducted, comprising various questions regarding visibility, obstruction level etc. (*Sample questionnaire used for the survey attached in appendix 1)

CASE STUDY The study aimed at analyzing views of the Meenakshi Sundareshwara temple, Madurai, from different locations well inside 1km radius by exploring the current urban development scenario in and around the complex that lead to the same. It was found that the landmark could be identified from several circulation nodes as well as linkages and served as a prominent path finder. The religious significance that the temple continues to have accounts for its tangibility through every street around until beyond three layers of urban fabric. After a certain amount of visual study, however, consequential viewpoints were chosen wherefrom the temple structure was seen to be the most predominant structure in the frame chosen.

STAGE 2: The buildings marked in red in the following map were the buildings violating the government restriction of 9m around the temple premises.

STAGE 3: Access roads are marked based on(a) Accessibility to main services The map is color coded showing the primary roads providing access to the temple from the main Periyar bus stop and the Madurai Railway Junction.

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GREY- Temple BROWN- Primary roads OCHRE- Services

(b) Type of Access The inner pedestrian path is the Chittrai Veedi and is 3.5m wide. The second ring is called the Avani Veedi, which is 4m wide and the third street is called the Masi Veedi, which is 4.5m wide.

BLUE- Pedestrian OCHRE- 2 Wheeler access BROWN- 4 Wheeler access

(b) Frequency of Usage The roads are color coded and marked as Primary usage roads which is used majorly by the general public to access the temple, The Secondary usage roads which are used by the natives and the Tertiary usage roads which are used extensively y residents as “short cuts�.

BROWN- Primary usage BLUE- Secondary usage BLACK- Tertiary usage

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STAGE 4: Land use pattern is marked around the temple premise in the following color code-

STAGE 6: View map containing the View Assessment points and View Corridors around the temple premises. It is color coded based on obstruction levels.

YELLOW- Least

BLUE- Intermediate

RED- Most

BLACK- Completely blocked

STAGE 7: View Assesment framework formed based on the above mentioned criteria and 9 selected views (3 in each cardinal direction) assessed in a tabular format.

View

View Type of Points view

Dominance

Disturbance

Disturbance type

Location

Rating

N1

Intermediate view

High

Low

Building and ac units

View from a commercial lodge’s 3rd Floor

2.5/5

N2

Immediate view

High

Medium

Building and service lines

3.5/5

N3

Intermediate view

Medium

High

Building and service lines

View from North Chitrai vedi View of The North tower from

North

8

2.5/5

N2 North

West

East

view

service lines

N3

Intermediate view

Medium

High

Building and service lines

W1

Distant view

Low

High

Building and service lines

W2

Distant view

Medium

High

Building and service lines

W3

Immediate view

High

Low

Service lines

E3

Immediate view

High

Medium

Building and service lines

E4

Immediate view

High

Medium

Service lines

E8

Intermediate view

High

Low

Service lines

S1

Distant view

Low

High

Hoardings

S2

Intermediate view

High

Moderate

Temporary structure

S3

Immediate view

High

Moderate

Service lines

South

North Chitrai vedi View of The North tower from North Chitrai vedi View from Town hall road View from Town hall road View from under the Tower Front view from the Pedestrian path Grand view from the Pedestrian path Front view from Pudumandapa road View from South west corridor View from a commercial lodge’s 3rd Floor Front view from under the tower

2.5/5

0.5/5 1.5/5 3.5/5 3.5/5

4.5/5

4/5

1/5 2/5

3.5/5

VIEWS-

N2 N1

9

N3

W1

W2

W3

E3

E4

E8

S1

S2

S3

STAGE 8: Comparative Assesment(a) Historic Comparison

1918

2018

10

1930

2018

(b) Photo montage, removing disturbances from the current pictures through Photoshop.

BEFORE

AFTER

AFTER

BEFORE 11

AFTER

BEFORE

BEFORE

AFTER 12

STAGE 9- A Questionnaire Survey was created, one set for Tourists and another for the natives, and the data was compiled in a graphical format.

A common response from both tourists and natives, was the erection of vantage points.

TOURIST SURVEY Q1. How many times have you visited

Q2. Did the view live upto your expectations?

this temple?

Q3. What was the best view of the temple?

Q4. Did you find any problems in the view?

Q5. If yes, what?

Q6. What are the elements enhancing the view?

1. Service lines

1. The view and arrangement of the Gopurams

2 .Transformers

2. Natural elements like trees, sunshine etc.

3. Building extrusions (balconies etc.)

3. The grand Gopurams and the Kalasam

4. Hoardings and signage

4. The intricate carvings

Q7. Do you want vantage points to view the temple?

Yes 13

NATIVES SURVEY Q1. Age group 20-50 yrs.

Q2. How long have you been living here?

15-30 yrs.

Q3. Which place gives the best view of the temple?

Q4. At what time of the day is the view best?

Q5. Has the view of the temple changed?

Q6. If yes, is it good or bad?

Q7. What are the good changes?

More trees planted, thus, framing the view Q8. What are the bad changes?

1. Commercial stores projections 2. Hoardings, posters and signage 3. Transformer and service lines 4. Large landmarks like statues etc.

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Q9. Do you think these commercial shops are

Q10. Does the visibility of the temple affect

a disturbance?

you?

Q11. Do you have an emotional connect to

Q12. Do you want vantage points to view the

the temple?

temple?

Q13. Are you comfortable with tourist

Q14. If not, why?

coming to the temple?

1. They dress inappropriately 2. They don’t understand the culture, thus, wont respect it and might damage it 3. They look very out-of-place in a temple premise Q16. What are the elements enhancing the view?

1. Natural elements (Trees, sky etc.)

Q15. Does the government play a role in

2. The Gopuram and the colors

enhancing and preserving the current view?

3. The intricate carvings

Yes

4. The night lighting 15

DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS Balconies: Balconies are not to protrude from the wall of the building. However, low buildings, or places out of view from public spaces are not restricted.

Roof: The colour of the roofing material of all buildings will be of subdued toning and aim to minimise the visual impact and glare of the roof when viewed from beyond the site.

The roofs of new constructions should be in traditional Tamil Nadu Red tile sloping structures and should not cross the height limit. This is done to boost the aesthetical and authenticity values of the viewscape.

Facades: Glass facades should be restricted to avoid glare onto the streets.

The material of the facades should be of subdued hues and aim to highlight the Gopuram view and not take too much attention by being coloured in bright colours. Unstained matte natural materials are also not restricted.

Service Lines: All existing service lines and electrical lines should be taken underneath the existing roads or be relocated such that it does not infringe upon the existing views.

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Pedestrianisation: The second ring around the Temple complex should ideally be pedestrianized as well, which would add a much more defined character to the complex and reduce the disruptions in view from more viewpoints.

Supply vehicles to the shops inside the second ring should be given timings like 2AM - 3AM to bring in their goods, not interfering with the devotees experience of walking to the Temple complex with clear view not infringed upon by unnecessary Traffic and parking violations.

Hoarding Palette: Avoid the usages of vinyl siding, aluminum or sheet metals, and/or mirrored or tinted glass. The use of stone, brick and decorative concrete shall be encouraged for store hoardings. Painting it onto the facade like in the Old City of Jaipur rather than using vinyls would be very much preferred.

Penalty for Buildings breaking Height Limit: Rather than destroying or demolishing buildings violating the height restriction, roofs of buildings that are either wholly or partly commercial are to be converted into viewing locations of the Temple and branded as such from outside.

Mirrors reflecting Temple: Similar to the effect seen in Large facades with reflective glass glazing, an aesthetical approach would be to position various large mirrors in different places around the Temple to give a multiplied view to the Gopuram.

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CONCLUSION The sacred emotions experienced by pilgrims and religious believers are mostly influenced by the characteristics of the sacred place. The methodological view assessment of the Meenakshi Amman Temple, has revealed that it has high visual quality and a strongly defined sense of place, characterised by its architectural form. Given its dominance in terms of height and size it is visible only till a radius of 500m. Further away, only the kalasam and a small part of the gopuram are seen.

The results of the study demonstrate the method for assessment of views, so as to identify the significant viewscapes for preservation and enhancement. This study not only classifies the significant views, viewpoints, visual corridors which need to be protected but also identifies the obstructing elements which need to be removed from the viewscape.

The study has revealed that the characteristics of the viewing place have a lot of influence on the significance of the view, for example, due to pedestrianization of the Chittrai Veedi, more people are able to walk freely and view the temple without any fear of passing vehicles, whereas in the Adi Veedi, due to continuous and haphazard movement of motorists and cars, people really dont get to appreciate the view. However, the view is still appreciated and frequented if the point offers the best view available. It is, thus, important to improve such view places and enhance the viewing experience by making it more viewer friendly.

It is also observed that obstructing vegetation is considered more of an enhancing element than an obstructing one. Also, many viewers chose to compromise over a clearer view due to the provision of shade by the obstructing vegetation.

The concept of Viewscapes, their importance and need for conservation isn’t prevelant in India. Awareness needs to be created about how it connects to people emotionally and sentimentally by bringing a realisation of its unknowing existence in people’s minds and how big an asset viewscapes are to the country. This Viewscape Assessment Study can be further modified to assess the views of significant visual resources in other sacred cities in Tamil Nadu for the purpose of viewscape preservation. By preserving and enhancing the views of sacred monuments, the connection between people, religion and place becomes strengthened.

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APPENDIX I SAMPLE QUESTIONNAIRE TOURISTS SUREVEYQ1. How many times have you visited this temple?

Q2. Did the view live upto your expectations?

Q3. Which was the best view of the temple?

Q4. Did you find any problem in the present view?

Q4. If yes, what?

Q5. Do you want vantage points to view the temple?

Q6. What are the elements enhancing the view?

NATIVES SURVEY Q1. Age group Q2. How long have you been residing here?

Q3. Which place gives the best view of the temple?

Q4. At what time of the day view is best?

Q5. Has the view of the temple changed over time?

Q6. If yes, is it good or bad?

Q7. What are the good changes?

Q8. What are the bad changes?

Q9. Do you think these commercial shops are a disturbance?

Q10. Does the visibility of the temple affect you?

Q11. Do you have an emotional connect to the temple?

Q12. Do you want vantage points to view the temple?

Q13. Are you comfortable with tourist coming to the temple?

Q14. If not, why?

Q15. What are the elements enhancing the view?

Q16. Does the government play a role in enhancing and preserving the current view?

Q17. What could be done to preserve the temple and its views? (Design Recommendations) 19