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Preface
This book is written with an objective to discuss various issues pertaining to urban regeneration. In course of discussions, valid questions are raised with an intention to cover social, economic and also spatial aspects of city rebuilding.
The book is divided into three parts. The first part covers world view on urban regeneration and discusses city rebuilding processes in United States, United Kingdom and Europe. It further discusses transportation system and urban form of cities with focus on new urban centers. Classic examples of efficient town planning decisions of new cities around London and also new towns developed in India post independence are covered.
A chapter on historic cities of India further cites examples of Lucknow, Varanasi and Allahabad and their educational, religious and cultural potential.
The second part focuses on drawing regeneration strategies for Allahabad, a historic city of India. An established centre of administration, education and culture, and once the capital of the province, Allahabad has been an integral part of our history. The city has contributed immensely towards the building of modern day India. University of Allahabad, also known as the ‘Oxford of the East’, imparted quality higher education.
The city is a fascinating maze of architectural splendour from ancient to colonial times, regarded as the most sacred pilgrimage and known as ‘Tirth Raj’ the city of Allahabad also holds the world’s largest conglomeration, Kumbh, held every twelve years. The presence of Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati make ‘Prayag’ an even more sacred place and a leading centre of spiritual learning.
Such an ancient city adapted itself as a centre of excellence in education and culture and during the beginning of the twentieth century was already an established urban centre. This unique rise of Allahabad attracted many professionals, scholars and academicians who made the city as their base, thus arousing attention of intelligentsia all around the world.
It is ironical that such a prominent urban centre has over the last half a century, the post-independence period, been in a state of decline. The erosion of cultural fabric, the university’s failure in attracting students from across the country, the unmanaged heritage of the place has all changed the present face of Allahabad and the city has totally lost its sheen. The rise of Allahabad and the inherent potential of the city which propelled it to prominence is analysed and subsequently the decline is observed.
The third part suggests various regeneration strategies for Allahabad and also for other similar historic cities in India. The regeneration strategies are based keeping in mind the educational and cultural aspect and also aims at strengthening the key historic nodes which are a vital part of our history and culture.
I am grateful to my parents who stood by me all along and without their support such a work would not have been possible. I treasure and value the discussions I had with my father on Allahabad during the research part of this book. He has helped me understand the basic problems of Indian cities.
My wife, Monica for giving me that extra bit of encouragement which made me sit for long hours in my study. I would like to mention that the idea of this book belongs to her and she always believed that I could complete such a work. My son, Aditya who has seen me work on the project and for giving me company.
My sisters, Anjana for sending me latest journals and books on Architecture and Planning and special thanks to Aparna for putting every bit of information together and compiling the first draft.
I am deeply indebted to Dr. Shovan. K. Saha for guiding me through the course of my research work.
Preface
This book is written with an objective to discuss various issues pertaining to urban regeneration. In course of discussions, valid questions are raised with an intention to cover social, economic and also spatial aspects of city rebuilding.
The book is divided into three parts. The first part covers world view on urban regeneration and discusses city rebuilding processes in United States, United Kingdom and Europe. It further discusses transportation system and urban form of cities with focus on new urban centers. Classic examples of efficient town planning decisions of new cities around London and also new towns developed in India post independence are covered.
A chapter on historic cities of India further cites examples of Lucknow, Varanasi and Allahabad and their educational, religious and cultural potential.
The second part focuses on drawing regeneration strategies for Allahabad, a historic city of India. An established centre of administration, education and culture, and once the capital of the province, Allahabad has been an integral part of our history. The city has contributed immensely towards the building of modern day India. University of Allahabad, also known as the ‘Oxford of the East’, imparted quality higher education.
The city is a fascinating maze of architectural splendour from ancient to colonial times, regarded as the most sacred pilgrimage and known as ‘Tirth Raj’ the city of Allahabad also holds the world’s largest conglomeration, Kumbh, held every twelve years. The presence of Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati make ‘Prayag’ an even more sacred place and a leading centre of spiritual learning.
Such an ancient city adapted itself as a centre of excellence in education and culture and during the beginning of the twentieth century was already an established urban centre. This unique rise of Allahabad attracted many professionals, scholars and academicians who made the city as their base, thus arousing attention of intelligentsia all around the world.
It is ironical that such a prominent urban centre has over the last half a century, the post-independence period, been in a state of decline. The erosion of cultural fabric, the university’s failure in attracting students from across the country, the unmanaged heritage of the place has all changed the present face of Allahabad and the city has totally lost its sheen. The rise of Allahabad and the inherent potential of the city which propelled it to prominence is analysed and subsequently the decline is observed.
The third part suggests various regeneration strategies for Allahabad and also for other similar historic cities in India. The regeneration strategies are based keeping in mind the educational and cultural aspect and also aims at strengthening the key historic nodes which are a vital part of our history and culture.
I am grateful to my parents who stood by me all along and without their support such a work would not have been possible. I treasure and value the discussions I had with my father on Allahabad during the research part of this book. He has helped me understand the basic problems of Indian cities.
My wife, Monica for giving me that extra bit of encouragement which made me sit for long hours in my study. I would like to mention that the idea of this book belongs to her and she always believed that I could complete such a work. My son, Aditya who has seen me work on the project and for giving me company.
My sisters, Anjana for sending me latest journals and books on Architecture and Planning and special thanks to Aparna for putting every bit of information together and compiling the first draft.
I am deeply indebted to Dr. Shovan. K. Saha for guiding me through the course of my research work.