Approach to Conservation and Restoration: Specific Focus on Cultural Heritage of Shimla

This book is an effort to comprehend crucial aspects of the field of architecture and conservation through the example of the Cultural and Historic Urban Landscape of Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh. This town has unique position in history since the early 19th century and also enjoys prominent place in architecture and conservation practices. The Shimla town has been chosen as a case study not because of its architectural and historical prominence only but also because of the present day situation in which it has become a seriously vulnerable natural and historical landscape bearing severe developmental pressures due to various factors which are threatening its very basis, foundation and the spirit on which it was built. The book discusses the evolution of the town through the ideas of 'space making’. This approach further leads to the understanding of an urban form as a resultant of a social evolution that is inherently connected over time with the evolving culture of the place and its residents. From discussions on architecture, the work moves on to laying down a contextual basis for establishing the value of heritage at three levels which are natural landscape, settlement and the building. The work is extensively supported by a thorough field work. It finally arrives at conclusions by contemplating not only theoretical research but also real on-field case studies, discussions regarding the state of conservation and the prevailing norms, concerns, efforts and regulations put forth by the Government. It lucidly discusses the lacunae in government regulations, their tardy implementation, damage both have caused to the entire landscape and a way forward.