“Urban Talavs of Panvel: Revitalising cultural precincts as vibrant public spaces”.
Pillai College of Architecture is currently engaged in an ‘Urban studio Research Project (USRP)’ promoted by the Council of Architecture. The college is one among 27 colleges across the country selected by the COA. The details can be found here
As a part of this project, the college is looking into the Urban Talavs or small lakes that exist in the city of Panvel, a historical port and trading town, now an amalgamation of old and new development. There are as many as seven such Talav sites in Panvel, each associated with a place of worship of different faiths. The sites are in varying state of preservation or neglect.
The research focuses on documenting the existing fabric of these Talav sites while also recording historical and cultural narratives associated with them. Based on an in-depth analysis, the faculty and student teams will prepare action plan and recommendations for community action for revitalisation of these sites to become vibrant public spaces for the benefit of the community and to achieve a balance in urban ecology. This action plan is to be presented to the local governing body for their implementation.
The objectives of the project are in alignment with UNDP’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) such as goal numbers – 11, 6 and 4. The key ideas covered therein are – sustainable cities and communities, vibrant public spaces, safeguarding cultural and natural heritage, restoration of water- related eco-systems, educating students to be sentient of their immediate urban environment and bring a positive change in the same.
The following PiCA faculty team is currently working on this research:
- Dr. Smita Dalvi – Principal Investigator
- Dr. Sudnya Mahimkar – Principal, PiCA
- Prof. Kavita Pradhan
- Prof. Bhagyassshree Ramakrishna
- Prof. Ajita Deodhar
- Prof. Tushara Kaliath
- Prof. Jui Chougule
- Prof. Jinu Kurien
- Prof. Snehal Ghag
- Prof. Aditya Gujarkar
