Prof. Bhagyasshree Ramakrishna’s research titled “Lakes Panvel: examining the historic socio-spatial water systems” was awarded the Saint-Gobain Grants Program in 2022.
The research examined Panvel’s historic water talavs (water tanks) located within its old core urban fabric. The research offers an insight into the socio-cultural dynamics of talavs in Panvel’s historical core in order to gain a better understanding of the values of the water tanks in today’s urban context. The systematic disintegration of small water bodies and their cultural associations in contemporary development is evident in lake redevelopment projects. Water versus development conflicts is examined through the lens of various stakeholders, decision-making authorities and their views of contemporary society. The study specifically examined ‘Krishnale Talav’ as a case, documenting its altering boundaries through local community narratives, histories, memories, perceptions and spatial associations. The findings exemplify the dichotomy of private infrastructure and public commons that the ambiguity of lake ownership, its value and its economy, has caused to widen lake ecological imbalance.
The research is a component of Pillai College of Architecture’s larger ongoing Urban Studio Research Project facilitated by the Council of Architecture (2021-23). The intent of the research is to document and provide knowledge support on the historic urbanism of Panvel. The project conducted activities including initiating local school students to participate in the ‘Water we Want’ youth prize contest organised by UNESCO (Water Museums Global Network), 2022. The project was enabled by student research assistants, studios and interactions with the local community. Saint-Gobain Scholarships are awarded to projects that contribute significantly to research within architecture, community habitats and urban environments.
Further details can be found here:
https://ethosempowers.com/ideace/events/sggrants
Bhagyasshree Ramakrishna is an urban designer, architect and academician. She holds a Master’s degree in Urban Design (M.Arch.) from CEPT University and Bachelor’s degree in Architecture (B.Arch.) from Mumbai University. Her research is centred around the areas of the urban socio-spatial constructs, and community-led urban transformations. Her work is also an inquiry of inclusive and accessible gendered geographies in the Global South.
