Awareness on ‘reuse’ of heritage monuments

How about turning a 15th century monument into a public library? Or for that matter, can a monument be used as a crèche for children from the area? These and other such suggestions have been received as part of an event to focus on ‘redevelopment’ and ‘reuse’ of heritage monument — Khirki mosque in south Delhi— in urban setting.

How about turning a 15th century monument into a public library? Or for that matter, can a monument be used as a crèche for children from the area? These and other such suggestions have been received as part of an event to focus on ‘redevelopment’ and ‘reuse’ of heritage monument — Khirki mosque in south Delhi— in urban setting.

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The monument from the Firoz Shah Tughlaq era, Khirki, was the theme for a competition titled ‘Khirki Heritage Re-use Design Competition’ for architecture students. Tucked away inside Khirki village, almost choked by houses from all sides, is a showcase of unique architecture.

Organised by Axiom India, a group of architects, there were 32 entries suggesting redevelopment and re-use of the historic building. While the ASI gave permission to hold the event at Khirki monument, Indian National Trust for Arts and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) supported it as part of its campaign towards nomination of Delhi as World Heritage City.

“It is part of the campaign to involve people in conservation of heritage,” said AGK Menon of INTACH’s Delhi chapter. This was entirely a community effort without direct involvement of government agencies.