Centre for Heritage Research
The activities undertaken at Centre for Heritage Research (CHR) focus on:
A. Documentation and Research of Heritage Resources: Documentation of tangible and intangible aspects of heritage is undertaken by focused Related Study Program, Collaborative Research Project (CRP), Thesis and Initiatives undertaken by the faculties. Workshops are organized to explore the approaches of documentation.
B. Design Social Outreach Programs and Initiatives: Centre proactively gets involved with advocacy based through City Heritage Walks, School Children Sensitization Workshops and Public Exhibitions. Activities such as film screening and panel discussions are undertaken to generate awareness about the subject matter.
C. Consulting Projects: CHR collaborates with Local Authorities, Government Organizations, Local NGO’s and Private Sector on projects related to Heritage such as preparing Narrow Gauge Heritage Plan as part of Pratapnagar Railway Station Redevelopment Plan. The conservation and restoration of Laurie Baker designed Activity Center in Vadodara.
D. Repository Based Projects: Documentation of natural and built heritage is undertaken by the Center comprising of publications Vernacular Dwelling types of various Regions of India documented through RSP, Studio Projects and Thesis. Other projects include technology driven “Vad of Vadodara” project creating a geo-tagged map of 550+ banyan trees within Vadodara City.
The projects undertaken in Phase-I are researched by the faculty members and students of School of Environmental Design and Architecture (SEDA) at Navrachana University which are as follows:
Laurie Baker in Vadodara
Architect Laurie baker is known for his cost-effective and sustainable approach to architecture using local materials and building practices. It was in mid-1970's when he was invited by the industrialist Nanubhai Amin to work in Vadodara. Center for Heritage Research advocated the restoration and re-purposing of these buildings and after successfully restoring them now organizes "Lauri Baker Walks” in the city. The walks are curated by the faculty members and students of Navrachana University
Narrow Gauge Railway Heritage of Vadodara
This project is an ode to an important part of history to the Nation's first Narrow Gauge Railway which began a change in the landscape of India in terms of travel and transport. The railways commissioned under the Gaekwad rule completely changed the face of Baroda State as it connected the hinterland with the cities and unified all the far-flung territories. Soon after that Baroda became one of the important centers of Indian railways. By juxtaposing the urban and rural context with the interior spaces of the railway carriage, the project focuses on the impact of railways on the social and cultural fabric of the city and the countryside.
Vad (Banyan Tree) of Vadodara
"Vad of Vadodara" is a multi-disciplinary research project under the Heritage Research Centre, Navrachana University encompassing the tangible and intangible aspects of the heritage.
Heritage Publications
The documentation and research undertaken by faculties and students at School of Environmental Design and Architecture (SEDA) under CHR has been compiled in form of publication series on the Vernacular Dwelling types of various regions of India and others are in preparation stage.