A systematic approach for evolving byelaws, codes and guidelines in heritage conservation areas: the use of visual simulation techniques

Abstract

Protection of historic monuments and precincts of significant heritage and cultural value is commonly exercised through various legal instruments. However, each heritage monument and precinct also requires a setting to establish its context. The setting should provide an appropriate linkage to the monument and precinct, and needs some form of control mechanism to ensure that future development is sympathetic to the protected site and enhances its appreciation. In India, the 'Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 2010', addresses this issue, to take care of the sensitive dynamics of conservation and development in areas surrounding protected monuments and precincts. This entails making Heritage Bye-laws, regulations and guidelines, with an inbuilt flexibility to cater to the changing needs and aspirations of the surrounding community, yet preserving the inherent character of the setting. This paper discusses some visual simulation methods to support formulation of such instruments, adopted in three particular cases in India. In particular, the methods contribute towards (i) conservation planning for heritage districts, (ii) formulation of site-specific byelaws based on existing scenario, (iii) assessment of visual impact of future construction, and (iv) preparation of enabling design guidelines for infill/new construction. The methodology uses view control study and visual simulation techniques as decision tools, and illustrates how translation of vernacular idioms may be employed in formulating design guidelines to ensure a consonance in built form.