Heritage Buildings In Mumbai

By Author: Loknath
Total Articles: 22
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Taken a walk down the D.N Road in South Mumbai, all the buildings built are Heritage Buildings built in the late 1800s and early 1900s and these are the buildings which have stood the test of time. It is noticed that among these heritage structures, few of them are very well maintained especially the Banks and Financial Institutions whereas some of the buildings desperately need repairs.

This reflects the quality of construction during that period, which was excellent and hence, several such buildings which were built during the British rule are as strong as any other building which have been built in the last five to ten, elsewhere in the city of Mumbai. There have been cases where buildings built 20 or less years ago are falling apart; whereas many heritage buildings have stood the test of time and have never got into such state of disrepair requiring reconstruction.

Heritage buildings need to be preserved, mainly, because it talks about the rich heritage of the city besides offering an interesting architectural facade.

Globally other cities like London and Paris have similar buildings and they ...
... have been beautifully maintained/restored and decorated with the latest of interiors. The scenario is not the same along the streets of Mumbai. The architecture belongs to the colonial era, it takes one back in time. If these districts are restored to its original historic glory, it can be an attractive tourist destination. In parts of the old city a few heritage buildings have been preserved, but either the access or neighbouring sites are of poor quality, which makes it difficult to reach out and attract tourists or for making it a good source of revenue.

The original functions of some of these buildings viz. The General Post Office Building (GPO) was used as a hospital during World War – II and even during World War – I. Few buildings which were originally built for some other purpose but currently functioning as something else mainly because the nature of the economy has changed: new requirements and needs have come up. The old buildings which were designed for something else are today being utilised for some other purpose.

Similarly, another building, previously known as Town Hall is now functioning as the Asiatic Library. It was built by the Britishers for social gatherings and meetings in the evening. Today no such social gatherings take place here but operates as a library.

A challenging task for architects is to check how they fit in new requirements of the 21st Century in a building which was built in the 19th Century. Some of the buildings have been renovated successfully by architects especially where International Banks operate. These buildings appear to be brand new structures of 1898 from outside while once one steps inside, it feels as if one is transported to 2011 with plush modern interiors with the best of fitouts and fixtures inside.

When it comes to architects in Mumbai, this is one special field where few architects have specialized viz. Restoration of Heritage buildings and also fitting of such historic buildings to suit the needs of modern man.

About Loknath Swain:

Loknath Swain is a Mumbai based writer. He writes on subjects related to architects in mumbai and interior designers in mumbai