PLANNING STRATEGIES FOR MUZIRIS HERITAGE SITE: HISTORIC URBAN LANDSCAPE (HUL) APPROACH

Abstract

This study aims to highlight the importance of HUL approach in the current urban scenario so that heritage conservation could be integrated as a part of overall development of the region. HUL approach is a comprehensive framework designed to manage and safeguard the cultural heritage of historic cities and urban areas. It recognizes that urban heritage is not limited to individual buildings or sites but encompasses the entire urban fabric, including its physical, social, economic, and cultural dimensions. The HUL approach aims to promote a holistic understanding of urban heritage, encouraging integrated and sustainable urban development. It was developed in response to the challenges faced by historic cities in the face of rapid urbanization, globalization, and modernization. These pressures often lead to the destruction or neglect of historic urban areas, resulting in the loss of their unique character, identity, and sense of place. The HUL approach seeks to address these challenges by shifting the focus from a purely preservation-based approach to a more inclusive and participatory one that considers the dynamic nature of urban areas. In this study, we will put a special emphasis on the various conservation strategies used over time. Different facets of heritage management that are pertinent to urban heritage sites that are under pressure to expand owing to development will be studied and analyzed. The goal is to develop a plan for our study using the equipment needed for good heritage management. Our study area is a historical and archaeologically significant heritage site called as Muziris Heritage Site. The site is already undertaking a conservation process that is being overseen by the several Kerala government authorities. The ultimate purpose of this project is to evaluate and compare the current conservation process with the best practices like HUL and to propose recommendations that fit into a larger framework for urban development.