Article

Regeneration of a Mixed Use Journal of Heritage Management

1(1) 35–58
Area in the Historic Core of a © 2016 The Centre for Heritage
Management, Ahmedabad University
City—A Case study of ‘Chala’ in and SAGE Publications
SAGE Publications
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala sagepub.in/home.nav
DOI: 10.1177/2455929616638776
http://hmj.sagepub.com

Anurup Kesavan Nair1

Sanghamitra Basu2

Abstract
The process of urban regeneration is a comprehensive approach, which seeks to bring about enduring
and sustainable improvement in the economic, physical, social and environmental conditions of an area
that has been subjected to deterioration. It needs a thorough understanding of the dynamics of change
in the area. The present article intends to explore the strengths and potentials of the study area and
its surroundings, and thereby devise policy guidelines to eradicate the deficiencies. Indian cities are
multicultural and vibrant and each city presents a unique situation that needs to be assessed in its own
historical and cultural context. For instance, in Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala, festivals,
arts and crafts play an integral role. The Thiruvananthapuram historic fort with the magnificent temple
and palace complexes, and its adjacent commercial zone of Chala, continues to be the hub of the city.
Despite its central location, pedestrian scale and an active community of artisans, the living/working
conditions of Chala have worsened over the past few decades. This technical article takes a holistic ap-
proach towards the regeneration of Chala, thereby providing a sound framework for collateral invest-
ment and user participation. The proposals are based on a careful assessment of available opportunities,
compatible programmes and possibilities for joint mobilization of various stakeholders and public–
private partnership. With a dedicated project management structure along with community participa-
tion and coordination, such proposals, if implemented, will hopefully ensure sustainable regeneration
of the area.

Keywords
Regeneration, obsolescence, urban regeneration, intangible heritage

The process of urban regeneration is a long-term cycle of activity. It emerges as a response to the oppor-
tunities and challenges presented by urban degeneration in a particular place and at a specific moment in

1
Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture, Government Engineering College, Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Technology (RIT),
Kottayam, Kerala.
2
Department of Architecture & Regional Planning, IIT Kharagpur, India.

Corresponding author:
Sanghamitra Basu, Department of Architecture & Regional Planning, IIT Kharagpur, 721 302, India.
E-mail: [email protected]
36 Journal of Heritage Management 1(1)

time. Urban regeneration as defined by Peter Roberts and Hugh Sykes is ‘a comprehensive and inte-
grated vision and action which leads to the resolution of urban problems and which seeks to bring about
a lasting improvement in the economic, physical, social and environmental condition of an area that has
been subject to change’ (Roberts & Sykes, 2000, p. 17). This definition encompasses the essential fea-
tures of urban regeneration in the context of the need for ‘a better understanding of the processes of
decline and an agreement on what one is trying to achieve and how’ (defined by Lichfeild as cited in
Roberts & Sykes, 2000). Urban regeneration moves beyond the aims, aspirations and achievements
of urban renewal, revitalization and redevelopment. In addition, studies on urban regeneration should
have a holistic approach.
Historic core of Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala, and especially the adjoining mixed use
area of Chala, the traditional business district, presents a case where urban regeneration can be used as
a tool to arrest degeneration. It can further be used to demonstrate how a comprehensive approach
integrating economic, physical, social and environmental interests can be beneficial. This holistic
approach combined with efficient management mechanism can pave the path for sustainable regenera-
tion. Based on careful assessment of available opportunities and compatible programmes, this article
outlines the methodological approach for regeneration of the mixed use area.

Introduction to the Study Area

The green city of Thiruvananthapuram has come a long way since its birth in 1756. It was the spiritual
capital of erstwhile Venad kingdom and the seat of administration since 1750 ad. The city today extends
to a total of 214 sq.km with a population of 752,490 people (2011 Census), a density of 4,454 persons
per sq.km and a growth rate of 2.07 per cent. There are a total of 100 wards registered under the munici-
pal corporation. The city has excellent linkages (see Figure 1) with the neighbouring districts of Kollam

Figure 1. Regional Setting

Source: Nair (2015).
Nair and Basu 37

and Pathanamthitta. On the west side, the city is bordered by the Arabian Sea and on the east side by the
foothills of Western Ghats. On the south, the city is bordered by Tamil Nadu and NH 47, which connects
Kanyakumari to the rest of India and passes through the city centre.
This historic core of the city has the fort and the adjoining mixed use area of Chala as important com-
ponents. The magnificent temple of Sree Padmanabha and the palace complex have been declared as
heritage zones. However, the place being the central business district of the city, the extension area of
Chala has been continuously subjected to chaotic developments. However, Chala continues to remain
socially far more cohesive and architecturally untouched when compared to many other parts of the city
that have been irreversibly altered under the pressure of tourism and/or commercial redevelopment. The
city, as a whole, lacks proper planning and development with living/working conditions getting worse,
especially over the past few decades. Lack of maintenance, outdated planning constraints, conflicting
uses, incongruent economical activities, coupled with low family incomes and extensive closure of
small-scale craft establishments are found to be the major factors contributing to its decline. The article
presents a retrospective study of how the city’s growth and lack of planning guidelines have adversely
affected the decline of Chala region.

Morphological Evolution of the City and Surrounding Region

The first settlement in the historic core of Thiruvananthapuram started around the Sri Padmanabhaswamy
temple. By 1100 ad, the area came under the rule of the Venad dynasty, which considered the Lord
as their family deity. The settlement started growing by the sixteenth and seventeenth century ad, and as
the trade especially the spice trade with Europeans started flourishing, Travancore became one of the
wealthiest kingdoms. This eventually led to the expansion of the kingdom to north Kerala, till north
Paravur. By the second half of the eighteenth century, the city emerged as the administrative capital
of Travancore dynasty, under the rule of Maharaja Anizham Thirunal Marthandavarma. The fort and
the related structures were constructed for the residence of the kings and for their administration
(see Figure 2). As the caste system restricted entry to the fort, the traders settled along the main path
that leads to Padmanabhapuram outside the fort walls. The capital was shifted permanently from
Padmanabhapuram to Trivandrum in 1750, following the ‘Trippadidanam’ treaty by which the kingdom
was donated to the temple making. Interestingly, Lord Padmanabha was regarded the official ruler of
Travancore and the king, a mere representative. As referred by Travancore historians, this led to the
practice of daily documentation of administrative/economic matters of the state, which contains immense
historical value.
Vallakadavu, the then major bazaar, was shifted to Chala in 1800 ad. The temple was reconstructed
during 1750–1850, and the artisans and masons brought from Suchindram in Tamil Nadu were permitted
to settle at the east side of the Chala (see Figure 3). Annual procession from Padmanabhapuram to
Thiruvananthapuram started in 1758 during Navratri celebration. The processional route passed through
the central street of Chala, and traders and artisans, who originally migrated from Tamil Nadu, were
permitted to pay respect to their visiting deities. Thus, the processional route of Chala, the related activi-
ties and the movement pattern became the most important part of the intangible heritage of Chala and the
historic core of Thiruvananthapuram. As the small market flourished, more people started migrating to
this region. In later years, proximity of Chala to the central railway station and central bus terminals
resulted in the development of Chala as a commercial hub and a wholesale centre. Subsequently, Chala’s
original linkage to the fort and the temple got severely affected.
38 Journal of Heritage Management 1(1)

Figure 2. Timeline of the Historic Evolution of Thiruvananthapuram

Source: Nair (2015).

Figure 3. Timeline of the Historic Evolution of Thiruvananthapuram

Source: Nair (2015).
Nair and Basu 39

Present Scenario of Chala and Issues

Built form of Chala is mainly characterized by organic scattered type of low-rise medium density deve-
lopment with a built-open ratio of 35 per cent. Agraharam pattern of development is evident along the
main processional path, and a variety of commercial activities and retail, wholesale, formal and informal
establishments thrive in the commercial zone, without any planning or management. Till 1980, each
street was identified by the commodities traded, and the compatibility of neighbouring establishments
was excellent. Several traditional crafts, artwork and food activities, that are a part of daily life, have
been continuing for the past three centuries. Crafts in Chala, especially the gold and bronze metal works,
represent a crucial aspect of its living tradition, though they are presently threatened due to socio-
economic pressures. Mixed land use was prominent till the 1980s, when the shopkeepers and their
families used to reside either upstairs or behind the shops. An analysis of existing land use revealed
that commercial land use is 29 per cent, while residential use amounts to 38 per cent (see Figure 4),
indicating continuity of mixed land use character.
However, types of commercial activities in Chala have undergone changes. Retail activities have
decreased from 74 per cent in 1981 to 59 per cent in 2011. While the traditional economical activities show
a negative growth, the new establishments, especially that of building materials, show an aggressive growth
(see Table 1). Conflicting land use and activities have resulted in inappropriate use of public spaces. Due
to the lack of storage space, the shopkeepers often encroach on the public space (Figures 5([a] and [b]).
Also, the sociocultural activity is hindered by changing land use, especially from residential to commercial.
The traditional ritualistic establishments, like garland-making shops which are open round the clock,
are decreasing in number and size. They once accounted to the community surveillance ensuring safety of
the community, especially during the early hours of the day when women and children visit the temple for
the pre-dawn rituals (Figure 5[c]).

Figure 4. Existing Land Use

Source: Nair (2015).
40 Journal of Heritage Management 1(1)

Table 1. Compatibility Analysis of Establishments

Whether Spatial/
Area/unit Percentage Percentage Traditional Growth Locational
Type of Establishment (sqm) in 1981 in 2011 Skill Involved Trend Compatibility
Jewellery 20 15 9.5 yes negative High
Flowers 12.5 10 6.5 yes negative High
Perfumery/Pooja articles 7.5 12 2 yes negative High
Semi-precious Metals 25 12 4.5 yes negative High
Rice/Provisions 35 20 27.5 no positive medium
Bakery 45 – 3 no positive medium
Stationeries 35 – 4 no positive Medium
Building materials 120 2 14 no positive Not compatible
Vegetable 25 18 9.5 no negative Medium
Textile 40 8 5.5 no negative Medium
Aakri (Scrap) 60 – 2.5 no positive Low
Artworks & Frames 25 3 2.5 yes negative High
Source: Nair (2015).

Figure 5a. Foot Path Encroachment

Source: Authors’ own.
Nair and Basu 41

Figure 5b. Foot Path Encroachment

Source: Authors’ own.

Figure 5c. Traditional Garland Maker

Source: Authors’ own.
42 Journal of Heritage Management 1(1)

The study of 162 numbers of commercial establishments (out of total 871 units) revealed that
59 per cent of the shopkeepers still live within the Chala and the adjacent fort area, and 46.2 per cent of
the customers are from a radius of 3–9 km, indicative of the continued dependency of nearby city dwell-
ers to Chala. Thus, retaining the mixed use character of the area (that was an extension to the heritage
core) and creating opportunities based on the potential of the area are parts of a successful regeneration
process. Reviving the crafts and traditional rituals and turning them as creative economy, rather than
liabilities, are essential tasks of this process. It is a major challenge to adjust the built form to suit the
present day conditions so as to contribute to this regeneration process. For example, the footprints of
the traditional planning areas with open spaces at the cluster cores are still evident in the interiors of
the Chala settlement (see Figure 6). It needs to be demonstrated how these lost spaces can be revitalized
by organizing open spaces that are scattered and inaccessible and finding appropriate activities. Accord-
ingly, an elaborate evaluation of the Chala area is essential to study the various issues. Based on the
evaluation of the physical, socio-economic and environmental characteristics, followed by strengths,
weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis of the area, the need and types of intervention
for regeneration can be determined. The methodology of the study, summary findings and analysis are
discussed in the next section.

Figure 6. Built versus Open Relationship Map

Source: Nair (2015).
Figure 7. Methodology
Source: Nair (2015).
44 Journal of Heritage Management 1(1)

Research Methodology
The research aimed at formulating certain policy guidelines based on the understanding of the various
issues of the historic urban core (see Figure 7). Concepts pertaining to ‘urban regeneration’ and ‘historic
urban landscape’ as well as some case studies on historic cores gave an idea of physical, socio-economic
and environmental parameters for evaluating prevailing conditions. Sample surveys of households and
commercial establishments along with the study of open spaces, vehicular/pedestrian movement and
parking became basis for understanding actual needs, constraints and potentials. Study of communities,
their activities and behavioural pattern helped in listing of tangible and intangible heritage assets. All these
data gave an insight into the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, and this SWOT analysis
became a useful tool for the identification of regeneration potentials as well as of types of intervention that
are needed.

Area Delineation and Reconnaissance Survey

The study area selected (see Figure 8) coincides with the boundary of Chala ward. It is bound by
East Fort road in the west, Powerhouse road in the north, Attakulangara Bypass road in the south and
Killipalam–Thampanoor road in the east. It has a population of 9,766 people (Census 2011) and a density

Figure 8. Study Area

Source: Nair (2015).
Nair and Basu 45

Figure 9. Images of Chala

Source: Authors.

of 14,277 persons/sq.km. The region has excellent linkages with two major transport hubs. Location
advantage, presence of higher order central functions, intangible heritage and concentration of retail and
service commerce also contribute to the pull factor and sense of place. However, residential activity has
reduced both in quantity and quality post 1980 as conflicting land uses and incompatible establishments
hinder daily activity and movement.
To visually evaluate the Chala area, a reconnaissance survey was conducted to understand the image and
the present condition of the area (see Figure 9). The streets that bound the Chala area vary in character in
terms of vehicular movement, road condition and streetscape. The built environment varies in terms of
condition and age of structures, and is predominantly low-rise. The southern side of the main street is active
with street vending (see Figure 10) which hinders the pedestrian movement. There are no architectural
guidelines or specifications for signage and hoardings, thus, hampering the aesthetic quality of the area.

Collection of Data and Survey

Data was collected from both primary and secondary sources. Primary data has been collected through
different sets of questionnaires by the method of random sampling, covering the entire study area. Out
46 Journal of Heritage Management 1(1)

Figure 10. Image of Chala

Source: Authors.
Nair and Basu 47

Table 2. Primary Data Inventory

Survey Type Relevance

Household survey (sample size 108 HHs Demographic profile, socio-economic background, physical
out of approximately 1,502 total HHs with condition of premises, dynamics of transformation of the
9,766 population (Census 2011) neighbourhood
Commercial survey (162 units out Establishment survey, type and size, transformation over
of 871 units) years, customer survey, shopkeepers’ survey, compatibility/
incompatibility of various economic activities
Built characteristics and visual survey Condition and age of structures, built character, land use, visual
Street vendors/hawkers survey environment, nature and magnitude of violation of building by-laws
Open/green space survey Informal vending, type/nature of vending and commodities,
Traffic survey relation to Chala and the socio-economic profile of vendors
Type of users use and timing
Traffic volume, peak hours
Parking survey Rates/hour, hours of parking, on-street/off-street parking, parking
demand
Source: Nair (2015).

of approximately 1,502 households, 108 households were surveyed, and for commercial survey, 162
numbers out of total 871 units were selected. Land use maps obtained from local authorities were out-
dated and required on-site verification and updating (see Table 2). All secondary data were collected from
various sources based on type of application. The data obtained and its sources are explained in Table 3.

Table 3. Secondary Data Inventory

Sl. No Objective Type of Application Data Required Data Obtained Source

1. Development Plot level, building Land use existing Land use, 1969, Office of the Chief
potential in terms of floor use updated by primary Town Planner,
change in land use survey Thiruvananthapuram
2. Control guidelines Ward level, city Development Kerala Municipality Corporation,
for development level controls, building Building rules Thiruvananthapuram
by-law
3. Demography Ward level Timeline data of Census Report at Census
demographic profile ward level from
1961–2011
4. Land availability for Plot level Ownership pattern Land ownership of Survey and land
redevelopment of properties plots records
5. Valuation of land Major streets Property, land and Valuation of land Revenue
rental value as recorded in Department,
September 2012 Thiruvananthapuram.
6. Existing economic Compatibility Nature of Trade Licence data Corporation,
structure, trends in analysis establishment/trade, list of establishments Thiruvananthapuram
commercial activity speciality goods, in Chala
revenue generated.
7. Parking issues, Traffic management Parking demand, Report on traffic NATPAC,
management and traffic volume count issues in Chala and Thiruvananthapuram
future requirements fort area
Source: Nair (2015).
48 Journal of Heritage Management 1(1)

Parameters Used for Analysis and Identification of Data Requirements

For any successful regeneration, identifying the parameters and variables for evaluating the present
physical and socio-economic profile of the area is important. Understanding the process of decline is
obligatory, which involves identification of parameters such as physical determinants of dilapidation,
land use and transformation trends over the period of time, demographic and sociocultural profile, exist-
ing infrastructure, value of land, institutional guidelines and regulations in the area. Here, in this study,
existing land use, ownership of land, land value, physical factors such as age, condition, height of
structures, built vs. open spaces, spaces for commercial activities, intangible heritage, crafts, spaces for
cultural activities, infrastructural facilities and urban environment were taken as parameters to under-
stand urban distress. These were used as main indicators to identify the scope for regeneration.

Analysis
Land Use, Ownership and Land Value
There is an acute shortage of parking facilities, organized green spaces and recreational spaces. As the
land is predominantly under private ownership, any fruitful intervention can be made possible only by
introducing an inclusive programme involving all the private parties owning the major chunk of land
(see Figure 11). Land value recorded along abutting roads as on September 2012 (see Figure 12) shows
a range of one to three million rupees/cents. Market value of commercial land is almost double the gov-
ernment rate. The lands that have bare minimum access are getting occupied by low income groups for
residential purposes, creating the effect of gentrification by displacing the original inhabitants. The study
insists that regeneration proposals, at least in the initial stage, need to be accommodated mainly on gov-
ernment and Trivandrum Development Authority (TRIDA) owned land. The article further proposes that
community-owned spaces near religious institutions can also be organized and utilized for the benefit of
the artist community.

Figure 11. Existing Ownership of Land

Sources: Nair (2015); Primary survey 2014.
Nair and Basu 49

Figure 12. Existing Land Value

Source: Nair (2015).

Physical Factors: Age, Condition and Height of Structures

In the Chala area, there are very few old heritage structures (see Figure 13). There are also a few streets
of significant/modest townscape value. These are mainly located in the fringe area of the heritage core
and are significant repositories of intangible heritage. Structures are mostly in moderate condition
(see Figure 14). Predominantly a low-rise medium density development, the area shows potential for
intensification through restricted vertical growth with requisite open spaces and parking provisions. Thus,
special guidelines need to be developed in accordance with the existing architectural language, along with
regulations for periodic evaluation of structural stability and declaration of structural obsolescence.

Figure 13. Age of Structures

Sources: Nair (2015); Primary survey 2014.
50 Journal of Heritage Management 1(1)

Figure 14. Condition of Structures

Sources: Nair (2015); Primary survey 2014.

Infrastructure Facilities
Water supply, sewerage and drainage and solid waste management were found to be adequate at present.
However, viability of regeneration projects within the study area in the context of additional demand for
infrastructure was consulted with experts and ascertained. Even though education, health and religious
and cultural facilities are available within a radius of 2 km, there is an acute shortage of recreational
spaces in the study area.

Intangible Heritage
Chala has immense potential in terms of intangible heritage. Several traditional crafts, artwork and
food activities have been a part of its daily life. As one of the most important aspects from sociocultural
and economic point of view, these activities having intangible heritage value were mapped, and the
clustering of such activities and their linkages were analyzed (see Figure 15). The study of the back-
ground, issues, potentials and the relationship of the study area to the historical urban fabric revealed that
the intangible heritage related to the traditional crafts and their craftsmen led to a strong interdependence
in the region. The study also revealed that raising the social and economic profile of the craftsmen
and ensuring the transmission of their knowledge to future generations living there are crucial for the
successful regeneration in the study area.

Spaces for Cultural Activities

Religious and cultural activities of Chala have been continuing for the last three centuries. The artisan
community in Chala and the local shopkeepers actively participate in the cultural activities and annual
procession during Navratri celebrations. During these celebrations, fourteenth century idols from
Nair and Basu 51

Figure 15. Intangible Heritage

Source: Nair (2015).

Padmanabhapuram are brought on elephants’ backs and palanquins through the central procession route
of Chala (see Figure 16), thereby creating spaces for celebration. Rapid loss of community spaces results
in inappropriate use of public spaces, especially roads.

Urban Environment
Spaces of Chala have a heterogeneous character, in terms of activity and physical character, with varying
degrees of interconnectivity and correlation. The central area is a high activity zone with retail commerce
and hawkers. It is also pedestrian intensive. Gandhi Park at the west end with its visual connectivity with
East Fort is used by visitors for resting and relaxing. Wholesale activity is concentrated in the north
side. Vegetable and fish market and vacant plots owned by TRIDA are in the south side. There is a pre-
dominant artisan settlement in the east side. Major vehicular entry is from east side. While commercial
streets and pedestrian walkways are introvert in character, open spaces and outer periphery areas, on
the other hand, are extrovert in nature, designed to suit human scale. The only exception remains the
Putharikandam Maidan which displays a monumental scale. Both day-time and night-time lights are
found to be inadequate. Lack of guidelines adversely affects the aesthetic quality of the streets and also
results in the inappropriate transformation of the building facades. Crime rate shows an increasing trend,
52 Journal of Heritage Management 1(1)

Figure 16. The Annual Procession Route and Activities

Source: Nair (2015).

which can be correlated with the decrease in mixed use residential areas and existence of unorganized
and inaccessible spaces.

SWOT Analysis
In this study, a SWOT analysis is conducted to get a comprehensive picture of the observations, analysis
and inferences. From the SWOT analysis, it emerged that the area is rich with intangible heritage. Chala
area has high accessibility because of its proximity with central business district (CBD). Transformation of
spaces and their uses over the period of time is not drastic. The continuing presence of master craftsmen,
the thriving traditional economic activities involving craftsmanship and the existing low-rise develop-
ments in moderate condition ascribe the place with a high potential for regeneration. The traffic issues
and pedestrian vehicular conflicts are the major weaknesses. Incompatible commercial activities result in
inappropriate use of public spaces. Continuing compatible economic activities, indigenous craft and
presence of potent social capital gives rise to opportunities that can be positively channelized for
regeneration.

Strengths Weakness
• Rich tangible/intangible heritage • Old CBD: Creating traffic issues
• Continuity of spaces and uses • P
 hysical disharmony between old and
• Accessibility, connectivity contemporary settlements
• Thriving traditional economic activities • Ambiguous approach by authorities
• S
 urviving craftsmanship and latent • Neglected plots and buildings
traditional skills • C
 onversion of commercial activities from
• Prime generator of cultural activities of the city retail to wholesale and shops to godowns.
• Low-rise development • Fire safety concerns and narrow roads
• Proximity to the major tourist destinations
Nair and Basu 53

Opportunities Threats
• S
 trong dependency of city dwellers to Chala for • D
 ecreasing traditional activities and
daily needs resulting break-in of backward linkages
• S urviving traditional economic activities • T
 rend of changing residential land use to
• Accessibility by: Train, bus, air and waterways commercial and speculative land prices
• C ontinuing traditional activities and craft as • U
 nplanned growth along roads recently
anchors for regeneration developed
• Proximity to international destination of • Traffic and parking issues
Padmanabhaswamy Temple and Fort • P
 redominant land is under private
ownership
• R
 equires holistic approach and incentives
programme for successful regeneration

Proposed Development Framework for Regeneration

Based on the above analysis, an approach and vision framework of development is proposed for Chala
region:

• Restructuring the spatial arrangement of activities to reduce conflicts in land use.

• Rejuvenation of retail, commercial and compatible economical activities.
• Encouraging mixed land use with improved residential activities and recreational facilities.
• Pedestrianization of Chala Main Street and restricting time for vehicular entry.
• Initiation of events and cultural activities in government-owned vacant land.

The proposals were then categorized under the following heads:

• Overall development plan

• Detailed development plan
• Policy-level guideline

Only guidelines and principles for development, broad development plan and proposals are being
discussed here. These are based on detailed work by the author (Nair, 2015).

Guidelines Principles for Development

Community practices are patterns that have significant driving force. Though the economic, social and
psychological needs are shared by humans in particular contexts, yet their manifestation into behaviour
varies with culture. A regeneration plan will succeed if the economic, social and psychological needs of
the people are accommodated. It also necessitates the participation of the local community. The formula
that is being advocated for the regeneration of Chala consists of improving the area’s physical assets
54 Journal of Heritage Management 1(1)

Figure 17. Proposed Land Use

Source: Nair (2015).

through public private investment, induction of compatible activities, rejuvenation of the craft industry
and raising family incomes through small business loans and employment generation. Thus, an incre-
mental improvement of what is already in place and strengthening of available social capital and compat-
ible positive economic trends are being proposed. The regeneration intends to retain the physical
character of the area and rejuvenates the social base that sustains the living and working of the commu-
nity. Significantly, this conservation of the historical fabric of the place entails the conservation of the
living processes of the heritage. Here, built/unbuilt fabric is to be seen as the manifestation of traditional
social ties and community living and working. The progressing activities are perceived as resources for
positive changes as they embody the spirit of the place, and living communities and their activities are
seen as vital assets for the future of Chala.
A guideline for proposed land use is given in Figure 17, and an indicative development plan showing
suggested action areas is given in Figure 18. Guidelines for movement pattern, traffic management and
parking prescribing road hierarchy, traffic direction and segregation are also given in Figure 19. Con-
cepts of urban regeneration foundation, citizen’s committee and urban regeneration audit are inferred as
good practices and are recommended for the region.

Salient Features of Proposals

• The conflicting commercial activities (wholesale) to be relocated in the concept of ‘shop for
shop’. The new wholesale market (World Market) started by the Government in NH Bypass can
accommodate those who are willing to be relocated.
Nair and Basu 55

Figure 18. Broad Development Plan and Proposals

Source: Nair (2015).

Figure 19. Proposed Movement Pattern

Source: Nair (2015).
56 Journal of Heritage Management 1(1)

• Creative economic growth to boost the local economy and promote artisans’ craft including
bronze/bell metal works, gold/silver jewellery shop, pottery, mural painting, etc. through tradi-
tional bazaar, artist village and kiosks.
• A set of induced activities such as festivals compatible to Chala are to be promoted which will
support the regeneration process.
• Proposed music centre and performing arts centre to be established at TRIDA-owned land.
• Weekend street food festivals to be set up at Chala Main Street with cultural activities and
children’s programme.

Creative Economic Growth and Principles for the Protection of

Compatible Production Activities and Crafts
The local crafts are to be acknowledged as a living tradition. They are to be identified as an important
tool for community and women empowerment, a major source of job creation and income generation.
Legislations that affect/endanger the livability of crafts and compatible economic activities in the site
need to be addressed and adjusted. A craft unit needs to be established as a part of the technical unit
assisting regeneration of Chala. Women entrepreneurship should be encouraged and initiatives should
be taken to associate existing artist workshops with ateliers of contemporary artists in line with Kochi
Biennale for the development of the craft and capacity building of the artisans.

Implementation: Phasing
Implementation is viewed in three broad phases for a total planning period of 15 years (see Table 4).
The first phase from 2015–2020 shall emphasize on addressing the issues of the area, documentation,

Table 4. Phasing of Regeneration Project

Phase Details Remarks

First (2015–2020) Chala regeneration proposals Initiation of project with
1. Documentation, urban framework plan and inventory area delineation
2. Traffic and street scheme implementation Environmental and
3. Regeneration committees and activities initiation infrastructural improvements
4. Physical infrastructure improvement as an incentive for expected
5. Creation of recreational spaces, improvement of investments
connectivity, green corridors
6. Capacity building for local people
7. Initiation of events and festivals intended as catalyst
for regeneration
Second (2021–2025) Creative economic growth Periodic project impact
1. Promotion of festivals existing and induced assessment, monitoring and
2. Promotion of services and products offered fiscal/spatial restructuring
3. Integrated studios/workshops with worldwide artist
community for research/development of indigenous
crafts
4. Monitoring and modification in strategies
5. Proposal for an exit plan
Nair and Basu 57

Phase Details Remarks

Third (2026–2030) Comprehensive assessment of the regeneration process Provision of support
and effects infrastructure to mobilize
1. Necessary modifications in guidelines/policies further progress towards a
2. Initiation of the exit plan and future guidelines sustainable economy after the
exit of regeneration programme
Source: Nair (2015).

framing and initiation of the regeneration projects. Capacity building of the stakeholders shall be
given highest priority along with creation of awareness among the local residents about the potentials
of Chala. The induced activities and festivals will be in full operation by the second phase. This would
lead to the sustainable growth of creative economic activities. Annual assessment of the regeneration
projects and their impacts on the society and area need to be analyzed and necessary modifications
implemented. During the third phase, comprehensive assessment of the first two phases of regeneration
process and effects to the users and their spaces need to be analyzed so as to formulate the exit strategies
and derive future guidelines.

Conclusions
Intervening historic urban fabric is very challenging, as it involves a deep understanding of the area and
a genuine intent to protect its ‘living heritage’. The article proposes how regeneration of Chala can be
achieved without compromising the needs of the community and their way of life. Thereby, its essential
character can be preserved and the present needs can also be met through the creation of a city scale
public space, recreational hub, crafts village for artisans and rejuvenated commercial streets. The pro-
posed mobility plan could be a starting point for a more detailed mobility study in a larger context.
Adopting a pragmatic approach, the proposal intends for a unique urban regeneration process, utilizing
the potentials of the area and resolving problems by capitalizing on existing facilities and indigenous
activities, rather than redirecting the natural dynamics of the place.
Traditional approaches concentrate on conventional assets of built heritage or commercialized
tourism activities. On the contrary, the present article on urban study at Chala uses a holistic approach as
it points out a plan for regenerating a mixed use area in the historic core of a city. It tries to comprehend
the meaning, use and history of the place. Thus, the study demonstrates that understanding, acknowledg-
ing and seeking to restore the values of the people, their activities and the place are essential for sustain-
able implementation of any such regeneration project. The research explores the data to be collected,
framing of appropriate questions and the method for analzsing the data.

Scope for Further Studies and Possible Project Identifications

The urban regeneration of Chala has to be envisioned as a long-term task, which will be based upon
updated information and in-depth understanding of its urban dynamics. Evidently, such a task cannot be
successfully undertaken as an independent project without a comprehensive planning for the entire
historic core of Thiruvananthapuram and in the context of the city as a whole. The historic core of
Thiruvananthapuram city should be legally delineated and buffer zones designated to mitigate the negative
58 Journal of Heritage Management 1(1)

impacts. Thus, a thorough, unified strategy and a holistic management plan are required, rather than
isolated and fragmentary attempts, in order to benefit from possible investment synergies and to maxi-
mize their positive impacts.

References
Nair, A. K. (2015). Regeneration of a mixed use area in the historic core of a city—case study: Chala,
Thiruvananthapuram (Unpublished MCP dissertation). Department of Architecture and Regional Planning, IIT
Kharagpur.
Roberts, P., & Sykes, H. (2000). A handbook on urban regeneration. London: SAGE Publications.

Authors’ bio-sketch
Anurup Kesavan Nair is Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture,
Government Engineering College, Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Technology (RIT),
Kottayam, Kerala since 2010. Prof Nair is a B Arch from TKM College of
Engineering, Kollam, Kerala 2001 and he secured first rank. He was also a Research
Scholar, University of Kerala. He worked as an Assistant Professor (October 2001–
July 2004), Faculty at School of Architecture, TKM & Govt. College of Engineer-
ing, Trissur Kerala, India, and as Chief Architect (December 2005–July 2010) in
Proarc Architects and Engineers, United Arab Emirates. He is member of Indian
Institute of Architects (IIA), India, Council of Architects (COA), India and Indian
Society for Technical Education (ISTE) India. His career objectives are to apply the knowledge of Archi-
tecture and Planning acquired over the years with complete proficiency and mentoring students for the
betterment of the society.

Sanghamitra Basu, Associate Professor, Department of Architecture & Regional

Planning, IIT Kharagpur, India is a PhD from IIT, Kharagpur; MA in Conservation
Studies from Institute of Advanced Architectural Studies, York, UK; Post Graduate
(Honours), Urban & Regional Planning from SPA, New Delhi; B Arch (Honours),
Jadavpur University, Kolkata. She is Member ICOMOS, India; Council of
Architecture, India; Indian Institute of Architects and Institute of Town Planners,
India; Member of National Level Expert Panel, Indian Heritage Cities Network and
was a Member of National Monuments Authority, Ministry of Culture, GoI (2011–
2014). Her research interests are—Planning, Management & Conservation of Built
and Cultural Heritage, Architectural Design Principles and Theories, Design of
Residential Communities, GIS Application in Urban and Heritage Planning. She has several sponsored
research and consultancies in heritage planning, management and policy guidelines.