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A silsila of wellbeing (Case Study: Agra)
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Thesis_SaloniMahajan.pdfA silsila of Well-being
A silsila of Well-being
Deciphering well-being in design through a historic tier II Indian city (Agra)
Guide : Dr. Seema Khanwalkar
Duration: 4 months (Jan-April 2021)
Abstract:
A silsila or a chain refers to the act of passing down of gardens or palaces from one Mughal noble owner to another. These spaces have the character of a temporary status symbol. This thesis talks about the hierarchical character of well-being in India through the lens of a tier II city. Hence, a chain or silsila of well-being as the research investigates into the roots, origins and partly the future of well-being. Well-being can be understood as a fluid concept, which constantly ebbs and flows with the times. The inclusion of the hospitality sector in this research is a departure from the traditional understanding of wellbeing to a more nuanced understanding of it to provide reflections of it in the economic and cultural heritage sectors. Wellbeing is brought to the forefront not only as a mere concept but as a new perspective to view the cultural heritage and arrive at contemporary ways of reading into and incorporating it in the hospitality or the tourism sector.
Keywords: wellbeing, Mughal, tier II, Agra, hospitality sector
Research Paper
Research Paper
Mentor: Ishita Shah
Duration: 12 weeks
Abstract:
The research aims to explore the idea of designing apartments in continuum with the legacy of historic small town Indian cities to restore the significance and impact of interior design on physical wellbeing of the user undertaking an ethnographic approach.
Tier 2 Indian cities with the Smart India campaign (2015) initiative of the government, are integrating modern housing solutions in their existing layouts. The global megacities of the nation have incorporated high-rise apartment typology. However, the smaller cities due to political conflicts and limited resources were unable to match the pace of urbanization. Consequently, apartments built in these cities displayed a lack of proper ventilation, natural light and cultural context. Agra is a city of historical significance abounding with Mughal forts and palaces. These ancient palaces testify the importance of physical well-being through the inclusion of elements which nudge the inhabitant towards a healthy lifestyle. The study undertook an ethnographic approach to understand the mindset of Agra’s citizens. Mughal paintings from the 15th to 18th century were studied to decipher the design elements which affected the well-being of the royal inhabitants. By drawing comparative parallels between past and present on the basis of narrative, accessibility, processes and materials, the research will suggest intangible strategies which can be explored in future residential apartments to enhance the physical wellbeing of users.
Keywords: wellbeing, physical wellbeing, tier II, Agra, residential design, Mughal miniature paintings
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