Continuity Through Change: Understanding Mysuru’s Historic Core

Urban heritage zones are not just areas comprising heritage buildings but also urban enclaves which have been developed by means of daily practices, relationships, culture, and spatial experiences. The present research will investigate Mysuru’s historic core as a dynamic urban system which creates its own identity and memories through the interaction between people and their surroundings.

The research focuses on the impact that factors such as urban growth, commercialization, changing lifestyle patterns, movement, and development pressure have on the heritage identity of Mysuru. Through the observation and documentation process, experiential analysis and spatial mapping, the research tries to explore the link between the built environment, social systems, culture, and urban life. 

The project examines the historic heart of Mysuru from many different perspectives, including heritage elements, movement systems, social relations, use systems, open space, and streetscape. It demonstrates that transformation is a combination of both a physical and social/cultural process that influences the perception and connections within the city.

Instead of considering heritage as a static element, the project considers ways in which transformation can be managed in a sensitive manner. Four strategies are offered, Connect, Catalyze, Calibrate, and Care, aiming at improving connections between heritage resources, open space, cultural events, and community.

Through cultural networks, adaptive reuse, better open space and urban design, the project seeks to provide support for the historic heart of Mysuru as a vibrant and evolving city.