Karaiyagam-Coastal Public Realm

1.1 PUBLIC REALM- CASE OF MAHABALIPURAM

The project Karaiyagam 1is derived from the vision of the Swadesh Darshan2 Scheme, which

promotes integrated and sustainable tourism development in culturally significant regions. Located

in Mahabalipuram, the proposal aims to strengthen the city’s cultural, social, and coastal identity

through a cohesive public-oriented development.

1.2 INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND STORY

The proposal for instituting a development of Museum based amenities has been under

discussion for a few years. Swadesh Darshan 2.0 developing the tourism spots, working in the field

of architecture, environmental design, and development of human habitat, took on the responsibility,

which will raise public awareness of this discipline, which affects our lives in significant ways daily.

Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, faces expanding tourism pressure without

adequate interpretive infrastructure.

The Shore Temple Precinct suffers from:

• Unorganized visitor circulation Insufficient heritage interpretation Lack of cultural orientation for

tourists

• Encroached and fragmented beach edges

• Poorly defined craft & artisan spaces

• Weak visual and physical connection between the monuments → crafts - beach

The absence of a structured interpretation system has resulted in superficial tourism experiences,

congestion around core monuments, and no meaningful engagement with local culture.

• A dedicated Interpretation Centre + Arts & Craft Space + Reimagined Beach Promenade can

bridge gaps in

Visitor education Cultural continuity Local livelihoods Pedestrian experience

• Heritage-sensitive tourism

1.3 AIM & OBJECTIVES

Aim

To create a cohesive Interpretation + Cultural craft centre + Coastal public realm that enhances

visitor understanding of Mahabalipuram’s heritage while improving community-based tourism and

pedestrian experience.

Objectives

• Enhance cultural learning through craft demonstration & artisan spaces.

• Rejuvenate the beach promenade with public amenities & landscape buffers.

• Improve wayfinding, circulation, and visitor flow.

• Strengthen local livelihoods through curated craft & cultural spaces.

Ensure heritage-sensitive design aligned with UNESCO guidelines