Adaptive Reuse of Modernist Buildings – Hope with Heritage: A case of Government Press, Chandigarh

Abstract

Objective: The paper rediscovers the definition of adaptive reuse for post-modernist heritage, considering a special case of the Government Press, Chandigarh, exploring the various facets of restoration. Methods/Statistical Analysis: The methodology involves collection of primary data in the form of interviews from officials of Chandigarh Administration and secondary data pertaining to analysis of adaptive reuse exploring the parameters of socio-cultural structure, the heritage value, the sustainable performance of the built structure and future needs of the society with emphasis on its contextual relevance. Findings: Where people world over are trying to “breathe life” into structures whose purposes no longer exist and where technology has surpassed the meaning of their existence, the Government Press definitely makes a stronger case not only the context of Chandigarh, but the evolutions of the Press, the technological advancements which are so aptly signified in “lost purpose” silently urge to be not just an office building for other departments but a much better renewal. As the situation exists, the entire stretch, where the Press is situated is nothing but an official zone, so how does it stand apart now, being one in the list of heritage structures. Application/Improvements: The Government Press, a post-modernist icon, which is invigorating to the image of Chandigarh; the building of Ar. Edwin Maxwell Fry, a sole proclamation of future on “the brutalist” in the city that is “Chandigarh” – can be a fine modern example in a developing nation.