Macro level characterization of Historic Urban Landscape: Case study of Alwar walled city

Abstract

Abstract Globally, old and historic settlements exhibit efficient urban planning in terms of compactness, walkability, energy efficiency and social cohesiveness. However, with the passage of time, usually a city's old settlements undergo numerous socio-economic and physical transformations leading to an urban chaos. The walled city of Alwar in the state of Rajasthan is selected as a representative case study of a medium-sized historic city with a rich cultural past. Alwar is one of the regional priority towns in National Capital Region Plan-2021 of Government of India and is proposed to be an important magnetic centre for the region. The walled city area and its old neighbourhoods portray unique features of a Historic Urban Landscape (HUL). The study identifies the core urban elements of its HUL and Arc Map-10.1 is used to spatially map characteristics of its old neighbourhoods, commercial areas, road network, open spaces and intangible heritage. Figure Ground Analysis and Development Trends Analysis are carried out based on primary surveys, reveal changing housing needs and economic requirements. The study concludes that the traditional residential culture of mohallas and chowks and their rich heritage should be included in the development plans of government with a focus on community-based regeneration rather than tourism alone. This may ensure a socio-economic and environmental sustainability in the long run for such historic settlements.