Changing Sacredscapes
A cultural approach for a sustainable Varanasi
S. Pothannoor Mukundan (TU Delft - Architecture and the Built Environment)
M.M. Dabrowski – Mentor (TU Delft - Spatial Planning and Strategy)
G.A Verschuure – Graduation committee member (TU Delft - Landscape Architecture)
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Abstract
Nature is unique on earth. Civilizations over time have defined various landscapes, some of which have been changed and some are in the process. Sacredscapes are one among those that have sustained over many centuries. The urbanization is in the process of transforming this sacred identity of many cities. But what is forgotten is beyond religion, there is a strong socio-ecological balance that has kept this landscape resilient. Is there a need to preserve this identity? If so why and how? This graduation project explores the opportunities on the planning of sacredscapes, focusing on Varanasi in India. Following a cultural approach, the research proposes a regional design and strategic framework, which further shows transferability to other sacredscapes.