Pondicherry

Sri Aurobindo wanted Pondicherry to “become a powerful centre of intellectual development

and interchange and meeting place of European and Asiatic culture and a spiritual factor of
the world unification…”

Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru described Pondicherry as “the Window of French Culture”. He

wanted its unique character and special atmosphere to be preserved under all circumstances.
 SHANGHAI WORLD EXPO 2010
Better City, Better Life
(May – October)

¾ Pondicherry selected by an international

committee as one of 34 cities from 28
countries for "Urban Best Practices Area“,
recommended by the World Bank

¾ Giving Pondicherry company in this

pavilion are Venice, Cairo, Liverpool & two
beautifully restored Chinese towns

¾ Ahmedabad the only other Indian City

selected

Pondicherry will showcase the successful implementation of the “Asia Urbs

Programme”- Achieving Economic & Environmental Goals through Heritage
Preservation Initiatives"
 A S I A U R B S P R O G R A M M E 2002 - 2004
Vysial Street restoration
ACTIVITIES
"Achieving Economic & Environmental
Goals through Heritage Preservation
Initiatives.“

City signage Muslim Quarter

Heritage walk Concept design for Bharathi Park

Matching grant for heritage buildings Non-polluting traffic and transportation

MODEL STREET RESTORATION (façades of 26 buildings were restored)
On Vysial street

Before

After
UNESCO AWARD 2008-09 – “Award of Merit”
 PROMOTION OF PONDICHERRY IN EUROPE

Urbino, 2004 Paris, 2006

Villeneuve-sur-Lot, 2005 Villeneuve-sur-Lot, 2007

 Making Pondicherry a model for
Heritage Preservation and Urban Revitalization

A BEFITTING TRIBUTE TO SRI AUROBINDO’S ARRIVAL IN PONDICHERRY

INTACH
 THE HISTORIC TOWN

Christian Quarter

Tamil Quarter
Muslim Quarter Hindu Quarter

French Quarter

Tradition & culture are embedded in the architecture of a place reflecting its
character. It is this special character that attracts people to Pondicherry from all
over, contributing significantly to its prosperity.
Today, it is crying to be preserved in the face of its neglect and destruction….
 EFEO/FL
FRENCH STREETSCAPES

EFEO/FL
Rue Francois Martin
Rue de la Marine

The street facades in the

French Quarter are
characterised by continuous
wall-to-wall construction with
high garden walls and
elaborate gateways
IFP
FRENCH STREETSCAPES

‘Peaceful Pondicherry’ not just a slogan but a reality

 EFEO/ FL
TAMIL STREETSCAPES

EFEO/ FL
Rue Kamatchi Amman Koil Rue Montorsier

The streets in the Tamil

quarter are characterised
by features like ‘thinnai’
and ‘thalvaram’. They are
called ‘talking streets’ due
to their intimate scale and
EFEO/ FL

interactive nature.
Rue Kazy
TAMIL STREETSCAPES

The blend of French and Tamil architecture is one of the unique

features of the Pondicherry experience
 URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE INTERVENTIONS
To create a unique experience in the historic town

1.1 Paving of roads and footpaths in the heritage precinct

Existing Proposed (simulated view)

The French precinct lends itself to walking at leisure, admiring the special architecture,
taking in the peaceful atmosphere of these tree-lined streets. This experience will be
largely enhanced by clearing encroachments and hawkers from the pavements so that
people can walk unhindered.
 URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE INTERVENTIONS

I. 2 Cleaning and Up-gradation of malfunctioning drainage:

Existing

The cleaning and modification of such dangerous and unhealthy drains will benefit the
residents and tourists equally
 URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE INTERVENTIONS

I. 3 Revitalization of Grand Canal:

Existing

The area of intervention is a 2.8 kms stretch that was originally a storm
water drain dividing the Tamil quarter from the French quarter.

The scope of the project is to clean the area , remove encroachments ,

provide lighting, street furniture and public utility services and upgrade the paving .
 URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE INTERVENTIONS

I. 4 Replacement of Unsightly outdoor electrical transformers:

Existing Proposed

Removal of unsightly out-door transformers that take up precious space and are also
many times in the way and providing of Indoor transformers and electrical panels.
 URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE INTERVENTIONS

I. 7 Special lighting for Heritage buildings, monuments and general lighting:

Existing (Bharathi Park)

The ambiance lighting created in Bharathi Park and in Ayi mandapam is an authentic
example which can be adapted and used in the Boulevard town of Pondicherry.
 URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE INTERVENTIONS
I. 8 Building Plaques & Tourist Information Signage:

Existing ( PWD office)

Building Plaques – with history of the buildings.

Enamel signboards – street history and information for tourists
Walking around the historic town would be a living experience full
of interesting stories
 URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE INTERVENTIONS

I. 9 Landscaping of Open Spaces:

Existing (Bharathi park - Triangle) Proposed (simulated view)

Open spaces can be redesigned and used for public use

 URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE INTERVENTIONS

I.10 Restoration of the Old Distillery into a Human Unity Park

Old Distillery overlooking the Bay of Bengal Proposed Human Unity Park (simulated view)

A centre of international class, celebrating the rich traditions of Pondicherry,

attractive to its residents and an unparalleled experience for its visitors
 URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE INTERVENTIONS

I.11 Extension of the sea front road on the Northern side of the town:

The ‘beach road’ is congested and over-crowded. To give easy access to more people,
we can extend this road along the sea till Solai Nagar.
This will include paving, lighting, landscaping, etc.,
 URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE INTERVENTIONS

I.12 Proposal for Conservation, development and beautification of Botanical Garden:

Entrance to Botanical garden Fountain

“Le Jardin Botanique” is one of the oldest botanical gardens in India. Established by the
French settlers about 182 years ago, it is a precious live heritage in urgent need of
restoration to its earlier glory. A major attraction for the tourists, particularly those from
France. A place of great interest for residents young and old, students and scholars.
 URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE INTERVENTIONS

I.13 Pedestrianization of Nehru Street :

Existing Proposed (simulated view)

(Length 1 km)
As in most historic towns and cities, this would make shopping an enjoyable and relaxed
experience for residents and tourists alike
- with lighting, landscaping, and a place to just sit and watch the world go by…
 RESTORATION OF HERITAGE BUILDINGS
The value of a town is enhanced by its architectural achievements
Restoration and Adaptive re-use of Government Heritage buildings

II.1 Puducherry Municipality

Existing

Pondicherry can take the lead to restore all Government Heritage buildings, thus setting
an example to the rest of the country where there is a strong move to make this happen
 RESTORATION OF HERITAGE BUILDINGS
Restoration and Adaptive re-use of Government Heritage buildings

II. 2 Old Lighthouse

Existing Proposed (Exhibition hall - simulated view)

Pondicherry has a long history of trade with ships coming here from far and wide
The Old Lighthouse is to be converted into a Maritime Museum and Cafe.
Grade I Heritage building.
 RESTORATION OF HERITAGE BUILDINGS
Restoration and Adaptive re-use of Government Heritage buildings

II. 3 Custom’s Building

Existing

Roof repair works, changing of damaged wooden beams & rafters, doors,
landscaping, etc.,. It is a Grade I Heritage building.
 RESTORATION OF HERITAGE BUILDINGS
Restoration and Adaptive re-use of Government Heritage buildings

II. 4 Department of Tourism Building

Existing

Though not from the French era, this building, a landmark of Pondicherry, needs roof
repair works, facade improvements, signage, etc.,
 RESTORATION OF HERITAGE BUILDINGS
Restoration and Adaptive re-use of Government Heritage buildings

II. 5 Old Court Building

Existing Old postcard image of the Court

Though over the years it has accrued unsympathetic additions, the old court building
can be restored to its imposing magnificence and given a whole new meaning with the
court having already moved to the new complex.
 RESTORATION OF HERITAGE BUILDINGS
Restoration and Adaptive re-use of Government Heritage buildings

II. 6 Police Head Quarters Building

Existing Proposed (simulated view)

Formerly the military barracks during the French period, the

Police headquarters is a prominent heritage building of a Grade II A category.
 RESTORATION OF HERITAGE BUILDINGS
Restoration and Adaptive re-use of Government Heritage buildings

II. 7 SSP Law and Order Building

Existing

In keeping with the sea front heritage buildings, this needs

Roof repair works, facade improvements, signage, etc.,
 RESTORATION OF HERITAGE BUILDINGS
Restoration and Adaptive re-use of Government Heritage buildings

II. 8 Head Post Office

Existing Proposed

Formerly the Mayor's residence , the original façade is hidden by unsightly addition,
Graded IIB listed heritage building.
 RESTORATION OF HERITAGE BUILDINGS
Restoration and Adaptive re-use of Government Heritage buildings

II. 9 Health Mission Building as Cultural Center

Existing

Proposed (simulated view)

Currently occupied by the Nursing Institute and the Health Dept. a Cultural Center is
proposed in the Complex. It is a Grade II A Heritage building
 RESTORATION OF HERITAGE BUILDINGS
Restoration and Adaptive re-use of Government Heritage buildings

II. 10 Old Band Stand

II. 10 OLD BAND STAND

Old postcard image of the Band stand Existing

Proposed as culture gathering space and can be used as stage for multipurpose function .
Currently occupied by the Puducherry Municipality as Nursery garden. It is a Grade II B
 RESTORATION OF HERITAGE BUILDINGS
Restoration and Adaptive re-use of Government Heritage buildings

II. 11 LAD Building

Existing Proposed (simulated view)

Occupied earlier by the Local Administration Offices, this grade II B listed heritage
building could become a Youth Hostel providing much needed budget accommodation
in the heart of the city.
 RESTORATION OF HERITAGE BUILDINGS
Restoration and Adaptive re-use of Government Heritage buildings

II. 12 Women’s Police Station and Facade of Traffic Police Station

Existing Proposed (simulated view)

Total Area – 530 sqm.

This Grade II B heritage building, in the Tamil area of the boulevard, once restored
would add to the pedestrian experience of Nehru street
 RESTORATION OF MUSEUMS
Museums are an important link to the past because they inform us about our history, culture and the people who
shaped our lives and continue to inspire us today
II. 15 Bharathi Museum

Existing

Chipping and lime plastering, Roof repair works, Floor waxing, Facade improvements,
signage, lighting, and extension etc.,
 RESTORATION OF MUSEUMS
Restoration and Adaptive re-use of Government Heritage buildings

II. 16 Bharathidhasan Museum

Existing

Chipping and lime plastering, Roof repair works, Floor waxing, Facade improvements,
signage, lighting, etc.,
 RESTORATION OF MUSEUMS
Restoration and Adaptive re-use of Government Heritage buildings

II. 17 Old Museum

Existing

Plastering of wall surface, roof repair works, changing of damaged wooden

beams & rafters, doors , windows, floor polishing, etc., Grade IIA building.
 RESTORATION OF MUSEUMS
Restoration and Adaptive re-use of Government Heritage buildings

II. 18 New Museum

Existing

Chipping and lime plastering of wall surface, roof repair changing of damaged wooden
beams & rafters, doors , windows, floor polishing, fixing of joinery items, lighting, etc.
 RESTORATION OF HERITAGE SCHOOL BUILDINGS
Restoration and Adaptive re-use of Government Heritage buildings

II. 19 SCHOOLS (VOC)

Existing Proposed (simulated view)

The VOC School is approximately 3545 sq m in area.

The VOC School building is a Grade IIA Heritage building in the Tamil precinct and
needs urgent repairs.
 RESTORATION OF HERITAGE SCHOOL BUILDINGS
Restoration and Adaptive re-use of Government Heritage buildings

II. 20 SCHOOLS (Calve College)

Existing Proposed to be restored to original view

The Calve College is a Grade II A listed Heritage building of approximately 4560 sqm area.
The School needs additional classrooms and repairs.
 RESTORATION OF HERITAGE SCHOOL BUILDINGS
Restoration and Adaptive re-use of Government Heritage buildings

II. 21 SCHOOLS (Penssionat de jeune filles)

Existing

The Penssionat de jeune filles is a Grade II B Heritage building in the French Quarter.
Area: 2590 sqm
The building has to undergo structural repairs apart from renovation.
 RESTORATION OF HERITAGE SCHOOL BUILDINGS
Restoration and Adaptive re-use of Government Heritage buildings

II. 22 SCHOOLS (Soucilabai )

Existing

This School building is a Grade IIB Heritage building in the Tamil precinct and needs
additional class rooms and parking.
 NEW LIFE TO THE HISTORIC TOWN, TRANSFORMING IT INTO A
HERITAGE PRECINT OF INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS

Visitors Centre at old TTC Bus stand with full service facilities including toilets
restaurants shopping. Shuttle buses for Park and Ride to transport tourists.

Taxi stand outside the Boulevard Town

Adequate number of Public Toilets

Management of traffic, noise, street and pavement vendors and stray animals -
workshops to create awareness to the public

Awareness programs for segregation of waste at source and a centre for

processing waste

Relocating Government Offices (resolution passed earlier in the Assembly),

General Hospital and the Maternity Hospital outside the Boulevard Town.
 Swadeshi Mill
Adaptive Reuse Proposal
For a New
Government Campus & Civic Facilities

These buildings can be renovated to house the Assembly, the Secretariat and other
Government offices as well as provide Civic Amenities to enliven this new urban
centre. Civic amenities would include shopping, entertainment, art galleries,
multiplex and urban plaza with a connectivity to the adjacent Urban Forest.
 •THE POWER HOUSE AS ASSEMBLY

•Swadeshi Mill – Power House •German Parliament in Bonn

• in a Restored Pump House

•German Parliament Bonn

 •THE PROCESS HALLS

Process Halls can be

transformed into state of the
art offices taking into
account ‘green building’
conforming to LEED norms

•Swadeshi Mill – Process Hall

Setting new standards in

energy-efficient and eco-friendly
Government office space amidst
a beautiful natural environment

•Proposed as Office space

 AN INTEGRETED AND HOLISTIC REGIONAL PLAN

To address region-wide environmental, economic and social issues

Pondicherry-Auroville-Villupuram-Cuddalore region

Part of a bio-region

Pockets of territory within each other’s

boundaries

Share water basins and water bodies

Have a common coastline

A common language culture and heritage

Located within a radius of 40 Km

A winning collaboration for economic prosperity, and well-being of all the people
All this can be launched on 4th April 2010
by the Government of Puducherry

THANK YOU

An INTACH and PondyCAN Proposal

December 17, 2009