Reviving the lost spaces of Lalbagh Palace, Indore.

(Heritage Interpretation Centre, Traditional Urban Haat and Integration of the

landscapes.)

Introduction –

Lalbagh Palace is one of the royal palaces of India under the Holkar dynasty as well as it
is one of the most prominent examples of Holkar era architecture and serve as a historical
attraction in Indore, Madhya-Pradesh. Initially the palace was used as a summer house
but later it was used as residential building of Holkars. It is a three storied building
surrounded by beautiful lawns & trees, spread over an overall area of 72, of which only 28
acres is used for palace and its gardens. At one point of time, the palace had one of the
best rose gardens in India .this rose garden was known as gulabchakkar. As this rose
garden consists of almost 72 species of red roses, therefore it was known as “Lal”bagh
Palace. The Gardens of the Lalbagh palace are based on the concept of Mughal
Gardens. It has certain more features which made the site of Lalbagh as one of the public
realm area.

The original purpose is no longer served but the evolutions made in response to changes
have added another layer to the story. Presently the palace is converted into a museum
and apart from 28 acre of the site (which comprises of the palace and its gardens) is left
untouched serving as a lost space in a densely populated urban area.

The uses in everyday context are - Sports, yoga, recreational area and temples whereas
the occasional context are - Medical, educational camps and Malwa utsav (Trade and
recreational fair held yearly).

The palace holds the history of Holkars as well as with stand as a important heritage of
Indore with one of the site of a major tourist and local footfall, unfortunately serving as
museum and a exhibition space with no adequate amenities, facilities and utilities. The
remaining area of 44 acres also suffers with the same issue of no adequate amenities,
facilities and utilities.

Synopsis – Undergraduate Thesis | By – Akshat Jain , Barn1ar14004 | ITM, University, Gwalior.

Aim –
The aim of the thesis is to propose a design intervention to establish a communication to
enhance the understanding of heritage (palace and its history) and to convert lost
spaces to the urban spaces for public realm.

Objectives –
 To design a Heritage Interpretation Centre along with the Traditional Urban Haat, this
will increase the value of the heritage, economy and footfall of tourist as well as
locals to the Lalbagh premises.
 To Integrate the Landscape of the remaining area of Lalbagh, this will intend to
draw people together for gatherings, festivals, sports, learning programs etc and
serve as a open and green corridor for city.

Scope of work and limitations -

 The background study will majorly focus on the architecture, landscape, issues and
needs related to Holkar’s Lalbagh Palace.
 The architecture and design of Heritage Interpretation Centre will respect the
architecture of Lalbagh Palace.
 The landscape intervention will also respect the present rose and residential garden
rather than directly influenced by them.
 The site for intervention will be restricted to the remaining 44 acres of Lalbagh i.e.
the 28 acre of palace and its garden premises will be maintained as it is.
 The design of the Heritage Interpretation Centre and Traditional urban haat will be
detailed whereas a holistic approach will framed for the integration of landscape
of the site.

Methodology –
Research study –
 About the topic – Importance and need.
 Data collection – Library, researches, articles, internet etc
 Formulation – Aim, objective, scope and limitations.


Background study and Site Analysis –

To study the -

 Socio – Economic factors, connectivity, surroundings, regulations and norms.

 Climate, geographical and topographic data.
 Present situations and needs of the site and users.

Synopsis – Undergraduate Thesis | By – Akshat Jain , Barn1ar14004 | ITM, University, Gwalior.

Case studies –
Live case studies (02) –

 Humayun’s Tomb Interpretation Centre, Sunder nursery and Delhi Haat - Delhi.
 Jawahar Kala Kendra and Jaipur Haat – Jaipur, Rajasthan.

Literature case studies (02) –

 Auroville visitors centre – Tamil Nadu & Puducherry.

Schematic development - Planning and Zoning –

 Area programming and calculations.
 Conceptual zoning and master plan.
 Conceptual building and landscape layout.

Design development and presentation -

 Building Plans
 Detailed layouts and Working drawings.
 Elevation, Section and Views.

Conclusions and Bibliography.

Key words –
 Reviving – Give new strength and energy to, or to bring something back to life,
health, existence or use. (meaning in the Cambridge English Dictionary)

 Lost spaces - refers to the inadequate use of spaces in the city and are those
undesirable urban areas that require redesign.( By – IFHP, Copenhagen)

 Interpretation Centre - An interpretation centre is an institution for dissemination of

knowledge of natural or cultural heritage. Interpretation centres are a kind of new-
style museum, often associated with visitor centres or ecomuseums, and located in
connection to cultural, historic or natural sites.( "Heritage Interpretation Centres, The
Hicira Handbook")

 Urban haat - Urban Haat is an ever-permanent fair for Crafts, Food and Cultural
Activities. The craftsmen from various areas and the cultural happenings provide a
panoramic view of richness and diversity of handicrafts and artifacts.

Synopsis – Undergraduate Thesis | By – Akshat Jain , Barn1ar14004 | ITM, University, Gwalior.

Details of site –

 Site is located at 22.7053° N, 75.8461° E at Indore city in Madhya Pradesh.

 Site area – 72 Acres whole and 44 acres apart from palace premises.
 Land use – RECREATIONAL (Regional Park)
 Pictures :-

Figure 1 - Entrance Gate Figure 2 - Barren Land (Lost Figure 3 - Drinking Water facility
spaces)

Figure 4 - Barren Land (Lost Figure 5 - Nalla adjacent to Figure 6 - Ticket counter
spaces) Palace
Figure 7 – Toilet Block Figure 8 - Parking (Paid)

Figure 9 - Temple near Palace Figure 10 - Plant Museum (Barren)

LALBAGH PALACE, Indore, Madhya Pradesh