Ahmedabad Old city living : Layers within Layers.

Architecture Gujarati Heritage

By Ragin Shah
Apr 05, 2016

The living of old city in Ahmedabad can be perceived as a layered dense

cluster within a cluster enchanted by communal engagement. Several layers
of spaces richly facilitated by engagement and character when laid together
shapes up a pol, a unique housing feature in Ahmedabads old city. Building
of a pol can be circumstantial and incidental, however shaped in such a way
that it engages local community within to give a character and feel of societal
behaviour.

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The living in pol is an expression of territorial depth of layers. The fact of

living in deeper territories from city as a cluster to the pols inside the cluster
to further sub division of pols to the houses. This permitted the simultaneity
of public and private areas to co-exist, as well as a the presence of a variety
of functions in different streets, which became identifiable according to the
street location. Thus, providing a transitional space with various public
domains.

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The clusters within a cluster, the cluster refers to a pol and clusters refer to
the subdivision of pols to sheri, khadki, khancho, is welcomed by gateway
beautifully decorated with some signified title giving a glimpse and essence
of the communal living within that cluster, furthermore it welcomes any soul
for engagement with the community facilitated by pockets of gathering space
called chowks a key feature of the layers which enables and trigger
momentous interaction of the community. Chowk has several elements to
trigger interaction of locals, Around the year chowk portrays the most

dynamic nature, changing the feel and its enigmatic character with the
change in time and seasons across the year. Further more adding the layer
the streets which are long and narrow supported by the houses of various
character and architecture style on both the sides known as sheri, khadki or
kahncho, the houses incorporates a special feature on the entrance which is
incorporated by a space for connection called otla.

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The otla a feature of the house portrays a character of communication for the
entire street and enhance the community living. The updates of the world,
country and surrounding is delivered by the daily newspapers to the seniors
of the house on the otla while chatting to the passer by. Then otla follows
preparatory works for lunch by women like chopping vegetables, cleansing of
grains. During noontime as otla is shaded shelter outside the house the
house makers often participate in praying or sitting together and chatting the
routine life. The facade of the house is layered, decorated by carvings which
often describe the community or caste of the owner. The main room/living
room Khadki is the main entrance area of the house which modifies its use
accordingly connected to the courtyard chowk which is the space of
propinquity. The chowk is the main feature with in the layers of the house
giving thorough glimpse to all the layers of the house and facilitates the
connection from the ground to the above. Several windows or grills are
decorated with decorated carving boundaries with sculptures and engraving
of lime chuna on each layer defines the floor of the house. Beautifully
decorated space to store water paniyaru accommodated with decorated
earthen pots is engaged visually from the chowk. Through the courtyard a
passage allows the transition of space from semi private to private parasal
and further parasal connected to the main room/bedroom known as ordo .

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Arrangement of the house from a cluster within the pol to the clusters of the
pol can be seen as an an adaptation of friendly and communal
neighbourhood for the inhabitants, there is an degree of harmony between
daily behaviour of the inhabitants and the setting and arrangement of the
clusters and pol. Living in the pol is like living in an unique settlement where
the surrounding has a sensation of bliss and togetherness, A unique view of

the community such that all the houses main facade and entrance opens up
on the street of the pol which enhances the communal interaction. Charming
echo of kids and sounds of prayers, temple bells can still be witnessed in this
unique settlement.

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Illustration & Images by Ragin Shah

http://creativeyatra.com/culture/ahmedabad-old-city-living-layers-withinlayer/