Adaptive Reuse of Abandoned Jute Mills Along the Hooghly River in Bengal: A Sustainable Approach

Abstract

Heritage structures presently in dilapidated state, abandoned due to social, cultural, or demographic shifts are experiencing unprecedented revitalization as they are being used as anchors for redevelopment. Today we can build energy efficient structures that require almost no carbon footprint to operate annually but still require plenty of resources and energy to build them. Thus, preserving, and repurposing old structures into new, mixed-use developments becomes a more sustainable option. Parts of the Bengal region of India were once colonial settlements of Europe and therefore, the colourful heritage of the Europeans continues to be visible in towns along the Hooghly River. This paper aims to explore the possibilities of adaptive reuse of the abandoned Jute Mills along the Hooghly River with the objective of historic preservation and sustainable design to create functionally efficient spaces.