From Colonial to Contemporary: Adaptive Reuse as a Strategy for Reviving the Cultural Heritage and Architectural Grandeur of South Bombay’s Colonial Buildings

Volume: 09 | Issue: 01 | Year 2026 | Subscription
International Journal of Architectural Heritage
Received Date: 10/11/2025
Acceptance Date: 02/17/2026
Published On: 2026-02-25
First Page: 18
Last Page: 55

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By: Simran Parekh and Naandi Parikh.

1. Student, B. Arch (5th Year), Faculty of Architecture, CEPT University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
2. Adjunct Assistant Professor, Faculty of Design, CEPT University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India

Abstract

As the cultural, historical, and economic nucleus of British India, South Bombay’s colonial architecture embodies the city’s layered identity. However, post-independence urban expansion and rapid modernization have contributed to the neglect and demolition of many heritage structures, gradually erasing the area’s architectural legacy. This research paper investigates adaptive reuse as a sustainable strategy to revive the cultural identity and architectural grandeur of South Bombay. This study examines adaptive reuse through two case studies – IFBE (Ice Factory, Ballard Estate) at Ballard Estate and Anita Dongre’s Flagship Store at Kala Ghoda – focusing on architectural interventions, building history, and functionality. Using ethnographic and documentary research within a structured framework, it explores how colonial structures adapt to contemporary urban needs by integrating context, material, function, technology, and user experience, highlighting adaptive reuse’s relevance on both architectural and urban scales. In India, adaptive reuse remains underutilized due to bureaucratic constraints, systemic disorganization, and a significant lack of awareness among policymakers and the public. As a result, many historic buildings face decay or are lost to commercial redevelopment. This research highlights the relevance of adaptive reuse on both architectural and urban scales and emphasizes the importance of context-sensitive design, user experience, and cultural continuity. By critically evaluating the challenges and opportunities of adaptive reuse, particularly through case studies of South Bombay’s colonial architecture, this paper contributes to the broader discourse on heritage conservation. It aims to inspire architects, developers, and policymakers to adopt adaptive reuse as a viable tool for sustainable urban development – preserving the past while accommodating the future.

Keywords: Adaptive reuse, South Bombay, heritage conservation, contemporary functions, architectural interventions, sustainable urban growth

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Citation:

How to cite this article: Simran Parekh and Naandi Parikh From Colonial to Contemporary: Adaptive Reuse as a Strategy for Reviving the Cultural Heritage and Architectural Grandeur of South Bombay’s Colonial Buildings. International Journal of Architectural Heritage. 2026; 09(01): 18-55p.

How to cite this URL: Simran Parekh and Naandi Parikh, From Colonial to Contemporary: Adaptive Reuse as a Strategy for Reviving the Cultural Heritage and Architectural Grandeur of South Bombay’s Colonial Buildings. International Journal of Architectural Heritage. 2026; 09(01): 18-55p. Available from:https://journalspub.com/publication/ijah/article=25133

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