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“... Partial reconstruction in 1978 included strengthening of the central dome and two smaller domes in the front portion as well as the flat roof on the front and the middle portion of the mosque. The remaining parts of the roof and the minarets were reconstructed completely in 1999.
However, the appearance of the mosque was changed beyond recognition as a result of these reconstructions. A picture found in a book by Kazimi and Kumar9 provides a glimpse of the original mosque (Fig. 3). The restored building of the Sher Shahi mosque (Fig. 4) reveals several deviations from the original one. The most striking of these deviations are: (1) The monumental appearance has been altered and subdued by changing the surface finish by using glazed ceramic tiles instead of plaster and the reduction of height of the front facade, particularly the central bay, so that the entire building now has a uniform height and (2) The architectural character - the Afghan style that led to the development of Indo-saracenic...”
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“...feature of the building is the centrally placed square clock-tower. Apparently Italianate, its features such as chhajjas (overhanging eaves) and a lookout similar to the minars (a tower or a turret) represent Indo-saracenic influence. The viewing area above the clock was perhaps intended for surveillance. The tower formed a landmark for miles around.16
This Clock Tower had partially collapsed during the 1934 earthquake. During reconstruction, its height was reduced to 184 feet from its original height of 198 feet.19 Tie rods were used at the top during reconstruction. However, there were no changes in its original design, architectural elements, ornamentation or colour scheme. During 1988 earthquake, slight crack was observed in wall just above the clock where girder rested. There were also vertical cracks near the crown of the arches. Cracks were also observed in the walls and roof of left block17 which were repaired later.
5. Governor’s House/Raj Bhawan (1916-17)
Vne Raj Bhawan, placed...”
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“...clock where the girder rests.17 There was no perceptible change in die Tower’s architectural character, original design or its colour scheme, standing tall as a reminder to the dark shadows of colonialism.
The Patna Secretariat, completed in 1915, was a recently constructed and one of die most important public buildings
in Patna, the capital of the British province of Bihar and Orissa when it was damaged in the earthquake of 1934. It is least likely that expert opinion was not sought towards reconstruction of its tower when compared to die Sher Shahi mosque which is under ownership of the local WAQF board which perhaps lacked bodi the means and the ability to seek expert opinion.
(4) Impact of ownership on restoration: The promptness widi which damage is assessed, proposal is formulated and repair and/or restoration is undertaken for a building after an earthquake, depends on several factors such as ownership, availability of funds and expertise. It was found that die only building among die...”
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“...of change of ground and site conditions over time; change in use or structural alteration of buildings in ways that can weaken or alter their structural equilibrium or introduce new hazards and irreversible morphological changes that some building materials suffer over time, may alter the nature of a building’s response to strain.25
Buildings abandoned after damage usually become home to anti-social activities. It is therefore important that an architectural heritage, unless damaged beyond reconstruction, is restored and its functioning resumed. For appropriate restoration, some of the aspects that need to be duly considered from an architectural point of view are:
Proper initiative, approach and abundant prior documentation: While important historical buildings listed under UNESCO, ASI, etc. are promptly assessed and repaired/restored after a disaster, other buildings which are not included in any such list are usually neglected. Minor changes in approach can go a long way in removing such...”
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“...part of restoration is concerned with architecture, specialized architectural knowledge is therefore essential. In fact, Giiler et al27 maintain that for development of an effective methodology for restoration and strengthening of important historical buildings, an integration of knowledge in the areas of seismology, geotectonics, structural engineering, material science, architecture, art as well as social, cultural and economic aspects is essential.
Indirli et al28 report the involvement of a multi-disciplinary expertise (mainly skills on natural/human-made hazards assessment, geology, geomatics/ICT, structural engineering, architecture, urban planning, energy management and sociology) towards providing solutions for a better overall resilience in the post-earthquake reconstruction. Their work also exemplifies “an effective development of a multidisciplinary approach” when seismic protection of entire city centers instead of singular heritage monument was undertaken combining “hazard assessment...”
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“...The local population also associated immense cultural and emotional value with this Tower. At the same time the tower had a military function.
Considering the immense significance of the Dharhara Tower in the history of Nepal, it is recommended that the severely damaged Dharhara tower may be reconstructed in its original form with appropriate structurally strengthened to prevent further damage. This will help regain its position as an important tourist spot. To ensure recovery of costs in reconstruction, a token fee may be collected from those visiting this monument.
Conclusion
This paper, through case studies of six historical buildings in Patna, has explored architectural considerations necessary for restoration of buildings damaged by earthquake. The highlight of this paper is that every building has a soul which must not be muzzled. In the case of damage, restoration must ensure preservation of the soul of the building to protect its architectural and heritage value. A significant outcome...”
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“...23. Loustalot B.D., Beyond the appearance of heritage: Reconstruction of Historic Areas Affected by Earthquakes in Chile, International Journal of Architectural Research, I, 24-39
(2013)
24. Mohandas K.P., Strengthening and Restoration of Heritage Buildings, In Seminar on Conservation of Heritage Buildings/Precints in Chennai Metropolitan Area (2010)
25. Lattig J.W., Calamities, Catastrophes and Cataclysms: Current Trends in International Disaster Risk Management Practices for Cultural Heritage Sites, University of Pennsylvania (2012)
26. CPWD, Handbook of Conservation of Heritage Buildings,
(2013)
27. Griler K., Saglamer A., Celep Z. and Pakdamar F., Structural and earthquake response analysis of the Little Hagia Sofhia Mosque, 13th World Conference on Earthquake Engineering, 1-15
(2004)
28. Indirli M. et al, From in situ quick surveys to analytical procedures for vulnerability assessment in the framework of the Arsita reconstruction plan From in Situ Quick Surveys to Analytical Procedures...”
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