LANDSCAPE AS A TOOL FOR URBAN ASSEMBLAGE TRANSFORMING PUBLIC SPACES IN MAHABALIPURAM

Abstract

This paper examines how landscape design can serve as a tool within urban assemblage theory to transform public spaces in Mahabalipuram. As a historic town, Mahabalipuram's placemaking involves balancing heritage conservation with the creation of public spaces that support modern tourism and local needs. The study explores how landscape strategies can contribute to sustainable tourism and community engagement while preserving the town’s cultural integrity. The research draws on theoretical literature and case studies from Taj Ganj (Agra) and the Acropolis (Athens), focusing on heritage-led landscape interventions. These case studies provide insights into how landscape strategies can be applied to Mahabalipuram’s public space development to ensure long-term sustainability and inclusivity. The findings highlight A. Kavitha, Anusha B, Nanditha Premkumar https://iaeme.com/Home/journal/IJCIET 2 editor@iaeme.com that landscape design in Mahabalipuram can either stabilize the town’s historical features or adapt to modern urbanization and tourism pressures. The interaction between preservation and transformation is key to creating public spaces that respect heritage while meeting contemporary demands. The study offers a framework for understanding how landscape design can be integrated with heritage conservation in complex urban environments like Mahabalipuram, emphasizing the importance of spatial planning, pedestrian-friendly zones, and community engagement in maintaining a dynamic yet historically sensitive urban landscape. The research has certain limitations, particularly concerning the generalizability of findings beyond Mahabalipuram and similar heritage sites. However, it provides practical implications for policymakers, urban designers, and conservationists by offering strategies to enhance public spaces while supporting heritage conservation and sustainable urban development. This paper contributes to the broader discourse on urban assemblage, landscape-led heritage preservation, and the role of public spaces in fostering sustainable tourism economies in historic cities.