Cultural Heritage as a Driver of Sustainable Development in Deep Rooted Traditional Cities -The City-Festivity Nexus

International Journal of Civil Engineering

© 2025 by SSRG - IJCE Journal

Volume 12 Issue 1

Year of Publication : 2025

Authors : M. Rajakumari, R. Kalaiselvi, R. Shanthipriya

10.14445/23488352/IJCE-V12I1P107

How to Cite?

M. Rajakumari, R. Kalaiselvi, R. Shanthipriya, "Cultural Heritage as a Driver of Sustainable Development in Deep Rooted Traditional Cities -The City-Festivity Nexus," SSRG International Journal of Civil Engineering, vol. 12,  no. 1, pp. 67-77, 2025. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23488352/IJCE-V12I1P107

Abstract:

Inclusive Sustainable Development involves culture as an approach that includes heritage's tangible and intangible aspects. While the monuments, sites, and objects form the tangible heritage, the traditions, festivals, and living expressions form part of the intangible heritage. Intangible heritage makes the tradition continue through its string of continuity. Goal 11 of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) emphasises protecting and safeguarding cultural heritage under its goals and articles. This tangible and intangible heritage nexus could be well demonstrated through the interaction of city forms and festive events. While the city acts as a setting for the set of events, these events contemplate and effectively use the urban fabric. Indian cities are known for the year-round festive events that make use of the typical layout of the towns. The urban morphology is well-tailored to fit the festivals and events, thus enhancing the city's place-making characteristics. Further, the nexus of this tangible and intangible heritage creates a stronger perception level in the observer's minds. The paper addresses how the city form and festive events contemplate the intangible aspects of heritage that could be integrated with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) for sustainable urban growth, considering the urban spaces' perception level.

Keywords:

Indian towns, Festivals, Ritualistic spaces, Processions, Placemaking, Urban morphology.

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