Universal Access in Heritage Site: A Case Study on Jantar Mantar, Jaipur, India

One of the key requirements for an inclusive and sustainable society is that everyone should be able to participate in and enjoy the social, economic and cultural assets of that society. For some people, barriers exist which make visiting and using heritage buildings and places difficult or sometimes impossible. Making the built heritage more accessible in an appropriate and sensitive manner can increase awareness and appreciation of its cultural, social and economic value. The roots of universal access are grounded in equal opportunity, nondiscrimination and designing for diversity. Architects play an important role in creating accessibility awareness in the society. Thus it is important to impart ‘universal design’ teaching in architecture schools that will bring awareness amongst budding architects and planners who will respond to the need of diverse population and will create awareness in the society. This paper is and outcome of the academic exercise conducted for the Masters in Architectural Conservation Design Studio at the site of Jantar Mantar with diverse users and proposing solutions for physical and intellectual access to the site. The paper aims to develop awareness, sense of responsibility among students through universal design education for a heritage site and further discuss the possible universal design interventions at World Heritage Site of Jantar Mantar, Jaipur.