Timeless Tapestry: Reviving Pathu Thoon's Legacy

Idea projektu

"Timeless Tapestry: Reviving Pathu Thoon’s Legacy" is a heritage-sensitive urban intervention in the heart of Madurai, Tamil Nadu. The project centers around Pathu Thoon Lane—also known as the Ten Pillar Street—where ten ancient granite pillars stand between the Meenakshi Temple and the Thirumalai Nayakar Palace, two architectural landmarks of southern India. Once deeply tied to the region’s silk weaving heritage, the lane today finds these monumental pillars trapped between shops and homes, their significance fading from public memory. Our proposal aims to liberate these forgotten sentinels, revive the neighborhood’s historical narrative, and transform the congested alley into a vibrant heritage walk that reconnects the city with its cultural identity. Through sensitive design, spatial reconfiguration, and community integration, the project aspires to bridge the past and the present.

Popis projektu

The primary challenge was addressing the high-density mixed-use character of the site, where the granite pillars were sandwiched between residential and commercial structures with almost no breathing room. Our approach adopts a dual intervention:
– Horizontally, by reclaiming plot setbacks to create courtyard-like public spaces, and
– Vertically, by stepping back upper floors to open up visual corridors and establish multi-layered interactions with the pillars.

These strategic moves create pause points along the heritage trail—spaces that invite public activity, rest, reflection, and community gathering. The ground floors are designed as open markets and live silk-weaving workshops, providing both economic revival and educational value for visitors. The upper floors are dedicated to residences, ensuring that the street retains its lived character while serving as a cultural destination. Inspired by the pointed scalloped arches of the Thirumalai Nayakar Palace, similar forms are integrated into the elevation design, creating an architectural continuity that subtly honors the legacy of the place.

Technické informace

The structural system employs a brick and concrete framework, offering durability while respecting traditional local building practices. The front façades feature red sandstone, intentionally chosen to contrast with the original granite pillars, thereby enhancing their visibility and dominance without overshadowing them. This use of natural stone also reflects the broader material identity of Madurai, as seen in the nearby Meenakshi Temple and Thirumalai Nayakar Palace.