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Common areas

The I- sections at the lintels of windows of the common areas like
passages staircase block etc. were rusted at several places. The
wooden tread and risers were loose in some places, the plaster in
the stairwell was worn out. Hexagonal encaustic tiles in its common
areas were damaged and replaced in many areas. The main flooring in
office spaces was in cement tiles but most offices in their renovation
introduced vitrified tiles which did not go well with the historic
character of the building. The entire electrical of the building was
haphazard and was dangerous for a old building.
The toilet blocks from ground till the 4th-floor slab was made up Fig. 25 - 27 Staircase and Lobby Areas
of jack arches. However, during past repairs, 3rd and 4th floors
were replaced with steel I sections and stone slabs. These were in
precarious conditions even after replacement. The entire toilet block
was in poor condition and very difficult to use.

Conservation philosophy

• Minimum intervention : Maintain historicity and authenticity
• Economic restoration : making restoration a viable option over
redevelopment
• Use of like for like construction techniques and materials
Fig. 28 Haphazard Electricals
Methodology
• Complete documentation before, during and after
• Minimum intervention - essential for prolonging the life of the
structure
• Maximum retention of original fabric that is good
• Use like to like material in repairs
• Using of non-damaging /invasive techniques to remove paint layers
• Respecting the period characteristics and incorporating new
services in a sensitive manner.
• Phasing of work efficiently to create minimum inconvenience to
the tenants

Fig. 29 Toilet Block in Poor
Condition
CONSERVING THE UNLOVED HERITAGE IN THE REDEVELOPMENT ERA OF MUMBAI – CASE
STUDY: COMMISSARIAT BUILDING, DR. D.N.ROAD, FORT, MUMBAI

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