Branching Out: Adaptive Reuse Strategies for Bangalore’s Colonial Horticulture Library

Abstract

The Dr. M.H. Marigowda National Horticulture Library, constructed in 1856 within Bangalore’s Lalbagh Botanical Garden, is a significant example of Anglo-Indian architecture but suffers from severe underutilization, with its annexe and posterior room largely vacant during operating hours. This study explores adaptive reuse strategies to transform the library into a vibrant, inclusive community hub while preserving its historical and architectural integrity. Employing a mixed-methods approach comprising ethnographic observation, semi-structured interviews, visitor surveys, documentation by measured drawing using AutoCAD, and comparative assessments of global and local precedents (e.g., Bangalore’s Cinnamon Boutique and China’s Yantai Library we identified strong user demand for modern amenities, including a heritage-themed café, multipurpose event spaces, and an accessible outdoor reading pavilion. Proposed interventions, designed to be reversible and sustainable, aim to increase visitor engagement, extend dwell times, and reduce maintenance costs by leveraging revenue from new amenities. Grounded in Henri Lefebvre’s Spatial Triad, Pierre Bourdieu’s concept of Cultural Capital and UNESCO’s Historic Urban Landscape approach, this study offers a scalable, evidence-based model for revitalizing colonial-era structures across India and the Global South, balancing heritage conservation with community-driven, sustainable design.